Becoming an Instructor Therapist in Ontario

The role

Under the Ontario Autism Program, "ABA services must be delivered and/or supervised by a behaviour analyst, psychologist or psychological associate" who is registered and in good standing with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO). Instructor therapists are part of the team that delivers that work day to day.

CPBAO says supervised practitioners "will continue to be able to provide ABA services under the supervision of a registrant of the College", and that they can't use titles that could mislead the public. Beyond that, each employer sets its own requirements for the job.

What employers ask for

Requirements vary from one employer to the next, so read each posting. As one example, Toronto IBI's employment page asks candidates for:

• a college diploma or university degree in a related field;
• experience working with young children with autism or another developmental disorder;
• "Experience implementing ABA teaching methodologies or previous experience as an instructor therapist";
• a vulnerable sector background check;
• willingness to take part in ongoing training.

It adds that an "ABA / Autism related Diploma / Certificate is a definite asset." (Toronto IBI, read November 2, 2026.)

Ways to learn ABA

A college program. Ontario colleges offer formal programs. For example, Lambton College's Autism & Behavioural Science program is a one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate with asynchronous online coursework and a placement. Lambton says its graduates "qualify for employment as instructor therapists with regional providers of the Ontario Autism program". Its listed 2026-2027 Year 1 fees are $4,571.46, before books, supplies and living costs, and fees are subject to change (Lambton College, read November 2, 2026).

Your employer's training. Ask each employer what training it provides. Toronto IBI, for example, lists willingness to take part in ongoing training among its requirements.

A short self-paced course. If you want to learn the basic methods before you apply, or before your first day, a short online course is a low-cost way to start. It doesn't replace a college credential or your employer's training, and whether an employer counts it is up to that employer.