How to Become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Behavior analysis is a dynamic and growing field focused on understanding human behavior and applying evidence-based interventions to improve lives. At the forefront of this field are Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), professionals trained in the principles of learning and behavior to support meaningful change for individuals across a range of needs.

As of March 2025, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) announced upcoming changes to the certification process, including updates to coursework and continuing education standards. These changes—scheduled to roll out through January 2027—reflect evolving expectations for professional practice, including greater emphasis on cultural responsiveness and regulatory adaptability. 

Whether you’re just starting your educational journey or looking to advance your career, becoming a BCBA can be a rewarding path. This guide outlines the steps to certification, upcoming changes to requirements, career outlook, degree paths, and frequently asked questions. With thoughtful planning, aspiring behavior analysts can navigate this evolving landscape and prepare for a career dedicated to improving lives through behavior science.

Walden University : MS in Psychology (HLC Accredited)

Walden University : PhD in Clinical Psychology (HLC Accredited)

Mid-America Christian University (MACU) : Master of Science in Counseling - Applied Behavioral Science (100% Online)

Pepperdine University : Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) (GRE not required)

Steps to Become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Becoming a BCBA involves a structured process combining education, practical experience, and certification. The table below summarizes the key steps required:

Each of these steps is discussed in more detail in the sections below to help prospective behavior analysts navigate the certification process with clarity and confidence.

*Sponsored Counseling Programs

Steps to Become A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) involves a structured process that includes advanced education, hands-on training, and certification. Below are the core steps in the path to becoming a BCBA.

Education Requirements

The first requirement is a graduate-level education. Candidates must earn a master’s degree from an accredited university in behavior analysis, psychology, education, or a related field. Choosing a program that includes a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) is essential for meeting the coursework requirements.

Master’s Degree

The master’s program must align with BACB content standards and cover topics such as assessment, intervention, ethics, and research methods. Programs that are ABAI accredited are often structured to meet BACB eligibility requirements.

Walden University - MS in Psychology (HLC Accredited)

Walden University - PhD in Clinical Psychology (HLC Accredited)

Mid-America Christian University (MACU) - Master of Science in Counseling - Applied Behavioral Science (Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accredited)

Pepperdine University - Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) (ABAI Accredited)

Supervised Fieldwork

In addition to academic coursework, candidates must complete supervised fieldwork in accordance with BACB guidelines. This experience allows aspiring BCBAs to apply behavior analysis principles in real-world settings under the guidance of a certified professional. For those looking to become an ABA therapist, supervised fieldwork also serves as valuable early training.

Pass the BCBA Exam

Once educational and fieldwork requirements are met, candidates must pass the BCBA exam. This comprehensive test evaluates a candidate’s understanding of applied behavior analysis (ABA) concepts and their ability to apply them in practice. Many students prepare using study guides, prep courses, or peer study groups.

Apply for Certification

After passing the exam, candidates submit a formal application to the BACB, including documentation of all requirements. Once approved, they receive their BCBA certification, officially recognizing them as Board Certified Behavior Analysts.

BCBA certification opens the door to diverse career opportunities and positions professionals to make a meaningful impact through evidence-based behavioral interventions.

2025–2027 Updates to BCBA Coursework and Continuing Education Requirements

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) has announced several important changes to BCBA certification requirements that will take effect between 2025 and 2027. These updates reflect evolving professional standards and regulatory considerations in the field of behavior analysis.

Key Upcoming Changes for BCBAs

These updates aim to improve the quality and consistency of BCBA preparation while adapting to legal and regulatory changes across the U.S. and abroad. Changes to coursework and continuing education reflect the growing need for behavior analysts to demonstrate cultural responsiveness and ongoing professional development.

Why Is BCBA Coursework and Continuing Education Requirements Updating?

Recent changes to the BACB’s coursework and continuing education requirements reflect an effort to align certification standards with the evolving needs of both the profession and the broader public. As Board Certified Behavior Analysts increasingly serve individuals from a range of cultural, linguistic, and personal backgrounds, there is growing recognition that practitioners must be equipped to provide behavior-analytic services that are both effective and culturally responsive.

Originally proposed in 2022, the planned 2027 updates include the integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) content into coursework and continuing education. These revisions were recommended by a panel of subject matter experts (SMEs) who aimed to ensure that future BCBAs are better prepared to work across diverse settings and populations. The changes would affect key content areas such as ethics, behavior assessment and intervention, and organizational behavior management, along with the introduction of a DEI-specific continuing education unit (CEU) category.

However, political shifts in the U.S.—including laws and policies targeting DEI initiatives—raised concerns about how these changes might affect the acceptance of BACB certification by employers, state licensure boards, and insurers. In response, the BACB convened an additional SME review in 2025 to reassess the planned requirements and their potential implications.

The final outcome reflects a compromise: updated standards that maintain the intent to prepare culturally competent professionals, while also accounting for the regulatory challenges that may influence how certification is recognized across jurisdictions.

These developments illustrate the BACB’s effort to keep pace with changes in professional practice and public policy, while ensuring the long-term portability and credibility of BCBA certification.

Why Become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)?

