A Survey of Ethics‐Related Training Within Behavior Analysis
Current ethics CEUs and pre-certification coursework may leave BCBAs feeling under-prepared—consider supplementing with case-based discussions and ongoing workplace supports.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Ragulan et al. (2025) sent an online survey to Board Certified Behavior Analysts. They asked how well current ethics training meets real-world needs.
The team looked at pre-certification classes, CEU workshops, and on-the-job supports. They wanted to know what shapes a BCBA's view of ethics readiness.
What they found
Most respondents said the current mix of university courses and yearly CEUs is not enough. They want more case-based talk and steady workplace mentoring.
Many felt unsure when tricky ethical dilemmas pop up with families, schools, or funding sources.
How this fits with other research
Wheeler et al. (2024) ran a nearly identical survey and found the same gap in trauma-informed care. Both papers use the same method and show BCBAs graduate missing key skills.
LeBlanc et al. (2020) and Plattner et al. (2023) earlier spotted shortfalls in caregiver relationship and therapeutic alliance training. The pattern is clear: university and CEU systems keep leaving the same holes.
O'Neill et al. (2024) adds one more match. Their 2024 survey of Ontario BCBAs revealed scant cultural responsiveness training, echoing the ethics gap Ragulan now reports.
Why it matters
If you supervise RBTs or train new BCBAs, fold live ethics discussions into every supervision meeting. Pick real cases, map choices to the Ethics Code, and have staff role-play tough conversations. One extra hour a month beats another generic online CEU.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
ABSTRACTEthics guidelines, trainings, and continuing education requirements are frequently updated to reflect the ongoing need to better prepare behavior analysts to face ethical dilemmas in their daily practice. In terms of the ethics trainings that behavior analysts are currently experiencing, they are potentially encountering a narrow and rigid set of trainings and resources, which may then necessitate an expanded approach to ethics. If behavior analysts are not adequately trained and are not supported in developing their ethical repertoire, then these gaps in training can detrimentally impact clients served as well as the field at large. The present study aimed to survey practitioners in the field on their ethics training experiences in supporting their ethical daily practices using questions targeted toward pre‐certification ethics coursework, ethics continuing education units, and ongoing environmental supports. Data suggest that several factors significantly impact practitioner's perception of their ethics trainings (e.g., preparedness and relevance) to complete their job responsibilities in compliance with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Ethics Code. Implications for ethics guidelines and training requirements for the field are discussed.
Behavioral Interventions, 2025 · doi:10.1002/bin.70008