Guide to BCAT Registration

BCAT Certification

Mission Statement
 The mission of BICC is to enhance public protection by developing and administering a certification program consistent with the needs of behavior analysts to recognize individuals who are qualified to treat the deficits and behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder using the principles and procedures of applied behavior analysis.

Certification Scope
 Certification as a Board Certified Autism Technician (BCAT) demonstrates autism-specific competency and a commitment to consumer safety by entry-level individuals who treat the deficits and behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder using the principles and procedures of applied behavior analysis and under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, licensed psychologist, or other licensed professional acting within the scope of his/her license. Individuals who earn the BCAT designation are qualified to implement evidence-based, autism-specific treatment using the principles and procedures of applied behavior analysis under the supervision of a qualified health professional.

What is Certification?
 Professional certification is different than a training or educational program. Training programs offer a certificate of attendance when an individual completes the coursework, but they do not generally award a credential or require ongoing recertification. The BCAT certification program was developed using a nationally recognized process to define the roles and responsibilities of autism technicians. Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements and pass the exam are granted use of the BCAT credential.

Preparing for Examination

Taking the Exam

What to Expect on Exam Day?
 Candidates are eligible to take the BCAT exam after their application has been approved by BICC.

To provide a fair and consistent environment for all candidates, the exams are delivered using standardized procedures that follow strict security protocols. Candidates are required to follow all exam site rules at all times. Failure to follow these rules may result in termination of a candidate’s testing session, invalidation of the candidate’s exam score, and/or disciplinary action.

During any portion of the exam, candidates may make note of any exam items they feel may be unclear. This feedback will be submitted to BICC and will be reviewed by BICC as part of the overall examination review and quality assurance process. Candidates will not receive direct feedback regarding specific item decisions.

Taking the Exam
Identification
Candidates are required to present a valid, government issued, photo identification to gain admission to the examination site. Acceptable identification is an unexpired government-issued photo ID with a signature (examples include driver’s license, passport, citizenship card, age of majority card, and military ID card). The name on the ID must match the applicant name on the exam application and the photo on the ID must validate the applicant’s identity.

Rescheduling and Cancellations
Candidates may cancel or reschedule an examination appointment up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled exam appointment to receive a partial refund less an administrative fee of $50. Examination fees cannot be refunded for cancellations received less than 24 hours in advance of the examination appointment. No refunds of exam fees are available once a candidate has taken the exam.

Exam Site Rules
The following rules will be enforced on exam day:

You must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the exam. Late arrivals may not be accommodated. Fees are not refunded for missed exam appointments.
You must present acceptable identification. The name on your exam application and the name on your ID must match. Please see the “Identification” section above.
No study materials, documents, or notes of any sort are to be taken into the examination area. No materials may be removed from the examination area.
You will be observed at all times during testing and should be aware that security procedures are in place and will be enforced.
You may not bring any electronic devices, notes, or reading material into the examination area. Cell phones, backpacks, purses, and other personal items are not permitted. You are encouraged to leave these items at home when possible. Items brought to the test center will be placed in a secure area that is not accessible to you during the examination session.
No questions concerning the content of the examination may be asked in the examination area before, during, or after the exam. Proctors are not qualified nor are they permitted to answer any questions about the content of the examination. Proctors may answer questions about processes (e.g., time limit) but cannot interpret or explain any information on the exam.
You are expected to answer the exam questions independently. There is to be no sharing of information, teamwork, or any other collaborative relationship with another candidate during the exam. Any violation of this policy is considered to be cheating. Any candidate engaged in this behavior may be subject to score cancellation and may not be allowed to sit for future administrations of the exam. See the disciplinary policy for additional information.
No exam questions are to be discussed during or after the exam administration. Any infraction of these terms is considered to be a violation of your ethical responsibilities and subject to the disciplinary policy. It is also a violation of copyright law and exam security requirements.
You should dress comfortably. While all test sites strive to ensure the exam is given in a room that is neither too hot nor too cold, you should be prepared with appropriate layered attire.
No food or beverage is permitted in the examination area.
You may not communicate with anyone except the proctor during the exam.
You are not permitted to bring guests, including children, to the testing center.
You should complete your exam quietly, without disturbing others.

After the Exam

Exam Results
 Score reports will be issued directly to candidates via electronic mail approximately three weeks after the close of the testing window. Score reports will include a “pass” or “fail” result and failing candidates will receive information on their performance in each content domain area. Passing candidates will receive their BCAT certificate and welcome information approximately three weeks following the close of the exam window.

