CBIS Practice Test

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.

CBIS Exam at a Glance

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]

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?

1. Active participant in setting goals and choosing interventions
2. Passive recipient who follows professional recommendations
3. Responsible only for showing up to appointments
4. 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?

1. To monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust the care plan
2. To generate additional billing codes
3. To complete regulatory paperwork only
4. 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?

1. Individual therapy sessions with a psychiatrist only
2. Brain injury family support groups offering shared experiences and coping strategies
3. Online forums with no professional facilitation
4. 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.

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.

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.

Official Resources

• Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA): home of the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS), which sets CBIS eligibility, fees, exam rules and renewal requirements.
• NINDS: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): the National Institutes of Health overview of TBI causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment research.

Sources & last verified

1. 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.
2. Brain Injury Association of America — exam fee, eligibility (official source). “$325/person” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 16, 2026.
3. 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.
4. 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.