Top 10 Behavioral Interventionist Certifications

Certifications are important for a behavioral interventionist in the job market because they demonstrate an individual’s level of knowledge, experience, and qualifications. Employers often look for certified professionals when hiring individuals to work with those who have special needs or disabilities. Furthermore, certifications provide evidence that a behavioral interventionist has the necessary skills and qualifications to provide effective interventions. Certification also serves as a means of professional development, which can help an individual stay up-to-date on best practices and current trends in the field. Finally, certifications can give an individual a competitive edge in the job market as employers are more likely to hire those who have been certified by reputable organizations.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Behavioral Interventionists and explain how they can enhance their career prospects.

What are Behavioral Interventionist Certifications?

Behavioral interventionist certification is a type of credential that provides recognition for individuals who have completed specialized training in behavioral interventions. This type of certification is typically offered by professional organizations, such as the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have developed the necessary knowledge and skills to provide high-quality behavioral interventions.

Behavioral interventions are used to help people with disabilities or mental health conditions manage their behavior, improve their functioning in daily life, and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives. Certified behavioral interventionists are qualified to design and implement personalized treatment plans that address a wide range of challenging behaviors. These professionals use evidence-based strategies to develop effective plans for addressing problem behaviors, teaching desirable behaviors, and improving overall quality of life.

Having a certification in behavioral interventions can help individuals obtain jobs in the field or advance their career. It also shows employers that an individual has achieved a certain level of expertise in this field and has the knowledge necessary to provide effective services. Additionally, certified professionals may also be eligible for higher salaries than those without the credential. In addition to helping individuals find employment or advance their careers, having a certification can lead to greater public recognition of their work, which can be beneficial when advocating for clients’ needs or promoting changes on behalf of the profession.

Pro Tip: When considering a behavioral interventionist certification program, look for one that is accredited by an organization with a good reputation in the field. This will help ensure you are receiving quality training and will be more likely to receive recognition for your certification.

Related: What does a Behavioral Interventionist do?

Top 10 Behavioral Interventionist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Behavioral Interventionists today.

1. Certified Behavioral Interventionist (CBI)

A Certified Behavioral Interventionist (CBI) is a professional who specializes in providing evidence-based interventions for individuals with behavioral challenges. CBIs use a variety of strategies, including positive reinforcement, problem solving, and behavior modification, to help people reduce or eliminate problematic behaviors. They also provide support and guidance to families and caregivers.

It typically takes about six months to complete the requirements for becoming a Certified Behavioral Interventionist (CBI). This includes completing an approved training program, passing an exam, and obtaining supervised experience in the field. The cost of the training program varies depending on the provider.

To become a CBI, you must first complete an approved training program. These programs are offered by universities, colleges, and other accredited organizations. Once you have completed the training program, you will need to pass an exam administered by your state's licensing board or another recognized organization. After passing the exam, you will need to obtain supervised experience in the field before being certified as a CBI.

The cost of becoming a CBI varies depending on which training program you choose. Generally speaking, most programs range from $1,000-$3,000 USD.

2. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certification

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in the field of behavior analysis. It is awarded by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), an independent, nonprofit organization that sets standards for the practice of behavior analysis. ABA certification requires a combination of education and supervised experience in the field, as well as successful completion of an examination.

To become certified, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree and complete coursework in certain areas such as ethics, principles of behavior, and research design. They must also have completed 1,500 hours of supervised experience working with individuals with behavioral issues. This experience can be obtained through practicum courses or internships.

The BACB exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions and must be taken at an approved testing center. The cost to take the exam is $200 USD. Once the exam has been passed, applicants will receive their certification within 6 weeks.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must pay an annual fee to maintain their certification status which ranges from $50-$100 USD depending on when they were certified.

3. Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a professional certification in the field of behavior analysis. BCBAs are qualified to design, implement, and evaluate behavior-change programs for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, and other challenges. The BCBA credential is awarded by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), an independent organization that sets standards for the practice of applied behavior analysis.

In order to become a BCBA, an individual must have a master’s degree or higher in psychology, education, or a related field from an accredited college or university; complete at least 1,500 hours of supervised experience in applied behavior analysis; and pass the BACB's certification exam.

The process of becoming certified as a BCBA typically takes two to three years. During this time, individuals must complete their master's degree program, gain supervised experience in applied behavior analysis, and prepare for the BACB certification exam.

