Frequently Asked Questions

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding and changing behavior. It is the most evidence-based intervention available for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is used to teach communication, social, self-care, daily living, and academic skills while reducing behaviors that interfere with learning.

ABA is endorsed by the US Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association. It has been studied for over 50 years and is the standard of care recommended by most major health and insurance bodies.

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 during each 2-year certification maintenance cycle. The 32 CEUs must include at least 4 CEUs in Ethics and at least 3 CEUs in Supervision. Special Learning's CE Libraries are built to fulfill the complete 32-CEU requirement in one purchase.

Yes. Special Learning is a BACB Authorized Continuing Education (ACE) provider, ACE Provider #OP-14-2437. All CE Library courses count toward BCBA and BCaBA certification maintenance.

Effective July 1, 2026, the BACB ACE Provider standard adds participation monitoring to self-paced (asynchronous) CE: providers must embed knowledge-assessment questions (at least three per CEU) within each event. 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.

CEUs from a BACB ACE Provider must be from an ACE provider or from university coursework in behavior analysis or a closely related field. The BACB has specific rules about what topics count. Special Learning courses are all behavior analysis content approved through the ACE provider program, they clearly qualify.

Yes. Each Special Learning CE Library delivers exactly 32 CEUs, including the required 4 Ethics and 3.5 Supervision hours, fulfilling your complete BCBA 2-year renewal requirement in a single $199/year purchase.

RBTs must complete 12 PDUs per 2-year certification maintenance cycle, earned through at least 2 of 3 approved pathways: ACE provider training, in-service training from a qualified supervisor (BCaBA/BCBA/BCBA-D), or university coursework.

For 2027 renewal: 12 PDUs per 2-year cycle, across at least 2 pathways. 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 complete 2027 RBT PDU guide →

Yes. Special Learning is an ACE provider (#OP-14-2437). All SL courses feature qualified BCBA-level instructors, meeting the PDU pathway 1 (ACE provider training) requirements. You receive completion certificates for your PDU documentation records.

The complete 40-hour BACB-structured RBT initial training is offered through our partner Dan Dube at ABA Growth Team. Visit abagrowthteam.com (partner link — Special Learning may earn a commission at no extra cost to you) for the current course offering.

CE Library ($199/yr): A curated set of 15-20 courses delivering exactly 32 CEUs including all required Ethics and Supervision hours. One-time purchase per topic area. Best for BCBAs who want their full renewal cycle covered in one straightforward purchase.

All Access ($299/yr or $49/mo): Unlimited access to 200+ hours of content across all SL libraries. Maximum flexibility to choose your own courses. Ideal for BCBAs who want variety, RBTs building PDUs, or organizations with multiple staff to train. This is the renewal-ready subscription product.

CE Libraries and All Access both include 12-month access from the date of purchase. Your completion certificates remain accessible in your account indefinitely for BACB reporting purposes.

Yes. All Access volume pricing: 5 seats ($249/seat/yr), 10 seats ($219/seat/yr), 25 seats ($199/seat/yr), 50+ seats (custom). Contact us for a quote →

Yes. All Special Learning courses are fully accessible on desktop, tablet, and mobile. Complete your CEUs or PDUs on your schedule, from any device, anywhere in the world.