Credentials and Scope

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Credentials

screen-shot-2016-10-19-at-1-31-09-pmThe Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) provides standards and processes for behavior analysis credentials.  The credentials are as follows:

  • Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
  • Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)
  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst — Doctoral (BCBA-D)

 

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Course Resource

Course Reading

BACB Credentials

Select the buttons below to visit the BACB’s website and read the “About the Credential” header for each of the certification types.

[button linking=”new_window” link=”http://bacb.com/rbt/” align=”left” size=”medium” style=solid” title=”Caregiver Survey”] RBT [/button] [button linking=”new_window” link=”http://bacb.com/bcaba/” align=”left” size=”medium” style=solid” title=”Caregiver Survey”] BCaBA [/button] [button linking=”new_window” link=”http://bacb.com/bcba/” align=”left” size=”medium” style=solid” title=”Caregiver Survey”] BCBA [/button] [button linking=”new_window” link=”http://bacb.com/bcba-d/” align=”left” size=”medium” style=solid” title=”Caregiver Survey”] BCBA-D [/button]
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Scope Summaries

Registered Behavior Technician

RBTs implement behavioral programs that are designed by behavior analysts and receive ongoing supervision.  It is the responsibility of the supervisor to decide which programs the RBT may implement, based on experience and training.  The RBT also has a responsible certificant who ensures that the RBT receives ongoing supervision by a BCaBA or BCBA.  The responsible certificant and the supervisor are not necessarily the same person.

Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst

BCaBA is a behavior analyst who works under the supervision of a BCBA.  While they do not practice independent from a BCBA, BCaBAs may be referred to as behavior analysts and supervise the work of RBTs.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

BCBAs work as independent practitioners who supervise the work of RBTs and BCaBAs.  This means that a BCBA is credentialed to oversee the behavior analysis services provided by an agency or provide these services independently in a private practice or small business.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst — Doctoral

The BCBA-D is a designation of the BCBA credential.  It signifies an advanced degree, but does not have privileges beyond the BCBA.


RBTBCaBABCBA / BCBA-D
EDUCATIONHigh school diplomaCollege degreeMaster's degree / Doctoral degree
OBTAINING THE CREDENTIAL40-hour training, criminal background check, pass the RBT competency assessment, pass the RBT examRequired coursework, supervised practical experience, and pass examRequired coursework, supervised practical experience, and pass exam
MAINTAINING THE CREDENTIALRe-take competency assessment each year, complete a renewal, receive ongoing supervision, maintain ethical standardsObtain 20 hours of continuing education credits and maintain ethical standardsObtain 32 hours of continuing education credits and maintain ethical standards
SUPERVISIONReceives on going supervision by BCaBA or BCBAReceives ongoing supervision by BCBA and provides supervision to RBTProvides pre-certification and ongoing supervision to BCaBAs and RBTs
EXAMPLE JOB REQUIREMENTSImplement behavioral program in a classroomDevelop behavioral programs and conduct assessments under supervision of BCBA and train RBTs in their implementationOversee the delivery of ABA services, develop programs, and conduct assessments
ADVANTAGES OVER OTHER CREDENTIALSKnows the client more personally than anyone else, may have the best relationship with the client and the client's familyMay do most of what a BCBA does without the burden of supervising its implementationMay work for self or start a small business