Making the Switch: 5th Edition vs 2027 Edition Programs

Monday, 12 Aug 2024 / Published in Blog posts

Making the Switch: 5th Edition vs 2027 Edition Programs

The BACB® certification standards will change in 2027. Over the next two years, universities will revise their training programs to ensure students qualify under the new standards. This blog outlines what these changes mean for prospective and current behavior analysis students.

BACB Standards Changes Summary

In their March 2022 Newsletter, the BACB announced upcoming changes to the certification standards. Certification standards describe the requirements necessary to qualify for the BACB exams. Although some refer to the new standards as the “6^th Edition Standards,” they are more accurately and appropriately termed the “2027 standards.” For more on the distinction between the Task List/Test Content Outline, the BACB Standards, and the naming conventions, see the blog Understanding the Split.

While the degree requirements and the number of hours of behavior-analytic content remain unchanged, the required structure of courses and the distribution of coursework hours across content hours will differ under the 2027 standards. Most notably, content must now be taught across six standalone courses covering the following areas:

Basic Principles of Behavior
Theory & Philosophy in ABA
Research Methods in Behavior Analysis
Assessment & Intervention
Organizational Behavior Management
Ethics in Behavior Analysis

Additionally, the Behavior Assessment and Behavior Change Procedures categories have been merged into a single category, Behavior Assessment & Intervention, with 15 fewer required hours. An extra 15 hours are now required in the new Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) category.

5^th ed. and 2027 Standards Summary Table

* The course must include content related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

What These Changes Mean for Prospective and Current Students

Due to the revised structure and distribution of content hours, students who complete 5^th ed. coursework and later need to apply under 2027 standards may require additional coursework. Specifically, they may need additional hours in Behavior Assessment & Intervention if these were not previously covered in two standalone courses. Additionally, because the hours in the OBM category have increased and these hours must be taught within a standalone course, most will need to complete a new OBM course.

Start Now or Wait?

Prospective students must decide whether to start a 5th edition program now or wait for a program aligned with the 2027 standards. This decision depends on individual circumstances. Below are questions students considering any program should consider. Those students deciding between 5^th Ed. and 2027 Ed. programs at Florida Tech ABA Online, see our related blog, The Florida Tech ABA Online Programs: 5th Edition vs. 2027 Edition.

Does the 5^th edition program also meet 2027 ed. requirements?
- If not, what additional coursework will be required to “bridge”?
Does the 2027 program meet 5^th ed. requirements if you finish early**?
- If not, can you wait until January 1, 2027, to apply?
When will the new program be released, and are you willing to wait?
When will the old program/courses cease to be offered, and can you complete them before they are retired?
How long will completing coursework/degree for the current 5th ed. program take? What about the new program?
- How long is the standard program?
- Can you complete the program on time, given the standard plan?
- Do you have any planned life events that may delay completion (e.g., pregnancy, vacations, breaks from coursework)?
- If any unplanned events occur, will you still have time to finish?
How long will it take to complete fieldwork?
If you pursue a 5^th ed. program, when will you be done with ALL requirements and be able to apply?
If you pursue a 2027 ed. program, when will you be done with ALL requirements and be able to apply?

**Note that meeting the 2027 standards does not ensure compliance with the 6th edition (2022) standards due to the change in content hours and required structure.

Answering these questions will help you determine the best course of action given your specific situation and preferred university. If you can complete all requirements and apply by December 31, 2026, you should choose a program that meets the 5th edition standards. However, if you anticipate needing to apply on or after January 1, 2027, select a program that meets the 2027 coursework standards. If you are unsure if you can meet the 5^th ed. standards deadline, the safest course of action is to seek a program that fulfills the new standards.

It’s important to note that regardless of whether a student qualifies for certification under the 5th or 2027 requirements, they will take the exam based on the 6th edition Task Content Outline until a newer version is released. The Test Content Outline and the certification standards now change independently.

Conclusion

Choosing a university program is a big decision, especially with the upcoming changes to BACB certification standards. Prospective and current students must carefully consider their options and timelines to ensure they meet the necessary standards for their desired certification path.