Association for Behavior Analysis International

FAQ

It is customary practice for a professional association to oversee training-program standards in a discipline. ABAI has always been committed to fostering high-quality education in behavior analysis and is now ready to assume the operation of the VCS system.
Close

Yes. The purpose of the VCS system is to streamline processing of examination applications and identify training programs that meet BACB coursework requirements. As such, the VCS requirements will continue to mirror the BACB’s coursework requirements for BCBA and BCaBA examination eligibility.
Close

ABAI will begin accepting new and renewal VCS applications on January 1, 2019.
Close

VCS Coordinators will be contacted with the renewal due dates. All renewals will occur on our online application system. All institutional and course information is requested to be updated at the time of the renewal application.
Close

ABAI will assume the VCS system in its entirety, including the remainder of a sequence’s renewal period. All sequences will be required to maintain their status by completing the renewal process with ABAI beginning in 2019.
Close

This depends on your program. Please note that the BACB's new requirements go into effect January 1, 2022. Because the 5th edition examinations will not be available until 2022, the BACB will not be able to accept applications that meet the 2022 requirements before that time.
Close

Existing VCSs may use the BACB’s VCS logo until they renew with ABAI in 2019. Once verified by ABAI, a new logo will be issued.
Close

No. These systems were established for and maintain distinctly different functions. Although VCSs may apply for accreditation from ABAI, it will not be required.
Close

VCS Coordinators can pursue ABAI accreditation by submitting an eligibility request and completing a self-study after reviewing the ABAI Accreditation Board standards found on our website: accreditation.abainternational.org. Once eligibility for accreditation has been established, the self-study has been submitted, and accreditation fees have been paid, a team of Site Visitors will be assigned to visit the program to verify and collect additional information related to the Board's accreditation standards. Following the visit, the Site Visitors will compose a Site Visit Report and this report will be sent to the Program Administrator who will have an opportunity to respond. The Site Visit Report, Program Administrator Response, and any other relevant materials will then be sent to the ABAI Accreditation Board where a decision about the program's accreditation status will be made at the next scheduled Board meeting. Programs should plan for about a year between the submission of the self-study and a decision about accreditation.
Close

ABAI will begin implementing modest fees for all VCSs, new and renewing applications, beginning January 1, 2020, as follows:
Close