ABA (applied behavior analysis) therapy is an effective treatment approach that can greatly help individuals on the autism spectrum develop key personal and life skills. From developing communication and social skills to learning how to handle difficult behaviors effectively, ABA therapy is an evidence-based treatment that can help transform patients’ lives for the better.
Interested in learning more about ABA therapy and how to get certified in ABA therapy? Keep reading to find out how to get certified in ABA therapy below.
ABA Revolution offers leading ABA therapy in Illinois to help your child grow and reach their fullest potential. We understand that each child’s needs are unique. This is why we provide ABA therapy that uses a personalized approach to help your child feel safe and equipped with the skills they need to grow and thrive. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your child today.
3 Key Steps to Get Certified in ABA Therapy
Whether you are considering pursuing a career using ABA therapy or are interested in how others get certified, becoming an ABA therapist involves several requirements, from specific education and training requirements to certifications and more. Below are steps to know how to get certified in ABA therapy.
- Education
Education is a critical component of your path on how to get certified in ABA therapy. You must first get your bachelor’s degree. While there is no one set major you need to obtain, typically it is recommended to pursue a relevant major like special education, psychology, or really any major that focuses on behavior. Your undergraduate degree will help provide the framework for your knowledge base, and will help you as you go to pursue your graduate degree.
Once you’ve obtained your undergraduate degree, you’ll then need to obtain your graduate degree. You will need to complete a master’s degree in ABA. This is where you’ll learn more focused, specialized knowledge you can use in your career. A master’s degree in ABA therapy will not only consist of training in ABA therapy, but also can involve research and real-world practice.
- Experience
Next, once you’re on your way to obtaining the educational requirements to become an ABA therapist, you will also need to gain experience. As mentioned above, during your education, you will gain experience working in a clinical setting. Many programs require you to reach a set number of supervised clinical hours as part of your program’s requirements. Gaining real-world experience is crucial, as you’ll get hands-on experience interacting with patients and understanding how to best care for and help patients under the supervision of another licensed ABA therapist.
- Certifications
Finally, gaining proper licensing and certifications is another important part of how to get certified in ABA therapy. It’s important to know that license and certification requirements do vary depending on the state you plan to practice in. This includes that some states may not have certain requirements, while other states may require you to have specific certifications.
Therefore, depending on the state you plan to live and practice in as an ABA therapist, be sure to research your state’s specific requirements.
Help Is Available
Now you know more about how to get certified in ABA therapy. ABA therapy has a series of educational and training requirements involved to help equip students with the skillset to help effectively change a patient’s behavior. From helping to develop a patient’s communication skills, to working to change a negative behavior into a positive one, ABA therapy can be a rewarding path that helps patients improve their quality of life for the better.
At ABA Revolution, our team of compassionate ABA therapists is here to help your child receive the expert care they need to overcome challenges and grow. We offer a comprehensive treatment program so your child can develop essential skills they can use in the real world to thrive and improve their overall quality of life for the better. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in learning more about what it takes to get certified in ABA therapy, how long does it take to get ABA certified, and how hard is the ABA exam, if so– keep reading below!
What is ABA certified?
Becoming ABA certified involves individuals who have met a certain range of requirements and passed exams that prove their knowledge and experience surrounding ABA therapy. As you can see from the above, the process of becoming certified in ABA therapy can be considered extensive, as it requires years of studying and training. However, this amount of schooling and training equips you to be able to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom and effectively apply to your own patients.
How long does it take to get ABA certified?
While becoming ABA certified can vary by individual depending on the specific length of time it takes them to get through education and training, you can expect it to take about 4-6 years. During this time, you’ll be working on obtaining an undergraduate and then a graduate degree. Depending on how long it takes you to complete each can impact the length of time it takes to get ABA certified.
What skills do I need to be an ABA therapist?
Becoming an ABA therapist does require a significant amount of time and education upfront to become trained and certified. Therefore, it’s important to ensure you possess the skills and qualities essential to becoming an ABA therapist.
ABA therapists are compassionate and care about helping others. They are great at listening and observing their patients so they can help improve their behaviors. ABA therapists are also highly detailed and flexible. Flexibility and adaptability are other important skills, as patients will inevitably have varying needs, so it’s important that you can be adaptable and open to help each patient’s unique needs.
Communication is another important skill that you’ll need to have as an ABA therapist. This is because you’ll be talking with your patients and colleagues each day; therefore, it’s important to be both a great listener and communicator in this career.
Is the ABA certification hard?
While the ABA certification can be hard, it’s important to understand that a solid foundation of education, training, and experience can make the process easier. The exam involves you knowing important facts and answering other questions to assess your knowledge base. While the exam can be hard, this is subjective. With adequate time spent in education, training, and studying, these help prepare you to successfully gain your ABA certification.
