Coursework Overview

Coursework to prepare for the ABAT, QASP-S, or QBA exam is intended to provide a foundation of knowledge to not only pass the exam, but to prepare the professional/paraprofessional with information to utilize in treatment development and implementation.

QABA Coursework Approved Providers

QABA approved providers are individuals or organizations that have been approved to offer coursework in accordance with the guidelines outlined in this manual. Only approved providers can use the QABA coursework provider logo. The content of the coursework must be designed by a professional who has been QABA certified, or certified by an accredited certifying entity, for a minimum of 2 (two) years. For organizations, you must designate a Provider Point of Contact (PPOC) who is the liaison between QABA and your organization.

Application guidelines:

Methods of Instruction

The required coursework for the ABAT is 40 hours of instruction/training. The QASP-S requires 188 hours, including supervision training. The required coursework for the QBA is 270 hours of instruction. Providers may combine several methods of instruction, such as live seminars and workshops, on-line training modules, and small group training sessions. It is vital that the standards that have been set for each certificate be reviewed by the designer of the curriculum. These standards reflect the range and skills for success in the field, as well as the statistical weighting of each topic are related to how many questions on the exam. These standards with suggested hours of training are a guideline on how much time to spend on each topic.

Certificates of Completion

A certificate of completion serves as proof of attendance for participants in coursework. Providers are required to supply certificates of completion to participants upon request within 10 business days of course completion.

A certificate of completion must contain the following:

• Participants name
• Display the official QABA approved coursework provider logo
• Course title: ABAT, QASP-S, or QBA coursework
• Date(s) of attendance
• Printed name of the provider and their assigned QABA provider number (received once approved)
• Signature of presenter (can be a scanned signature)
• Number of hours completed

Record Keeping and Document Retention

QABA approved providers must keep active files and records of all approved courses and participant attendance information for a minimum of three years from the date of course registration. All completion certificates for all components of the 40, 188, or 270 approved coursework should be maintained. Providers should allow participants the ability to request additional copies of attendance during those 3 years.

Course administration items that must be kept on file by the provider include:

• Attendance records or online logs
• Certificates of completion for all components of the curriculum with the number of hours completed
• Curriculum designer information, including contact information, copy of certificate/license
• Exam and competency checklists. Providers should determine passing standards

QABA Coursework Provider Logo Usage

Current Approved Providers are authorized to use the logo to advertise their organizations as “QABA Approved Coursework Provider.” Only currently approved QABA providers are authorized to use this logo.

Approved providers shall use the QABA coursework provider logo on their website. Permission to use the QABA logo may be terminated by QABA for any breach of QABA policies, procedures or terms. The QABA coursework provider logo is the only logo that providers are authorized to use, and may not be manipulated in any way except for resizing purposes.

Coursework Provider Policies

1. Organizations shall delegate a PPOC who is responsible for editing provider profiles, updating accounts, and registering coursework. PPOCs will have access to the provider manual, certificate template, tools, and resources.
2. Providers are responsible for all materials, design, certificates, updated and current provider profiles, updating accounts, policy changes, and registering courses.
3. Providers shall keep active files and records of all approved courses and participant attendance for a minimum of three (3) years from the date of course registration.
4. Providers shall ensure that courses meet the ABAT/40-hour, QASP-S/188-hour, or QBA/270-hour requirement.
5. Providers shall provide a certificate of completion to participants who pass an exam or competency check.
6. Educational content must be free of endorsements, bias, marketing, or sales orientation. All required identifying information must be included.
7. Providers shall use the QABA coursework provider logo on their website in accordance with QABA's branding policies. The logo:
   • may not be altered;
   • is only permitted for use while the entity remains an approved provider;
   • is not transferable;
   • must be removed immediately if the provider withdraws, fails to renew, or violates QABA policies;
   • may be revoked by QABA at any time due to violations.
8. Providers shall make course certificates of completion available upon request within ten (10) business days of course completion.
9. Providers/PPOCs must participate in annual audits and submit all requested documents within ten (10) days of request.
10. Providers shall maintain accurate and truthful course records, including attendance, timing, assessments, and completion data for a minimum of three (3) years.
11. Providers are responsible for ensuring all coursework delivery adheres to QABA’s standards, policies, and requirements.
12. Providers must notify QABA of any substantial curriculum changes before implementing them.
13. Providers must maintain secure systems for managing student data, coursework materials, and certificates.

Coursework Provider Ethics

Providers shall:

1. Not discriminate in the delivery of coursework on the basis of race or ethnicity, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.
2. Not misrepresent their credentials, nor the credentials of their assistants or administrative personnel.
3. Reference all sources when using other providers’ ideas, courses, or materials.
4. Adhere to prevailing professional standards when referencing other organizations and products.
5. Not demean any other provider or manufacturer through advertising, verbal statements, or marketing.
6. Not engage in dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation or any conduct that negatively reflects on QABA or the profession.
7. Ensure all participant information is secure from unauthorized use.
8. Use their assigned QABA coursework provider number only for approved coursework and in approved ways.
9. Accept full responsibility for any and all activity reported under their provider number.

Coursework Provider Exam Security & Misconduct Guidelines

Providers must:

1. Follow the QABA Exam Security and Misconduct Policy in full.
2. Ensure that exam-related content is not created, shared, or copied in coursework.
3. Maintain procedures to uphold academic integrity.
4. Issue certificates only after the participant has completed all required coursework hours and evaluations.
5. Maintain accurate attendance and timing records for all trainees.
6. Prohibit falsification or manipulation of training or completion records.
7. Report suspected candidate misconduct or exam compromise immediately.
8. Prohibit unauthorized coaching, assistance, or sharing of exam material.
9. Ensure coursework content does not compromise exam integrity.

QABA’s Right to Investigate Provider Compliance

QABA may investigate any approved provider if there is suspicion of misconduct, including but not limited to:

1. Patterns of suspicious exam activity among students.
2. Certificates issued with inaccurate or future end dates.
3. Certificates issued to individuals who did not fully complete coursework.
4. Falsified attendance, timing, or competency documentation.
5. Violations of exam security or misconduct policy.
6. Repeated irregularities in applicant submissions.
7. Complaints or credible reports alleging provider misconduct or unethical behavior.

During an investigation, QABA may request:

1. Full training materials and coursework access.
2. Attendance logs, timing records, and competency documents.
3. LMS access or screenshots showing participant progress.
4. Policies and internal procedures related to coursework delivery.
5. Any other documentation relevant to determining compliance.

Possible outcomes of an investigation:

1. Written warnings.
2. Required corrective training or remediation.
3. Probationary status.
4. Suspension of provider approval.
5. Revocation of provider approval for serious or repeated violations.

Appeal Process for Coursework Providers

Coursework providers have the right to appeal decisions made by QABA related to provider status, audits, investigations, probation, suspension, or revocation.

To initiate an appeal, the provider must submit a written appeal request within 30 calendar days of the date the decision was issued. The appeal must include:

• The provider organization name
• A clear description of the decision being appealed
• A concise explanation of the basis for the appeal
• Any supporting documentation relevant to the appeal

Appeals must be submitted via email to info@qababoard.com

Failure to comply with an investigation or submit requested materials in the required timeframe may result in immediate probation or suspension.