Certification & Regulation in Australia
To practice as a behaviour analyst in Australia there is currently no legislative requirements. Though it is possible to practice as a behaviour analyst in Australia without registration or certification, ABA Australia believes that ethically, practitioners should have formal training and supervision.
ABA Australia
Est. 2022ABA Australia is the national peak body for the behaviour analytic profession in Australia. Professional self-regulation ensures that behaviour analysts have the skills, competence, and ethics to deliver safe, high quality services and promote consumer trust. ABA Australia regulates behaviour analysts in multiple sectors across Australia.
BACB
Est. 1998The Behavior Analyst Certification Board is the longest established certifying body in ABA worldwide. The BACB was established to meet professional certification needs identified by behavior analysts, governments, and consumers of behavior-analytic services.
The BACB is discontinuing offering new BACB certifications in Australia effective January 1, 2027
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
The NDIS Commission is an independent agency established to improve the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services to their participants. Their registration of behaviour support practitioners is to provide services to NDIS participants. Uses a self-assessment process of verification of experience.
Understanding the Difference
Learn how Behaviour Analysts differ from Behaviour Support Practitioners in the Australian context.
| Behaviour Analyst | Behaviour Support Practitioner (BSP) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A specialist in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) | A role under NDIS delivering behaviour support |
| Recognition in Australia | Currently working towards formal recognition within the NDIS | Recognised under NDIS Quality & Safeguards framework |
| Typical qualification | Postgraduate ABA + certification (e.g. CBA, BCBA) | Varies widely (ABA, psychology, OT, teaching, social work, etc.) |
| Core focus | Behaviour science, assessment, designing and implementing interventions | Implementing NDIS PBS Capability Framework |
| Regulation | ABA Australia is a self-regulatory body for behaviour analysts through a national certification framework tailored to the Australian context | Must meet NDIS PBS Capability Framework |
What is a Behaviour Analyst?
The role of a behaviour analyst is to evaluate, design, and implement individualised programs to improve skills. Behaviour analysts view behaviour as being determined by historical events, current events, and interaction with genetics and physiological variables.
A primary focus of their work is to understand the various relationships between behaviour and social and environmental factors to enhance a person's quality of life. This viewpoint creates a good foundation for working with participants to develop functional skills and adjust behaviours of concern to improve their relationships with others and capacity to be independent in their daily life.
They can work in homes, schools, hospitals, clinics, and community settings with individuals across their lifespan, from early childhood (e.g., 18 months), adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Many of these professionals specialise in working with participants with autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, and/or mental health issues.
What Does a Behaviour Analyst Do?
Assessment and Goal Setting
Behaviour analysts conduct thorough assessments to identify the specific needs, strengths, and challenges of individuals with disabilities. This entails reviewing records, interviewing the participant and their carer, and conducting assessments to determine the indivdual's current (baseline) levels of adaptive behaviours and behaviours of concern, preferences, strengths, and needs.
- Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBAs) to understand reasons for behaviours of concern
- Preference assessments to identify interests and choices
- Skills assessments across communication, cognition, motor, social, play, and more
Developing Individualised Plans to Increase Capacity
Based on assessment results, the behaviour analyst works with the participant, carers, and other members of the team to select behaviours to improve. An individually tailored plan is written up to describe the procedures for teaching, measuring, and improving the behaviour.
Key areas addressed:
Communication, daily living skills, social relationships, play and leisure, self-advocacy, vocational skills, safety skills, and reduction of behaviours of concern
Capacity Building and Training Others
Behaviour analysts provide capacity building support to participants, families, and support networks. This includes training sessions, workshops, and resources to enhance skill building strategies.
- Training and overseeing support workers and therapy assistants
- Providing parents/carers with training on plan implementation
- Ensuring consistency across all settings and support staff
Monitoring and Progress Evaluation
A behaviour analyst is responsible for ensuring that the individualised behaviour support plan or therapy support plan is achieving its desired results.
- Continually tracking participant progress
- Collecting data and analysing outcomes
- Making adjustments to ensure meaningful progress
Collaboration & Advocacy
Working with family members, teachers, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, paediatricians, psychologists, and other professionals to ensure holistic support and advocate for evidence-based practices.
Documentation & Reporting
Maintaining detailed records of assessments, interventions, and progress reports.
Remaining Up-to-Date
Spending countless hours researching behaviour analytic literature to stay current on effective programs, ethical procedures, practices, and research in this evolving science with over 70 years of evidence.
Overall, behaviour analysts play a vital role in supporting individuals, promoting their well-being, independence, and inclusion in the community.
Find Your Path in ABA
Discover which career pathway aligns with your goals and qualifications
What behaviour analytic job do I want?
Choose your path
Entry Level
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Work directly with clients at an entry level position
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Starting out in the field
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Basic training in ABA
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Want to work part time
ABA Therapist
Affiliate Member
RBT
Professional
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Design and run ABA programs
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Get advanced ABA training
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Make ABA my career
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Have undergraduate degree minimum
Professional
Certified Behaviour Analyst - Undergraduate
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Advanced
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Design, implement & train others
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ABA field is my career
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Have masters degree or higher
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Certified Behaviour Analyst
Membership Options
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I want to become a behaviour analyst!
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I want to work in the field of behaviour analysis!
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I am a student interested in the field of behaviour analysis!
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Member of the public or working outside Australia
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