Assessing Growth of BACB Certificants (1999-2019)

Area of Science:

• Behavior Analysis
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Professional Development

Background:

• Analyzing the geographic distribution of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) offers insights into the field's expansion.
• Understanding dispersal patterns is key to addressing workforce needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an international overview of Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) certificants.
• To analyze growth rates of BCBAs in different countries from 1999 to 2019.
• To examine the distribution of BCBAs in the US and Canada and the ratio of experienced to new certificants.

Main Methods:

• International data collection on BACB certificants.
• Comparative analysis of growth rates between countries (1999-2019).
• Detailed review of certificant distribution and experience ratios within the US and Canada.

Main Results:

• Identified international distribution patterns of BACB certificants.
• Documented relative growth rates of the field across countries.
• Highlighted potential deficits in qualified supervisors in certain regions based on certificant ratios.

Conclusions:

• Geographic distribution data are vital for understanding and managing the growth of behavior analysis.
• Further investigation into factors influencing dispersal patterns is needed to effectively address regional workforce requirements.
• Identifying regions with supervisor deficits is critical for strategic planning and resource allocation.