If you’re passionate about improving Quality of Life for people in the community and understanding behavioural science, pursuing a career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a rewarding choice. With the growing demand for skilled ABA professionals, selecting the right certification is a critical step toward achieving your career goals. At ASBA, we offer online coursework programs for a range of ABA certifications, including Qualified Behavior Analyst (QBA), Qualified Autism Services Practitioner-Supervisor (QASP-S), Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT), International Behavior Analyst (IBA), International Behavior Therapist (IBT), and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). This post explores the similarities and differences between these certifications to help you decide which one is the best fit for you.
What is ABA and Why Get Certified?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science-based approach that uses evidence-based techniques to improve socially significant behaviors, particularly for individuals with autism and other developmental disorders. ABA certifications validate your expertise, enhance your credibility, and open doors to various career opportunities in settings like schools, clinics, and homes. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for a leadership role, our online coursework programs are designed to prepare you for success in earning these globally recognized credentials.
Below, we break down the similarities and differences between the QBA, QASP-S, ABAT, IBA, IBT, and RBT certifications, focusing on their educational requirements, roles, supervision, and career paths.
Similarities Between ABA Certifications
All six certifications share a commitment to improving Quality of Life for people (particularly neurodivergent people and people with developmental delays)Â and other behavioral challenges through evidence-based ABA practices. Here are their key similarities:
- Focus on Autism and ABA: Each certification emphasizes specialized knowledge in autism interventions and the application of ABA principles, such as discrete trial teaching (DTT), pivotal response training (PRT), and functional behavior assessments (FBA). They are designed to equip professionals with skills to support skill development and reduce challenging behaviors.
- Supervised Fieldwork: All certifications require supervised fieldwork or competency assessments to ensure hands-on experience under qualified professionals, ensuring you can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
- Ethical Standards: Candidates must adhere to a code of ethics (e.g., QABA Code of Ethics or BACB Ethics Code), ensuring professional conduct and accountability.
- Background Checks: A clean criminal background check or employer attestation is mandatory to maintain high standards of care and safety.
- Renewal Requirements: Certifications require renewal with continuing education units (CEUs) to stay current with best practices.
While these certifications align in their commitment to quality ABA services, their differences in educational requirements, roles, and career scope make them suitable for different career stages and goals.
Differences Between ABA Certifications
1. Qualified Behavior Analyst (QBA)
- Administering Body: Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA)
- Global Availability:Â The QBA certification is available globallyÂ
- Level: Advanced (Master’s-level)
- Educational Requirements: Master’s degree in ABA, psychology, special education, or a related field; 270 hours of approved coursework (including 20 hours in ethics and 20 hours in autism core knowledge).
- Fieldwork: 1,500 hours of supervised fieldwork, with at least 900 hours in a supervisory or oversight role (e.g., conducting assessments, developing treatment plans).
- Role: QBAs are mastery-level professionals who design, oversee, and evaluate ABA programs. They conduct assessments, develop intervention plans, supervise ABATs and QASP-Ss, and provide expert consultation.
- Supervision: QBAs work independently after certification and can supervise ABATs, QASP-Ss, and other direct-care staff.
- Career Path: Ideal for those seeking leadership roles, such as program developers or clinical supervisors, in autism services or behavioral health settings.
- QBA Handbook Download
2. Qualified Autism Services Practitioner-Supervisor (QASP-S)
- Administering Body: QABA
- Global Availability: The QASP-S certification is available globallyÂ
- Level: Mid-level
- Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a related field; 188 hours of approved coursework.
- Fieldwork: 1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork.
- Role: QASP-Ss are skilled practitioners who implement and supervise ABA programs, develop treatment plans, and train staff or families. They work under the supervision of a QBA or other master’s-level professional.
- Supervision: QASP-Ss require ongoing supervision by a QBA, BCBA, or equivalent but can supervise ABATs.
- Career Path: Suited for professionals with a bachelor’s degree who want to take on supervisory roles while gaining experience toward advanced certifications like QBA or BCBA.
- QASP-S Handbook Download
3. Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT)
- Administering Body: QABA
- Global Availability: The ABAT certification is available globallyÂ
- Level: Entry-level
- Educational Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; 40 hours of approved coursework
- Fieldwork: 15 hours of supervised fieldwork.
- Role: ABATs provide direct, one-on-one ABA services under supervision, implementing behavior plans designed by QASP-Ss or QBAs. They focus on data collection, skill development, and behavior management.
- Supervision: ABATs work under QASP-Ss, QBAs, BCBAs, or other qualified professionals, with supervision required for 5% of direct service hours every 30 days.
