Association for Behavior Analysis International

Tiered Model Documents, Forms, and Policies

To request a translated version of any of the documents, please email education@abainternational.org with your request.

Programs Seeking Recognition

• Eligibility Request

• Intent to Apply
• Program Details - bachelors/undergraduate equivalent
• Program Details - masters/graduate equivalent
• Program Details - doctoral
• Tiered Model of Education Handbook (Updated June 2026)

Application Materials:

Once your program is deemed eligible to apply, you will receive access to the online application. Programs can begin compiling information related to each standard using the documents below.

• i - Application instructions
• ii - Self-Study Report Certification Cover Letter
• Standard 1 - Mission
• Standard 2 - Curriculum
• Standard 3 - Outcomes Assessment
• Standard 4 - Administration
• Standard 5 - Resources
• Standard 6 - Faculty
• Standard 7 - Student Services
• Standard 8 - Public Disclosure
• Standard 9 - Degree and Non-Degree Programs
• Data Tables: This excel file may aid in the collection and organization of statistical data in preparation for application requirements. These data must be entered directly info the online application system.

Additional Resources

• Guidance for Transitioning to the Tiered Model (updated June 2026) - See the document or News for additional details
• Important Timelines for Transitioning to ABAI Accreditation
• Program Coordinator Roles and Responsibilities
• Guidance for Supervised Experiential Learning
• All "a" tiers require supervised experiential learning.
• Guidance for Thesis or Equivalent Standard (updated August 2023)
• All tiers at the graduate level must require a thesis or equivalent project.
• Guidance for Separating Programs
• Tiered Model of Education Readiness Assessment
• Sample Syllabi: The Accreditation Board reviewed and published exemplary syllabi for some content areas. The purpose of this resource is to provide programs with examples that they reference rather than replicate.
• Note: These sample syllabi are published in isolation and therefore the scope and type of curriculum must be considered while reviewing the contents. Duplicating one of these sample syllabi may not serve your program well and does not necessarily guarantee the other parts of the curriculum cover the necessary requirements. Some of these courses are presented in companion with other courses and content areas, offered as electives in addition to the required hours, or are intended to fulfill only some of the required content areas hours.
• Syllabus Review: Programs transitioning to the Tiered Model standards may submit completed syllabi for review, prior to implementing it in the new curriculum and applying for recognition.

Preparing for the Review Meeting

• Virtual Review Meeting Information: Preparation, scheduling considerations, submission of additional materials and videos, and an example review meeting schedule
• Review Meeting Preparation - Checklist for Program Coordinators

Recognized Programs

• Annual Report Requirements: This document outlines the information and data required from recognized programs for the annual report
• Tiered Model of Education Handbook (Updated June 2026)
• Change Report Form Instructions (for reference only)
• Submit a change report form using the electronic Recognized Program - Change Report Form

Recognition Policies

• Policy on Degree Mills and Accreditation Mills
• Policy on Public Disclosure of Recognition Status
• Recognition Fee Policy
• Policy on Non-Terminal Master's Programs