If you’ve been searching for ways to break into Organizational Behavior Management (OBM), chances are you’ve come across one of many OBM certification programs. These courses promise tools, frameworks, and professional credibility. But do they actually help you get hired—or are they just an expensive detour?

Let’s break down what organizational behavior management certifications really offer, who they’re for, and what you need to know before signing up.

What are OBM Certifications? 

Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) certifications are short-term training programs (usually a few days to a few months) that teach people how to apply behavioral science in the workplace. Most are geared toward behavior analysts (with or without OBM experience) and professionals outside ABA looking to learn about OBM. 

These programs often come with:

  • A certificate of completion
  • A fillable toolkit (often based on a proprietary framework like SPACE or a 7-step protocol)
  • Coaching or discussion forums

Common Certification Frameworks

Most OBM certificate courses are built around project-based models. Two common examples:

  • SPACE Model: Scope, Pinpoint, Assess, Change, Embed (a simplified version of Six Sigma's DMAIC)
  • OBM Dynamics Protocol: A 7-step change model taught through 

Learning Outcomes (According to Providers)

These courses claim to help you: 

  • Identify performance problems
  • Design and lead OBM projects
  • Improve systems like onboarding, supervision, or billing
  • Apply OBM as a consultant or manager
Some courses also promise access to a professional network or job-seeking resources.

What’s the Catch?

While these programs may be helpful for learning, here’s what most of them don’t tell you:

1. They're Not Industry-Recognized Credentials

Unlike certifications in Lean Six Sigma or HR, OBM certificates are not formally recognized by employers or regulatory bodies. They’re usually certificates of completion—not licenses or certifications with credibility across industries.

2. They Don't Guarantee Jobs or Promotions

Many of these programs market themselves to both trained BCBAs and people with zero behavioral training. That means the content tends to stay surface-level. Even the project coaching included in some programs isn’t enough to stand out in the job market.

3. The Content is Often Entry-Level

Many of these programs market themselves to both trained BCBAs and people with zero behavioral training. That means the content tends to stay surface-level. Even the project coaching included in some programs isn’t enough to stand out in the job market.

They Focus on Internal Improvements, Not Career Growth

Many of these programs market themselves to both trained BCBAs and people with zero behavioral training. That means the content tends to stay surface-level. Even the project coaching included in some programs isn’t enough to stand out in the job market.

What You Should Do Instead

If your goal is to actually pivot into OBM, here are some stronger options:

Build Real OBM Experience

Apply OBM principles in meaningful ways:
  • Redesign a training program
  • Run a performance feedback pilot
  • Improve a system using data (and graph your results)
Start where you're at. If you have the opportunity to implement projects in your current workplace, that's a great place to start. Building relationships with locally owned businesses, understanding their needs, and helping them solve them.

These experiences will help you build your resume, and highlight outcomes you've been able to achieve. That's what hiring managers and recruiters want to see!

Learn Marketable Skills

Instead of an OBM certificate, consider getting training in targeted skills to build specific competencies, especially ones that have name recognition to the people hiring for jobs you're interested in. Things like: 
  • Lean Six Sigma, if you're interested in systems and process work
  • Data analysis tools, like Excel, Tableau, Power BI. Everyone needs killer decision-making dashboards!
  • Instructional design best practices, like Bloom's Taxonomy, the ADDIE model, and adult learning theories
If you're chasing your interests as a multi-passionate behavior analyst, go absolutely wild. Chase the reinforcement! But, if you're on the job hunt, invest in learning the skills that are going to make you a competitive applicant. A one-size-fits all approach (like generic, high-level "OBM Certifications") aren't going to do it. 

Connect with Fellow OBMers

Find professionals who work in OBM-related roles and ask how they got there. But, remember, OBM is an approach. Not a job title.

Ask questions! The applications of OBM are wide, so there are many paths to find the OBM job you're looking for. Learn from their paths instead of assuming a certificate is a shortcut. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an OBM certification to get an OBM job?

No. Most OBM related roles don’t ask for OBM certifications. In fact, most employers haven't heard of OBM, even though they want the skillsets that OBMers bring to the table.

Employers look for practical experience and business knowledge. When you're not working with insurance companies that require specific certifications, the backgrounds and experiences that produce skills are a lot more varied!

Is a certificate the same as a professional license?

No. These certificates are not accredited credentials or licenses. They’re proof you took a course. "Certification" can mean a lot of different things. Make sure you look into the claims that providers are making, including accreditation requirements, the accreditation body, and similar to make sure a certification is going to produce the value you're expecting before you commit to it. 

Can these certifications help BCBAs apply OBM in clinics?

Yes. If your goal is to improve processes inside your ABA organization, these programs can help. They're great for building basic competency in OBM tools, like administering the Performance Diagnostic Checklist (PDC), developing a killer job aid, and similar. 

They'll even help if you want to leave clinical work entirely - but from a skill perspective. They aren't going to position you as a competitive applicant. 

Are there better alternatives to OBM certificates?

Yes. Consider Lean Six Sigma, project management training, or real-world experience applying OBM principles. These paths tend to be more respected in business and healthcare.

How much do OBM certifications cost?

Most cost between $500–$1000. Some offer CEUs for BCBAs. Consider for yourself if the career value matches the price tag.

What is Moralis Machina?

Moralis Machina is a company that helps behavior analysts apply Organizational Behavior Management in meaningful ways. We offer:
  • CEUs, individual supports, and accredited Lean Six Sigma certifications for behavior analysts
  • Career coaching for BCBAs transitioning into OBM roles
  • CEUs and practical tools that focus on real-world outcomes
Our goal is to support sustainable, values-based career growth—not just sell certificates.

Final Thoughts

Organizational Behavior Management certifications sound impressive, but they aren’t the golden ticket to an OBM career. They may help you improve some processes in your current role and help you gain some basic OBM competencies. But, they don’t replace experience, strategic mentorship, or marketable skills, and they're not likely to open doors on the job market.

If you're serious about OBM, start building projects that show real results, and connect with people who’ve made the transition for real. The job title won’t come from a PDF certificate. It comes from the value you create for organizations.