ACRE Training
Foundational Training for Professionals in Community Employment
IABA Foundation is proud to be an approved provider of the ACRE Certificate Training, a comprehensive, program designed for professionals working in the field of community employment.
This engaging, on-demand training series provides trainees with the information and applied practice needed to meet ACRE’s 39 competency areas for Basic Employment Services certification & knowledge certification in Multi-Element Behavior Support (MEBS). Participants can expect a comprehensive learning pathway that equips staff with the essential competencies they need to support competitive integrated employment successfully and safely.
Building on IABA Foundation's 40+ years of innovation in supported employment, this training integrates real-world practice and values-driven quality management, helping professionals advance inclusion, dignity, and opportunity in employment. Trainees that complete the ACRE training will also be eligible for the Foundation’s new MEBS Level 1: Knowledge Credential and the option to complete our RBT training, coming soon.
Who This Training is For
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)
Employment Specialists
Job Coaches
Case Managers
Community service providers working in employment support
Why ACRE Training Matters
Meet Professional Standards: Trainees gain the knowledge and skills to meet ACRE requirements where required and stay ahead of professional mandates in states and organizations as expectations for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) continue to elevate.
Approved Provider: IABA Foundation is one of only a few organizations approved to deliver this training in many states within the U.S.
Foundational Skills: Gain a broad and integrated foundation in Positive Behavior Support (PBS), employment services, and behavior analytic practices that is high-quality and person-centered.
Career Growth: Participants earn nationally recognized certification, strengthening qualifications and professional development in employment services.
Training Structure
The ACRE training combines our industry leading and gold standard Positive Practices in Behavioral Support (PPBS) training as a prerequisite with the ACRE 39 competency areas across a total of 5 modules including:
Positive Practices in Behavioral Support (PPBS) Training
Module 1: Nonaversive Behavioral Support and Basic Principles of Positive Programming
An overview of a person-centered, nonlinear, multi-element model for providing positive behavioral supports, and a full description of the roles that ecology, positive programming, and reinforcement play within this model
Module 2: Comprehensive Functional Assessment and Advanced Support Strategies
Provides in-depth training in behavioral assessment, functional analysis of behavior and how the qualified professional can use this information to develop positive behavioral support plans.
Module 3: Emergency Management & Reactive Strategies Within a Positive Practices Framework
An overview of emergency management and reactive strategies that might be used as part of a complete non-linear, multi-element support plan.
Module 4: Assuring Staff Consistency and the Provision of Quality Services
This Module provides the “magic.” Learn a system of quality management to assure effective and efficient implementation of material. Transition from learning what to do, to how to get it done.
ACRE Competency Required Additional Modules
Equip yourself with essential skills & strategies to provide quality integrated employment services for individuals with IDD. Positive Practices in Behavior Support is a prerequisite for this course & must be completed to receive ACRE certification.
Designed to complete the requirements for the ACRE training for professionals who have already completed the prerequisite training PPBS.
Provides a strong foundation for employment-focused services while addressing real-world challenges in community employment.
Note: If these courses are not taken consecutively, both trainings must be completed within a 6-month period for ACRE competency requirements. If you recently completed the PPBS course, and want to complete the additional ACRE competency within the required period, you can do so for $299.
If you’ve recently completed PPBS, the ACRE training program provides the additional training required to complete the full ACRE Certificate and meet all competency areas for Basic Employment Services certification. Both must be completed within a 6-month period. PPBS alumni have the opportunity to just complete the 2 additional modules to be eligible for the ACRE Certificate if they do so within the 6-month window.