Behavior Technician: Level 1 - EDC-X762Y

Course Description

Credit Validation for Optimus Education Participants Only

This program will provide candidates with a strong foundation in the basic concepts and principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) within the context of autism treatment and person-centered approaches. This course is designed for workforce development to address an immediate and broad service need. It serves as the foundation for the next steps in advanced education and training in ABA and autism.

This certificate program is fully accredited by ANAB and ANIS.
Learn more about accreditation - Certificate Issuers - Accreditation Directory

Learner Outcomes

• Identify the principles and values underlying developmental disability support services within the school setting
• Define professionalism and demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of educational support staff regarding professionalism
• Describe Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), its five subtypes, and behaviors that may indicate possible ASD
• Identify key people and organizations in Autism research and explain why Autism is considered a biological condition
• Explain the current prevalence of Autism in the United States and discuss possible reasons for its increase
• Describe the causes of Autism, the role of challenging behaviors, and strategies for addressing and responding to these behaviors

Course Details

Number of Units: 4.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for Optimus Education Participants.

Course Materials: Text, Applied Behavior Analysis by John Cooper, Timothy Heron, William Heward available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways. These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

1. Enroll in this course:

• Home Page: Optimus Ed - Rethinking Education
• Certificate Issuers - Accreditation Directory

2. Complete all course work with Optimus Ed. 

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

3. Click “Add to Cart” located on the right of this page to purchase units. If this course displays “Request Information,” it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment or has already closed for enrollment.

4. Submit your Certificate of Completion by email to pce-cv@sandiego.edu after enrolling for credit and completing the course.

Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

• U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
• International addresses: 3–4 weeks

Applies Towards the Following Certificate(s), Professional Programs and Series

• Online Credit Validation Courses for Educators : Courses - Choose One or More