Frequently Asked Questions: OBM Specialist Certificate

How is the OBM Specialist Certificate different from the previous OBM Certificate? 

ABA Technologies created an OBM Certificate in 2016, which included prerequisite courses and a project-based course with instructor coaching. Over the years, we learned that students wanted more guided practice before applying OBM in their own workplace. While the previous certificate provided valuable content, it didn’t fully prepare students to implement OBM independently, as many only saw the tools in action during their final project.

Lessons learned from that version led to the development of the current OBM Specialist Certificate. This updated course is designed for a broader audience—behavior analysts with or without prior OBM training, as well as individuals without formal training in behavior analysis.

What is the OBM Specialist Certificate?

The OBM Specialist Certificate introduces learners to OBM methods and tools through a simulated project. This course no longer requires participants to be employed or to apply OBM in their current workplace in order to earn the certificate. Instead, students gain experience by following a case study and practicing with the tools using real-world scenarios.

The course includes a fillable PDF toolkit based on ABA Tech’s SPACE Model for applying OBM (Scope, Pinpoint, Assess, Change, Embed). This foundational course prepares students to understand and begin applying OBM in organizational settings.

When I complete OBM Certificate series, will I be certified in OBM? 

The OBM Specialist Certificate is a professional development certificate that is worth continuing education units for Behavior Analysts and related disciplines. Students can use the continuing education units earned in this certificate to maintain a professional certification that they already have from a certifying body, like the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). There is currently no certifying body that oversees training and certification specifically for OBM. Although there is growing recognition of ABA Tech’s OBM Certificate series as a meaningful credential, the program is not intended to offer a professional certification at this time. The term “certification” should be used by accredited programs that are designed to result in a professional certification. In the United States, programs that result in professional certification should be accredited by a recognized national or international accreditation body, like the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Here is some more information on this topic from the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA).

Are there any prerequisites?

No formal prerequisites are required. You do not need a BACB certification or a specific degree to enroll. The course includes an optional "Foundations" section covering the basics of behavior analysis and OBM for those new to the field or in need of a refresher.

Is a textbook required for this course? 

No textbook is required. All necessary materials are included. Students receive access to the interactive SPACE Model Toolkit when the course begins. A printed workbook is also available for those who prefer physical study aids, including study questions, glossaries, guided notes, and a print version of the toolkit.

How long does it take to complete? 

The OBM Specialist Certificate is fully online and self-paced within a set access window. The course is divided into five required modules featuring reading material, videos, knowledge checks, and discussions. Each module typically takes 2–3 hours to complete, though this can vary. Suggested due dates help pace the experience, but students may complete the course at their own speed before their access ends.

Who is the OBM Certificate for?

This course is ideal for:

• Behavior analysts (with or without OBM training)
• Professionals in clinical ABA roles
• Individuals with no formal behavior analysis training
• Those interested in applying OBM in their current workplace or transitioning to an OBM-related role

Students finish the course with a deeper understanding of how to apply OBM to real workplace challenges—from identifying opportunities to planning organizational improvements.

It’s also a valuable option for those working as consultants or aiming to assist clients with organizational development and performance improvement.

What kind of jobs do OBM-trained professionals hold?

OBM training opens doors to roles such as:

• Leadership Development Manager
• Organizational Development Practitioner
• Continuous Improvement Consultant
• Manager of Learning and Development
• Director of Operational Excellence
• Director of Safety Solutions
• Consultant / Senior Consultant
• Director of Talent Development

Do I need a BACB® certification to work in OBM?

No. While BACB certification is important for clinical applications of behavior analysis, it’s not currently required for OBM-focused roles. However, foundational training in behavior analysis is recommended to strengthen your understanding and effectiveness in OBM practice.