Assessing Growth of BACB Certificants (1999-2019)

Perspect Behav Sci. 2023 Apr 20;47(1):251-282. doi: 10.1007/s40614-023-00370-5. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Abstract

Geographic distribution patterns of board certified behavior analysts may be useful in analyzing the growth of the field. First, we present an international snapshot of Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) certificants, then analyze relative growth rates between countries from 1999 to 2019. This is followed by an in depth review of certificant distribution patterns in the United States and Canada, as well as the ratios of experienced behavior analysts to new certificants. These data highlight regions with a potential deficit of qualified supervisors. There are factors that influence different dispersal patterns, and without drilling deeper into the data we may be unable to effectively identify or influence them in order meet the specific needs of a geographic region.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40614-023-00370-5.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; BACB certification; Big data; Cultural diversity; Legislative reform; Policy analysis; Supervision.