- Career Path: Perfect for those starting their ABA career, including parents, educators, or paraprofessionals, with minimal educational barriers.
- ABAT Handbook Download
4. International Behavior Analyst (IBA)
- Administering Body: International Behavior Analysis Organization (IBAO)
- Global Availability: The IBA certification is available globallyÂ
- Level: Advanced (Master’s-level)
- Educational Requirements: Master’s degree in a related field; 270 hour coursework
- Fieldwork:Â 1000 hours of supervised practice and receive 50 hours of supervision from approved supervisor
- Role: IBAs design and oversee ABA programs globally, with a focus on culturally sensitive interventions. They conduct assessments, develop plans, and supervise IBTs or other technicians.
- Supervision: IBAs are independent practitioners post-certification and can supervise IBTs and other staff.
- Career Path: Ideal for professionals aiming to work internationally or in diverse cultural settings, with roles similar to QBAs but with a global focus.
- IBA Handbook Download
5. International Behavior Therapist (IBT)
- Administering Body: IBAO
- Global Availability: The IBT certification is available globallyÂ
- Level: Entry-level
- Educational Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; 40 hours of approved coursework.
- Fieldwork: 300 supervised practice hours;Â Receive 10 Hours of Supervision
- Role: IBTs deliver direct ABA therapy under the supervision of an IBA or other qualified professional, focusing on implementing behavior plans in diverse settings.
- Supervision: IBTs require ongoing supervision, similar to RBTs and ABATs, by IBAs or equivalent.
- Career Path: Suitable for those entering the ABA field with an interest in international work or culturally diverse populations.
- IBT Handbook Download
6. Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
- Administering Body: Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
- Global Availability: The RBT certification is currently only available to residents of the US, Canada, UK and Australia.
- Level: Entry-level
- Educational Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; 40 hours of approved coursework (covering behavior management, data collection, and ethics).
- Fieldwork: No specific fieldwork hours required, but candidates must pass a competency assessment.
- Role: RBTs provide direct ABA therapy under BCBA or BCaBA supervision, implementing behavior plans and collecting data.
- Supervision: RBTs require ongoing supervision by BCBAs or BCaBAs for at least 5% of their service hours monthly.
- Career Path: A widely recognized entry-level certification, ideal for those starting in ABA and planning to pursue advanced credentials like BCBA.
- RBT Handbook Download
Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Certification
When deciding which ABA certification is best for you, consider the following factors:
- Educational Background: If you have a high school diploma, ABAT, IBT, or RBT are accessible entry points. A bachelor’s degree opens the door to QASP-S, while a master’s degree is required for QBA or IBA.
- Career Goals: If you aim to provide direct therapy, ABAT, IBT, or RBT are great starting points. For supervisory roles, consider QASP-S. For leadership and program design, QBA or IBA are ideal.
- Geographic Scope: The RBT certification is currently only available to residents of the US, Canada, UK and Australia, while QBA, QASP-S, and ABAT have no global restrictions and are gaining traction worldwide. IBA and IBT are also tailored for international practice with no global restrictions and have a focus on cultural sensitivity. Select a certification based on its availability, recognition and relevance in your country or region.
- Time and Financial Commitment: Entry-level certifications (ABAT, IBT, RBT) require less time and cost, while QBA and IBA demand significant coursework and fieldwork hours. Our online programs offer flexible pacing to fit your schedule.
- Supervision Availability: Ensure you have access to qualified supervisors (e.g., QBA, BCBA, or IBA) for fieldwork, as required by your chosen certification.
Why Choose ASBA for Your Coursework Program?
At Academy of Systemic Behaviour Approach, we provide comprehensive, flexible, and affordable online coursework programs for QBA, QASP-S, ABAT, IBA, IBT, and RBT certifications. Our courses are designed by experienced ABA professionals and align with QABA, IBAO, and BACB standards. Whether you’re starting your ABA journey or advancing to a leadership role, our programs offer:
- Flexible Online Learning: Study at your own pace, with access to interactive materials and expert instructors.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Cover essential topics like autism core knowledge, ethics, and evidence-based ABA techniques.
- Global Recognition: Prepare for certifications recognized by employers and regulatory agencies worldwide.
Take the Next Step Today
Choosing the right ABA certification depends on your education, career aspirations, geographical location and desired scope of practice. Whether you’re drawn to the hands-on role of an ABAT, IBT, or RBT, the supervisory responsibilities of a QASP-S, or the leadership opportunities of a QBA or IBA, ASBA is here to support your journey. Explore our online coursework programs today and take the first step toward a fulfilling career in ABA!