The cost of becoming certified as a BCBA varies depending on factors such as tuition costs for your master's program and the cost of study materials for the BACB certification exam. In general, it can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 to become certified as a BCBA.

4. Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a certification for professionals who work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. This certification provides a foundation of knowledge and skills to support the implementation of evidence-based practices in applied behavior analysis (ABA). The RBT credential is designed to meet the growing demand for well-trained paraprofessionals in ABA settings.

The RBT credential requires an individual to complete a 40-hour training course, pass an exam, and demonstrate competency in certain areas of practice. The training course must be approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Once the training is completed, applicants must take an online exam that covers topics such as ethical principles, behavior assessment, intervention planning, data collection and graphing, and professionalism. The exam costs $50 USD.

Upon passing the exam, applicants must also demonstrate competency in certain areas of practice by completing a supervised experience under the direction of a qualified supervisor. Depending on the type of supervision received, this can range from 6 to 24 hours. After completing all requirements, applicants are eligible to become registered behavior technicians with the BACB.

In total, it takes approximately 6 weeks or more to become certified as an RBT depending on how quickly you can complete all requirements. The cost of becoming certified as an RBT varies depending on where you take your training course and how much you pay for your supervised experience; however it typically ranges from $400-$600 USD.

5. Positive Behavior Support Professional (PBSP)

Positive Behavior Support Professional (PBSP) is a professional certification for those who work with individuals with challenging behavior. PBSP professionals are trained to use evidence-based practices to reduce problem behaviors and increase positive behaviors in individuals. This includes understanding the function of behavior, developing individualized intervention plans, and providing training and support to families and caregivers.

It typically takes about two years to complete the requirements for the PBSP certification. Applicants must have a master’s degree or higher in psychology, social work, counseling, special education, or a related field; at least two years of experience working with individuals with challenging behavior; and they must pass an exam administered by the National Association of Positive Behavior Support (NAPBS).

To get certified as a Positive Behavior Support Professional, applicants must submit an application to NAPBS along with their educational transcripts and proof of experience. The cost of the application fee is $150. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be required to take part in an online training course that covers topics such as functional assessment, behavior analysis, positive behavior support strategies, data collection and analysis techniques, implementation of interventions and evaluation procedures. The cost for the online training is $400 plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam.

Upon successful completion of both parts of the certification process (application submission and exam), applicants will receive their official Positive Behavior Support Professional certificate from NAPBS.

6. Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate Program

The Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate Program is a comprehensive program designed to help professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This program provides evidence-based strategies and interventions that can be used in a variety of settings. It covers topics such as understanding ASD, developing individualized supports, communication, behavior management, social skills development, and more.

The program consists of four courses: Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders, Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Social Skills Development for Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Transition Planning for Individuals with ASD. Each course takes approximately 30 hours to complete and includes readings, videos, interactive activities, discussions boards/forums, quizzes/assessments and a final exam.

To get the certificate you must complete all four courses with a passing grade on each final exam. Upon successful completion of the program you will receive an official certificate from the University of Massachusetts Medical School Center for Professional Education.

The cost of the program is $1125 USD.

7. National Association of Professional Behavioral Analysts (NAPBA) Certification

The National Association of Professional Behavioral Analysts (NAPBA) Certification is a professional certification program for individuals who work in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of ABA professionals. The NAPBA certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of ethical practice in ABA.

To obtain the NAPBA Certification, individuals must meet certain criteria and pass an examination. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have a minimum of a master’s degree in behavior analysis or related field, as well as two years of supervised experience in ABA. Applicants must also complete 30 hours of continuing education credits within the past three years.

The NAPBA exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as ethics, assessment, intervention design and implementation, data collection and analysis, supervision and consultation, professional development and research. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at any Prometric testing center worldwide.

The cost to take the NAPBA certification exam is $395 USD for members of NAPBA ($495 USD for non-members). After passing the exam, there is an annual fee of $125 USD to maintain your certification status.

8. Certified Autism Specialist (CAS)

A Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) is a professional who specializes in providing comprehensive services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families. The CAS credential is awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in autism-related fields.

To obtain the CAS credential, applicants must complete a rigorous training program that includes both online and in-person components. The program consists of three courses: Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Autism Interventions. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time, for a total of 120 hours. Upon successful completion of the program, applicants are eligible to take the final exam for certification.

