What does it mean to practice within the boundaries of competence?

Practicing within the boundaries of competence means that Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) should only engage in activities or provide services for which they have the appropriate training, skills, and experience. This principle is foundational to ethical practice in the field of behavior analysis. It safeguards clients by ensuring they receive high-quality and effective services, as well as promotes the professional development of RBTs by encouraging them to seek additional training and education as needed.

Ensuring that services align with one's competence helps to maintain the integrity of the profession and protects clients from potentially harmful practices caused by a lack of expertise. It emphasizes the importance of ongoing education and self-assessment in a practitioner's career. By adhering to this guideline, RBTs contribute to positive outcomes for their clients and uphold the standards of the behavior analysis profession.