Certified Behavioural Science Instructor
The Certified Behavioural Science Instructor credential recognises formally assessed competency in delivering GIB-framework behavioural science training within approved institutional contexts. CBSI provides a professional standard for instructors in GIB's Approved Training Organisation network, and for qualified practitioners developing or leading behavioural science training programmes.
The CBSI is available only to practitioners with an active GIB Level I or Level II credential in a relevant division, combined with documented training delivery experience of a minimum of two years. Candidates without an active GIB credential should first pursue the relevant divisional credential before applying for CBSI.
Credential Overview
The CBSI recognises that instructors who teach applied behavioural science in professional contexts carry specific responsibilities that differ from those of practitioners who apply the same knowledge directly in their field. Teaching requires not only content mastery but also the ability to explain, contextualise, and appropriately qualify behavioural science content for learners at various stages of professional development — and to do so in a manner consistent with GIB's standards for evidence-based practice.
The CBSI is the mandatory credential standard for instructors who wish to deliver preparation programmes for GIB certifications through GIB Approved Training Organisations. It is also available to qualified practitioners who develop or lead behavioural science training programmes independently, or who contribute to the design of GIB-aligned curricula.
The credential is awarded at Level II (Specialist), reflecting the requirement for both substantive applied competency in at least one GIB certification area and demonstrated instructional experience and capability. Candidates must hold an active GIB Level I or Level II credential in a division relevant to the training they deliver or intend to deliver.
Candidate Profile
CBSI candidates are practitioners who deliver, or have a defined intention to deliver, GIB-aligned behavioural science training in professional development contexts. The credential is relevant across a range of training delivery and curriculum design roles.
- Practitioners who deliver GIB-aligned preparation programmes through GIB Approved Training Organisations in any division
- Instructors at organisations seeking GIB Approved Training Organisation status who require CBSI as part of the ATO application process
- Qualified practitioners who design and deliver behavioural science professional development programmes independently
- Subject matter experts who contribute to the development of GIB-aligned training content and learning resources
- Senior practitioners who provide mentoring or coaching to candidates preparing for GIB examinations in a structured instructional capacity
- Training managers and programme directors within ATOs who carry instructional responsibility alongside governance functions
Competency Framework
CBSI competencies address both content mastery and instructional capability. All competencies are assessed at Level II, reflecting the combination of applied behavioural science knowledge and professional teaching competency required for assessed instructor certification.
Deep and accurate applied knowledge of the GIB competency framework(s) the candidate delivers or intends to deliver. Includes the ability to explain, contextualise, exemplify, and appropriately qualify content, including the limitations and evidence basis of methods taught.
Evidence-informed adult learning theory as applied to professional training design and delivery. Includes learning objective development, participatory and scenario-based learning, management of prior knowledge, and adaptation of instruction to professional practitioner learners.
Design of formative and summative assessment within GIB-aligned training programmes. Includes competency-based assessment principles, feedback practice, assessment quality, alignment with GIB examination competency standards, and evaluation of training effectiveness.
Preparation and maintenance of programme documentation consistent with GIB ATO standards. Includes session planning, learning materials standards, record-keeping obligations, and the instructional responsibilities within a GIB quality assurance framework.
Ethical responsibilities of CBSI holders in their instructional role: accurate representation of GIB framework content, appropriate disclosure of credential scope and limitations to learners, conflicts of interest in instructional contexts, and the GIB Code of Ethics as applied to training delivery.
Obligations of CBSI holders to maintain current knowledge of the evidence base within the divisions they teach. Includes engagement with GIB standards updates, awareness of significant developments in relevant behavioural science research, and professional development in instructional practice.
Eligibility Requirements
CBSI eligibility reflects the prerequisite requirement for an active GIB credential and documented instructional experience. GIB's Admissions Panel reviews all eligibility documentation. Candidates who do not hold an active GIB credential should pursue the relevant divisional certification before applying for CBSI.
