Certification

Please note that the CBATI Certification Process is currently only available to Diamond Members of the Grisha Stewart Academy.  It is scheduled to be open for enrollment to non-members in the Spring of 2023.

Diamond Members must be current, and have had an active account for at least three months immediately prior to applying for assessment (this will change to 6 months on March 31, 2023).

As of October, 2022 Diamond Member Subscription rate is $29.99 dollars per month.  Membership also gives you access to our entire catalogue of 100+ courses.  Find out more about Membership here. 

The CBATI certification process has returned home to Empowered Animals LLC and is now overseen by the Grisha Stewart Academy.

New for 2022:

Since the dog training and behavior industry has undergone some pretty big changes since BAT 1.0 and we’re now on BAT 3.0, it made sense that I took some time to re-examine the program to ensure that it matched my current vision for BAT.

The CBATI designation is now available in two levels.

  • CBATI-KA: Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor Knowledge Assessed 
  • CBATI-KSA: Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor Knowledge and Skills Assessed. 

All CBATIs are required to sign the latest version of the CBATI Code of Conduct.

In order to become a Certified Behavior Adjustment Trainer, you must first achieve the CBATI-KA designation.  More about that process below. 

Certification of BAT instructors provides dog owners with a trusted source of referrals to behaviorists and trainers using BAT to rehabilitate dog aggression and other issues.  Certified BAT Instructors (CBATIs) instruct and implement meaningful behavior change through BAT.

CBATI-KA – Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor Knowledge Assessed

Logo for CBATI-KA

The CBATI-KA program aims to provide trainers a solid foundation in the theory and spirit behind the BAT method and is the first step on the journey to becoming a Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor – Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CBATI-KSA formally known as CBATI).

This program replaces in person theory-based certification seminars.  All courses are now taken online via the Grisha Stewart Academy (GSA).

CBATI-KAs can conduct professional and authorized BAT sessions with clients, use BAT methodology within the context of training classes or in a shelter/volunteer environment, and can also apply to become a CBATI-KSA.

Enrollment

Enrollment is now open for Diamond Members of the Grisha Stewart Academy. The program is due to be released to non-members in the Spring of 2023.

There are no prerequisites to apply, but you may find the material much easier to complete if you have some level of dog training experience.

Curriculum

CBATI- KA Program represents 29 courses with approx. 100 hours of teaching time. Students must complete all the required courses before requesting assessment.

I estimate that it will one to two years to complete the program from the date of first enrollment.  There is no minimum amount of time to take all the courses, but Diamond Members must be current, and have had an active account for at least three months immediately prior to applying for assessment (this will change to 6 months on March 31, 2023).

Assessment

Knowledge is assessed via an online multiple-choice exam and a short written essay (max 1000 words).  You must pass both parts to qualify as a CBATI-KA. The online assessment will be automatically marked by the Academy portal.  Essays will be assigned to a member of the Assessment Team made up of CBATI-KSAs and me (Grisha).

There is a $100 Assessment fee for Diamond Members, payable at the time of request of the assessment. Diamond Members must be current and have had an active account for at least three months immediately prior to applying for the assessment. This will change to 6 months on March 31, 2023. 

Recertification

To ensure that CBATI-KAs are fully up to date with the latest developments in BAT, CBATI-KAs must renew their certification every 2 years. 

For more details and to enroll  in the program (Diamond Members only) please email CBATI Program Coordinator Claire Goyer, CBATI-KSA.

 For more information on Diamond Membership, please click here.

CBATI-KSA: Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor Knowledge and Skills Assessed

The CBATI-KSA designation is the more advanced level in the CBATI family.  CBATI-KSAs (formally known as CBATIs) have already demonstrated their knowledge of BAT by successful completion of the CBATI-KA program, and have additionally had their skills reviewed in a rigorous Practical Skills Assessment process. *

This program replaces in-person Instructor Certification Seminars.  The process is now all done online via live or recorded video at the Grisha Stewart Academy (GSA).

*CBATIs who gained their qualifications prior to 2022 have been transitioned to the new designation via a series of courses designed to bring them fully up-to-date with the latest theory and skill set of BAT, as well as the latest code of ethics. 

In addition to the CBATI-KA roles, CBATI-KSAs can also:

  • Teach BAT to other trainers, mentor CBATI-KAs and help them prepare for the PSA.
  • Present the pre-prepared “Introduction to BAT” seminar in person or online.*
  • Teach BAT workshops in person with prior approval and CBATI-KSA community coordination.*
  • Represent BAT in interviews, podcasts and be generally acknowledged as an expert able to speak publicly on the method.*
  • Submit teaching proposals to the GSA.
  • Eligible for opportunities with the GSA Instructor and Admin Team.
  • Eligible to represent the GSA and the CBATI Program at conferences. *
  • Host Me (Grisha) for in-person workshops and seminars (Although I am deliberately limiting my travel these days) 🙂

    *With prior approval from me- Grisha.

Enrollment

You can apply any time after you gain your CBATI-KA provided that:

  • 
You hold a current CBATI-KA certification.
  • You also hold one of the following, or are a full member of one of the following organisations: In alphabetical order:  ABTC, BA/BSc (related topics), CCPDT, CBCC, IAABC,  PhD. (This is not a full and final list).

OR

  • Current CBATI-KA and 1 Recommendation Letter from a current CBATI-KSA, or Dog Professional Peer (holder of one of the above), 2 Recommendation Letters from two separate Clients and a log demonstrating 100 hours of Training Time.

CBATI-KSA program is now open for Diamond Members of the GSA, and  will open for general applications in the Spring of 2023.

Assessment

Candidates are CBATI-KAs, who are then assessed via a Practical Skills Assessment (PSA), demonstrating both teaching skills and hands-on use of BAT when working with a client. These skills are evaluated via video submission or live online video call.

Recertification

To stay fully up to date with the latest developments in BAT, CBATI-KSAs must renew their certification every 2 years.

To be notified when the CBATI-KSA program is open for general applications, email Program Coordinator Claire Goyer.

More Perks!

Becoming a member of our CBATI Community means you get tons of support and a load of perks right from day one.

All CBATIs are listed in our CBATI Directory, enabling interested clients to find you faster.  You are also enrolled in special CBATI course bundles at my Academy which gives you access to some courses free of charge.  You’ll also  get discounts on other courses, products in my store, and discounts from some of my favourite organizations and people!

Plus you can join our exclusive FB groups for CBATIs, but also find support away from social in our active community chat rooms at my Academy.

You can also earn revenue as an Affiliate of my Academy with higher rates for CBATIs! If  you would like to find out more, email Program Coordinator Claire Goyer. 

Last updated Jan, 2023.

Instant Access to Empowered Pet Care & Training