Choosing to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of individuals across a variety of settings. This career path is not only rewarding but also comes with a range of professional benefits and personal satisfaction. Here are several reasons why individuals choose to pursue BCBA certification:

• Meaningful Impact: BCBAs have the opportunity to create positive change, helping individuals improve their behavior, learn new skills, and enhance their quality of life. Whether working with children with autism, adults with developmental disabilities, or populations in need of behavioral interventions, BCBAs make a lasting difference.
  
• Growing Demand: The demand for BCBAs has seen a steady increase over the years, driven by the recognition of the effectiveness of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in treating autism spectrum disorders and other behavioral conditions. This growing field offers job security and opportunities for career advancement.
  
• Diverse Work Environments: BCBAs work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, private practice, and community-based organizations. This diversity allows professionals to find work environments that best match their interests and career goals.
  
• Professional Recognition: BCBA certification is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in behavior analysis. Certified professionals are highly regarded for their specialized knowledge and skills, enhancing their credibility and professional opportunities.
  
• Financial Rewards: In addition to the personal and professional satisfaction of helping others, BCBAs have the potential to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits.
  
• Flexibility: The field of behavior analysis offers flexibility in terms of work hours, settings, and populations served. Many BCBAs have the opportunity to set their schedules, particularly those in private practice, allowing for a balanced work-life integration.
  

Becoming a BCBA opens the door to a career that is not only professionally fulfilling but also provides the chance to contribute to society in a meaningful way. The combination of making a positive impact, job security, professional recognition, and financial rewards makes the journey to BCBA certification a worthwhile endeavor for those passionate about behavior analysis.

Where do Board Certified Behavior Analysts Work?

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) are in high demand across a range of sectors, reflecting the versatility and applicability of behavior analysis in various settings. BCBAs find employment in environments that allow them to apply their skills to help individuals improve their behavior and achieve personal goals. Below are some of the most common settings where BCBAs work:

• Educational Settings: Many BCBAs work in schools, from preschools to high schools, where they collaborate with educators, parents, and students to address behavioral challenges and support students’ learning and social integration. They may design individualized educational programs (IEPs) and conduct behavior assessments to create effective interventions.
  
• Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and outpatient clinics employ BCBAs to work with patients who have behavioral health needs, developmental disorders, or other conditions requiring behavior analysis interventions. They may also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
  
• Private Practice: Some BCBAs choose to open their private practices, providing therapy services directly to individuals and families. This setting offers flexibility and autonomy, allowing BCBAs to specialize in areas of interest, such as autism spectrum disorders, behavioral health, or family services.
  
• Social Services: BCBAs work within social service agencies to support individuals with developmental disabilities, addiction issues, or those in need of behavioral intervention to improve their quality of life. They may also be involved in program development and evaluation.
  
• Corporate and Organizational Management: A growing area for BCBAs is in organizational behavior management (OBM), where they apply behavior analysis principles to improve employee performance, enhance workplace safety, and increase organizational efficiency.
  
• Research and Academia: Some BCBAs focus on research, contributing to the advancement of behavior analysis through studies and clinical trials. Others work in academia, teaching future behavior analysts and conducting research at universities.
  

The diversity of work environments available to BCBAs offers professionals the opportunity to find a niche that aligns with their interests and career goals. Whether they are drawn to the educational sector, healthcare, private practice, or beyond, BCBAs can leverage their certification to pursue fulfilling careers across various domains.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst Salary

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) typically earn competitive salaries that reflect their advanced education, specialized training, and increasing demand across healthcare, education, and behavioral services. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not classify BCBAs as a standalone occupation, salary insights can be drawn from both related professions and industry sources.

Average Salary for BCBAs

According to Payscale, the average base salary for professionals holding BCBA certification was $78,000 per year as of August 2025. This figure represents self-reported income data across job titles and experience levels in the U.S. and offers a direct snapshot of BCBA compensation in practice.

Comparisons to Related Roles

For broader context, two BLS-tracked professions help illustrate where BCBA salaries fall on the spectrum:

• Psychologists
  
  • Median pay (2024): $94,310 per year ($45.34/hour)
    
  • Education: Typically a doctoral degree
    
  • Psychologists have a wider scope of clinical practice, including psychotherapy, assessment, and research.
    
• Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
  
  • Median pay (2024): $59,190 per year ($28.46/hour)
    
  • Education: Typically a master’s degree
    
  • These roles more closely align with BCBAs in terms of education level and direct behavioral intervention, though their focus and methods differ.
    

Factors That Influence BCBA Salaries

A BCBA’s salary can vary significantly based on:

• Location – Urban markets and states with insurance mandates for ABA services tend to offer higher salaries.
  
• Experience – Entry-level professionals earn less than those with supervisory roles or several years of fieldwork.
  
• Work Setting – BCBAs may be employed in schools, clinics, hospitals, or private practice, each with different compensation models.
  
• Specialization – Professionals in areas like organizational behavior management (OBM) or clinical leadership often command higher pay.
  

While BCBAs may not yet be tracked as a distinct category by the BLS, the combination of industry data and adjacent roles indicates that certified professionals can expect strong earning potential, particularly as they gain experience or take on advanced responsibilities.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Career and Job Growth

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections for roles that are relevant to BCBAa suggests strong and growing demand.