- Active GIB Level I (Practitioner) or Level II (Specialist) credential in a division relevant to the training content the candidate delivers or intends to deliver
- Minimum two years of documented training delivery experience in behavioural science, professional development, or a closely related field
- Evidence of training delivery in a professional or institutional context — may include programmes delivered in a prior employment role, independently, or within an educational institution
- Completion of a GIB-approved CBSI preparation programme, or submission of a self-study declaration with competency mapping to the CBSI framework
- Professional reference from a training manager, programme director, or senior colleague with direct knowledge of the candidate's training delivery
- Agreement to the GIB Code of Ethics and the CBSI conduct requirements applicable to instructors in the GIB training ecosystem
Candidates who deliver training across multiple GIB divisions are assessed on the division(s) specified in their application. CBSI holders who subsequently wish to extend their instructional scope to additional divisions must notify GIB Admissions and demonstrate currency in the additional divisional content area.
Examination Structure
The CBSI examination assesses both applied content competency and instructional capability. The examination includes a formal written component and a practical instructional assessment observed by a GIB examiner or authorised assessor.
The practical instructional assessment is based on a session from the GIB framework content area specified in the candidate's application. Candidates are given advance notice of the general topic area and are assessed on instructional quality, content accuracy, appropriate qualification of evidence claims, and engagement with learner questions. Candidates who do not achieve the required standard in either component may re-attempt the relevant component following a 90-day minimum period.
Certification Process
The CBSI certification process integrates the standard GIB admissions pathway with the practical instructional assessment component. Both components are coordinated through the GIB Admissions and Examinations Offices.
Submit an admissions enquiry specifying CBSI, your active GIB credential(s), and the division(s) you intend to teach. GIB Admissions confirms eligibility, provides the CBSI candidate handbook, and advises on the practical assessment process.
Submit the formal application including evidence of your active GIB credential, training experience documentation, and professional reference. The Admissions Panel confirms eligibility. Candidates pursuing self-study preparation submit their competency mapping at this stage.
Prepare against the CBSI competency framework. Candidates with substantive training experience may prepare primarily through self-directed review against the framework. CBSI preparation programmes offered by GIB-approved organisations are also available and provide structured support for the practical assessment component.
Sit the written examination at a GIB-authorised centre. The practical instructional assessment is scheduled separately through the Examinations Office. Both components should ideally be completed within the same 90-day window following written examination sitting.
Combined results from both components are communicated within 28 days of practical assessment completion. Successful candidates receive the CBSI credential and are entered in the GIB public registry. Credential reference numbers are issued in the format GIB-YYYY-CI-XXXXXX.
Indicative Timeline
The CBSI pathway is typically somewhat longer than single-division practitioner credentials, due to the practical assessment component and its scheduling requirements.
- Admissions review: typically 10–15 working days from receipt of complete documentation
- Written examination scheduling: typically 4–8 weeks depending on centre availability and region
- Practical assessment scheduling: coordinated with the Examinations Office following written examination; typically 2–6 weeks after written sitting
- Results communication: within 28 days of practical assessment completion
- Total pathway: typically 4–7 months from initial enquiry, depending on preparation time and examination scheduling
Recertification
CBSI credentials are valid for two years from the date of award. CBSI recertification requirements reflect both the instructional role of the credential holder and the knowledge currency expectations appropriate to practitioners who teach applied behavioural science.
- Maintenance of at least one active GIB practitioner or specialist credential in the division(s) covered by the CBSI holder's instructional scope — CBSI cannot be maintained independently of the underlying divisional credential
- Completion of the GIB CPD log demonstrating continued instructional activity and professional development in both content knowledge and instructional practice
- Recertification declaration confirming continued active training delivery and compliance with the GIB Code of Ethics and CBSI conduct requirements
- Payment of the applicable CBSI recertification fee
CBSI holders whose underlying GIB divisional credential lapses must renew that credential before CBSI recertification can be processed. GIB will notify CBSI holders of their underlying credential expiry dates as part of the credential management process, but holders bear ultimate responsibility for monitoring their own credential status.
Supporting Documentation
The following documents are provided to candidates following admissions confirmation. Summary information is available on request from the GIB Admissions Office.