My Journey with FOX and CBIS Certification

By Shannon Stocks, MS, CCC‑SLP
Virtual Care Specialist

When I first joined FOX, my focus was on the small details—did I have my dry-erase markers, Post-it notes, and big green Sharpie? As a newly minted clinician with just over a year of experience, I felt a surge of nerves every time I picked up the phone to introduce myself to a new patient and their family. That feeling, commonly known as imposter syndrome, lingered even though I had the skills and foundation needed to support every patient assigned to me. 

Over the years, I expanded my knowledge by taking continuing education courses and embracing challenging cases rather than avoiding them. I found fulfillment in a patient-centered approach, tailoring interventions to each individual’s daily life for a meaningful, functional impact. As my years of experience grew—let’s just say beyond what I could count on one hand—I still felt a twinge of anxiety during those initial phone calls. Some nerves just never faded. 

Then, a few emails from FOX arrived in my inbox, offering support in obtaining new certifications like Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS). The opportunities for these certifications felt like a clear way to demonstrate my value to my patients.  

The CBIS opportunity stood out in particular, especially since I had been working with a patient on and off for about three years following a traumatic brain injury. Initially, he presented to speech-language pathology services with moderate to severe apraxia of speech, comorbid expressive aphasia, and moderate oropharyngeal dysphagia. His ability to repeat single words was significantly diminished, with even greater difficulty when attempting to repeat phrases. An augmentative communication device had been provided to him previously, but it was seldom used, and the device was often left uncharged. 

Since beginning work with him, I had made a point to expand my clinical approach. I took numerous continuing education courses and listened to podcasts to further my knowledge. Some of the Medbridge courses I explored included “Brain Injury: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Etiology, and Levels,” “Brain Injury: Nursing Concerns,” “Principles of Motor Learning and Apraxia of Speech Treatment,” “Motor Learning Strategies: Principles for Application,” and “Communicate and Connect: Using Technology with Aphasia.” These resources allowed me to develop a more nuanced and holistic understanding of brain injury rehabilitation, positioning me to give this patient the best chance for success. 

By the time I discharged his case, the progress he had made was remarkable. He could now orient himself and verbally express key personal details like his name, current city and state, apartment number, previous job, and the names of his family members and caregivers. His ability to produce both words and phrases improved—he could accurately label common objects and engage in spontaneous communication about his wants and needs. Another milestone was the integration of an updated AAC device that I was able to advocate for and help obtain. His caregivers were trained in how to properly use the device, including keeping it charged and adding new icons as needed, hopefully continually making a difference in his ability to communicate. 

Based on my experience with this patient, the opportunity to pursue the CBIS immediately caught my attention as a clear way to demonstrate my growing value to my patients and continue expanding my clinical expertise. 

Pursuing CBIS Certification 

Who is eligible for a CBIS? 

According to the Brain Injury Association of America, applicants for the CBIS credential must have 500 hours of verifiable direct contact experience with individuals with brain injuries. This experience must be obtained through paid employment or an academic internship while operating under a professional license in good standing. 

What is the application process?  

First, create an account with the CBIS certification training course and complete the application by answering all of the questions, including providing employment verification, uploading your resume, and paying the application fee. Your file will be processed, and you will receive a notification that you are deemed eligible to sit for the examination. (FOX clinicians should discuss with their regional leadership before starting the application.)

How can I best prepare for the exam? 

The BIAUSA website offers a CBIS examination study guide outline, with topics to review such as definitions of acquired and traumatic brain injuries, anatomy of the brain and spinal cord, disorders of consciousness, co-occurring psychiatric illnesses, cultural competency, techniques for working with families, care management, and how to measure outcomes. It may be helpful to review The Essential Brain Injury Guide study companion, looking at the study reference list, researching and signing up for a course to gain the skills to prepare you for the certification exam, or perusing “quizlet” for CBIS exam prep course review.  

What should I expect for the exam? 

The CBIS exam is administered online, and you will need your photo ID, such as your passport or driver’s license, to verify your identity through automated proctoring. The test contains 70 multiple-choice questions, with five possible answer choices each. You have two hours to complete the exam, and you will need an 80% or higher to receive the certification. If you do not pass, you can retake the test within a one-year deadline at no additional charge.  

How do I renew this certification? 

Every year, you will have to renew your certification by paying $70 in fees and submitting evidence of the 10-hour continuing education (CE) requirement. The CE requirement includes a variety of educational opportunities, including online courses, facility in-services, post presentations, and podcasts. A complete list of acceptable types of CE events is available for review here.  

While I still make sure to pack the essentials in my backpack before greeting a patient, I now carry more than just my markers and notes—I carry additional expertise and credentials. Continuing education is more than a requirement; it is a commitment to clinical excellence and a way to reaffirm our dedication to providing the best possible care for our patients.