Become MEBS Certified
Credentialed Pathway for Practitioners
What is a MEBS Certification?
A practitioner-level certification pathway recognizing progressive knowledge and applied skill in the MEBS (Multi-Element Behavior Support) framework.
MEBS Certification is built on more than 4 decades of evidence-based, person-centered practice from IABA’s founders, Dr. Gary LaVigna and Dr. Tom Willis. IABA Foundation’s MEBS Certification is grounded in a constructional approach and designed to reduce restrictive practices and improve quality of life.
The Foundation has also recently introduced MEBS Micro Credential opportunities which you can learn more about below.
Why Get MEBS Certified?
Validated Expertise: Demonstrates your formal understanding of MEBS, rooted in 40+ years of international practice.
Ethical Distinction: Signals your alignment with human rights-based practices, Social Role Valorization (SRV), and trauma-informed care.
Professional Credibility: Enhances your résumé, portfolio, and credibility with employers, funders, and interdisciplinary teams.
Preparation for Advanced Roles: Serves as a strong foundation for moving into clinical, supervisory, or training roles in behavior support and systems change.
Pathway to Certification: Provides a stepping stone to additional credentials, such as MEBS Practitioner, through a modular and flexible learning framework.
MEBS Micro Credential
The MEBS Micro-Credential is a 6-hour (6-session) live virtual introductory training that builds foundational knowledge in constructional, values-driven behavior support through the Multi-Element Behavior Support (MEBS) model. MEBS Micro Credentials can also be conducted for organizations in-person and will be available on-demand coming soon. The first session is a MEBS Introduction and is FREE to join.
Session 1 (Free) - MEBS Introduction: Overview of MEBS values, including dignity-centered care, humanistic principles, and behavior as communication within a person-centered framework.
Session 2 - Ecological Approaches: Understand how environment impacts behavior and how to align supports to better “fit” the individual.
Session 3 - Skill Teaching: Learn to teach meaningful, functional, and coping skills that support long-term quality of life.
Session 4 - Focused Supports: Explore proactive, function-based strategies to prevent behavioral challenges.
Session 5 - Situational Management: In-the-moment, non-aversive strategies to support safety, regulation, and dignity during escalation.
Session 6 - Quality Assurance: Systems for implementation, reflection, and sustaining high-quality support across teams.
Continue your learning with our gold standard, globally recognized Positive Practices in Behavior Support (PPBS) training. MEBS Micro-Credential participants receive $100 off enrollment. Click here to learn more and join our next cohort for just $399 USD.
Foundation Certification Levels
The MEBS Certification pathway includes three progressive levels, each reflecting deeper integration of MEBS values and practices in the field:
LEVEL 1
Knowledge
Credentialed
Earned by completing the Positive Practices in Behavioral Support (PPBS) Training. Includes knowledge checks, CEUs.
LEVEL 2 COMING SOON
Credentialed
Practitioner
Earned by completing the Longitudinal Support Training, a deeper-dive into case development, team leadership, and person-centered application of MEBS in the field.
Level 2 Certification Coming Soon
LEVEL 3+ COMING 2026
Credentialed
Advanced Practitioner
We will be announcing more MEBS certification levels in 2026. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates and other resources.
Level 3 Certification Coming Soon
Renewal Requirement
To maintain credentials, certifications must be renewed every two years through our continuing education offerings, then reapplying for certification.
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