If you’ve read our posts, you’ve probably seen lots of abbreviations and professional titles used in the ABA world. Don’t worry—STEPS is here to break it all down! Today, we’re covering the different certifications you might encounter in ABA and what each one means.
(All information comes from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board at www.bacb.com.)
1. Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
The RBT is the entry-level position in the ABA field.
Requirements
High school diploma
40 hours of training
A competency assessment
Background check
The 40-hour training includes hands-on instruction supervised by a BCBA or BCBA-D.
What They Do
RBTs:
Provide direct, hands-on therapy to clients
Follow treatment plans created by a BCBA
Cannot practice independently
Must be supervised by a BCBA or BCBA-D
RBTs are essential to ABA—they do most of the daily implementation of therapy.
2. Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)
A BCaBA is the next level up from an RBT.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree (typically psychology or a related field)
Verified ABA coursework
Passing the BACB certification exam
Only certain universities offer BACB-approved coursework.
What They Do
BCaBAs:
Cannot practice independently
Must be supervised by a BCBA or BCBA-D
Can supervise RBTs (with extra training)
Often move on to pursue their BCBA after completing a master’s degree
3. Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
The BCBA is an independent practitioner who designs and oversees behavior-analytic services.
Requirements
Master’s degree in behavior analysis or a related field
Verified coursework or a university-based experience path
Passing the certification exam
Supervised fieldwork hours
Post-doctoral candidates can also apply once supervised hours are completed.
What They Do
BCBAs:
Develop treatment plans
Supervise RBTs and BCaBAs
Analyze data and adjust programs
Train families and teams
Lead clinical decision-making
At STEPS, our clinical director, Erin Stern, is a BCBA who provides weekly supervision and ongoing support to her team.
4. Board Certified Behavior Analyst–Doctoral (BCBA-D)
The BCBA-D is the highest level of credentialing within the BACB.
Requirements
Doctoral-level training in behavior analysis
Meet all BCBA requirements
What They Do
A BCBA-D has the same responsibilities as a BCBA—the title simply reflects advanced academic training.