An Overview of the Infrastructure of the ABA Profession

The professional practice of applied behavior analysis (ABA) has undergone substantial growth and professionalization in recent years. This growth has been accompanied by the development of a range of systems and organizations that support the profession (e.g., certification and licensure, professional and trade associations, healthcare billing systems). Although many practitioners interact with these elements on a regular basis, their broader role within the profession is not always well understood. The purpose of this article is to describe the core components of the infrastructure supporting the ABA profession. Understanding the functions of these systems may help practitioners better navigate their professional environment and contribute to the continued development of the profession.