• Psychologists are projected to see 7% job growth from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than average for all occupations.
  
• Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are expected to grow by 19% over the same period, reflecting high demand for behavioral and mental health services.
  

Demand for BCBAs is similarly driven by:

• Increased recognition of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in autism treatment and education
  
• Expanded insurance coverage for ABA services
  
• Greater integration of behavioral supports in schools, healthcare, and human services
  
• Emerging applications in organizational behavior management (OBM)
  

This outlook positions behavior analysis as a promising, future-focused career path for professionals seeking stable employment, advancement opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Degrees

Becoming a BCBA requires graduate-level education and specific coursework approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Below is a streamlined overview of the academic path.

Bachelor’s Degree

The first step is earning a bachelor’s degree. While the BACB does not require a specific major, fields like psychology, education, or human services provide a helpful foundation. Relevant coursework may include developmental psychology, research methods, and introductory behavior analysis.

Master’s Degree

A master’s degree in behavior analysis, psychology, education, or a related field is required for certification. To qualify, the program must either:

• Include a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the BACB, or
  
• Meet the BACB’s specific coursework standards.
  

Graduate coursework typically covers assessment, intervention strategies, behavior-analytic principles, research design, and ethics. Programs accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) are often structured to meet BACB eligibility requirements.

Doctoral Degree (Optional)

A doctoral degree is not required for BCBA certification but can be valuable for those pursuing careers in research, academia, or advanced clinical leadership. Earning a Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis may also qualify individuals for the BCBA-D designation and open doors to academic or advanced clinical roles.

Supervised Fieldwork

In addition to earning a qualifying degree, candidates must complete supervised fieldwork that meets BACB standards. This hands-on experience is essential for building real-world skills and applying behavior analysis effectively.

The academic path to BCBA certification is rigorous but designed to prepare professionals for impactful work in clinical, educational, and community settings.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) FAQ

What degree do I need to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)?

You must have a master’s degree in behavior analysis, education, psychology, or a related field from an accredited institution. Your graduate program must include BACB-approved coursework, either through a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) or by meeting the board’s course content requirements.

What do Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) do?

BCBAs assess behavior, develop and implement behavior intervention plans, and monitor progress to improve skills and quality of life. They work with individuals across various settings, including schools, clinics, and homes, often addressing developmental disabilities, behavioral disorders, or skill acquisition needs.

How long does it take to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)?

The timeline varies. After earning a bachelor’s degree, a master’s program typically takes 2 years. Supervised fieldwork may take an additional 1–2 years, depending on the number of hours completed per week. Altogether, the process often spans 3–5 years.

How much do Board Certified Behavior Analysts make?

BCBA salaries vary by region, experience, and work setting. As of August 2025, Payscale reports an average base salary of $78,000 per year. Salaries may be higher in clinical leadership or private practice roles, and vary with demand across different states.

What skills do I need to be a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)?

Successful BCBAs are analytical, detail-oriented, and strong communicators. They must be able to conduct assessments, design interventions, monitor progress, and collaborate with families and other professionals. Ethical decision-making and cultural competence are also essential.

Are there internship opportunities for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) candidates?

Yes. Internship-style supervised fieldwork is a core requirement for certification. These experiences are often offered through ABA clinics, schools, or behavioral health agencies and must be supervised by a certified BCBA.

Can you become a BCBA with a Master’s in Counseling?

Yes—if the degree includes BACB-approved coursework in applied behavior analysis. A counseling degree alone does not automatically meet BCBA eligibility requirements. Candidates must complete the required content areas and supervised fieldwork, even if they already hold a counseling credential.

What is the difference between state LBA licensure and BCBA certification?

BCBA certification is a national credential issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). LBA (Licensed Behavior Analyst) licensure is state-based and often required to practice legally within a specific state. Many states require both BCBA certification and licensure, but licensure laws and titles vary.

What are the continuing education requirements for a BCBA?

To maintain certification, BCBAs must complete 32 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years, including 4 hours in ethics and, beginning in 2027, 4 hours in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). CEUs must be earned from approved providers and reported to the BACB during the recertification cycle.

What is the rolling 10-year coursework rule?

Beginning in 2024, the BACB implemented a rolling 10-year expiration policy on coursework. This means any coursework used to qualify for certification must have been completed within 10 years of the application date. Older coursework will no longer be accepted toward BCBA eligibility.

Embarking on Your BCBA Journey

Choosing to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a decision that combines professional purpose with real-world impact. Whether your interest lies in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, shaping behavior change programs in organizations, or conducting behavior-analytic research, BCBA certification opens the door to a versatile and rewarding career.

While the process is rigorous—requiring graduate education, supervised fieldwork, a comprehensive exam, and ongoing continuing education—the structure ensures that certified professionals are well-prepared to make a meaningful difference.

As the field evolves, with updated certification requirements rolling out through 2027, staying informed and aligned with current standards is key. With the right preparation and guidance, aspiring BCBAs can confidently take the next step toward a career built on evidence-based practice, ethical responsibility, and the science of human behavior.