Training and certification of behaviour analysts in Europe

Abstract

ABSTRACT There has been dramatic growth in the number of trained behaviour analytic practitioners over the last decade across the world. The growth in the profession has led to the need to identify individuals who have met specific criteria for professional credentialing either through government regulation (e.g. licensure) or private certification (e.g. by the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board – BACB). Most current licensure systems incorporate BACB credentials or standards as their primary eligibility requirement. There has also been growth in the number of university behaviour-analytic training programs, where either the coursework and content will have been verified and/or the complete program will have been accredited. A brief history of these developments will be provided, along with data to evidence the growth in the numbers of credentialed practitioners and university training programs, particularly across Europe. A case is made for the advantages of basing requirements for professional recognition on existing and internationally available credentials.