What Is a Behaviour Analyst? Roles, Qualifications, and How They Help

As the NDIS continues to grow, so does the need for qualified disability support professionals. One role gaining more recognition is the Behaviour Analyst.

But what exactly does a Behaviour Analyst do? How are they trained? And when might they be the right choice for your family, school, or client?

What Is a Behaviour Analyst?

A Behaviour Analyst is a Master’s level, highly trained allied health professional who specialises in understanding and changing behaviour. They use the science of behaviour, known as Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), to assess why behaviours occur and to teach more helpful, adaptive alternatives.

In short, Behaviour Analysts help individuals learn new skills and reduce behaviours that interfere with learning, safety, or quality of life.

In Australia, many Behaviour Analysts are Board Certified (BCBA®, BCaBA®) or Certified Behaviour Analysts (CBA®) through professional associations such as the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB) or Australian Behaviour Analytic Certification Board (AUABA).

What Do Behaviour Analysts Do?

Behaviour Analysts work with people of all ages, particularly those with developmental disabilities, autism, or behaviours of concern. Their role is grounded in data, evidence-based practice, and individualised intervention.

Here are some of the things they do:

1. Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)

Before any intervention, a Behaviour Analyst investigates the function of a behaviour, what purpose it serves. This may involve assessments, interviews, and data collection to understand:

• What triggers the behaviour
• What happens after the behaviour
• What the individual is trying to communicate or achieve

2. Developing Behaviour Support Plans

Once the function of the behaviour is clear, the Behaviour Analyst creates a Positive Behaviour Support Plan (PBSP) or Behaviour Intervention Plan. This outlines:

• Strategies for preventing behaviours of concern
• Teaching new, safer behaviours (e.g., asking for help)
• Response strategies that are ethical and effective

3. Teaching New Skills

ABA isn’t just about reducing behaviours, it’s mostly about building skills. Behaviour Analysts teach:

• Communication skills (spoken or using AAC)
• Daily living skills (e.g., toileting, dressing)
• Social skills
• Emotional regulation and coping strategies
• Play skills

4. Training and Coaching

A key part of the role is training the people who support the client: parents, teachers, support workers, and therapists. This ensures that strategies are used consistently across settings like home, school, and the community.

What Qualifications Do Behaviour Analysts Have?

To become a Certified Behaviour Analyst, professionals must complete:

• A Master’s degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis, psychology, education, or a related field
• Specialist coursework in Applied Behaviour Analysis
• Supervised fieldwork (1,500–2,000 hours)

In Australia, Behaviour Analysts are self-regulated profession, and they are held to high standards by certification boards such as:

• BACB® (North-American standard)
• CBA (Australia-specific standard)

How Are Behaviour Analysts Different from Other Disability Support Professionals?

Behaviour Analysts focus on why behaviours happen and how to support long-term change through teaching, not just managing. They are ideal when problem behaviours are impacting safety, learning, or community access and when you want measurable, functional improvements.