BACB NEWS, Author at Behavior Analyst Certification Board

BACB Data and Developments in 2022

New year, new data. Review this collection of important BACB milestones in 2022, and remember—we couldn’t have done it without you. Here’s to another bright year ahead.

Now Available: 2021 BCBA and BCaBA Examination Pass Rates for Verified Course Sequences

The BACB has compiled 2021 pass rates for first-time BCBA and BCaBA examination candidates in university training programs with ABAI Verified Course Sequences. The data are sorted alphabetically by university, by the percentage of passing candidates, and by the volume of candidates from a given program.

PsycInfo Database Now Available to BCBAs and BCaBAs

We recently added the PsycInfo database to the ProQuest search engine available to BCBAs and BCaBAs through the Resources tab in their BACB accounts. In addition to the ERIC database, ProQuest now pulls from PsycInfo, the most comprehensive database for psychology and behavioral sciences. BCBAs and BCaBAs can now more effectively search for literature on a particular topic.

5 Must-Know RBT Application Tips

Clocks with a red banner that says Applications

Whether you’re submitting an RBT Initial Certification Application or completing your annual RBT Renewal Application, we understand that time is of the essence. We want you to have all of the information you need for a quick and painless application experience. That way, you’ll feel well-equipped to move forward with your application and to achieve your goals as an RBT.

So, before you click Submit, read ahead for tips on getting started, creating and/or maintaining your BACB account, thoroughly reviewing your documentation, and understanding the key differences between an RBT Initial Certification Application and an RBT Renewal Application.

Tip #1: Consult the RBT Handbook

For all RBT applicants, new or renewing, the RBT Handbook should be your go-to resource. In it, you’ll find helpful information about eligibility requirements, the application process, and requirements for renewing your RBT certification. We also suggest reviewing the handbook with your RBT Supervisor or RBT Requirements Coordinator, as they can help answer any questions you might have.

Tip #2: Give yourself enough time to prepare

This is vital! Because there are many moving parts in the application process, giving yourself ample time to prepare is one of the best things you can do. If you plan accordingly, you’ll have all the time you need to carefully review your materials, which may prevent application errors that cause processing delays beyond the standard 2-week timeline. This is especially important if you’re submitting an RBT Renewal Application. For specifics, check out the following application timelines:

Wondering when you’ll hear back about your application? You can see current application processing times on the Application Processing Updates web page.

Tip #3: Create and/or maintain you BACB account

Your BACB account is the doorway to your certification, and that certification belongs to you and only you. That said, here are a few things to keep in mind when creating and/or maintaining your BACB account:

Create your BACB account yourself. Don’t have anyone, including your future RBT Supervisor or employer, create your account on your behalf.
Don’t use your work or school email address when signing up. If you use your work or school email address to sign up, you may lose access to your BACB account if you lose access to that email address in the future. It’s always best to sign up using a personal email address.
Reach out to the BACB for assistance. If you lose access to your account for any reason, let us know through the Contact Us Form, and we’ll help you access your existing account. Please do not create a new account.
Keep all of your information current. If your address, name, or other personal information changes, be sure to update your account right away.
Add bacb.com to your email contacts and list of safe senders. This way, you can ensure that you’ll receive important messages. Also, be sure to check your spam folder periodically, especially if you’re waiting to hear from us.

Tip #4: Carefully review your documentation

When you’re eager to submit an application, it’s easy to accidentally forget a key piece, like a document, attestation, or signature. The problem is that a missing piece can make the application process not-so-easy. If documentation is missing, incorrect, or does not indicate that you meet the necessary requirements, you’ll experience delays in processing times, as the review process starts over each time you resubmit.

To avoid delays as best you can, consider reaching out to your current or future RBT Supervisor or RBT Requirements Coordinator for additional support—and make sure to review these essential documentation requirements:

RBT Initial Certification Application	RBT Renewal Application
All documentation must be uploaded in the RBT tab of your BACB account. Multipage documents must be combined into a single file, as each section of the application only allows 1 attachment. All documentation must be correct and complete (i.e., all necessary boxes are checked; all required dates, signatures, and pages are included). The RBT 40-Hour Training Certificate must include this statement: This training program was based on the RBT Task List (2nd ed.) and is designed to meet the 40-hour training requirement for RBT certification. The program is offered independent of the BACB. The RBT Initial Competency Assessment must be completed within 90 days of submitting your application payment, and the assessor (and/or assistant assessor) must: complete all applicable fields, initial all applicable tasks, indicate how each task was assessed, include their printed name and correct certification number, and sign according to the Acceptable Signatures Policy.	All documentation must be uploaded in the RBT Renewal tab of your BACB account. Multipage documents must be combined into a single file, as each section of the application only allows 1 attachment. All documentation must be correct and complete (i.e., all necessary boxes are checked; all required dates, signatures, and pages are included). The RBT Renewal Competency Assessment must be completed no more than 45 days before your RBT certification expiration date, and the assessor (and/or assistant assessor) must: complete all applicable fields, initial all applicable tasks, indicate how each task was assessed, include their printed name and correct certification number, and sign according to the Acceptable Signatures Policy.
Note: If the documentation that shows you have met the education requirements is in a language other than English, it must be translated into English using an official translation service.	Note: There are 2 versions of the competency assessment. Please refer to the label at the top of the document to ensure that you’re using the correct one. Initial Competency Assessments will not be accepted for a renewal application, as Renewal Competency Assessments require the completion of 5 tasks instead of 3.

