Association for Behavior Analysis International

Tiered Model of Education Application

Overview

All programs, regardless of location, are evaluated according to the same standards with considerable flexibility as to specific course content and the manner in which research and practical training are handled, the structure of the program, and with regard for applicable laws, regulations, and cultural environments.

Process

The application and review processes are largely comprised of four main steps:

• Eligibility: The first step in the process is to determine eligibility and notify ABAI of the intention to apply for recognition. Program administrators should carefully review the Tiered Model of Education standards and information. If they believe their program meets requirements, they should submit a formal eligibility request to ABAI.

• Apply: Programs must submit a thorough and complete application (materials and standards) to ABAI and pay the application fee. ABAI staff will check in the application for completeness and then ABAI will provide information about the review process. The review process places great emphasis on the outcomes or products of the program’s training efforts. The review also evaluates the program’s resources and processes. Consistent with this approach, the guidelines and principles identify and describe general domains that are considered important to the success of any training program in behavior analysis. For each standard area and domain, programs are expected to document their records of achievement, and must provide narrative responses and statistical data to complete the application.

• Review: Each application will undergo a peer-review process from qualified, external reviewers. This review process includes a full review of the application and materials, a videoconference meeting between reviewers and the applying program, completion of a report by the reviewers, and a follow-up response from the applying program. 

• Committee Decision: Following the review process, the ABAI Recognition Committee will review the application, materials, review report, and program’s response to make a fair and informed decision about the program’s application.

Additional resources and materials about the review process are available in the documents section of the website. 

Application Requirements

If the program is deemed eligible to apply for recognition, the program coordinator will receive notification and access to the online application system. The online application system permits the program coordinator to complete sections, saving and returning to it as needed. The application must be completed in its entirety, submitted, and the application fee paid, before ABAI will review it. To help programs prepare for the application, we provide access to all the standards which outline requested information. Programs may not email components or application materials to ABAI. The online application system specifies where to upload relevant files and submit data.

All standards, and component standards which outline request information, are available for download. Programs can prepare their responses and data by accessing the information. Programs may not email components or application materials to ABAI. The online application system specifies where to upload relevant files and submit data. See the 'documents' section for more information and templates.

Application Instructions

1. Determine eligibility: As described above, email ABAI with a letter of intent indicating the program is eligible to apply. 
2. Review standards: Access materials to assess program performance with standards and prepare for the online application system.
3. Prepare information: Gather requested program data and prepare narrative responses in the templates provided (on the 'documents' page and in the online application system). Programs needing careful consideration (e.g., unique arrangements, large student enrollment, consortium, etc.) should contact the Education Department for guidance. 
4. Complete application. 
1. Enter institution information directly into online application.
2. Upload completed templates with narrative responses. 
3. Enter statistical data directly into online application.
4. Upload specified documentation as attachments directly into online application. 
5. Pay application fee.
6. Receive receipt of application submission and payment from ABAI within one week of submission.