BOARD CERTIFICATION IN BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOLOGY * An invitation to apply for board certification (Diplomate) in a specialty competency area of the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). THE PRACTICE OF BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOLOGY Behavioral Psychology as currently practiced is multi-faceted. Originally devoted to the solution of psychological disorders by means of operant and classical conditioning methods, it now encompasses a variety of cognitive, cognitive behavioral, and social learning procedures as well. Its major postulates and principles derive from scientific findings in learning theory and cognitive theory and is an experimental-clinical approach that provides a framework for understanding and changing human behavior. It stresses the importance of observable behavior including cognitive behavior. It is empirically based in principles of learning and development including operant and classical conditioning, principles of social learning and multiple causality, and mediational constructs involved in cognitive behavior modification and self-control. It is primarily present-focused, active in nature, and often carried out in the natural environment. Its practice is broad in nature, including both overt actions and private events such as internal cognitive phenomena and the experience of affect and emotions. THE SPECIALTY OF BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOLOGY A specialty is a defined area in the clinical practice of psychology that connotes special competency acquired through an organized sequence of formal education, training, and experience. The Diploma is the credential which confirms that an established organization of peers has examined and accepted the board certified professional as practicing at the highest level of excellence in the area of behavioral psychology. ABBP is recognized as the Agold standard of professional competence in Behavioral Psychology. ABBP recognizes that contemporary behavioral psychology includes a variety of practice areas which are listed below:
* These approaches include operant, respondent, cognitive, and social learning procedures. GENERAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 1. Psychologists must be of good moral character, scientific integrity, and professional standing. Their conduct must be in accordance with the prevailing ethical principles of the American Psychological Association or the Canadian Psychological Association, as appropriate to the location of their practice. 2. An earned doctoral degree in psychology is required that is APA accredited or from a program which meets equivalent standards. 3. State or regional licensure or certification at the level of independent practice in required in the state in which the psychologist practices. 4. Three years experience in behavioral psychology; one of which may be pre-doctoral, as well as appropriate supervision in behavioral psychology. (The board recognizes that not all of a candidate's experience may be in behavioral psychology). 5. Membership and participation in professional organizations which have identifiable purposes that are congruent with those of ABBP. 6. The ABBP has a specially tailored senior examination process which is available to candidates who are at least 15 years post-doctorate. The specific criteria can be obtained from the ABPP Central Office APPLICATION PROCEDURES: The process leading to board certification consists of the following three phases: I. Application Phase II. Work Sample Phase III. Oral Examination Phase *At any time in the process, candidates who may require reasonable accommodations under the American with Disabilities Act should inform the ABPP Central Office. I. Application Phase Candidates must obtain the ABBP application packet from the ABPP Central Office (the address is on the back cover). The completed application must be submitted to ABPP along with copies of the following documents: 1. Current Psychology License 2. Current Curriculum Vitae 3. Official School Transcripts 4. Supervisor Rating Forms from two (2) former supervisors 5. Colleague Rating Forms from 2-3 current or past colleagues/peers Once ABPP Central Office determines that the candidate satisfies the general eligibility criteria, the materials are sent to the ABBP Credentials Reviewer who reviews the application to determine if the candidate meets the criteria specific to the Behavioral Psychology Diploma. Candidates meeting both the general and specific criteria are then notified to prepare and submit work sample materials. Candidates who are members of the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology are presumed to have met the general eligibility criteria. II. Work Sample Phase Candidates who are invited to submit samples are allowed one (1) year from the date of notification to submit the required materials. 1. The candidate must prepare in writing at least one work sample of his/her typical practice as a psychologist and behavioral psychologist. The sample should consist of a verbatim report of professional interactions (e.g. a behavioral therapy session or supervision of a new behavioral therapist). Occasionally the nature of the candidate=s work dictates a different type of work sample. The sample should be accompanied by an audiotape as well as a signed release form, unless the nature of the work sample precludes this. A more detailed set of guidelines is sent along with the application packet. 2. The candidate must prepare and submit four (4) copies of the written work sample to the ABBP Work Sample Coordinator. The work sample materials are evaluated by a committee of ABBP Diplomates. The committee decides whether the candidate should be admitted to the Oral Examination Phase. A majority vote of this committee is required for the candidate to move on to the last phase. III. Oral Examination Phase The ABBP Oral Examination is designed to judge specialty competency in Behavioral Psychology. The examination consists of three parts; an in vivo work sample (typically either a client or supervisee), an examination on the previously submitted work sample, and an examination on ethics and professional issues. The in vivo examination covers the following four interrelated areas: 1. Realistic assessment of the problem 2. Effectiveness of the candidate's efforts toward constructive interventions 3. Awareness of theory and research in the area of behavioral psychology 4. Sensitivity to ethical implications of professional practice Typically the examination last about 3 1/2 hours. NOTIFICATION AND AWARD OF THE DIPLOMA Each candidate will receive formal notification of the Examining Committee's decision within one month of the examination. CANDIDATE CONSULTATION The American Board of Behavioral Psychology recognizes that potential candidates often have questions about board certification and how their own background and credentials fit the requirements. Accordingly, members of the Board of Directors are happy to consult with you privately and answer any questions you may have. A listing of these individuals may be obtained from the ABPP Central Office. For further information about ABPP or its member boards, contact: Russell Bent, Ph.D.,, Chief Executive Officer American Board of Professional Psychology 514 E. Capitol Ave. Jefferson City, MO 65101 TEL: (800) 255-7792 FAX: (573) 443-1199 Serving the Public and its Profession since 1947. |