Candidate exam results are confidential and will be released only to the candidate, unless the candidate provides BCAT written authorization. BICC will provide candidates with duplicate score reports upon request for up to 2 years following the examination date.

Understand your Scores
 A criterion-referenced standard setting process is used to establish the passing point for the exam. This means that each candidate’s performance on the exam is measured against a predetermined standard. Candidates are not graded on a curve and do not compete against each other or against a quota.

This passing score for the exam is established using a panel of subject matter experts who carefully review each exam question to determine the basic level of knowledge or skill that is expected. The passing score is based on the panel’s established difficulty ratings for each exam question. Under the guidance of our psychometrician, the panel develops and recommends the passing point which is reviewed and approved by the BICC Board. The passing point for the exam is established to identify individuals with an acceptable level of knowledge and skill. Receiving a score higher than the passing score is not an indication of more advanced knowledge or a predictor of better job performance. All individuals who pass the exam, regardless of their score, have demonstrated an acceptable level of knowledge.

Re-Examination
Candidates who take the exam and do not pass must log in to their BICC online account and purchase a retake exam attempt. BCAT candidates who fail the exam on their first attempt may immediately schedule a second attempt. After the first re-test attempt, any additional re-test attempts require a 30-day waiting period from the previous attempt. Candidates may not test more often than 4 times per 12- month period. Exam retake fees are posted on the web site and subject to change without notice..

Exam Related Complaints
 Candidates with complaints about the examination processes or their experience at the testing site should submit concerns to the BICC helpdesk email indicated on the website. Complaints may also be directed to the BICC executive director.

Candidates will have an opportunity during the exam to provide feedback regarding the content of the exam or specific exam questions. This feedback will be submitted to BICC and will be reviewed by BICC as part of the overall examination review and quality assurance process. Candidates will not receive direct feedback regarding specific item decisions.

Candidates who fail the exam and believe irregular testing conditions, significant technical problems, or violation of BICC policy were a contributing factor may file a complaint with BICC. All requests must be made in writing and postmarked or emailed no later than 30 days after the exam score report was issued. All complaints must describe the suspected error or problem and should include the candidate’s full name, exam date, and exam location.

The executive director will review exam-related complaints within 15 days of receipt and will obtain additional information from the proctor/test site as needed. The executive director may refer complaints to the BICC Board for additional review.

Complaints & Disciplinary Actions

Introduction
 In order to maintain and enhance the credibility of the BICC certification program, the BICC Board has adopted the following procedures to allow individuals to bring complaints to the BICC Board concerning the conduct of BCAT certificants. In the event a certificant violates the BICC certification rules, requirements, and/or policies, the BICC Board may reprimand or suspend the individual or may revoke certification.

Grounds for Sanctions

The grounds for sanctions under these procedures may include but are not necessarily limited to:

  • Any restrictions, such as revocation, suspension, probation, or other sanctions of the individual’s professional license, where applicable
  • Violation of established BICC rules, requirements, and/or policies
  • Conviction of a felony or other crime of moral turpitude under federal or state law in a matter related to the practice of, or qualifications for, services provided by a BCAT
  • Gross negligence, willful misconduct, or other unethical conduct in the performance of services for which the individual has achieved BCAT certification
  • Fraud, falsification, or misrepresentation in an initial application or renewal application for certification
  • Falsification of any material information requested by BICC
  • Misrepresentation of BCAT certification status, including abuse of logo
  • Cheating on any certification examination.

Actions taken under this policy do not constitute enforcement of the law, although referral to appropriate federal, state, and/or local government agencies may be made about the conduct of the certificant in appropriate situations. Individuals initially bringing complaints are not entitled to any relief or damages by virtue of this process, although they will receive notice of the actions taken.

Complaints
 Complaint Submission

Complaints may be submitted by any individual or entity. Complaints should be reported to BICC in writing and should include the name of the person submitting the complaint, the name of the person the complaint is regarding, along with other relevant identifying information, a detailed description of factual allegations supporting the charges, and any relevant supporting documentation. Information submitted during the complaint and investigation process is considered confidential and will be handled in accordance with BICC’s confidentiality policy.

Preliminary Review

Upon receipt and preliminary review of a complaint involving the certification program, the executive director, in consultation with the BICC President, may conclude, in his/her sole discretion, that the submission:
contains unreliable or insufficient information, or is patently frivolous or inconsequential.

