Biofeedback Certification International Alliance – BCIA

The Biofeedback Certification International of Alliance (BCIA) was created to establish and oversee standards for practitioners who use biofeedback and to certify those who meet these standards. BCIA is an autonomous nonprofit corporation. The primary mission of BCIA is to protect the public welfare by assuring the competence of certified biofeedback practitioners. BCIA policies and procedures are determined by an independent board of directors, which is comprised of a rotating group of distinguished biofeedback clinicians, researchers, and educators.

To be viable as a professional service, standards of professional competence and practice must be defined and measured. BCIA has taken on this task. BCIA certification demonstrates a provider’s competence in the practice of biofeedback techniques. It also indicates the individual has undergone continuous peer review of ethical conduct and has continued to acquire knowledge of recent developments in the field.

BCIA certification is the mark of distinction for providers of biofeedback services. Certification recognizes health care providers who have demonstrated competence in the use of biofeedback and self-regulation treatment methods.

Recertification at four year intervals indicates providers have undergone continuous peer review of ethical practice and have continued to acquire knowledge of recent developments in the field.

BCIA certification establishes that the individual has met entry-level requirements for the clinical practice of biofeedback. However, BCIA certification is not a substitute for a state sanctioned license or other credential to practice one’s profession. Candidates for BCIA certification who do not hold a professional license or its equivalent must stipulate that they practice under the supervision of a licensed provider. BCIA has three certification programs: General Biofeedback, EEG Biofeedback, Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback. (BCIA does not have advanced certification programs.) Individuals certified in general biofeedback may utilize all biofeedback modalities observing the Ethical Principles of BCIA. Individuals certified exclusively in EEG Biofeedback are certified to utilize only that specialty modality. The Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback Certification is only for licensed providers wishing to use biofeedback to treat elimination disorders and pelvic pain. This is a very specific certification and those having this credential are certified to use biofeedback to treat these disorders. For requirements on all of our programs, please see the section specific to that certification.

Board Certification

Board Certification demonstrates professionalism and adherence to carefully developed standards as a healthcare provider. Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) procedures follow the Department of Health & Human Services Guidelines. Healthcare professionals who achieve BCIA Certification demonstrate commitment to professionalism by completing basic degree and educational requirements, endorsing a rigorous code of professional conduct, learning to apply clinical biofeedback skills during mentorship, and passing a written examination.

BCIA is the only institute recognized worldwide that grants certification to biofeedback practitioners. The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB), the Biofeedback Foundation of Europe (BFE), and the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR) all endorse BCIA certification. BCIA was established in 1981 to certify individuals who meet education and training standards in biofeedback and to progressively recertify those who advance their knowledge through continuing education. Currently, more than 1,500 healthcare professionals have achieved this certification in 25 countries.

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