Professional self-regulation plays a critical role in safeguarding the quality of services delivered to individuals, families, and communities.

In the absence of statutory registration, self-regulation ensures that behaviour analysts are held to consistent professional expectations and that the public can have confidence in the services they receive.

For practitioners, self-regulation provides clarity about professional identity, scope of practice, and ethical responsibilities within the Australian context.

In recent years, there has been increasing demand for the regulation of behaviour analysts by an Australian professional body. Historically, behaviour analysts in Australia relied on certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), which has certified behaviour analysts internationally since 1998 and established education and ethical standards to support the practice of applied behaviour analysis (ABA). BACB certification is internationally recognised within the field of ABA.

However, behaviour analysts in Australia have faced ongoing challenges with the recognition of BACB certification by Australian funding bodies and government agencies. This lack of formal recognition has limited professional roles, service delivery options, and access to funding for ABA services, despite the qualifications and experience of practitioners.

In December 2019, the BACB announced changes to its international certification model, including limiting certification to a select number of countries. While certification remains available in Australia, the long-term availability of this pathway is uncertain. These developments highlighted the need for a sustainable, Australian-based professional self-regulation system for behaviour analysts.

In response, ABA Australia commenced the regulation and certification of behaviour analysts on 15 August 2022. Since that time, ABA Australia has continued to regulate behaviour analysts through a national certification framework tailored to the Australian context.

Over successive years, ABA Australia has progressively strengthened and refined its certification and professional self-regulation systems. These systems support practitioner competence and accountability, inform advocacy efforts with government and sector stakeholders, and promote accurate understanding of ABA within Australia. Together, they contribute to shaping a profession that is well suited to Australian service systems, regulatory environments, and community expectations.

Protecting the safety and rights of service users is central to ABA Australia’s approach to professional self-regulation.

Our framework emphasises:

• Ethical and evidence-based practice

• Professional competence and ongoing development

• Transparency and accountability

• Respect for client rights, dignity, and informed consent

By maintaining clear standards and oversight processes, ABA Australia supports high-quality practice while promoting trust in behaviour analysis as a profession.