IBCCES offers a number of certification programs for healthcare professionals to inform them of the most recent research and best practices in the fast-changing field of caring for people with autism and special needs.
This page shows the differences between the different certification programs so each person can find the program that is right for their goals and position.
Learn More About IBCCES Certifications for Healthcare Providers
Click a certification above to skip to that certification below.
Benefits of Certification Programs Clear to Educators Worldwide
Educators and licensed professionals worldwide are seeing the benefits that come from becoming certified for Autism and special needs. Enhanced credibility, greater parent/patient confidence, increased funding opportunities, and reduced risk of litigation are just a few of the benefits of training and certification from IBCCES.
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) is recognized as the leader in continuing education in special needs across the world.
We have outlined the core competencies for each certification program as well as the requirements for applying to help make it easier to find the program that is right for you.
Certified Autism Specialist and Autism Certificate
Certified Autism Specialist
CAS Officially Endorsed by:
Autism Certificate
Introduction to the CAS and AC Programs
Our Certified Autism Specialist™ and Autism Certificates are for professionals who are responsible for providing services or support to individuals who have cognitive disorders (including autism) as a part of their scope of work. These certificates focus on the latest research and best practices in the following areas related to autism and other cognitive disorders: an overview of autism, behavior of people on the autism spectrum, IEP and program development, early childhood education, approaches and strategies for parent communication, and comorbidity with relation to autism and other cognitive disorders.
Certification Requirements
| Certified Autism Specialist | Autism Certificate | ||
| Degree | Masters | Bachelors | None |
| Years of Experience | 2 | 10 | 0 |
| Topical CEU Hours* (included in program) | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| Registry Fee | $495 | $495 | $295 |
| Renewal Fee | $199 | $199 | $149 |
| Topical CEU for Renewal* (included if needed) | 14 | 14 | 14 |
*CEUs must match the competencies for that certificate program.
Contact IBCCES to for accepted CEUs.
Common CAS Applicants Include:
| Common AC Applicants Include:
|
Paula Perkins, OTR, SCSS, MA, CAS
This certification allows me to demonstrate my professional competence and skills, specifically in the field of autism. This is increasingly important at a time when standards of accountability mandate service providers be highly qualified. I am a better OT when I am more diversely equipped to meet the spectrum of needs of this growing population.
Advanced Certified Autism Specialist & Advanced Autism Certificate
Advanced Certified
Autism Specialist
Advanced Autism
Certificate
Introduction to the ACAS and AAC Programs
Our Advanced Certified Autism Specialist and Advanced Autism Certificates are for practitioners looking to increase their knowledge and expertise in the field of ABA therapy. The content of the courses was developed under the guidance of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and other professionals with clinical ABA experience, so you can be guaranteed that you are learning from highly trained experts with extensive practical knowledge and experience.
The training and certification is designed to help healthcare professionals successfully implement ABA programming in the home, center, school or community environments. During the course, you will be able to implement what you learn immediately to see how the training is making you a stronger ABA practitioner.
As an added benefit, the ACAS is approved for Medicaid reimbursement in some states, including Texas.
Certification Prerequisites
| Advanced Certified Autism Specialist | Advanced Autism Certificate | ||
| Degree | Masters | Bachelors | None |
| Years of Experience | 2 | 10 | 0 |
| Topical CEU Hours* (included in program) | 21 | 21 | 21 |
| Registry Fee | $669 | $669 | $469 |
| Renewal Fee | $299 | $299 | $249 |
| Topical CEU for Renewal* (included if needed) | 21 | 21 | 21 |
| Prerequisite | CAS | CAS | AC |
| Package (includes prerequisite certification) | $875 | $875 | $555 |
*CEUs must match the competencies for that certificate program.
Contact IBCCES to for accepted CEUs.
Common Roles for ACAS Applicants Include:
| Common Roles for AAC Applicants Include:
|