CBIS Practice Test
Updated for October 2026
CBIS (Certified Brain Injury Specialist) Test: Study Guide
The CBIS (Certified Brain Injury Specialist) certification is a top honor given by the Brain Injury Association of America through the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS). It shows you're an expert in brain injury care. This is great for those in traumatic brain injury, concussion management, neurorehabilitation, and cognitive impairment. To get a CBIS, you first need to pass an eligibility check. You'll send in all needed forms and pay the fees. After you're approved, you can take the exam through your ACBIS portal. You need to score 80% or better to pass. Try our NCLEX practice test.
The CBIS has 70 questions, takes about 2 hours and costs $325[1][2] (Brain Injury Association of America, verified Oct 25, 2026).
- The CBIS examination has 70 multiple-choice questions.[1]
- Candidates have two hours to complete the CBIS examination.[1]
- Candidates must score 78% or higher on the CBIS examination to pass and receive certification.[1]
- The CBIS application fee is $325 per person for 1–4 applicants, $250 per person for groups of 5–29, and $225 per person for groups of 30 or more.[2]
- The third attempt at the CBIS examination costs $125.[1]
- The CBIS certification is valid for one year and requires annual renewal.[3]
- CBIS certification must be renewed annually and the continuing education requirement is 10 CEUs.[3]
- The CBIS examination is taken online, on demand, and proctored using automated facial, screen, and audio capture.[1]
- CBIS applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and 500 hours of currently verifiable direct contact experience that included formal supervision.[2]
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
CBIS Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|
| Number of questions | 70 multiple-choice questions[1] | Brain Injury Association of America · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Time limit | 2 hours (120 minutes)[1] | Brain Injury Association of America · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Passing score | 78% or higher[1] | Brain Injury Association of America · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Exam fee | $325 per person (groups of 5–29: $250; 30+: $225)[2] | Brain Injury Association of America · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Retake fee | $125 for the third attempt[1] | Brain Injury Association of America · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Validity | One year[3] | Brain Injury Association of America · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Renewal | Annual renewal with 10 CEUs[3] | Brain Injury Association of America · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Delivery | Online, on demand, automated proctoring[1] | Brain Injury Association of America · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Eligibility | High school diploma or equivalent plus 500 hours of verifiable direct-contact experience[2] | Brain Injury Association of America · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Testing window | Approval, testing and any retesting within one year[4] | Brain Injury Association of America · Oct 25, 2026 |
What changed for CBIS in 2026
- Oct 25, 2026: Delivery changed to Online, on demand, automated proctoring (previously Online, on demand, automated remote proctoring).[1]
- Oct 25, 2026: Time limit changed to 2 hours (120 minutes) (previously 120 minutes).[1]
- Oct 25, 2026: Retake fee changed to $125 for the third attempt (previously Second attempt included; third attempt USD $125).[1]
- Oct 25, 2026: Exam fee changed to $325 per person (groups of 5–29: $250; 30+: $225) (previously USD $325/person; groups of 5–29: $250/person; groups of 30+: $225/person).[2]
- Oct 25, 2026: Eligibility changed to High school diploma or equivalent plus 500 hours of verifiable direct-contact experience (previously High school diploma/equivalent and 500 qualifying direct-contact hours).[2]
- Oct 25, 2026: Renewal changed to Annual renewal with 10 CEUs (previously Annual renewal application and payment; 10 CEUs).[3]
- Oct 25, 2026: Testing window changed to Approval, testing and any retesting within one year (previously Complete application approval, testing and retesting within one year).[4]
According to Brain Injury Association of America, “Candidates must score 78% or higher on the examination to pass and receive certification.”[1]
CBIS Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the CBIS - Certified Brain Injury Specialist exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
Worked examples: how to reason through CBIS questions
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Example 1
Question: What is the role of the client in treatment planning?