In such cases, the executive director and BICC President may determine that the submission does not constitute a valid and actionable complaint that would justify bringing it before the BICC Board for investigation and a determination of whether there has been a violation of substantive requirements of the certification process. If so, the submission is disposed of by notice from the executive director and BICC President to its submitter, if the submitter is identified. All such preliminary dispositions by the BICC President are reported to the BICC Board at its next meeting.

Preliminary review will be conducted within 15 business days of receipt of the complaint.

If a submission is deemed by the executive director and BICC President to be a valid and actionable complaint, the BICC President will see that written notice is provided to the certificant whose conduct has been called into question. The certificant whose conduct is at issue will also be given the opportunity to respond to the complaint. The President also will ensure that the individual submitting the complaint receives notice that the complaint is being reviewed by the BICC.

Complaint Review
 For each compliant that the President concludes is a valid and actionable complaint, the Board authorizes an investigation into its specific facts or circumstances to whatever extent is necessary in order to clarify, expand, or corroborate the information provided by the submitter.

Review Committee

Review Committee Appointment

The President appoints a Review Committee of three or more individuals who are not members of the BICC Board to investigate and make an appropriate determination with respect to each such valid and actionable complaint; the Review Committee may review one or more such complaints as determined by the President.

Review Committee Responsibilities

The Review Committee initially determines whether it is appropriate to review the complaint under these Procedures or whether the matter should be referred to another entity engaged in the administration of law. The timeline for responses and for providing any additional information will be established by the Review Committee. The Review Committee may be assisted in the conduct of its investigation by other members of the BICC Board or by BICC staff or legal counsel. The President exercises general supervision over all investigations.

Both the individual submitting the complaint and the certificant who is the subject of the investigation (or his or her employer) may be contacted for additional information with respect to the complaint. The Review Committee, may at its discretion, contact such other individuals who may have knowledge of the facts and circumstances surrounding the complaint.

All investigations and deliberations of the Review Committee and the BICC Board are conducted in confidence, with all written communications sealed and marked “Personal and Confidential,” and they are conducted objectively, without any indication of prejudgment. Investigations and deliberations cease at the discretion of the Review Committee or when a certificant’s certification expires or is surrendered. BICC notifies and cooperates with all appropriate authorities as necessary.

An investigation may be directed toward any aspect of a complaint which is relevant or potentially relevant. Formal hearings are not held, and the parties are not expected to be represented by counsel, although the Review Committee and BICC Board may consult their own counsel.

Certificants who are found to bring frivolous complaints against other certificants or BICC may be subject to disciplinary action by the Board, up to and including revocation of certification.

Members of the Review Committee will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the activities of the Committee.

Determination of Violation
 Review Committee Recommendation

Upon completion of an investigation, the Review Committee recommends whether the BICC Board should make a determination that there has been a violation of BICC policies and rules. When the Review Committee recommends that the BICC Board find a violation, the Review Committee also recommends imposition of an appropriate sanction. If the Review Committee so recommends, a proposed determination with a proposed sanction is prepared under the supervision of the Review Committee Chair and is presented by a representative of the Review Committee to the BICC Board along with the record of the Review Committee’s investigation.

Board of Directors Determination

Complaint Dismissal

If the Review Committee recommends against a determination that a violation has occurred, the complaint is dismissed with notice to the certificant, the certificant’s employer (if involved in the investigation), and the individual or entity who submitted the complaint; a summary report is also made to the BICC Board.

Determination of Violation

The BICC Board reviews the recommendation of the Review Committee based upon the record of the investigation. The Board may accept, reject, or modify the Review Committee’s recommendation, either with respect to the determination of a violation or the recommended sanction to be imposed. If the Board makes a determination that a violation has occurred, this determination and the imposition of a sanction are promulgated by written notice to the certificant and to the individual submitting the complaint, if the submitter agrees in advance and in writing to maintain in confidence whatever portion of the information is not made public by the Board.

In certain circumstances, the BICC Board may consider a recommendation from the Review Committee that the certificant who has violated the certification program policies or rules should be offered an opportunity to submit a written assurance that the conduct in question has been terminated and will not recur. The decision of the Review Committee to make such a recommendation and of the BICC Board to accept it is within their respective discretionary powers. If such an offer is extended, the certificant at issue must submit the required written assurance within thirty days of receipt of the offer, and the assurance must be submitted in terms that are acceptable to the Board. If the Board accepts the assurance, notice is given to the certificant’s employer and to the submitter of the complaint, if the submitter agrees in advance and in writing to maintain the information in confidence.