RBT Initial Certification Application

RBT Renewal Application

All documentation must be uploaded in the RBT tab of your BACB account. Multipage documents must be combined into a single file, as each section of the application only allows 1 attachment.
All documentation must be correct and complete (i.e., all necessary boxes are checked; all required dates, signatures, and pages are included).
The RBT 40-Hour Training Certificate must include this statement: This training program was based on the RBT Task List (2nd ed.) and is designed to meet the 40-hour training requirement for RBT certification. The program is offered independent of the BACB.
The RBT Initial Competency Assessment must be completed within 90 days of submitting your application payment, and the assessor (and/or assistant assessor) must:
- complete all applicable fields,
- initial all applicable tasks,
- indicate how each task was assessed,
- include their printed name and correct certification number, and
- sign according to the Acceptable Signatures Policy.

All documentation must be uploaded in the RBT Renewal tab of your BACB account. Multipage documents must be combined into a single file, as each section of the application only allows 1 attachment.
All documentation must be correct and complete (i.e., all necessary boxes are checked; all required dates, signatures, and pages are included).
The RBT Renewal Competency Assessment must be completed no more than 45 days before your RBT certification expiration date, and the assessor (and/or assistant assessor) must:
- complete all applicable fields,
- initial all applicable tasks,
- indicate how each task was assessed,
- include their printed name and correct certification number, and
- sign according to the Acceptable Signatures Policy.

Note: If the documentation that shows you have met the education requirements is in a language other than English, it must be translated into English using an official translation service.

Note: There are 2 versions of the competency assessment. Please refer to the label at the top of the document to ensure that you’re using the correct one. Initial Competency Assessments will not be accepted for a renewal application, as Renewal Competency Assessments require the completion of 5 tasks instead of 3.

Tip #5: Sit back and relax

When it comes to submitting an RBT Initial Certification Application or RBT Renewal Application, we understand how important it is for you to get an approval as soon as possible so that you can take the next steps in your RBT journey. By following this guidance and enlisting the help of your supervisor, you’ll feel confident that you can submit an approvable application in no time. And don’t forget—we’re rooting for you!

Thank you for taking the time to check out these pointers. For more RBT-related resources, visit our Registered Behavior Technician web page. For questions, please reach out via the Contact Us Form.

James E. Carr, PhD, BCBA-D, ICE-CCP

James E. Carr, PhD, BCBA-D, ICE-CCP is the Chief Executive Officer of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. His professional interests include behavior analyst credentialing, practitioner training, behavioral assessment and treatment of developmental disabilities, and verbal behavior. Dr. Carr has published over 150 journal articles on these and other topics and his work has been cited over 8,000 times. Dr. Carr is a Fellow of the Association for Behavior Analysis International and has received awards from APBA, APA’s Division 25, and Autism Speaks.

He is the past editor-in-chief of The Analysis of Verbal Behavior and has served on the editorial boards of 11 behavior analysis journals, including 4 appointments as associate editor. Dr. Carr is the past president of the Colorado, Alabama, and Mid-American Associations for Behavior Analysis. He received his doctorate in 1996 from Florida State University under the mentorship of Dr. Jon Bailey and previously served on the behavior analysis faculties at University of Nevada-Reno (1996-1999), Western Michigan University (1999-2008), and Auburn University (2008-2011).

SungWoo Kahng, PhD, BCBA-D

President | New Brunswick, NJ
(term ends August 2024)

Dr. SungWoo Kahng is Chair of the Department of Applied Psychology, Director of Academic Programs in Autism and ABA, and Professor at Rutgers University. Prior to his current position, he was an associate professor at the University of Missouri (MU) where he was also the chair of the Department of Health Psychology, the Founding Director the MU Graduate Programs in Applied Behavior Analysis, and Director of the Applied Behavioral Intervention Service of the MU Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