- Active participant in setting goals and choosing interventions
- Passive recipient who follows professional recommendations
- Responsible only for showing up to appointments
- Limited to signing consent forms
Answer: A. Active participant in setting goals and choosing interventions
Explanation:
The correct answer is that the client is an active participant in setting goals and choosing interventions. Client-centered care means goals reflect the person's own values and preferences, so the client helps decide them.
The passive recipient option is wrong because it treats the professional as the only decision maker. Saying the client is responsible only for showing up to appointments is wrong because it ignores the client's voice in planning. Limiting the client to signing consent forms is wrong because consent is a formality and does not amount to participation.
Rule to remember: when a question asks about planning, pick the answer where the person served shares in the decisions, not the one where they only receive or approve them.
Example 2
Question: What is the purpose of reassessment in ongoing patient care?
- To monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust the care plan
- To generate additional billing codes
- To complete regulatory paperwork only
- To satisfy accreditation requirements exclusively
Answer: A. To monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust the care plan
Explanation:
The correct answer is that reassessment monitors treatment effectiveness and adjusts the care plan. Needs and progress change over time, so the plan has to be checked against how the person is actually doing.
Generating billing codes is wrong because billing is a side effect and not the clinical purpose. Completing regulatory paperwork only is wrong because paperwork may be required, but the point is to inform care. Satisfying accreditation requirements exclusively is wrong for the same reason, and the word exclusively makes it too narrow.
Rule to remember: administrative reasons may be real, but the best answer on a care question usually ties back to the person's outcomes. Be wary of options that use words like only or exclusively.
Example 3
Question: Which type of peer support intervention is most beneficial for family members of brain injury survivors?
- Individual therapy sessions with a psychiatrist only
- Brain injury family support groups offering shared experiences and coping strategies
- Online forums with no professional facilitation
- Group sessions limited to spouses only
Answer: B. Brain injury family support groups offering shared experiences and coping strategies
Explanation:
The correct answer is brain injury family support groups that offer shared experiences and coping strategies. They give families validation, peer connection and practical information, which reduces isolation.
Individual therapy with a psychiatrist only is wrong because it leaves out the peer element the question asks about. Online forums with no professional facilitation are wrong because nobody guides the content or steps in when advice is poor. Group sessions limited to spouses only are wrong because they exclude other family members who also need support.
Rule to remember: for family peer support, choose the option that is facilitated, shared and inclusive, and avoid ones that are restricted or unguided.
How to use these practice tests
Start with the official BIAA certification pages. Confirm the eligibility rules, the exam format and the one-year application window, so your study schedule fits inside that window.
Next, take one practice set from our list as a cold run, without notes. Use CBIS Credential Overview first, then move on to clinical topics such as Assessment and Diagnosis, Pathophysiology and Neuroscience and Treatment Approaches and Interventions.
Keep a short log of every question you miss. Write one line on why the right answer is right and why your choice was wrong. Review the log at the start of each session. Then work through the people-facing sets, such as Family Education and Support and Ethical Standards and Practice.
In the last days before the exam, practise in one sitting with the time limit in mind. Check that your computer, camera, microphone and screen capture work, since the exam is automatically proctored. Remember that our questions are written by us, are not real exam questions, and are meant for practice only.
Key Takeaways
- The CBIS certification is a prestigious credential offered by the Brain Injury Association of America.
- Eligibility requirements include 500 hours of direct contact experience with individuals with brain injury and a high school diploma or equivalent.
- The examination consists of 70 multiple-choice questions with a required passing score of 78% or higher.
- Candidates who do not pass on the first attempt can retest within one year at no additional charge.
- The CBIS certification is valid for one year and can be displayed on professional correspondence.
CBIS (Certified Brain Injury Specialist) Examination Overview
The CBIS examination tests your knowledge in acquired brain injury (ABI) and post-concussion syndrome. It's taken online with automated proctoring. This makes the test secure and easy to manage.
- What is CBIS certification?
- CBIS stands for Certified Brain Injury Specialist. It is a certification for professionals working in the field of brain injury rehabilitation.
- How to become a Certified Brain Injury Specialist?