Sanctions
Any of the following sanctions may be imposed by the BICC Board upon a certificant whom the Board has determined to have violated the policies and rules of its certification program(s), although the sanction applied must reasonably relate to the nature and severity of the violation, focusing on reformation of the conduct of the member and deterrence of similar conduct by others:

written reprimand to the certificant
suspension of the certificant for a designated period
termination of the certificant’s certification
For sanctions that include suspension or termination, a summary of the final determination and the sanction with the certificant’s name and date is published by the BICC. This information will be published only after any appeal has either been considered or the appeal period has passed.

Reprimand in the form of a written notice from the President normally is sent to a certificant who has received his or her first substantiated complaint. Suspension normally is imposed on a certificant who has received two substantiated complaints. Termination normally is imposed on a certificant who has received two substantiated complaints within a two year period or three or more substantiated complaints. The BICC Board may, at its discretion, however, impose any of the sanctions, if warranted, in specific cases.

Certificants who have been terminated will have their certification revoked and may not be considered for BICC certification in the future. If certification is revoked, any and all certificates or other materials requested by the BICC Board must be returned promptly to BICC.

Appeal
Request for Appeal

Within thirty (30) days of receipt of notice of a determination by the BICC Board that a certificant violated the certification program policies and/or rules, the affected certificant may submit to BICC in writing a request for an appeal.

Appeal Committee

Upon receipt of a request for appeal, the BICC Board President establishes an appellate body consisting of at least three, but not more than five, individuals. This Appeal Committee may review one or more appeals, upon request of the President. No current members of the Review Committee or the BICC Board may serve on the Appeal Committee; further, no one with any personal involvement or conflict of interest may serve on the Appeal Committee. Members of the Appeal Committee may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the activities of the Committee.

Basis for Appeal

The Appeal Committee may only review whether the determination by the BICC Board of a violation of the certification program policies and/or rules was inappropriate because of: material errors of fact, or failure of the Review Committee or the Board to conform to published criteria, policies, or procedures.

Appeal Procedure

Only facts and conditions up to and including the time of the BICC Board’s determination as represented by facts known to the Board are considered during an appeal. The appeal will not include a hearing or any similar trial-type proceeding. Legal counsel is not expected to participate in the appeal process, unless requested by the appellant and approved by the Board and the Appeal Committee. The Board and Appeal Committee may consult legal counsel.

The Appeal Committee conducts and completes the appeal within ninety days after receipt of the request for an appeal. Written appellate submissions and any reply submissions may be made by authorized representatives of the appellant and of the BICC Board. Submissions are made according to whatever schedule is reasonably established by the Appeal Committee. The decision of the Appeal Committee either affirms or overrules the determination of the BICC Board but does not address a sanction imposed by the Board. The decision of the Appeal Committee, including a statement of the reasons for the decision, is reported to the BICC Board of Directors.

The Appeal Committee decision is binding upon the Board, the certificant who is subject to the sanction, and all other persons.

Resignation
If a certificant who is the subject of a complaint voluntarily surrenders his or her certification(s) at any time during the pendency of a complaint under these Procedures, the complaint is dismissed without any further action by the Review Committee, the BICC Board, or an Appeal Committee established after an appeal. The entire record is sealed and the individual may not reapply for certification. However, the BICC Board may authorize the President to communicate the fact and date of resignation and the fact and general nature of the complaint which was pending at the time of the resignation, to or at the request of a government entity engaged in the administration of law. Similarly, in the event of such resignation, the certificant’s employer and the person or entity who submitted the complaint are notified of the fact and date of resignation and that BICC Board has dismissed the complaint as a result.

Maintaining Certification

BCAT certificants are required to re-certify every two years by:

Earning twelve hours of continuing education credits (at least 3 credits must be ethics-related topics)
Signing the Code of Conduct
Continually maintaining compliance with the rolling background check.
Recertification includes submission of a completed recertification application and recertification fee.
Submitting a Documentation of Supervision completed once per month during the BCATs certification.
Why is Recertification Required?
Purpose

BICC requires the continuing professional development of its certificants to ensure that individuals who hold the BCAT credential maintain an ongoing commitment to learning, keep pace with developments in the field of behavior analysis, and strengthen their knowledge and skills. The mandatory recertification process provides certificants with the opportunity to demonstrate the retention, reinforcement, and expansion of their knowledge and skills. To support this purpose, recertification requires continuing education that enhances ongoing professional development, recognizes learning opportunities, and provides a process for both attaining and recording professional development achievements. BICC also requires the certificants re-attest to uphold the Code of Conduct and earn at least 3 of the required 12 hours of continuing education credits in topics directly related to ethics to promote compliance with principles of ethical practice, emphasize the requirements of the Code of Conduct, and enhance consumer protection and public safety.

