UBC Coursework for Behavior Analyst Certification
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
The broad field of behavior analysis grew out of the scientific study of principles of learning and behavior. It has two main branches: experimental and applied behavior analysis. The experimental analysis of behavior is the basic science of this field and has over many decades accumulated a substantial and well-respected research literature. This literature provides the scientific foundation for applied behavior analysis (ABA), which is both an applied science that develops methods of changing behavior and a profession that provides services to meet diverse learning and behavioral needs. Professionals in applied behavior analysis engage in the specific and comprehensive use of the principles of learning in order to address behavioral needs of widely varying individuals in diverse settings. Examples of these applications include building the skills and achievements of children in school settings; and enhancing the development, abilities, and choices of children and adults with various types of kinds of disabilities.
What is the Behavior Analyst Certification Board?
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. (BACB) is a nonprofit corporation established to meet professional credentialing needs identified by behavior analysts, government agencies, and consumers of behavior analysis services.
The BACB’s mission is to develop, promote, and implement a voluntary national and international certification program for behavior analyst practitioners. The BACB has established uniform content, standards, and criteria for the credentialing process that are designed to meet
1. The legal standards established through state, federal, and case law;
2. The accepted standards for national certification programs; and
3. The "best practice" and ethical standards of the behavior analysis profession. The BACB enjoys the support of the Association for Behavior Analysis International
What Certifications Are Available from the BACB? Is Certification Required in British Columbia?
The BACB offers two certifications, one for individuals with a Bachelors degree (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst™, BCABA™) and one for individuals with a Masters or higher degree (Board Certified Behavior Analyst™, BCBA™). While neither certification is required in British Columbia at this time, individuals who act as behavior consultants through the Autism Funding Programs (both under age 6 and over age 6) and those who design and implement other types of behavior support services are encouraged to obtain the BCBA credential. The Association for Behavior Analysis has provided recommendations regarding behavior consultant training in their Consumer Guidelines for Identifying, Selecting, and Evaluating Behavior Analysts Working with Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (2007).
Please note that the information on this website applies only to BCBA certification. BCABA certification is offered in Canada through the University of Manitoba and through Douglas College in BC. For information about Universities in the United States that offer online courses leading to BCABA certification, see Nova Southeastern University; St. Cloud State University; and University of North Texas.
What Does BCBA Certification Mean?
BCBA certification means that an individual has met a number of degree, coursework, and experience requirements and has passed an examination administered by the BACB. Individuals with this certification can refer to themselves as “Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).” A BCBA is an independent practitioner who may work as an employee or as an independent contractor for an organization. The BCBA conducts descriptive and systematic behavioral assessments, including functional analyses, and provides behavior analytic interpretations of the results. He or she also designs and supervises behavior analytic interventions, and is able to effectively develop and implement appropriate assessment and intervention methods for use in unfamiliar situations and for a range of individuals. BCBAs seek the consultation of more experienced practitioners when necessary and teach others to carry out ethical and effective behavior analytic interventions based on published research and designs. He or she may also deliver instruction (e.g., teach courses) in behavior analysis. Finally, the BCBA can supervise the work of others who implement behavior analytic interventions.