- To become CBIS certified, you need to complete the necessary training and pass the certification exam that tests your knowledge of brain injury treatment and care.
- What does CBIS certification stand for?
- CBIS certification stands for Certified Brain Injury Specialist. It validates your expertise in brain injury care and rehabilitation.
- What is the CBIS exam format?
- The CBIS exam tests your knowledge in several areas, including brain injury basics, rehabilitation strategies, and patient care techniques.
- How long is the CBIS exam?
- The CBIS exam typically lasts 3 hours, covering topics in brain injury knowledge, assessment, and rehabilitation.
- What topics are covered in the CBIS exam?
- The CBIS exam covers topics like brain injury management, rehabilitation strategies, patient care, and case studies.
- How much does the CBIS certification cost?
- The cost of the CBIS certification exam varies, but it generally ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the location and testing center.
- What is the passing score for CBIS?
- The passing score for CBIS certification is usually a minimum of 70%. Each section has its own passing criteria.
- Where can I take the CBIS exam?
- The CBIS exam can be taken at authorized testing centers. It is offered at Pearson VUE centers across the country.
- How do I prepare for the CBIS certification exam?
- To prepare for the CBIS certification exam, you should review study materials related to brain injury treatment, patient care, and rehabilitation strategies.
- How often do I need to renew my CBIS certification?
- The CBIS certification needs to be renewed every 3 years. The renewal process involves continuing education and re-taking the exam if necessary.
- Can I retake the CBIS exam if I fail?
- If you fail the CBIS exam, you can retake it. However, you must wait a specified period, often 45-60 days, before reattempting.
- What is the CBIS exam pass rate?
- The CBIS exam pass rate varies, but on average, around 70-80% of candidates pass the exam on their first attempt.
- How can I access CBIS certification resources?
- You can access CBIS certification resources through the official Brain Injury Association website and other professional training providers.
- Is the CBIS certification required to work with brain injury patients?
- CBIS certification is not mandatory but highly recommended for professionals who wish to specialize in brain injury rehabilitation.
- What is the eligibility for CBIS certification?
- The eligibility requirements for CBIS certification typically include having a relevant degree, clinical experience, and completion of the necessary training.
- What is the passing score for CBIS?
- The passing score for CBIS is typically 70%, but the exact threshold may vary depending on the testing center.
- Are there any study guides for the CBIS exam?
- Yes, study guides and practice exams are available for the CBIS certification, and they are highly recommended for preparation.
- How can I access CBIS certification resources?
- You can access CBIS certification resources through the official Brain Injury Association website and other professional training providers.
- Does the CBIS certification help with career advancement?
- Yes, CBIS certification can enhance career prospects, making you a more competitive candidate for positions in brain injury care and rehabilitation.
Test Format and Structure
The CBIS exam has 70 multiple-choice questions with five options each. You have two hours to finish. You need to score at least 78% to pass and get certified.
The exam covers many topics like neuropsychological assessment, brain injury recovery, and managing post-concussion syndrome and acquired brain injury. It checks if you know the best practices and how to care for those affected by these conditions.
Technical Requirements and Proctoring
To take the CBIS exam, you need a computer with internet, webcam, and microphone. You also need a smartphone or tablet for QR code scanning. The test runs in a browser, best with Chrome or Firefox.
The test is watched over by automated proctoring. It uses facial recognition, screen capture, and audio recording. This keeps the test secure and fair, ensuring the CBIS certification is credible.
Essential Study Resources and Preparation Materials
To become a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), you need to prepare well. The CBIS exam tests your knowledge of brain injury theory and practice. You can prepare with the right study materials.
The ACBIS Examination Study Outline and the book "Essential Brain Injury Guide, Edition 5.0, Revised" are key. There's also a study companion to help you learn. The ACBIS Study Reference List offers more resources for studying.
