BACB Runs into Trouble

This is a quick post for practitioners of applied behavior analysis. This post is made in the interests of transparency and public awareness.

Don't automatically assume that the organization that issues your ABA credential always uses good judgment or engages in best practices. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies concluded on November 22, 2017, that the Behavior Analyst Certification Board has violated standards with which the BACB must comply in order to maintain its accreditation. Specifically, the BACB did not maintain a true consumer advocate on its board of directors, as required by NCCA Standard 2D. Accordingly, the NCCA has forced the resignation of Dianna Varady from the BACB Board. In addition, the NCCA also found that the BACB violated NCCA Standard 7 when the BACB failed to "promote fairness to applicants, candidates, and certificants."

The BACB has promised to take remedial action in order to maintain its accreditation.

Human beings don't automatically check their private ambition and personal self-interest when they occupy positions of public trust. It's always a good idea to watch the watchers and to demand accountability and transparency from those in positions of leadership.