QABA’s Qualified Behavior Analyst (QBA®) Certification Requirements

QBA certificants are mastery-level interventionists with advanced knowledge of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and have extensive training and experience with individuals who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Some of the duties QBAs provide are planning, assessment, data analysis and direct-care oversight for all aspects of behavior programs. In addition to this, QBAs also supervise the direct-care to client instructional staff (ABAT/behavior technicians), mid-tier supervisors (QASP-S), and collaborative care providers (family members and other companies that provide service providers).

Target Audience

Individuals that achieve this certification generally have a master’s degree (or above) in a related field and merge that with specific education, training, and extensive applied fieldwork in ABA, including experience and specialization in autism and related comorbidity disorders.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Candidates must be at least 18 years old
2. They should possess a master’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field. This can include but are not limited to ABA, education, special education, psychology, social work, or other related health professions
3. The candidate must have completed 270 hours of approved ABA, ethics, autism coursework
4. A candidate’s training must be developed by an accredited institution or a Qualified Behavior Analyst or above professional who is licensed or credentialed in the scope of the subject matter listed above
5. The candidate must complete 1500 hours of supervised fieldwork with a minimum of 900 hours in an oversight or supervisory role. In completion of those hours they must conduct, analyze, assess, and develop treatment plans, train staff or parents, over a multitude of client cases.
6. Candidates need a recommendation from their supervisor as to why they would be a good fit for QBA Certification
7. All candidates must have a criminal background check conducted by the QABA® Board through 3rd-party background check provider or attestation letter from their employer
8. Candidates must successfully pass the QBA exam that is proctored by Examity
9. All candidates must attest to and agree with the QBA’s code of ethics
10. Before the formal credentialing process takes place, there will be a final review of all eligibility criteria before the QABA® Board committee 
11. Candidates will all be added to the public registry

12. Every two years, successful QBA candidates must verify the completion of 32 continuing education units, engage in a criminal background check, and attest to the agreement of a code of ethics

Breakdown of the difference between ABAT, QASP-S, and QBA Credentials

• The ABAT is an entry level interventionist who acts as a direct one-to-one instructor with the clients they work with.
• ABAT’s are supervised by a QASP-S (mid-tier interventionist) and/or QBA or other master’s level or above licensed or credentialed professional.
• A QASP-S is a mid-tier interventionist with more experience. In their role, they function as an instructor. A QASP-S may also provide training to staff and their families, monitor the progress of goals and objectives in therapy programs, and provide supervision to new staff. They are under the direct supervision of a QBA or other master’s level or above licensed or credentialed professional.
• QBAs are master level interventionists. As a QBA, they provide ABA program oversight, supervision, assessment, analysis of data, goal development, and other aspects of treatment and ethical integrity over the whole of a client’s therapy program. This includes (but is not limited to) working with other service providers, school staff, and families.

       ABAT => QASP-S => QBA