It's good to use many sources to study. This way, you'll understand cognitive rehabilitation, neuropsychology, brain damage assessment, and neurocognitive disorders better. These topics are all part of the CBIS exam.
| Key CBIS Preparation Resources | Description |
|---|
| ACBIS Examination Study Outline | Comprehensive guide to the CBIS exam content and structure |
| Essential Brain Injury Guide, Edition 5.0, Revised | Recommended textbook for CBIS certification |
| ACBIS Study Companion | Resource to reinforce concepts learned through training or self-study |
| ACBIS Study Reference List | Additional resources for in-depth exam preparation |
CBIS Certification: Requirements, Exam Format, and Renewal
The CBIS certification (Certified Brain Injury Specialist) is issued by the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS), a division of the Brain Injury Association of America. Candidates need at least 500 hours of verifiable brain injury experience plus a high school diploma, and must pass a 70-question multiple-choice exam with a minimum score of 75% based on The Essential Brain Injury Guide (EBIG), 5th Edition.
Maintaining Your CBIS Credential
CBIS certification must be renewed annually with 10 hours of brain injury-specific continuing education and a renewal fee paid to ACBIS. Failure to renew within the grace period requires retaking the full certification exam.
Conclusion
The CBIS certification process shows a professional's commitment to helping those with brain injuries. Passing a detailed exam proves their knowledge in brain injury care. This exam covers many topics in rehabilitation.
The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) helps by offering testing accommodations. This makes sure everyone can take the exam, no matter their disability.
Those who fail the exam can try again within a year for free. This shows the BIAA's support for professionals to get certified. Today, over 7,000 Certified Brain Injury Specialists work around the world. They've greatly improved brain injury care.
Getting the CBIS certification shows you're an expert in brain injury care. It doesn't matter if you're an occupational therapist, physical therapist, nurse, or social worker. This certification proves you're dedicated to top-notch care.
It makes you stand out as a skilled professional. You're ready to make a big difference in the lives of those with brain injuries.
How to Earn Your CBIS Certification
The CBIS certification (Certified Brain Injury Specialist) is awarded by the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS) and requires at least 500 hours of direct contact experience with individuals who have acquired brain injuries. Candidates must pass a 70-item multiple-choice exam based on the Essential Brain Injury Guide (EBIG), with a minimum passing score of 78%. Applicants also need a high school diploma or equivalent and must work under qualified supervision.
CBIS Certification Exam Content and Structure
The CBIS certification exam covers neuroanatomy, types and causes of brain injury, cognitive and behavioral consequences, rehabilitation strategies, and ethical practice. Test takers have a limited time window to complete the 70 questions, which draw directly from the EBIG curriculum chapters. Recertification is required annually and involves 10 hours of continuing education plus a renewal fee.
Pros
- Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
- Increases job market competitiveness
- Provides structured learning goals
- Networking opportunities with other certified professionals
Cons
- Study materials can be expensive
- Exam anxiety can affect performance
- Requires dedicated preparation time
- Retake fees apply if you don't pass
CBIS Exam Flashcards
Tap a card to flip it. Facts reflect the ACBIS CBIS exam rules in effect in 2026.
📝 📝 How many questions are on the CBIS exam?
The CBIS exam has 70 multiple-choice questions, all equal in value, each with only one correct answer. It is taken online with automated proctoring through your ACBIS account.
🎯 🎯 What is the passing score for the CBIS exam?
As of May 1, 2026, ACBIS set the CBIS passing score at 78%, down from the long-standing 80%. On 70 questions, 78% works out to about 55 correct answers.
⏱️ ⏱️ How long do you get to take the CBIS test?
Candidates have two hours to finish the exam unless ADA testing accommodations were requested and approved. The exam is available on demand, so there is no advance scheduling.
✅ ✅ What are the CBIS eligibility requirements?
You need 500 hours of currently verifiable direct-contact experience with people who have a brain injury, plus a high school diploma or equivalent. Paid work or an academic internship counts; volunteer work and self-recovery do not.
💵 💵 How much does CBIS certification cost?
The ACBIS application fee is $325 per person for 1-4 candidates, $250 for groups of 5-29 and $225 for groups over 30. Fees are non-refundable unless you are found ineligible, in which case a $70 cancellation fee applies.
