To become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), you generally need to follow these key steps:
Steps to Become a BCBA
1. Earn a Relevant Bachelor’s Degree
Start by earning a bachelor's degree, preferably in psychology, education, or
applied behavior analysis, though other related fields can also be acceptable.
This undergraduate degree prepares you for graduate studies in behavior
analysis
. 2. Complete Required Graduate Coursework
You must earn a graduate degree (master's or doctoral) that includes specific
behavior-analytic coursework approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification
Board (BACB). There are two main pathways:
- Completing a graduate program accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).
- Completing a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) of behavior-analytic courses if not enrolled in an ABAI-accredited program.
Graduate coursework typically covers ethical and professional conduct, research methods, behavior principles, assessment, and intervention strategies
3. Gain Supervised Fieldwork Experience
You need to complete between 1,500 and 2,000 hours of supervised practical
experience in applied behavior analysis. This fieldwork is done under the
supervision of a qualified BCBA and involves evaluating clients, developing
treatment plans, and monitoring progress. Documentation and logging of hours
are required
. 4. Pass the BCBA Examination
After completing your coursework and fieldwork, you must pass the BCBA
certification exam administered by the BACB. The exam includes multiple-choice
questions covering foundational knowledge, measurement, experimental design,
and ethical standards. A passing score is required to obtain certification
. 5. Maintain Certification
Once certified, BCBAs must adhere to ethics requirements, complete continuing
education, and recertify every two years to maintain their credential
Summary Table
Step| Description
---|---
Bachelor's Degree| Earn a relevant undergraduate degree (psychology,
education, ABA, etc.)
Graduate Coursework| Complete ABAI-accredited or Verified Course Sequence
graduate program with required courses
Supervised Fieldwork| Complete 1,500–2,000 hours of supervised practical
experience in behavior analysis
BCBA Exam| Pass the BACB-administered BCBA certification exam
Certification Maintenance| Follow ethics, continuing education, and
recertification requirements
Following these steps will lead to becoming a certified BCBA, qualified to practice applied behavior analysis professionally