Rationale

Professional development is accomplished by obtaining the required number of continuing education credits. Renewal by continuing education credits ensures that the individual has participated in professional development activities that are directly related to the body of knowledge for BCAT certificants as defined by the exam content outline.

The 2-year time period established for recertification is based on the BICC’s determination that the certificant implements a treatment plan under the supervision of a master’s-level clinician who designs the treatment and identifies treatment goals, two facets of treatment that may be more immediately influenced by emerging research than the actual implementation of treatment. The implementation of treatment adheres strictly to the principles and procedures of applied behavior analysis. Because the BCAT is supervised by the Master’s-level supervisor, recertification every two years is sufficient to maintain the certificant’s high standard of clinical quality and to affirm the certificant’s commitment to the Code of Conduct.

To ensure that certificants supplement and reinforce their knowledge in appropriate subject areas, only those continuing education courses approved by BICC will accrue toward the 12 hours of CE units.

Rolling criminal background checks, known as Department of Justice LiveScan checks, are required to maintain the BCAT credential. Individuals with the BCAT credential typically work with individuals with developmental disabilities, a vulnerable population that deserves the safety assurance that an ongoing background check provides. BCAT certificants are required to be registered on the BICC registry, to ensure that educational background, training, credentials, other certifications, and the background check are accessible to parents, caregivers, educators, funding agencies, and other interested parties.

Recertification Requirements
Certification Expiration

Certification expires on the last day of the month 2 years following the date of certification. For example, if an individual is certified on May 15, 2015, certification will expire on May 30, 2017.

Applications for recertification must be submitted at least 15 days
prior to the date on which the certification expires.

Recertification reminder notices are issued 60 days before the recertification application deadline to the last known email address of each certificant. Certificants are responsible for notifying the BICC office of any changes in address, including email address.

Recertification is the responsibility of each BCAT certificant. BICC is not responsible for notices that fail to reach certificants.

Continuing Education Requirements
After initial certification is obtained, continuing education hours may be accrued and used for recertification. Continuing education hours must be obtained between the date of initial certification and the date that the recertification application is submitted. Once submitted, candidates cannot obtain/add additional continuing education credits to the recertification application. The recertification decision will be based solely on the submitted information.

Documentation Required

Documentation of the continuing education hours must be submitted with the recertification application. Primary source verification of all CE hours is required. Acceptable documentation includes official transcripts and certificates of completion. See the Required Documentation column in the Acceptable Activities table below for additional information.

Acceptable Topics

Only continuing education activities and topics directly related to the knowledge, skill, and ability statements on the exam content outline will be accepted. At least 3 credits must be directly related to ethics.

Acceptable Activities

Continuing education credits may be earned at workshops, conferences, conventions, seminars, college/university courses, webinars, and in-service training events. Credit is also granted for professional presentations. Credit may be claimed only once for each activity. For example, a 1 hour presentation that is delivered at two different conferences can only be claimed for 1 CE credit.

Approved Continuing Education Providers

All continuing education credits from workshops, webinars, seminars, etc. must be earned from a BICC approved provider. A list of approved providers is available on the website. Certificants may seek approval for credits received from non-approved providers bt containing BICC.

Fees
BCAT
Exam Fee with Application Verification
$74.00
2 Years Criminal Background Check
$50.00
Exam Retake with Application Fee
$74.00
BCAT Recertification
$50.00
BCAT Criminal Background Check Renewal
$25.00
BCAT Renewal with Exam
$150.00
Recertification Application Review
In order to maintain the credibility and integrity of the certification process, BICC reserves the right to verify any information provided on recertification applications. Requests for verification may be made prior to recertification or at a future time. Certificants are advised to retain all recertification documentation for at least 3 years after each renewal deadline.