The cost of the CAS training program varies depending on the provider; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

9. Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Certification

Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Certification is a certification program designed to provide professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage disruptive and assaultive behavior. The program focuses on de-escalation techniques, verbal intervention, physical restraint, and other strategies for preventing or resolving crisis situations.

The CPI Certification Program consists of three components: an online course, a hands-on workshop, and a written exam. The online course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and covers topics such as understanding behavior, recognizing warning signs of potential crisis situations, effective communication techniques, and legal considerations. The hands-on workshop is an 8-hour class that provides practice in using CPI’s Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® strategies in simulated scenarios. Finally, the written exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions that assess knowledge from the online course and hands-on workshop.

To become certified in CPI’s Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® program, individuals must successfully complete all three components of the certification program within one year of enrolling. Upon successful completion of all three components, individuals will receive their CPI Certification card which is valid for two years.

The cost for the CPI Certification Program varies depending on location but typically ranges from $250-$400 USD.

10. Trauma-Informed Care Certificate

Trauma-Informed Care Certificate is a professional certification that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to provide trauma-informed care. This certificate program is designed to teach participants how to recognize, assess, and respond to the needs of individuals who have experienced trauma. The program focuses on understanding the impact of trauma on an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as providing appropriate interventions for those affected by trauma.

The Trauma-Informed Care Certificate program usually takes around 8 weeks to complete. During this time, students will learn about the different types of trauma, how it affects people’s lives, and how to create a safe and supportive environment for those affected by it. Students will also gain an understanding of the importance of self-care when working with individuals who have experienced trauma.

To get the Trauma-Informed Care Certificate, you must first complete all course requirements. This includes attending classes or completing online courses in topics such as: understanding traumatic stress; recognizing signs and symptoms of traumatic stress; developing effective interventions; creating a safe environment; and assessing risk factors for re-traumatization. After completing all course requirements, students must pass an exam in order to receive their certificate.

The cost of the Trauma-Informed Care Certificate varies depending on which institution you choose to take your courses from. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere between $500-$2,000 for this certification program.

Do You Really Need a Behavioral Interventionist Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a behavioral interventionist certificate in order to practice as a behavioral interventionist. However, having a certificate can be beneficial in a variety of ways.

Having a certificate demonstrates that you have taken the time and effort to learn the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively perform your job duties. It also shows that you have gone through an official training program or class and have been certified by an organization or institution. This can provide employers with added confidence in your abilities and qualifications. Additionally, having a certificate may give you an edge over other applicants when it comes to job opportunities.

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to obtaining a certificate as well. For one, it can be expensive and time consuming to acquire one depending on the type of certification you are looking for. Additionally, there is also no guarantee that having a certificate will lead to better employment opportunities or higher pay rates. Ultimately, whether or not you should get a behavioral interventionist certificate depends on your individual situation and goals.

Related: Behavioral Interventionist Resume Examples

FAQs About Behavioral Interventionist Certifications

Q1: What is a behavioral interventionist certification?

A1: A behavioral interventionist certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in providing evidence-based interventions for individuals with mental health and/or developmental disabilities. It is typically obtained through an approved program or training course and requires passing of both a written and hands-on skills assessment.

Q2: How do I become certified as a behavioral interventionist?

A2: To become certified as a behavioral interventionist, you must first complete an approved program or training course. This usually involves completing coursework in psychology, human development, and behavior analysis. You must then pass both the written and hands-on skills assessments to receive your certification.

Q3: What are the benefits of becoming a certified behavioral interventionist?

A3: Becoming certified as a behavioral interventionist can open up many career opportunities that require specialized knowledge and skills related to providing evidence-based interventions and support for individuals with mental health and/or developmental disabilities. Certification also serves to demonstrate your commitment to professional excellence in this field, which can lead to more job opportunities and higher pay rates.

Q4: What type of job roles are available for certified behavioral interventionists?

A4: Certified behavioral interventionists may work in various settings such as schools, healthcare facilities, residential centers, outpatient clinics, or private practice settings. They typically provide direct care services such as developing behavior plans, conducting assessments, implementing interventions, providing crisis management services, monitoring progress towards treatment goals, collaborating with other professionals on treatment plans, advocating for clients’ rights within the legal system, and more.

Q5: How long does it take to become certified as a behavioral interventionist?

A5: The length of time it takes to become certified depends on the specific program or training course you select. Generally speaking though, most programs range from six months to two years in duration depending on the amount of credit hours required for completion.