The BACB’s certification programs are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), which mandates compliance with rigorous standards intended to ensure the integrity of a professional certification program. One of those standards includes appointing volunteers known as subject matter experts (SMEs) to contribute to the BACB’s examination development processes.
Examination Subject Matter Expert
Summary of Role
SMEs are integral to the development and maintenance of the BACB’s certification examinations. SMEs contribute their expertise in applied behavior analysis (ABA) to ensure that BACB exam content remains valid, reliable, and reflective of real-world professional practice. They help the BACB continue its mission of protecting consumers of behavior-analytic services by systematically establishing, promoting, and disseminating professional standards, including passing a certification examination.
SMEs may serve on one of the following exam development committees: Item Writing, Item Review, Form Review, or they may serve on a Task Force.
Responsibilities
- Develop, review, and/or evaluate examination content, as assigned by the specific exam development committee
- Attend scheduled workshops and meetings (in-person or virtual) and actively contribute to committee discussions
- Participate in orientation and complete the required online training for exam and item development
- Maintain confidentiality and uphold exam security standards
- Complete assigned tasks and projects within the deadlines established by BACB staff
- Be responsive to BACB communications, including emails and other related communications
- Collaborate professionally with other SMEs and BACB staff, demonstrating collegiality, constructive feedback, and teamwork
- Maintain professionalism and integrity in all SME-related contexts, including workshops, travel, and informal interactions with fellow SMEs and BACB staff.
- Adhere to the BACB’s Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts or the RBT Ethics Code (2.0), as applicable.
Committee Assignments
SMEs are appointed to one of the following exam development committees:- Item Writing Committee: Drafts new multiple-choice, scenario-based exam questions that align with assigned Test Content Outlines. Preferred background: demonstrated ability to write using proper grammar and punctuation in a professional context (e.g., clinical documentation such as session notes), research, training, or academic writing.
- Commitment
- Term length: 2 years
- Attend at least one in-person workshop annually
- Contribute as needed to assignments between workshops
- Commitment
- Item Review Committee: Reviews and refines newly developed exam questions for accuracy, clarity, and alignment with BACB’s style and item development guidelines. Preferred background: experience editing or reviewing written work in a professional context.
- Commitment
- Term length: 2 years
- Attend at least one in-person workshop annually
- Contribute as needed to assignments between workshops
- Commitment
- Form Review Committee: Reviews full examination forms before publication to ensure items are keyed correctly and exam specifications are met. Preferred background: attention to detail and experience with quality assurance, review, or evaluation tasks.
- Commitment
- Term length: 2 years
- Attend at least one in-person workshop annually
- Commitment
- Task Forces: Convened as needed for special projects, such as job task analyses, exam specification development, standard setting, or specialized workshops (e.g., domain-specific item writing, statistical item review).
- Commitment
- Task forces may involve a one-time workshop commitment or a 2-year commitment, with annual meetings to complete focused work.
- Commitment
Note: While preferred backgrounds strengthen applications, the primary qualifications for all committees are knowledge, expertise, and applied experience in ABA practice.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for an SME role, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:- Hold an active BACB certification (RBT, BCaBA, or BCBA) in good standing
- Be currently employed in a behavior-analytic role (e.g., practitioner, faculty member, researcher, consultant, administrator)
- Have no current involvement in developing or selling certification exam preparation content, materials, or workshops
- Be willing and able to travel to the BACB’s headquarters in Littleton, Colorado, for in-person workshops
Competencies
In addition to meeting eligibility requirements, SMEs should demonstrate the following competencies:- accountability
- attention to detail
- time management
- interpersonal skills
- effective communication
- adaptive thinking
- continuous learning
- content expertise in behavior analysis
Selection Process
When actively recruiting, the BACB will announce an open call for volunteers through various platforms (e.g., email blasts, social media posts). Certificants who wish to volunteer must complete an application using their current information. To ensure appropriate representation and address current examination needs and evolving field demands, the BACB will carefully review applications and select a diverse panel of SMEs. Selection criteria include, but are not limited to, the following:- demographics
- employment
- experience
- geography
- education
Once the BACB finalizes its committee selections, all applicants will be notified of their application status via email.
Training and Support
BACB staff members provide training to prepare SMEs for their activities. Depending on the committee tasks, the training covers item writing/review, item performance evaluation, examination blueprint relevance, and the importance of security. SMEs also receive ongoing training and feedback throughout their term.
Benefits
Serving as an SME offers the following benefits:- Opportunity to directly support the BACB’s mission of protecting consumers of behavior-analytic services by systematically establishing, promoting, and disseminating professional standards
- Earn Learning CEUs applicable toward BCBA and BCaBA recertification
- Collaborate and network with peers and leaders in the field of ABA
- Gain valuable professional development and recognition of service
- Travel to Colorful Colorado for in-person workshops, with the BACB covering expenses
- Receive BACB-branded items in recognition of your participation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Becoming an SME allows you to give back to the profession, collaborate with peers, and contribute to the BACB’s vital mission of consumer protection, all while furthering your professional growth. An added benefit for BCBAs and BCaBAs is earning Learning CEUs that count toward recertification. The BACB will also reimburse necessary travel expenses for on-site meetings.
No prior experience is necessary! The BACB will provide all required training.
Yes. We welcome certificants at all experience levels, as we need a wide range of perspectives to inform examinations that assess the knowledge required for entry-level professionals. A diverse panel also helps us ensure that examinations stay relevant and up to date by identifying any evolving skills needed in the profession.
Yes. SME participation is entirely voluntary and unpaid.
Depending on the committee the individual is assigned to, commitment may involve a one-time workshop or a 2-year term. SMEs should expect to travel to Littleton, Colorado, for a 2-day workshop at least once a year.
Yes. SMEs are expected to travel to the BACB’s corporate office in Littleton, Colorado, for in-person examination development workshops. All necessary travel expenses (e.g., flights, lodging, mileage, parking) are paid by SMEs upfront and later reimbursed by the BACB.
A full commitment to the 2-day, in-person workshops is crucial for the most impactful experience. We encourage you to prioritize these workshops, as they provide a unique opportunity to collaborate with fellow SMEs through engaging discussions and interactive activities to work toward BACB examination development goals.
Individuals interested in volunteering with the BACB as an SME must complete a volunteer application. If you are selected for a committee, the process begins with signing a confidentiality and conflict-of-interest agreement and a volunteer expectations and conduct agreement. Next, you will undergo a virtual orientation and complete online training before participating in an in-person workshop. You will also receive ongoing training and feedback throughout your term.
Once the BACB finalizes committee selections, all applicants will be notified of their application status via email. Please see the Selection Process section for details.