Diff between BCBA, BCABA | Autism PDD

Work Circumstances

Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®):

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst is an independent practitioner who also may work as an employee or independent contractor for an organization. The BCBA conducts descriptive and systematic (e.g., analogue) behavioral assessments, including functional analyses, and provides behavior analytic interpretations of the results. The BCBA designs and supervises behavior analytic interventions. The BCBA is able to effectively develop and implement appropriate assessment and intervention methods for use in unfamiliar situations and for a range of cases. The BCBA seeks the consultation of more experienced practitioners when necessary. The BCBA teaches others to carry out ethical and effective behavior analytic interventions based on published research and designs and delivers instruction in behavior analysis. It is strongly recommended that the BCBA supervise the work of Board Certified Associate Behavior Analysts and others who implement behavior analytic interventions.

Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst® (BCABA®):

The BCABA conducts descriptive behavioral assessments and is able to interpret the results and design ethical and effective behavior analytic interventions for clients. The BCABA designs and oversees interventions in familiar cases (e.g., similar to those encountered during their training) that are consistent with the dimensions of applied behavior analysis. The BCABA obtains technical direction from a BCBA for unfamiliar situations. The BCABA is able to teach others to carry out interventions once the BCABA has demonstrated competency with the procedures involved under the direct supervision of a BCBA. The BCABA may assist a BCBA with the design and delivery of introductory level instruction in behavior analysis. It is strongly recommended that the BCABA practice under the supervision of a BCBA, and that those governmental entities regulating BCABAs require this supervision.

The trademarks "Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.," "BACB," "Board Certified Behavior Analyst," "BCBA," "Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst," and "BCABA" are owned by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. All rights reserved.  Copyright © 1998-2007 by BACB®  All rights reserved.

Oh-doh! Tzoya- sent out something great on this- consumer guide-I am making myself crazy today- sorry!  http://www.abainternational.org/sub/membersvcs/sig/contactin fo/Autism.asp

Hi - I know one has a masters and the other has a BA degree. I reviewed the cert website.

But I am still left with the question: But what are the practical differences?  Which one is qualified to run/oversee a program- and if they are both qualified to do so- what is the real difference?

found this:

What is the difference between a BCABA and a BCBA?

The requirements for certification as a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst are lower.  The pay is also usually lower than for a BCBA.  A BCABA cannot write behavior plans using punishment procedures.  BCABAs also require oversight by a BCBA when working with a person with extreme behavior problems. 

Can anyone help me understand? Thanks-