ABA as a Career

What is ABA?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a highly individualized form of behavioral therapy. ABA services are commonly prescribed for many children and adults diagnosed with autism. 

ABA is delivered in a tiered service-delivery model in which the behavior analyst (e.g., a Board Certified Behavior Analyst®, or BCBA®) designs and supervises a treatment program provided by assistant behavior analysts (e.g., Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts®) and technicians (e.g., Registered Behavior Technicians® or RBTs). When delivered by qualified ABA providers, ABA has been proven to help autistic individuals gain new skills and reduce behaviors that negatively impact their quality of life. 

For additional information, please see overviews of ABA from Psychology Today, and Autism Speaks.

Facts about ABA for consumers

Facts about ABA for professionals

There is a growing need for qualified ABA providers.

The diagnosed prevalence of autism in school-age children has steadily climbed over the past several decades. The CDC reports that 1 in 36 8-year-olds were diagnosed with autism in 2020. Unfortunately, there is currently an insufficient number of well-trained ABA service providers to meet the growing need for services, particularly at the technician level.

An example of the tiered service-delivery model of ABA (CASP 2014)

Are you interested in exploring a career in ABA?

What is required to become an RBT?

The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a paraprofessional certification issued by Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). For a detailed description of the eligibility and training requirements for obtaining and maintaining RBT certification, please see the RBT Handbook on the BACB website.

Steps to Becoming an RBT

©Behavior Analyst Certification Board®. All rights reserved. Reprinted and/or displayed by permission granted in 2023. The most current version of this document is available at www.BACB.com. Contact the BACB for permission to reprint and/or display this material. 

How much do RBTs earn?
How can I learn more about other credentials issued by the BACB?

For more information about the BACB and other credentials offered in ABA, please visit https://www.bacb.com/.