About QABA’S Qualified Autism Services Practitioner Supervisor

(QASP-S®) Certification

The QASP-S exam is designed for the mid-tier interventionist within a 3-tier treatment paradigm which includes: a) direct care instructional staff (ABAT/behavior technicians), b) experienced lead instructional staff and mid-tier supervisors (QASP-S), and c) supervising behavior analysts who provide collaborative care, program development and supervision to all staff, (QBA). The QASP-S serves as an experienced instructor and may also provide training to staff/families, monitor the progress of goals and objectives through data collection and review, and supervise entry-level staff under the supervision of a professional who holds a license or credential within the scope of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Eligibility standards and successful passing of the exam are to determine if candidates demonstrate minimal competence as a professional to protect the safety and welfare of the public.

The credential holder has advanced knowledge of ASD and experience in working with individuals in treatment and/or educational settings. They have specialized training in ABA and have demonstrated clinical skills to utilize ABA across a range of environments and with a variety of clients. The QASP-S may supervise entry-level staff through initial training as well as ongoing professional development. They provide a supportive environment and individualize fieldwork experiences to advance provider’s skills and performance. The QASP-S is often the point-of-service supervisor and ensures continuity of care in the delivery of each individualized treatment program and continuously monitors daily data. All QASP-S supervision ensures that services to clients are safe, ethical, and competent.

Target Audience

Individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field and with specific education, training, and applied fieldwork in ABA, including experience and specialization in ASD. The QASP-S provides behavioral health services under the supervision of a certified or licensed professional within the scope of ABA and ASD.

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. Must be at least 18 years old
  2. Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field, i.e. ABA, education, special education, psychology, social work, or other related health professions
  3. Must have completed 188 hours of approved ABA, ethics, and autism coursework, including 8 hours of supervision training
  4. Training must be developed by an accredited institution or master’s level or above professional who is licensed or credentialed in the scope of the subject matter
  5. 500 hours of supervised fieldwork prior to January 1, 2022. 1000 hours of supervised fieldwork after January 1, 2022
  6. Recommendation from their supervisor
  7. Criminal background check conducted by the QABA® Board through 3rd party background check provider or attestation letter from their employer
  8. Successful passing of exam proctored by Examity
  9. Agreement to the QABA Code of Ethics
  10. Final review of all eligibility criteria at QABA® Board committee meeting before formal credentialing
  11. Placement on public registry
  12. Renewal required every two years including verification of the completion of 20 continuing education units, criminal background check, and agreement to code of ethics

Difference between ABAT, QASP-S, and QBA Credentials

  • The ABAT is an entry level interventionist who serves as a direct one-to-one instructor. They are under the supervision of a QASP-S (mid-tier interventionist) and/or QBA or other master’s level or above licensed or credentialed professional.
  • The QASP-S is a mid-tier interventionist who serves as an experienced instructor and may also provide training to staff/families, monitor the progress of goals and objectives, and provide supervision to entry-level staff. They are under the supervision of a QBA or other master’s level or above licensed or credentialed professional.
  • QBAs are mastery level interventionists who provide ABA program oversight, supervision, assessment, analysis of data, goal development, and other aspects of treatment and ethical integrity.