How to become a Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA)
Anita Bennett-Stewart
Behavioural Sleep Specialist & Behaviour Consultant
Becoming a Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA) in Australia
Behaviour Analysts are practitioners in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), which is the science of learning and behaviour to improve our everyday quality of life. There are over 64,000 Behaviour Analysts across the world (BACB, 2023). Although many Behaviour Analysts support Autistic individuals, there are also subspecialties in behavioural gerontology, education, health and fitness and public health. In the US, Canada, UK and Australia, Behaviour Analysts may be certified by the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB), which is based in the United States (BACB, 2023). In recent years, Australian-specific certifications have also been offered by ABA Australia (ABAA). There are some similarities and differences between a CBA and BCBA. The highest credentialed members of ABAA in Australia are Certified Behaviour Analysts (CBA). As of January 2024, there are approximately 220 CBA’s in Australia (AUABA, 2024).
What is a CBA?
A Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA) is a practitioner who is fully educated and competent in providing expert advice on behaviour change within Australia. Through regulation, there is an identified standard criteria for practice and ongoing monitoring of the field. This will allow ABA professionals to easily communicate their experience and training in the area of ABA to the community. CBA’s are self-regulated professionals and are a qualifying member of the National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professionals (NASRHP). CBA’s are therefore required to abide by the ABA Australia Code of Ethical Practice and maintain their certification with ongoing professional development.
How can you become a CBA in Australia?
To ensure the competence and education of practitioners applying for their CBA credential, there are several criteria required by ABAA.
A PhD or masters degree in any field
At least 270 hours of instruction at the masters level of higher, with the focus of this education being in Behaviour Analysis
At least 1500 hours of experience in Behaviour Analysis, including a least 75 hours of supervision with an already certified Behaviour Analyst
Living and working within Australia
There are currently two Australian universities that offer suitable degrees either online or on-campus. These are:
- Monash University, Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis
- Griffith Univserity, Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis
How to maintain a CBA certification
Maintaining a minimum level of professional development is critical to ensure professionals are always learning and developing their expertise throughout their career. Engagement in ongoing professional development is an indication of a professional’s commitment to the field and to upholding their skills and knowledge as they serve their clients (ABAA, 2023). To maintain a CBA credential, each year the Behaviour Analyst must complete 20 hours of professional development. This must be within the field of Behaviour Analysis and can include:- Learning, such as attending conferences or coursework at a post-graduate or graduate level
- Teaching, such as presenting professional development seminars or university courses
- Scholarship, such as publishing journal articles
- Or professional engagement, such as supervising other practitioners planning to apply for certification
Resources:
Association for Behaviour Analysis Australia – https://auaba.com.au/
Behaviour Analyst Certification Board – https://www.bacb.com/
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