Numerous studies have shown that Behaviour Analysis is the scientific basis for the most effective interventions for individuals with Autism and other developmental disorders. Because Behaviour Analysis is a science, the quality and integrity of the intervention that is designed based on the discipline greatly depends on the training background of the expert who designs it.
With the aim of establishing specific criteria for the recognition and certification of Behaviour Analysts in America, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board was founded in 1998 (BACB®). Today, several countries have recognised and incorporated in their education, health and insurance system the standards of certification for Behaviour Analysts and it is taken for granted that professionals offering their services in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) should be certified.
Until today, 2015, 4 certification levels have been established (see below from highest to lowest) as well as specific standards that professionals from each category should comply with:
- Board Certified Behaviour Analyst® Doctoral level: BCBA-D™
- Board Certified Behaviour Analyst®-BCBA®
- Board Certified assistant Behaviour Analyst®-BCaBA®
- Registered Behavior Technician™-RBT™
A Board Certified Behaviour Analyst® Doctoral level (BCBA-D™) is an independent professional with a doctoral degree, who has completed extensive academic training in Behaviour Analysis and has extensive clinical and research experience in the field.
A Board Certified Behaviour Analyst® (BCBA®) is an independent professional with a Master’s degree, who has completed extensive academic training in Behaviour Analysis and has extensive clinical experience in the field.
A Board Certified assistant Behaviour Analyst® (BCaBA®) is a professional who works under the supervision of and in collaboration with a BCBA-D or BCBA, has completed a Bachelor’s degree and academic training in Behaviour Analysis and has clinical experience in the field.
A Registered Behavior Technician™ (RBT™) is a paraprofessional who works under continuous supervision of a BCBA-D™, BCBA® or BCaBA®, has completed formal higher education and an introductory 40-hour course in Behaviour Analysis and whose competence has been assessed by a BCBA-D or BCBA.
Professionals of the aforementioned categories work in close collaboration and although they have different roles, they are all key components of an effective intervention that will bring the desired results to the final service recipients.
It is important that families who seek quality services obtain detailed information on the training/certification of the professional who will offer them. It is equally important for professionals seeking supervision as well as for students wishing to pursue studies in the field of Behaviour Analysis to get information on the education/certification of the professional who will supervise them and of whether the education program they will complete can give them access to BACB certification.
For more details on the certification standards, visit the official BACB website here.
To see the Master’s degree offered by the Centre for Behaviour Analysis at Queen’s University Belfast which includes an ABAI approved course sequence and gives you access to BACB certification (as long as all criteria set by the BACB are fulfilled), click here.
Magiko Sympan has been the first service provider in Greece offering services by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA-D™), offers supervision according to the BACB standards and delivers training seminars following the criteria of BACB Approved Continuous Education Providers (BACB Approved Continuous Education Provider IP-14-2428). For more information on how we can meet your needs, send an e-mail at kdounavi@magiko-sympan.gr.