Recertification Application Processing

All recertification applications will be reviewed to ensure that all recertification requirements are met. If any areas of non-compliance are identified during the review of a recertification application the individual will have 15 days to submit any required information. If the required information is not provided, the individual’s certification will expire at the end of the 15 days or on the normal expiration date (whichever comes last). If an application is selected for audit and the certificant does not respond or does not submit the requested documentation, certification will not be renewed.

Incomplete Renewal Application

An application will be considered incomplete if any of the requested information is missing or illegible or the appropriate fee is not included. Application must be complete before they are processed and approved. Incomplete applications will not be returned and application fees will not be refunded.

Recertification Acceptance

BICC will issue a recertification letter to the certificant once all renewal requirements have been met. Recertification applications will not be accepted from individual’s whose certification is in a state of suspension or has been revoked.

Failure to Recertify
If certification has been expired for 60 days or less, an individual may reinstate his/her certification by meeting all of the recertification requirements, submitting a complete recertification application, and paying the recertification fee and reinstatement fee. If the application is approved, the individual’s expiration date for the reinstated credential will be the same as if the certification had been renewed on time. 

A one-time reinstatement option is available, if certification has been expired for more than 60 days. An individual must submit required documentation of supervision forms and retake and pass the exam in order to reinstate certification. Certification reinstated after 60 days will be reinstated with new dates of initial certification and certification expiration. 

If certification has been expired for more than 6 months, or if the one-time reinstatement option has been previously used, certification will not be renewed, and the individual will have to re-apply for certification, meet all the eligibility criteria for initial certification, , including all training requirements, and re-take and pass the certification examination in order to reinstate certification. 

Certificants who are participating in active military duty or whose personal circumstances preclude timely recertification should contact BICC and request an exception to this policy. Any exceptions will be made at the sole discretion of BICC. 

BCAT certification may not be used from the date of expiration until the credential is successfully reinstated.

Changes in Contact Information
Applicants and certificants are responsible for keeping their mailing address and email address up to date and notifying BICC in writing of any changes. Your BCAT certificate and welcome kit will be sent to your mailing address. All other communication, notifications, confirmations, and reminders will be sent to your email address.

Code of Conduct

Introduction
The BICC Code of Conduct applies to all individuals credentialed by BICC, as well as individuals seeking certification (candidates or applicants) from BICC. All applicants and certificants will agree to the BICC Code of Conduct (Code) as a condition of certification. Violation of any portion of the Code may result in disciplinary action as outlined in the Disciplinary Policy.

Purpose
The Code of Conduct establishes the basic ethical standards for the professional behavior of BICC certificants and candidates. The Code is designed to provide both appropriate ethical practice guidelines and enforceable standards of conduct for all certificants and candidates.

Code of Conduct
BICC supports appropriate, professional standards designed to serve the public, employees, employers, consumers, and their caregivers. First and foremost, BICC certificants and candidates give priority to providing services that treat the deficits and behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder using the principles and procedures of applied behavior analysis and under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, licensed psychologist, or other licensed professional acting within the scope of his/her license in a manner that promotes integrity and reflects positively on the profession, consistent with accepted moral, ethical, and legal standards. 

BICC certificants and candidates have the obligations to: maintain high standards of integrity and professional conduct; accept responsibility for their actions; continually seek to enhance their professional capabilities; practice with fairness and honesty; and, encourage others to act in a professional manner, consistent with the certification standards and responsibilities set forth below.

Section 1:Legal Requirements

Adhere to all laws, regulations, policies, and ethical standards that apply to the practice of providing applied behavior analysis.
Refrain from public behavior that is clearly in violation of professional, ethical, and/or legal standards that apply to the practice of providing services that treat the deficits and behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder.
Refrain from discrimination in professional activities, including dual relationships with employees, employers, clients and their families, and other professionals.
Report all professional investigations and/or felony charges within three business days of becoming aware of them.
Section 2:BICC Policies & Requirements

Follow all BICC certification program policies, procedures, requirements, and rules. This includes the obligation to be aware of and understand these policies and requirements.
Provide accurate and complete information to BICC concerning certification and recertification.
Keep confidential all BICC examination information, including preventing unauthorized disclosures of exam information.
Cooperate with BICC regarding matters related to the Code of Conduct and complaint and/or disciplinary investigations.
Section 3:Professional Performance

Deliver competent services within the scope of the individual’s BICC certification.
Act honestly in the conduct of responsibilities and in all professional interactions with others.
Recognize the limitations of one’s professional ability (based on education, knowledge, skills, experience, etc.) and provide services only when qualified to do so.
Treat clients and their families, caregivers, and other supports with professionalism, fairness, and respect.
Maintain the confidentiality of private and sensitive information, unless there is mandate to report or other legal obligation to disclose the information.
Properly use professional titles, degrees, and all credentials and provide accurate and truthful information regarding education, experience, qualifications, and the performance of services.
Disclose any conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest and avoid conduct that could cause a conflict of interest.
Uphold high standards of professional behavior at all times in the BICC certified role.

