Certification, accreditation, and quality control in behavior analysis

Abstract

Implementing quality control measures in the discipline and professional practice of behavior analysis is a challenging, but nevertheless important, step in the evolution of our field. The Association for Behavior Analysis currently seeks to ensure quality in behavior analysis by sponsoring an accreditation program for graduate academic programs and by promoting certification of individual practitioners. The accreditation reviews are conducted by ABA, whereas certification status is awarded by an independent, nonprofit credentialing entity: the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. Among the challenges that ABA faces as it pursues various quality control measures, particularly in its educational programs, are (a) how extensively should academic programs specify the verbal and nonverbal terminal repertoires in all three branches of behavior analysis (applied, experimental, and conceptual); (b) how extensively should programs that emphasize applied behavior analysis integrate science-based criteria for the evaluation of interventions; and (c) how extensively should programs that emphasize service delivery include training in formal research methodology.

In Dreams Begin Responsibility: Why and How to Measure the Quality of Graduate Training in Applied Behavior Analysis

“…Should greater assurance be needed that ABA practitioners (and the programs that train them) are effective, it is within the purview and skill set of the ABA community to make obtaining this assurance a priority. Proponents of certification have long acknowledged that complementary steps might be required to create exemplary practitioner competence (e.g., see Moore and Shook 2001;Shook et al 2002;Starin et al 1993). Now that ABA professionals enjoy the benefits of certification, it is a logical step in the profession's development to supplement whatever quality control the certification process can provide.…”

Applied Behavior Analysis and Behavioral Medicine: History of the Relationship and Opportunities for Renewed Collaboration

“…Numerous scholars in ABA have suggested that behavior analysts should be involved in behavioral medicine (e.g., Ator, 1986;Blum & Friman, 2000;Fawcett, 1985;Fraley, 1981;Glenn, 1993;Pennypacker, 1981) and have even gone as far as to recommend behavioral medicine as an emphasis for master's degree programs in ABA (e.g., Ellis & Glenn, 1995;Hopkins & Moore, 1993;Moore & Shook, 2001). Based on our research, few behavior analysts are still addressing this collaboration today.…”

Toward the globalization of behavior analysis

“…the U.S., but the BACB began to offer test administrations in the United Kingdom in 2003. Thanks to the extraordinary and sustained work of many individuals, including Gerald Shook, James Johnston, Michael Hemingway, and Jon Bailey, the field of behavior analysis has a model that could be used to create certification systems for skill assessments that meet the needs of other regions in the world-a good start for the development of international certification systems (Johnston & Shook, 1987;Moore & Shook, 2001;Shook, 1993;Shook & Eyer, 1995;Shook, Hartsfield, & Hemingway, 1995;Starin, Hemingway, & Hartsfield, 1993).…”