How To Become Certified
Admission Criteria
The official admission criteria are as follows:
- Completion of a master's degree or doctorate degree in health or education from an accredited professional program/academic institution; or currently enrolled in a master's degree or doctorate degree program in health or education from an accredited professional program/academic institution; or licensed/certified health or education professional (Copies of licensure or certificate required.)
- Official college(s) transcripts *.
- Download and complete the application for Admission to the Bariatric Science Certificate Program.
- Statement of applicant's goals and objectives.
- Two letters of reference, each submitted on official letterhead stationery. (At least one letter must be from a licensed health or education professional.)
- A copy of a photo id such as work id, passport or driver license.
- A $ 75.00 application fee
- by check made payable to: American Association of Bariatric Counselors
- or by PayPal or a major credit card through PayPal Services.
To use PayPal Services, click the "Pay Now" button:
Please include your check or a copy of your PayPal receipt with your application - Please put your application and supporting documents in a 9" x 12" (or larger) mailing envelope so that pages will be flat for digital scanning.
- Mail your application and supporting documents to:
American Association of Bariatric Counselors
9901 Brodie Lane, Suite 160-278
Austin, Texas 78748
Note: To avoid delays in processing, application package should include all required documents: completed application, all transcripts, licenses, certificates, letters of reference, photo ID and check or copy of PayPal receipt.
Curriculum
The Bariatric Science Certificate Programs research-based curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and contemporary understanding of the best practices for the care, treatment, and prevention of obesity (s) and its correlated disorders. See course descriptions.
* If you think that you have already taken a course or courses that fulfill the criteria of one or more AABC courses, the Education and Standards Committee will review your submitted transcript to determine your eligibility to receive credit for one or more AABC courses.
The Award of a Certificate
Upon the completion of course requirements, AABC will confer either (1) a Board Certified Bariatric Counselor (BCBC) certificate or (2) a Board Certified Bariatric Educator (BCBE) certificate. A certificate will be sent to your mailing address. The certificate becomes effective in the month that the AABC Education and Standards committee determines that all academic criteria are met for a candidate.
The certificate renewal cycle begins on June 1st of each year and ends on May 31st in the following year. AABC requires the submission of a Certification Renewal Form. The Certification Renewal Form will require 20 CEUs of continuing education. Download the Certificate Renewal pdf Form online by going to Maintaining Certification.
Alternative Qualifications for Certification
Some health and education professionals may already have substantial experience, training and education necessary to be qualified for the AABC required coursework for either (1) a Board Certified Bariatric Counselor (BCBC) certificate or (2) a Board Certified Bariatric Educator (BCBE) certificate. The AABC Standards and Education Committee will review these qualifications and make a determination and when appropriate, issue a certificate.