Professional Skills for Behavior Analysts: A Survey on the Proficiency and Importance of Hard and Soft Skills

Authors

Landon S. Cowan, Marquette University
Tiffany Kodak, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

Publisher

Springer

Source Publication

Behavior Analysis in Practice

Source ISSN

1998-1929

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1007/s40617-023-00823-y

Abstract

Individuals seeking certification as board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) require training in both hard and professional (soft) skills. Trainees seeking certification complete coursework, supervised fieldwork experience, and a BCBA exam that assesses mastery of hard skills. However, training and mastery of soft skills is not as defined. BCBAs are also expected to maintain these skills throughout their career. Previous research has shown that soft skills are viewed as important by clients and their caregivers but are not consistently demonstrated from those providing services. Research also suggests that BCBA trainees may not consistently receive training on soft skills. The current study presents the results of a survey distributed to individuals who supervise BCBAs on the proficiency of hard and soft skills demonstrated by their supervisees. The results suggest future directions for the research and training of soft skills for current and future BCBAs.

Comments

Accepted version. Behavior Analysis in Practice, Vol. 17 (2025): 199-211. DOI. © 2025 Springer. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Cowan, Landon S. and Kodak, Tiffany, "Professional Skills for Behavior Analysts: A Survey on the Proficiency and Importance of Hard and Soft Skills" (2025). Psychology Faculty Research and Publications. 612.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/psych_fac/612