Benefits of BACB Certification for Universities in Europe : A Case Study from Sweden

Abstract

The endorsement of the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB) program by the European Association for Behaviour Analysis and the BACB’s accreditation by the National Council for Certifying Agencies of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence are important factors for professional development and identity from the perspective of European behaviour analysts. Countries within Europe have different ideological and philosophical assumptions concerning important conceptual and practical knowledge for professionals like licensed psychologists and special educators. The conceptual knowledge base in one country might differ from that of another country. Certification in behaviour analysis, however, would clearly indicate that an individual has knowledge and skills in applied behaviour analysis and can apply them in an ethical and accountable manner in practical settings, regardless of the country in which the individual was trained and the academic discipline in which the individual obtained degree or coursework. Thus BACB certification may promote collaboration among countries, and may come to serve as a tie that binds theory and practice across countries as well as disciplines