BICC Policies

Special Accommodations
Reasonable accommodations provide candidates with disabilities a fair and equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skill in the essential functions being measured by the examination. BICC provides accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

Accommodations are generally provided for candidates who:

have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits that person in one or more major life activities (e.g., walking, talking, hearing, performing manual tasks)
have a record of such physical or mental impairment
are regarded as having a physical or mental impairment
To apply for accommodation(s), the candidate must:

Complete the Special Accommodation Request Form in Section 9 of this handbook.
Submit documentation provided by an appropriate licensed professional on the professional’s letterhead to the BICC which includes a diagnosis of the disability and specific recommendations for accommodations.
Submit the form and required documentation at least 3 weeks prior to the testing date.
Applicants who request testing accommodations should be contacted within two weeks of the exam date to verify that appropriate accommodations will be made at the designated testing site. Responsibility to verify with BICC that accommodations have been made rests with the applicant.

Aggregate Data
Aggregate exam statistics (including the number of exam candidates, pass/fail rates, and total number of certificants) will be publicly available and updated annually. Aggregate exam statistics, studies, and reports concerning applicants/certificants will contain no information identifiable with any applicant/certificant.

Confidentially
BICC is committed to protecting confidential and/or proprietary information related to applicants; candidates; certificants; and the examination development, maintenance, and administration process. 

Information about an applicant/candidate/certificant will only be released to that individual unless release of the information is authorized in writing by the individual or is required by law. An individual’s application status, test scores, and personal information submitted with an application for certification or recertification, including results of any background check, is considered confidential. All application information is confidential and will not be shared with any party other than BICC’s examination development or administration vendors for certification processing purposes.

Use of the Certification Mark
After receiving notification of BCAT designation, the credential may be used as long as certification remains valid and in good standing. Individuals may not use the BCAT credential until they have received specific written notification that they have successfully completed all requirements, including passing the exam. Certificants must comply with all recertification requirements to maintain use of the credential.

Proper Use of Credentials

After meeting all eligibility requirements and passing the examination, individuals may use their BCAT credential in all correspondence and professional relations. The credential is typically used after the certificant’s name following any academic degrees and licensure (e.g. Mary Smith, BCAT or Mary Smith, MS, BCAT). The certification mark(s) may be used only as long as certification is valid.

Reconsideration Requests
An applicant whose eligibility for initial certification or recertification has been denied may request reconsideration of the decision. 

The request for reconsideration must be submitted in writing to helpdesk@behavioralcertification.org. The request should state the reasons the applicant believes he or she is eligible for certification/recertification and how he/she complies with the published requirements.

Reconsideration Review Process

Initial Review

The executive director will review the request and make a determination within 15 days.

Review by the Reconsideration Committee

If the issue cannot be adequately resolved by the executive director and if the candidate can provide information and/or documentation that was not available previously to the executive director, the request may be referred to the BICC President. A Reconsideration Committee will review the request and make a determination within 30 days. The decision made by the committee will be final. The candidate will be notified of the decision within 14 days of the committee’s decision.

Statement of Nondiscrimination
BICC does not discriminate against any candidate for certification on the basis of race, color, creed, age, gender, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, parental status, ancestry, sexual orientation, military discharge status, or source of income. All candidates for certification will be judged solely on the published eligibility criteria determined by BICC.

Verification of Certification
An individuals’ certification status is not considered confidential. BICC will provide confirmation of certification status to anyone who requests the information by contacting the executive director, and verification will be accessible via the Internet. Verification of certification status will include the individual’s name, current certification status and credential(s) held, and – if authorized by the certificant – the city and state where the certificant resides and whether the certificant can be contacted via email, which the certificant may voluntarily provide.

The names of BICC certified individuals and their certification status are not considered confidential and may be published by the BICC.

The executive director maintains a database of all active applicants and certificants.

BICC may publish a list of individuals who have earned the BCAT credential.

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