🔁 🔁 Can you retake the CBIS exam if you fail?
Yes. Certification includes two exam attempts within the one-year testing session. A third attempt costs $125 and requires a 30-day wait; after that, or after one year, you must reapply.
📚 📚 What book do you study for the CBIS exam?
ACBIS lists the Essential Brain Injury Guide, Edition 6.0 with its Study Companion and the ACBIS Examination Study Outline. Training with a Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer is optional; self-study is allowed.
🔄 🔄 How often do you renew CBIS certification?
CBIS certification is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Renewal requires 10 continuing education hours (CEUs) plus a non-refundable renewal fee.
💻 💻 What do you need for the online proctored CBIS exam?
You need a computer with a webcam and microphone, a smartphone or tablet that can scan a QR code, a photo ID and Chrome or Firefox. Headphones, earbuds and a second monitor are not allowed.
🧠 🧠 What Glasgow Coma Scale score means a mild brain injury?
The Glasgow Coma Scale runs from 3 to 15. A score of 13-15 is classed as mild TBI, 9-12 as moderate and 3-8 as severe.
CBIS Questions and Answers
What does CBIS stand for and who administers the certification?
CBIS stands for Certified Brain Injury Specialist, a credential administered by the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS), a division of the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA). The certification recognizes professionals who demonstrate competency in providing services to individuals with acquired brain injuries.
What is the format of the CBIS exam?
The CBIS exam is a proctored, closed-book multiple-choice test delivered online through a remote proctoring system. Candidates have two hours to complete the exam, and each question offers four answer choices with only one correct response. The test can be taken from home or at an approved testing location.
What passing score is required on the CBIS exam?
Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 80 percent to pass the CBIS certification exam. This threshold is notably higher than many healthcare certifications, reflecting the specialized knowledge required for brain injury care. Those who do not pass may retake the exam after paying an additional fee.
How many hours of brain injury experience are required to sit for the CBIS exam?
Applicants must document at least 500 hours of direct contact experience working with individuals who have brain injuries before sitting for the exam. This experience must be verified by a supervisor and completed within the applicant's current or recent professional role in rehabilitation, healthcare, or related services.
How do I register for the CBIS exam?
Registration is completed through the ACBIS online portal at biausa.org, where candidates submit an application, verification of required experience hours, and the examination fee. Once approved, applicants receive access to the Brain Injury Essentials training manual and can schedule their proctored exam session.
How much does the CBIS certification cost?
The CBIS application and examination fee is approximately 305 dollars for BIAA members and 365 dollars for non-members, which includes the training manual and one exam attempt. Annual renewal costs around 55 dollars, and retake fees apply separately if a candidate does not pass on the first attempt.
What study materials are recommended for CBIS exam preparation?
The primary study resource is The Essential Brain Injury Guide (EBIG), 5.0 edition, published by ACBIS and included with registration. Candidates should also review neuroanatomy basics, rehabilitation techniques, behavioral management strategies, and take practice tests to identify knowledge gaps before the proctored exam.
How long should I study before taking the CBIS exam?
Most candidates dedicate between 40 and 80 hours of study over four to eight weeks to adequately prepare for the CBIS exam. A structured approach covering one EBIG chapter per study session, combined with weekly practice quizzes and review of weak areas, tends to produce the strongest results on test day.
How many questions are on the CBIS?
The CBIS examination contains 70 multiple-choice questions. (Verified Oct 16, 2026 against Brain Injury Association of America.)
Sources & last verified
- Brain Injury Association of America — number of questions, time limit, passing score, retake fee (official source). “There are 70 multiple-choice questions.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 16, 2026.
- Brain Injury Association of America — exam fee, eligibility (official source). “$325/person” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 16, 2026.
- Brain Injury Association of America — validity, renewal (official source). “The certification is valid for one year and requires an annual renewal.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 16, 2026.
- Brain Injury Association of America — testing window (official source). “Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) applications are only valid for one year.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 16, 2026.
How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.