Specialization Program Approval
For programs offering advanced, competency-based specialization education
Academy for Behavior Change Specialization Program Approval recognizes education and training programs that prepare learners for advanced practice in a defined specialization area.
Approval is designed to support quality and consistency while preserving program flexibility. Programs may vary in audience, format, setting, and instructional approach, as long as they demonstrate clear alignment with the applicable ABC specialization competency framework and show how learners develop and demonstrate specialization-level competence.
Specialization Program Approval is not full program accreditation. It is a focused review process for programs offering specialization education in a defined area of behavior change practice.
Specialization Frameworks
This competency framework outlines 5 core domains for coaches seeking to specialize in oncology care:
- Complexity & Individuality of the Cancer Experience
- Behavior Change Across the Cancer Continuum
- Emotional & Psychological Impact of Cancer
- Relationships & Support Systems
- Professional Practice, Ethics, & Scope of Practice
Coaching
This competency framework outlines 5 core domains for coaches seeking to specialize in pediatric settings:
- Contextual Factors Impacting Pediatric Well-Being
- Pediatric Health, Wellness, & Well-Being
- Behavior Change in the Pediatric Population
- Parent Coaching
- Safety & Ethics in Pediatrics
Who Is This Path For?
This pathway is for organizations that have developed, or are finalizing, a specialization education or training program aligned with an ABC specialization competency framework.
It may be a good fit for:
- Training organizations
- Universities or continuing education providers
- Healthcare systems
- Professional development programs
- Organizations offering advanced coach or behavior change training
Programs should be far enough along to submit a developed curriculum, learner admission criteria, faculty information, and assessment methods for review.
Approval Requirements
ABC reviews specialization programs across six core areas.
How the program prepares learners to develop and apply specialization competencies.
How learners demonstrate knowledge, applied skill, judgment, and professional behaviors.
How instructors, facilitators, mentors, or assessors are prepared to support specialization-level learning.
How the program addresses ethical practice, role clarity, referral, risk escalation, and interdisciplinary collaboration where relevant.
How the program gathers feedback, reviews outcomes, and improves over time.
How learner information, completion requirements, records, and public statements about approval are managed.
What Approval Supports
Specialization Program Approval helps programs demonstrate that their education and training are aligned with ABC specialization competencies and standards. Approved programs may communicate their approval status for the specific program reviewed and may report eligible learners to ABC for individual specialization badge issuance.
Program approval recognizes the education or training program. Individual specialization badges recognize learners who successfully complete an ABC-approved specialization pathway.
Fees
The application and approval fee is due at submission. The annual fee is due only after approval and is required to maintain active approval status.
ABC Founding and Professional Members receive a 10% discount on specialization application and annual renewal fees. ABC Organizational Partners receive a $100 discount on the application fee and a 10% discount on annual renewal fees.
Review Process
The review process is structured but manageable.
- Review the handbook and readiness checklist
- Submit the application, fee, and required materials
- ABC completes an initial completeness check
- Reviewers evaluate alignment with the standards and competency framework
- ABC may request clarification or additional information
- The program receives a written decision and feedback
- Approved programs maintain alignment and report eligible completers
Is This the Right Path?
Choose Specialization Program Approval if your organization has a program ready, or nearly ready, for review.
Choose Build a Specialization if you are still exploring a new specialization area or want to help define a competency framework.
Choose Complete a Specialization if you are an individual professional looking for advanced preparation.
Review the Handbook
Programs considering approval should review the Specialization Program Approval Handbook before applying. The handbook includes the full standards, readiness expectations, documentation requirements, fees, and review process.
Apply for Program Approval
If your program is ready for review, begin the application process or review the full approval requirements before applying.