A clear pathway to
behavioral expertise
FTF Behavioral Consulting's seven-level credentialing framework provides a structured, evidence-based progression, from foundational education through advanced consultation. Each level builds measurable capacity within you and your organization.
How the pathway works
Progress through seven levels at your own pace. Entry is flexible: not everyone starts at Level 1 or follows every step.
As a Level 1 credentialed practitioner, you are qualified to implement the PFA-SBT process directly with clients under the close supervision of a credentialed supervisor (Level 6 or 7).
Complete one approved Level 1 pathway: FTF's PFA-SBT 10-hour on-demand course, the 12-hour training option, or a 2-day live PFA-SBT workshop.
Once training is complete, submit your Level 1 credentialing application through the FTF credentialing portal.
- Complete one approved Level 1 training pathway
- Submit the Level 1 credentialing application
As a Level 2 credentialed practitioner, you can take on a more active planning role in case conceptualization, moving beyond implementation into structured design with consultant support.
Attend a virtual or 2-day live PFA-SBT workshop, or complete an Introductory PFA-SBT Design Session with an FTF consultant.
- Full-fill Level 1 requirements
- Complete an approved Level 2 pathway (workshop or design session)
- Complete the assessment (PFA) workbook based on FTF consultant feedback
- Submit the Level 2 credentialing application
As a Level 3 credentialed practitioner, you can contribute meaningfully to case conceptualization and implementation within a supervised dyad structure, building toward independent practice at Level 4.
Level 3 is most commonly achieved by participating as a support implementor alongside a Level 4 candidate in a dyad model. You and your colleague work together under guidance from a Level 7 consultant. The Lead implementor earns Level 4, and the Support implementor earns Level 3.
- Full-fill Level 1 or Level 2 requirements
- Complete Level 3 Credentialing Checklist signed by a Level 7 Consultant
- Obtain a Letter of Verification signed by a Level 7 Consultant
- Submit the Level 3 credentialing application
As a Level 4 credentialed practitioner, you can serve as the Lead implementor on a case, take primary responsibility for assessment and treatment plan design, and begin leading others in implementation as a dyad lead.
Enroll in the Level 4 course, or pursue the 3-client PFA-SBT Multiple Exemplar model through consultation with a Level 7 consultant. This includes case conceptualization, weekly review of materials, and implementation across a minimum of 8 weeks.
- Full-fill Level 1 or Level 2 credentialing requirements
- Complete Level 4 Credentialing Checklist signed by a Level 7 Consultant
- Obtain a Letter of Verification signed by a Level 7 Consultant
- Submit the Level 4 credentialing application
As a Level 5 credentialed practitioner, you are qualified to design and implement treatment extensions, including generalization and maintenance programming, with guidance and intermittent supervision from a credentialed supervisor.
Complete advanced on-demand coursework through our on-demand learning platform, participate in an Advanced SBT Design Session with an FTF consultant, and complete the required generalization and maintenance workbook with consultation support.
- Full-fill current Level 4 credentialing requirements
- Complete advanced on-demand Level 5 coursework (Increasing Safety, Dignity, and Joy Across the Day: Universal Protocols (1 Ethics, 1 Supervision, 1 General CEUs) and Skill-Based Treatment Extension, Generalization, and Maintenance (1 CEU)
- Complete an Advanced SBT Design Session
- Complete the generalization and maintenance workbook
- Submit the Level 5 credentialing application
As a Level 6 credentialed practitioner, you can supervise Level 1-4 practitioners in your organization, lead implementation teams, and serve as the credentialed supervisor required for lower-level practitioners to advance.
You can also support Level 3 and Level 4 candidates through the Alternative Pathway credentialing process.
Enroll in the Advanced PFA-SBT Live course, or pursue the Train-the-Trainer consultation model (i.e., coaching at least two new implementation teams from case conceptualization through full implementation of PFA and SBT).
To ask about the Train-the-Trainer model specifically, contact our team and mention Level 6 consultation.
- Full-fill Level 5 credentialing
- Completed Level 6 Credentialing Checklist signed by a Level 7 Consultant
- Obtain a Letter of Verification signed by a Level 7 Consultant
- Submit documentation for two supervised client cases, including SBT data, video examples of FCR, CAB1, and CAB5, and eight weekly TTT meeting forms. For one of the clients, additional evidence of CAB5 mastery and a completed SBT Generalization Workbook is required.
- Submit the Level 6 credentialing application
Level 7 credential details and qualification scope are coming soon.
Ready to get credentialed?
Once you've met the requirements for your level, submit your application and take the next step in your PFA-SBT journey.
Apply or level up
Yes -- the FTF credentialing pathway is designed to be flexible. Not every practitioner needs to complete every level in sequence. Your entry point and pace depend on your prior training, current role, and organizational context.
The most common skips are:
• Level 1 → Level 4 (bypassing Levels 2 and 3): Practitioners with demonstrated prior experience may enter directly at Level 4. To pursue this through the consultation route, contact us. To go the live course route, check the live course schedule.
• Level 4 → Level 6 (bypassing Level 5): Level 5 content can be integrated into a Level 4 or Level 6 experience. To pursue this through consultation, contact us. For the live course route, check the live course schedule.
Not sure which route is right for you? Talk to our team and we will help identify the most appropriate starting point. You can also explore the alternative pathway if you have prior training outside the standard FTF framework.
Please complete the Change of Information Request form. Please allow several business days for processing.
Set your goal level and fulfill the requirements for that level. When you are ready, submit the credentialing application and be sure to select "Level up" in the drop-down menu.
For example: if you hold Level 1 credentials and seek Level 2, fulfill all Level 2 requirements and apply. If you hold Level 4 and seek Level 5, obtain all Level 5 requirements and apply.
Note: Leveling up your credentials replaces renewal requirements -- you do not need to renew and level up separately.
Between the date your credentials were issued and their expiration, complete a course that was not required for your current credential level. For example, Level 5 credential holders may not submit a Universal Protocol certificate, because it is required to obtain Level 5.
Obtain your certificate of completion, then submit the credentialing application and select "Renewal" in the drop-down menu.
Note: Leveling up your credentials replaces renewal requirements.
No. Once you have leveled up, you only need to maintain your highest level of credentials. There is no requirement to separately renew credentials from prior levels.
Not sure where to start?
Our team can help you identify the right entry point based on your current role, experience, and organizational goals.
Tell Us How We Can Help
To help us design an organizational training, provide on-site implementation support for your staff, and schedule follow-up video conferencing, tell us about you, your organization, and your goals.
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