Step 1
Coursework
Take the QABA-approved online curriculum at your own pace. It consists of video lectures, readings, and quizzes, and all of your learning records accumulate automatically.
Certification Roadmap
QBA · QASP-S · ABAT Certification Roadmap
Compare the three QABA credentials at a glance and follow the standard path to certification: coursework, fieldwork, supervision, and the exam.
QBA vs QASP-S vs ABAT — Which credential is right for you?
| Item | QBA | QASP-S | ABAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Role | Mastery supervisor (program design & oversight) | Intermediate supervisor (implementation & training) | Direct therapy (1:1 intervention) |
| Eligibility | Master's or higher | Bachelor's or higher | High school or higher |
| Coursework | 270 hours | 188 hours | 40 hours |
| Fieldwork | 2,000 hours | 1,000 hours | 15 hours |
| Supervision | 100 hours | 50 hours | 1.5 hours |
| CBT Exam(computer-based test) | Required (all three credentials) | ||
QBA, QASP-S, ABAT — how do the three credentials differ?
QABA operates a three-tier professional system for autism spectrum and developmental disability intervention. Each credential differs in its role and scope of responsibility.
- ABAT — An entry-level practitioner who delivers direct therapy. ABATs cannot design treatment plans on their own and carry out 1:1 intervention under the supervision of a higher credential (QASP-S or QBA).
- QASP-S — An intermediate-level professional who, drawing on extensive field experience, guides ABATs and monitors goal attainment. QASP-S holders can also train staff and families.
- QBA — A mastery-level professional who designs and evaluates programs and supervises the entire treatment team, including ABATs and QASP-S holders. QBAs can practice independently once credentialed.
Choose the credential that matches your education and target role. If you're unsure which one fits, reach out via our KakaoTalk channel for a consultation.
How to get certified
- Step 2
Fieldwork (practicum) + Supervision
Fieldwork and supervision are not separate stages — they run over the same period. You get matched 1:1 with a qualified supervisor and accrue fieldwork hours through direct activities (face-to-face intervention) and indirect activities (data analysis, program design, reports, etc.), while regular case reviews build your clinical skills. QABA requires a balance of indirect ≥ 60% and direct ≤ 40%, and SAAT auto-tallies your hours and paperwork.
- Step 3
Apply (exam eligibility)
After completing coursework and supervision, you submit an exam-eligibility application to QABA. You'll need documents such as fieldwork-hour records and a supervisor recommendation, and SpectrumHub guides you through the process. (The credential is awarded after you pass the exam.)
- Step 4
Exam
Sit the QABA-approved computer-based test (CBT) to earn your credential. SpectrumHub provides mock exams and its own study materials for exam prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coursework, supervision, and the exam fee arise in stages. Enrolling all at once through a cohort package costs less than the sum of individual items, and scholarship benefits are available for selected applicants. For exact pricing, we'll guide you in a 1:1 consultation.
On a cohort schedule it averages 9–12 months. You complete coursework at your own pace while accumulating supervision hours to qualify for the exam. Timelines can be adjusted to your schedule and clinical setting.
They are academically grounded behavior-analysis exams, but with systematic coursework and mock exams they are well within reach. Our AI learning-management system's weakness analysis helps you prepare efficiently.