Neurofeedback Certification Blueprint for Technicians

The candidate for certification in neurotherapy as a Certified Neurofeedback Technician will meet all of the requirements of the Neurotherapy Blueprint for the Preparation of Certified Neurofeedback Technicians, have a qualified supervisor and complete the Neurofeedback Technician application.  The requirement for 75 CEU of instruction includes a minimum for 24 CEU under the direct supervision of the instructor in a face-to-face setting including hands-on training with Neurotherapy devices.

SPECIAL NOTE: Technicians have one year to complete their requirements to become Neurotherapists.

I. Basics of Neurofeedback (10 CEU required)

1. Definition of Neurotherapy
   Neurotherapy is a process for teaching clients how to relax in order to manage their stress; and re-educate their muscles in order to manage their pain and suffering.
   
   
2. Objective and Goals of Neurotherapy
   The objective and goals of Neurotherapy is to teach clients how to relax and re-educate their muscles so they can manage their stress, pain and hypertension so they can relieve their pain and suffering.  Licensed healthcare professionals may use Neurotherapy  to accomplish any objective or goal permitted by the scope of their practice as defined by their license.
   
   
3. History and Development of Neurotherapy
   Be familiar with the pioneers in Neurotherapy  and their contributions to the science and practice of Neurotherapy.
   
4. Research
   Be familiar with the seminal studies in Neurotherapy as reported in peer-reviewed journals.

II. Professional Conduct (20 CEU Required)

1. Professional Code of Ethics
   1. Know and adhere to the NTCB Code of Ethics
   2. Study other codes of ethics used in the Neurotherapy profession
   3. Write your own professional code of ethics
       
2. Scope of Practice
   1. Know what you can and cannot legally do in your Neurotherapy practice
   2. Write an acceptable description of your scope of practice
   3. Write an acceptable waiver and disclosure form for clients to sign
       
3. Writing Informed Consent Forms
   1. Identify the services you do not provide
   2. Identify the services you do provide
   3. State any requirements clients must satisfy
   4. Offer to make referrals
   5. Have client print their name, address and contact information
   6. Require client signature (keep this form in your file)
   7. Make a copy for your client
       
4. Working with Other Professionals
   1. Know what services are available from other professionals
   2. Know when and to whom to make referrals for medical care
   3. Know when and to whom to make referrals for psychotherapy
   4. Know when to ask for expert advice from other professionals
   5. Know when and how to ask for expert Neurotherapy advice

III. Clinical Skills (45 CEU Required)

1. Client Intake Skills
   1. Know interview techniques to obtain all the information necessary about your client before planning any training programs
   2. Know how to obtain a complete medical and personal history of pertinent data
   3. Know how to explain training rationale and expectations to clients with varied backgrounds and life experiences
   4. Know how to motivate client compliance with your training strategy.
   5. Know how to discover the potential effects of prescription, illicit and over-the-counter drugs and remedies on prospective Neurotherapy interventions
   6. Know the potential effects of prescription, illicit and over-the-counter drugs and remedies on training protocols
   7. Know the contraindications for prescription, illicit and over-the-counter drugs and remedies
   8. Know how your client can be expected to relate to Neurotherapy training indications
   9. Know how to develop and write a Neurotherapy training program
   10. Know how to develop and write a comprehensive Neurotherapy training program
        
2. Initial Assessment
   1. Know how to prepare the client for a Neurotherapy training session
   2. Know how to collect sufficient artifact-free data
   3. Determine the location type of training to be used in each session
   4. Know how to find the stress probably causing the condition
       
3. Training Protocols
   1. Know how to develop Neurotherapy training protocols
   2. Know and be able to implement several training protocols for relaxation and stress management
   3. Know and be able to implement several training protocols for muscle re-education and pain management
   4. Know and be able to implement several training protocols for peak performance training 
   5. Know and be able to implement several training protocols for quality of life enhancement
   6. Know how to adjust training procedures to improve outcome
       
4. Complementary Therapies
   1. Know how to implement relaxation and autogenic training
   2. Know how to use deep breathing techniques
   3. Know how to use affirmations
   4. Know how to use visualization and guided imagery techniques
   5. Know how to use other selected techniques
       
5. Computers in Neurotherapy
   1. Know how to use a computer with at least one computerized Neurotherapy system
   2. Know how to use at least one Neurotherapy software package with a computer
   3. Know how computer speed affects the speed of Neurotherapy 
   4. Know how to transfer data over the Internet
       
6. Practicum in Neurotherapy
   1. Shadowing (4 sessions minimum)
   2. Constant supervision (8 sessions minimum)
   3. The practicum must be accomplished with the instructor or supervisor present at all times.

IV. Applying for Specialist Certification

After having accomplished technician certification, candidates may prepare for the certification exam. Candidates are advised to review requirements for specialist certification and contact the NTCB, ntcb.info@ gmail.com (no spaces) to arrange a test time, date and test proctor. To further prepare you for the exam, an example of a Biofeedback Test is provided.

PLEASE NOTE: No examination is required for reciprocal certification (certification by a nationally recognized certification board). All that is required is to complete the biofeedback/ neurofeedback reciprocal application, submit the required fee and appropriate documents and send to the NTCB.

V. Pain or Stress Management Certification

The Neurofeedback Technician Blueprint includes all the necessary requirements to become certified as a Pain and/or Stress Management Technician. Please visit pain and/or stress management for details about the certification process.