Certification & Regulation in Australia
Behaviour analysis is a distinct professional discipline. In Australia, behaviour analysts may work across disability, education, health, community and other settings. ABA Australia provides a national professional certification and self-regulatory framework for behaviour analysts.
ABA Australia
Est. 2022ABA Australia is the national peak body for the behaviour analytic profession in Australia. Its Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA) and Certified Behaviour Analyst – Undergraduate (CBA-U) credentials establish requirements for education, competency and supervised practice, together with ongoing professional, ethical, supervision and continuing professional development requirements.
ABA Australia provides an Australian professional certification and self-regulatory framework designed to support professional accountability, public protection and high-quality behaviour analytic practice.
BACB
Est. 1998The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) is a US-based professional certification body for behaviour analysts. Historically, many Australian behaviour analysts have held BACB certification.
From 1 January 2027, individuals residing in Australia will no longer be able to apply for new BACB certification. Existing certificants may remain certified subject to BACB requirements.
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission regulates the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services. Within the NDIS, the Commission assesses the suitability of Behaviour Support Practitioners to deliver specialist behaviour support.
Behaviour Support Practitioner is an NDIS practitioner role rather than a distinct profession or professional qualification. Practitioners must demonstrate suitability against the NDIS Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework.
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 professional specialising in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) | An NDIS practitioner role for delivering specialist behaviour support |
| Recognition in Australia | Certified Behaviour Analysts can provide relevant NDIS-funded therapeutic and capacity-building supports within their qualifications, competence and professional scope. ABA Australia is seeking explicit recognition of CBA and CBA-U within the NDIS Commission’s qualification and professional association requirements for Therapeutic Supports. | Behaviour Support Practitioners are considered suitable by the NDIS Commission to deliver behaviour support in accordance with the NDIS Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework. |
| Qualifications | CBA and CBA-U certification have defined education, competency and supervised-practice requirements. | There is no single BSP qualification or profession. Practitioners come from varied professional and educational backgrounds and must demonstrate suitability against the NDIS PBS Capability Framework. |
| Core focus | Applying behaviour science to assess needs and design, implement and evaluate individualised interventions that build skills, independence, participation and quality of life. | Providing specialist behaviour support, including behaviour support assessment and planning, and working to reduce and eliminate the use of restrictive practices. |
| Professional regulation & accountability | ABA Australia provides an Australian professional certification and self-regulatory framework, including entry standards, continuing professional development and supervision, ethical requirements, complaints and disciplinary processes. | BSPs are subject to the NDIS behaviour support regulatory framework and must meet relevant NDIS Commission requirements, including the 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.
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