Who is responsible for the expense of the Certified Cognitive Coach/Specialist certification for Brain Balance franchisees and staff?
Brain_Balance Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In some years we may offer none.
We recommend but do not require certain additional certifications.
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Services (IBCCES) provides training that culminates in a certification for a Certified Cognitive Coach, or Certified Cognitive Specialist. We recommend that all franchisees, directors, and coaches complete this training to provide additional insight into working with individuals with cognitive challenges including ADHD, autism, anxiety, sensory processing, and learning disabilities. This certification expense is the responsibility of the franchisee and is valid for two years, at which time continuing
education credits can be completed online to renew the certification. Brain Balance has negotiated pricing so that Brain Balance franchisees and staff are able to complete this certification at a discounted price. This certification is obtained and renewed directly through IBCCES. Staff must be paid for the hours spent completing certification training.
Mindset Behavior Training is offered through Brain Balance Certified Trainers to provide training in avoiding, de-escalating, and supporting aggressive behaviors. This is recommended as a best practice to be completed by all franchisees, directors, and coaches. The Brain Balance Home Office team has several certified trainers on staff in order to provide this training at no additional cost to Brain Balance franchisees and staff. This certification requires a combination of coursework that is completed online, as well as attending live webinars, an online testing to obtain the certification. This certification is valid for two years, at which time continuing education credits can be completed online to renew the certification. Staff must be paid for the hours spent completing certification training.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEM, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 36–47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Brain Balance's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for the expense of the Certified Cognitive Coach/Specialist certification. The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Services (IBCCES) provides the training, which Brain Balance recommends for all franchisees, directors, and coaches. This certification provides additional insight into working with individuals with cognitive challenges such as ADHD, autism, anxiety, sensory processing, and learning disabilities.
The certification is valid for two years, after which continuing education credits can be completed online to renew it. Brain Balance has negotiated discounted pricing for its franchisees and staff. Franchisees are also responsible for paying their staff for the hours spent completing the certification training.
Brain Balance also recommends Mindset Behavior Training, which is offered through Brain Balance Certified Trainers. The Brain Balance Home Office team has certified trainers on staff to provide this training at no additional cost to franchisees and staff. This certification is also valid for two years and requires a combination of online coursework, live webinars, and an online test. Staff must be paid for the hours spent completing this certification training as well.