Not all continuing education is created equal. The BACB’s August 2025 update to ACE Provider Requirements introduces new expectations for instructors and coordinators—and the impact will be felt across the field. The focus? Ensuring that every CE event is led by individuals with the expertise and ethical grounding to represent our science well.
What’s Changing for ACE Coordinators
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Coordinators must now be BCBAs with at least five years of certification.
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They are responsible for ensuring event accuracy, ethical compliance, and alignment with BACB CE standards.
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Coordinators serve as the primary contact for audits and documentation reviews, reinforcing accountability.
New Requirements for ACE Instructors
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All instructors must show verified competence in the topic they teach. Acceptable evidence includes:
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Peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations
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University teaching or professional training experience
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Advanced clinical or supervisory experience in the subject area
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Co-presenters or guest speakers without BACB certification can contribute under direct instructor supervision, but cannot independently teach CE content.
Why This Matters
The BACB’s emphasis on experience-based expertise is designed to reduce variability in CE quality. The new expectations ensure participants receive instruction from credible professionals, not just well-meaning practitioners.
This also strengthens the value of ACE Providers who meet these higher standards—making their CE events more trusted and competitive.
How Providers Can Prepare
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Develop instructor vetting criteria — Require resumes, publication lists, or teaching records.
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Document evidence of expertise — Keep all proof for BACB audit readiness.
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Train your instructional team — Review the BACB’s updated ACE Handbook and Ethics Code.
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Communicate with staff early — Ensure everyone understands the transition timeline.
Takeaway
These updates reflect the BACB’s broader goal: ensuring that behavior-analytic education remains credible, rigorous, and socially valid. Providers who embrace the new standards now will set themselves apart as leaders in quality professional development.