Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice, Vol 25(4), Nov 2025, 156-179; doi:10.1037/bar0000315
The demand for behavior analysts holding a Board Certified Behavior Analyst or Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral certification has grown 12,973.5% since 2010. As a result, about half of this population is only in the beginning stages of their career (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2025a). We developed a survey to (a) gauge employers’ perceived importance of theoretical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and professional skills for new behavior analysts, (b) gather information about how employers assess competence across these domains, and (c) evaluate how these results relate with the Test Content Outline that informs the verified course sequence. In the knowledge domain, respondents rated highly considerations related to complying with ethical guidelines, mastering the concepts and principles of behavior, measuring behavior, and interpreting data. Respondents reported verifying these repertoires through interviews about factual information, prior clinical cases, and responses to hypothetical scenarios. In the interpersonal domain, respondents rated highly considerations related to collaboration, active listening, and providing compassionate and culturally appropriate care. In the professionalism domain, respondents rated highly considerations related to completing tasks effectively and efficiently, accepting critical feedback, and working well with others. We discussed the degree to which these ratings relate to the Test Content Outline and provided recommendations for future research and training. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)