He was also a faculty member in the Department of Behavioral Psychology and a senior behavior analyst on the Neurobehavioral Unit at the Kennedy Krieger Institute as well as an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Kahng graduated from Kalamazoo College with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and received his Ph.D. in behavior analysis from the University of Florida. He was an Associate Editor for the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis where he also served on the Board of Editors. Additionally, he is on the Board of Editors for Behavioral Intervention and Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. He is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Dr. Kahng is a member of the Scientific Council of the Organization for Autism Research, Past President of the New Jersey Association for Behavior Analysis, and a member of several advisory boards such as the AutismMVP Foundation. He is the recipient of the 2003 B.F. Skinner New Researcher Award given by Division 25 of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Kahng has co-authored over 100 peer reviewed articles and chapters. The focus of his research and clinical work has been on assessing and treating severe problem behaviors exhibited by individuals with developmental disabilities. He is also interested in a broader research agenda, which includes topics related to employment and college supports for adults with autism spectrum disorder as well as obesity and aging. Finally, he has mentored numerous undergraduate, master’s level, and predoctoral students as well as post-doctoral fellows.

Chrissy McNair

Vice President | Consumer Representative | Portland, OR
(term ends August 2027)

Chrissy McNair is a Neurodiversity and Developmental Disabilities Advocate and Consultant specializing in the areas of DEI, accessibility, strategic planning and public policy advocacy. She is mother to three boys, one of whom is a young adult on the Autism Spectrum. Chrissy has served on boards and committees, including Autism Living (Columbus, OH) The Autism Society of Nebraska, FEAT of Nebraska, The Munroe Meyer Institute’s Autism Center Strategic Planning Committee, the CDC’s State Act Early Team, and is currently the Board Chair for PHAME, a performing arts school for adults with developmental disabilities located in Portland, OR.

Chrissy is the former Director of Employment Services at Embracing Autism (Columbus, OH) where she led the organization to find meaningful employment for adults experiencing developmental disabilities. She is passionate about supporting parents and caregivers of loved ones with special needs, is a public speaker in the areas of relationship building between families and teachers/therapists, as well as improving self-care for the caregiver. Chrissy enjoys hiking, tennis, paddle boarding, is an avid podcast listener, and fully into the pickleball craze. She lives in Portland, OR with her husband, sons, two loyal dogs, a feisty rescue cat, and three backyard chickens.

Breanne Hartley, PhD, BCBA-D

Treasurer | Noblesville, IN
(term ends August 2025)

Breanne Hartley, Ph.D., BCBA-D earned her doctorate in Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University in 2009 and has 20 years of experience working with patients on the autism spectrum and their families. She is passionate about integrating behavior analysis and healthcare for the optimal benefit of individuals with autism.

Dr. Hartley’s areas of interest include optimizing patient progress, effective supervision of staff, and systems analysis. She has publications in Behavior Analysis in Practice, and she has spoken across the country on topics through workshops and presentations regarding issues concerning behavior analyst practitioners, such as staff training, supervision, treatment plan development, and navigating the insurance denial and appeals process for insurance funded ABA therapy.

Julie Koudys, PhD, CPsych, BCBA-D

Secretary | International Representative | Ontario, Canada
(term ends August 2027)

Julie Koudys is an Assistant Professor and Clinical Coordinator in the Department of Applied Disability Studies at Brock University, Ontario, Canada (Canada’s largest face-to-face Verified Course Sequence). She completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at York University, Toronto, Ontario. She is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and a Registered Psychologist. She has worked with children and youth with ASD, developmental disabilities, learning disorders, and mental health challenges for approximately 20 years.

She has served as a member of several government appointed provincial expert/advisory committees and chaired numerous committees for the Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis. Additionally, she has been involved in the creation of evidence-based treatment guidelines, and standards for the professional, ethical and legal practice of behaviour analysis in Ontario.

Her primary research interests include exploring the impact of treatment fidelity and instructional strategies on the communicative behaviour of people who use augmentative and alternative communication systems, evaluating in-home behavioural parent training to treat sleep challenges and problem behaviour, and exploring long-term outcomes of youth who previously received intensive behavioural intervention. She is passionate about the integration of research into practice and partners with community providers to support clinical research and evidence-based practice.

Sadie Anderson, RBT

RBT Representative | Knoxville, TN
(term ends August 2027)

Sadie Anderson is currently an RBT at Spectrum Specialists LLC. in Knoxville, TN. She brings 15 years of professional experience as a behavior technician to the BACB’s Board of Directors and has also served as a consumer advocate for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services in the capacity of a big sister. Sadie was introduced to ABA when her younger brother began receiving ABA services in 2005.

As a teenager, she became really passionate about the benefits that ABA had to offer for improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. The inspiration to help others in her community through ABA lead to her work in vocational support for individuals with disabilities seeking job-related training, helping to build inclusive environments, and teaching organizations how to create systems that support accommodations in the workplace. Sadie has been a community resource in Tennessee, serving on various panels to provide support related to inclusion, caregiver training, and compassionate care in treating individuals with disabilities.