If you want to make a difference in the lives of people with developmental disorders, a career in applied behavior analysis may be the right choice to meet your goals.
An ABA certificate will open doors for you to enhance and better the lives of those with autism and other developmental conditions.
However, to get an ABA degree or certificate, there are several prerequisites you must first accomplish.
Goals of ABA Therapy
ABA therapy aims to help those with autism or other developmental disorders develop positive behaviors that can help them better function in life and society.
ABA therapies are designed to increase positive and helpful behaviors while eliminating or reducing maladaptive and harmful behaviors that interfere with learning and communication.
An ABA therapist will help their clients improve their language and communication skills, memory, study skills, attention, and focus. Keep in mind that these are only a few goals of ABA therapy. People with developmental disorders often have different needs and sometimes require more specialized treatments.
Types of ABA Therapy Certifications
There are three basic types of ABA certifications: BCBA, BCBA-D, and BCaBA. Now let’s take a look at each type of ABA degree.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst(BCBA)
To get a BCBA certificate, you must first have a master’s degree in psychology or a related medical field. In addition, you must also have training in ABA-specific approaches along with a certification from the BACB.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Doctorate Level(BCBA-D)
You must have a doctorate-level degree for this type of degree instead of a master’s degree.
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst(BCaBA)
To get a BCaBA certification, you must hold an undergraduate degree and get certification to practice under a Board Certified Behavior Analyst from the BACB.
How Long Does it Take to Get My ABA Certificate?
To get an ABA certificate, you have to complete 270 hours of coursework if you hold a master’s degree. If you have a Ph.D. in philosophy or psychology, you are eligible for an ABA certificate. Keep in mind that the 270 hours of coursework still have to be completed.
How quickly you complete the coursework depends on you and how much time you have to dedicate to completing the coursework. Also, in addition to the 270 of coursework, people with a master’s degree must earn 1500 hours of fieldwork.
Certification Application & Exam
After you have completed your degree, coursework, and fieldwork, you can then take your ABA certification exam. Exams are held at different locations and times throughout the year. The majority of questions on the exam are questions dealing with the assessment of patients and determining the best type of treatment or therapy for certain behaviors.
The amount of time it takes to get an ABA certificate will vary according to your education level, the amount of time you have to dedicate to coursework, and how long it takes you to study for and pass the exam. For more information on the above, you can always check out AppliedBehaviorAnalysisEdu.org.
