(from http://bcia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3350)
The Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA), formerly the Biofeedback Institute of America, was created in 1981 with the primary mission to certify individuals who meet education and training standards in biofeedback and progressively recertify those who advance their knowledge through continuing education. In 1996 the Board of Directors of the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America and the Academy of Certified Neurotherapists collaborated to develop a specialty certification in EEG Biofeedback to be managed and administered by BCIA. The opportunity to certify through the grandparenting process ended on December 31, 1997. Since 1998 the formal certification program in EEG Biofeedback has been available. In March of 2010, we adopted a new name to reflect our global identity and became the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance.
BCIA is an autonomous nonprofit corporation. BCIA policies and procedures are set by an independent board of directors, comprised of a rotating group of distinguished biofeedback clinicians, researchers, and educators.
Board certification is the mark of distinction for providers of biofeedback and neurofeedback services. Certification is valid for 4 years for providers who carry the credential in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback, and 3 years for those who are certified in Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback. Recertification indicates continuous peer review of ethical practice and the acquisition of advanced knowledge of recent developments in the field through required continuing education. Names of certified practitioners may be found on the BCIA website in our Find a Practitioner search function.
Board certification establishes that an individual has met entry-level requirements for the clinical practice of biofeedback. However, BCIA certification is not a substitute for a state-issued license or other credential to practice one’s profession. Candidates for certification who do not hold a professional license or its equivalent must stipulate that they practice under the supervision of a licensed provider when treating a medical or psychological disorder.