Frequently Asked Questions

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding and changing behavior. It's one of the most studied approaches for autism, and it's used to teach communication, social, self-care, daily living, and academic skills while reducing behaviors that interfere with learning.

The evidence is stronger for teaching specific skills than for long-term outcomes into adulthood. The American Academy of Pediatrics' 2020 clinical report describes an increasing evidence base for behavioral interventions and calls for shared decision making with families. ABA isn't a cure, and a good provider will talk with you about goals rather than promise outcomes.

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a graduate-level professional trained in behavior analysis. BCBAs assess behavior, design and oversee ABA programs, train and supervise RBTs and other therapists, and work directly with individuals with autism and other developmental differences. BCBAs are certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

A BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) is a graduate-level clinician who designs, oversees, and directs ABA programs. An RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) is a paraprofessional who implements ABA programs under the direct supervision of a BCBA. RBTs work one-on-one with clients and carry out the treatment plans created by BCBAs.

No. While ABA is most commonly associated with autism, it is applied across a wide range of populations and settings. ABA principles are used in education, organizational behavior management, sports performance, substance use treatment, acquired brain injury rehabilitation, and more. Any situation involving behavior change and skill development can benefit from ABA approaches.

BCBAs must earn 32 CEUs per two-year maintenance cycle, including 4 ethics CEUs. BCBAs who provided supervision must meet the applicable supervision requirement: 3 CEUs for recertification before January 1, 2027, and 4 for recertification on or after January 1, 2027. Check your recertification date and the current BACB requirements; buying a library alone does not establish individual renewal coverage.

Special Learning is a BACB Authorized Continuing Education Provider (OP-14-2437). Check the specific event’s current CE designation, hours and participation requirements. Provider authorization does not mean BACB endorses or approves individual event content, and a library purchase alone does not establish eligibility for every credential.

Effective July 1, 2026, the BACB ACE Provider standard adds participation monitoring to self-paced (asynchronous) CE: providers must monitor participation in each event. The handbook’s example measure is at least three knowledge-assessment questions per CEU, or another form of required active responding. This is a provider-side requirement and does not change your CEU count, renewal cycle, or deadline. Special Learning CE already includes embedded assessment, so there is nothing you need to do differently.

Whether a CE activity counts depends on the BACB’s current requirements and the event’s designation. Check the BACB’s current requirements and the event’s CE designation before purchase.

The Video CE Library carries 32.5 CE-eligible hours, including 4 Ethics and 3.5 Supervision CEUs, for $199 with 12 months of access. Other libraries have their own content and credit designations; check the product you plan to buy. BCBAs who provided supervision need 3 Supervision CEUs for recertification before January 1, 2027, and 4 for recertification on or after January 1, 2027.

RBTs must complete 12 PDUs per 2-year certification maintenance cycle, earned through one or more of the three approved pathways: ACE provider training, in-service training from a qualified supervisor (BCaBA/BCBA/BCBA-D), or university coursework.

After you become newly certified or recertify in 2026, you earn 12 PDUs in your two-year cycle through one or more approved pathways. Your first deadline is two years after your own 2026 date, in 2028; current RBTs do not recertify in 2027. Effective July 1, 2026, the BACB ACE Provider standard adds participation monitoring to self-paced CE (embedded knowledge-assessment questions); this is provider-side and does not change your PDU count or deadline. Special Learning CE already includes embedded assessment. See the RBT PDU guide →

A course must be specifically designated as RBT professional development to count toward RBT PDUs. Special Learning is a BACB ACE Provider (OP-14-2437), but provider authorization alone does not make every course PDU-eligible. Our CE Library courses carry CE for BCBAs and BCaBAs and do not count as RBT PDUs. Our dedicated RBT Professional Development Library is in development; check the event designation and required completion documentation before counting any course.

For initial RBT certification, choose 40-hour training that meets the BACB’s current requirements and identifies the qualified Responsible Trainer. The training is offered independently of the BACB. Review the BACB’s RBT 2026 40-Hour Training Requirements and Curriculum Outline before enrolling.

The Video CE Library is $199 for 12 months of access and carries 32.5 CE-eligible hours, including Ethics and Supervision. Check the event details and your own recertification requirements. The All Access Library is $299 for 12 months of access to its included training. Check its current content and each session’s credit designation before buying. A library purchase alone does not establish renewal coverage for every credential.

Check the product page and your account for the access period of your purchase. The Video CE Library and All Access Library offer 12 months of access. Your earned certificates and course access are different records; contact support if you cannot find an earned certificate.

Yes. Team volume discount available on request. Contact us for a quote →

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