This comparison draws in part from “Scope of Competence: A Critical Component of Ethical Practice” by Tyra Sellers, JD, PhD, BCBA-D (BehaviorLive), and extends it with peer-reviewed research from our library of 27,900+ ABA research articles. The decision framework, BACB ethics code references, and cross-links below are synthesized by Behaviorist Book Club.
View the original presentation →One of the most consequential decisions a behavior analyst makes is not just what intervention to use, but how to approach the clinical question in the first place. For scope of competence: a critical component of ethical practice, the difference between an evidence-based, individualized approach and a traditional, protocol-driven one can significantly impact outcomes.
This guide lays out the key factors side by side to support your clinical decision-making.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification determination | Credential-based: I am a BCBA, therefore I am qualified to provide any service within the BCBA scope of practice | Competence-based: I am a BCBA with specific training and experience in certain areas, which defines what I can provide competently |
| Referral acceptance | Credential-based: Accepts referrals broadly based on credential authorization; may accept cases outside actual training and experience | Competence-based: Evaluates each referral against specific training and experience; accepts only cases within established competence or arranges appropriate support |
| Professional development approach | Credential-based: Continuing education selected broadly or based on interest; may not strategically target competence gaps | Competence-based: Professional development targeted at maintaining existing competence areas and strategically expanding into new areas with structured training and supervision |
| Client safety profile | Credential-based: Higher risk of providing services outside actual competence; clients may receive care from practitioners who are authorized but not genuinely qualified | Competence-based: Lower risk because practitioners match cases to their actual qualifications; clients are more likely to receive competent services or appropriate referrals |
| Interdisciplinary collaboration | Credential-based: May attempt to address all client needs independently based on broad credential authorization, reducing collaboration opportunities | Competence-based: Naturally leads to interdisciplinary collaboration as practitioners recognize where their competence ends and other disciplines' expertise begins |
| Professional identity | Credential-based: Professional identity centered on credential status; may experience competence limitations as threats to identity | Competence-based: Professional identity centered on specific areas of expertise; competence limitations are viewed as natural and addressable through professional development |
The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ on-demand CEUs including ethics, supervision, and clinical topics like this one. Plus a new live CEU every Wednesday.
Use this framework when approaching scope of competence: a critical component of ethical practice in your practice:
Does the data support a need for intervention? Is there a meaningful impact on the individual's quality of life, safety, or access to reinforcement?
YES → Proceed to assessment NO → Document reasoning, monitor
A functional assessment should guide intervention selection. Avoid defaulting to standard protocols without individual analysis. Consider environmental variables, setting events, and private events.
YES → Select evidence-based approach matched to function NO → Complete assessment first
Goals should be co-developed. Assent and informed consent are ethical requirements. The individual's preferences and values matter in selecting both goals and methods.
YES → Proceed with collaborative plan NO → Engage in shared decision-making
This course covers the clinical and ethical dimensions in detail with structured learning objectives and CEU credit.
Scope of Competence: A Critical Component of Ethical Practice — Tyra Sellers · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $20
Take This Course →We extended this decision guide with research from our library — dig into the peer-reviewed studies behind each approach, in plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
239 research articles with practitioner takeaways
231 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $20 · BehaviorLive
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.