Biofeedback Certification
Blueprint for Study

Specialist Blueprint

The candidate for certification in biofeedback will meet all of the requirements of the Biofeedback Blueprint and pass the certification examination.  When passing the biofeedback certification examination, candidates may choose to be certified as a biofeedback specialist, pain and/or stress management specialist as well as specializing in certain types of biofeedback equipment. Please review items VI and VII of this page for additional information.

Items marked (*) are required of all Certified Biofeedback Technicians and need not be completed a second time.

• Basics of Biofeedback (4 CEU required) (*)
• Professional Conduct (8 CEU Required) (*)
• Clinical Skills (48 CEU required) (*)

In addition to the 60 CEU required for technician certification, the following is required for Specialists (140 CEU). To assist and help prepare you for testing, please download the Quantum Alliance and Quantum Academy Basics of Biofeedback Test Study Guide.

I. Biofeedback Coaching Training (40 CEU Required)

1. Licensed Healthcare Therapists May Be Exempt
1. If Biofeedback is within their scope of practice - this may include those licensed as medical doctors, chiropractors, counselors, dentists, licensed counselors, and veterinarians.
2. If their license is approved by their State or Provincial government and clearly states that biofeedback is within their scope of practice. Naturopathic Doctors, for example (please consult your state or provincial laws) (Does not include Licensed Massage Therapists).
    
2. Some Unlicensed Professionals May Be Exempt *
1. Life Coaches certified by a recognized authority
2. International Coach Federation Certified Life Coaches
   
   
3. Coaching Course Requirements
1. Values Clarification
2. Mission Statements
3. Code of Personal Ethics
4. Active Listening Skills
5. Reflective Listening Skills
6. Use of Empowering Questions
7. Beginning level Coaching Skills
   
   
4. Accredited Providers
1. The Biofeedback Coach
2. The Quantum Academies

Coaching Resources

1. What are Therapy and Coaching?

II. Physiology and Anatomy (40 CEU required)

1. Physiology
1. Recognize the names of the major muscle groups which generally respond to biofeedback training
2. Recognize the names of the major bones associated with these muscles
3. Know the names and be able to describe the disorders which are generally expected to respond to biofeedback training
4. Know the clinical applications for EMG, SEMG, temperature training, heart rate variability and EDR/GSR as they relate to biofeedback training and be able to identify when each is appropriate and inappropriate
5. Know the clinical signs for hypertension, stress, pain and be able to describe how to handle each in a clinical setting
    
2. Basic Anatomy
1. Know the location and function of the major components of the skeletal and muscle system, endocrine glands and the immune system
2. Know the fundamental elements of the major body systems including the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, excretory, nervous, lymphatic, urinary and hormonal systems
    
3. Possible Substitutions for this Requirement
1. A Three Semester Hour ( 3 SH) course in anatomy from an approved college or university
2. A Three Semester Hour (3 SH) or twenty continuing education units (20 CEU) course in the meridian system and acupuncture points
3. Certification or license in reflexology, acupressure or acupuncture from an approved educational organization
    
4. Accredited A & P Providers

1. All accredited colleges and universities
2. All accredited health occupations education institutions
3. The The Quantum Academies
4. The Institute for Quantum Biofeedback Natural Medicine
5. The California Institute for Human Science
6. The College of International Holistic Studies
7. Any provider using NTCB certified instructors or the equivalent
8. Envision 4 Health

III.  Internship (500 Hours of Supervision Required)

Note: Please review Internship Requirements

1. Supervision By Qualified Biofeedback Supervisor Required
1. Qualified = certified as NTCB certified supervisor or instructor
2. Qualified = licensed therapist practicing biofeedback
3. Qualified = certified as a BCIAC-Fellow
    
2. NTCB Supervision Model must be used.
    
3. Licensed Healthcare Therapists May Be Exempt
1. If Biofeedback is within their scope of practice
2. If their license is approved by their government
3. If their license requires a college degree
    
4. Responsibilities of the Supervisor
1. Require ethical conduct by intern at all times
2. Require professional conduct by intern at all times
3. Require intern to provide personal Code of Ethics to each client
4. Require intern to provide each client a copy of any waivers
5. Require intern to fully disclose scope of practice to clients
6. Report any deviations to NTCB headquarters
7. Report outstanding performance to NTCB headquarters
    
5. Responsibilities of the Intern
1. Be ethical in all biofeedback undertakings at all times
2. Be professional in all biofeedback undertakings
3. Write an acceptable Code of Ethics and comply therewith
4. Provide each client a copy of your Code of Ethics
5. Provide each client a copy of any waivers you require
6. Fully disclose your scope of practice to each client
7. Keep a record of all activities done under supervision
1. Include date and times
2. Include name of your supervisor
3. Include client code or number for future reference (no names)
4. File a copy of the completed record with NTCB headquarters
8. Read the Internship Instructions

IV. Intermediate & Advanced Clinical Skills (20 CEU Required)

V. Biofeedback Examination/Test

VI. Pain or Stress Management Certification

When biofeedback candidates complete the requirements of the Biofeedback Blueprint, and pass the required certification examination, they may also choose to be certified as a biofeedback specialist, a pain management specialist and/or a stress management specialist for an additional fee. The Biofeedback Blueprint includes all the necessary requirements to become certified as a Certified Pain and/or Stress Management Specialist. Please visit Pain or Stress Management for certification procedures and details.

VII. Certification in Biofeedback Specialty Areas

Biofeedback specialists may certify in biofeedback equipment such as Bioresonance Specialist, Bioenergetics Specialist, Biofrequency Specialist and/or Quantum Biofeedback Specialist. Please visit Biofeedback Specialty for certification procedures and details.

VIII. Certify Your Employees

The NTCB supports the growth of private clinics through the use of properly trained biofeedback technicians. Learn more about how you certify your employees or independent contractors.

IX. Recertification

Twenty (20) continuting education units (CEU) are required for recertification every year.  In order recertifiy, specialists must complete 20 CEU per year to renew certification. Please review the CEU blueprint in order to renew your certification.