IBCCES offers a number of certification programs for educators and licensed professionals to inform them of the most recent research and best practices in the fast-changing field of special needs and education.

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.

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ASD is thought to affect 1 in 100 New Zealanders, 1 in 70 in Australians and 1 in 89 in Europeans.

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Benefits of Certification Programs

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

 

Apply for a CAS Now

Apply for an AC Now

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 roles for CAS include:

Education Professionals:

  • Special Education Teachers
  • Special Education Directors
  • School Psychologists
  • Behavior Specialists
  • School Counselors
  • Classroom Teachers
  • Principals
  • School Nurses
  • Administrators
  • Clerical and Support Staff
  • Paraprofessionals
  • Higher Education

Licensed Professionals:

  • Speech Language Therapist
  • Speech Pathologist
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Physicians
  • Dentist
  • BCBA and ABA Professionals
  • Physical Therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Clinical Social Workers
  • Licensed Professional Counselors
  • Nurses
  • Recreational Therapists

Common Roles for ACs Include:

Education Professionals:

  • Classroom Teachers
  • Paraprofessionals
  • Behavior Specialists
  • School Personnel
  • School Bus Drivers
  • Autism Program Support Staff

Licensed Professionals:

  • Autism Organization Volunteers
  • ABA Therapists
  • Childcare Directors
  • First Responders
  • Paramedics
  • Law Enforcement Officers
  • Firefighter
  • Medical Assistants
  • Medical Billing Clerks

  • lisa combs

    Lisa Combs, M.A. Special Education, CAS

    I think that obtaining a IBCCES credential signifies a certain objective level of knowledge and experience in autism has helped reinforce my credibility and helps others to understand that there ARE standards for evidence based autism support which are unique and important in the planning of effective supports for individuals with autism.

Doctor holding cas card
Additional postage fees apply for printed id card & certificate

Advanced Certified Autism Specialist & Advanced Autism Certificate

Advanced Certified
Autism Specialist

Apply for an ACAS Now


Advanced Autism
Certificate

Apply for an AAC Now

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 master educators and licensed 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.

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 include:

Education Professionals:

  • Classroom Teachers
  • SPED Teachers
  • Administrators
  • School Counselors
  • Clerical and Support Staff
  • Paraprofessionals
  • Higher Education

Licensed Professionals:

  • Social Workers
  • School Phycologists
  • Speech Language Therapist
  • Speech Pathologist
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Behavioral Health Professionals and Staff
  • Physicians
  • Dentists
  • Healthcare Providers and Staff

Common roles for AAC include:

Education Professionals:

  • Classroom Teachers
  • Paraprofessionals
  • School Personnel
  • School Bus Drivers
  • Autism Program Support Staff

Licensed Professionals:

  • Autism Organization Volunteers
  • ABA Therapists
  • Childcare Directors
  • First Responders
  • Paramedics
  • Law Enforcement Officers
  • Firefighter
  • Medical Assistants
  • Medical Billing Clerks

  • School Principal | Frankfurt International School Wiesbaden

    I have to say that we are all feeling so more confident in working with our Autistic, Aspergers and ADHD kids in school already. We are working with the same goals in mind and understand everything our therapist is urging us all to do! Some of the strategies that are great for all learners are also creeping into regular classroom interactions- the Natural Environment Training is particularly meaningful for us in our inclusion program. Its been a valuable investment for our school!

With International BCBA Certification no longer an option, ACAS & AAC are great alternatives for specialized training and certification.

Learn More About Our Autism Certifications