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How to become a BCBA?
Lend your expertise: what does it take to become a BCBA?
Note: Given the growing interest in the behavioral analyst field, we're inviting our experienced professionals to share their knowledge.
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2 answers
Victory King
22
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Updated
Victory’s Answer
To become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), you typically need a master's degree in behavior analysis or a related field, along with supervised practical experience. You also need to pass the BCBA certification exam. Additionally, ongoing continuing education is required to maintain certification. With the growing interest in the field, it's important to stay updated on the latest developments and best practices in behavior analysis. Hope this helps not a professional in this field !
Elizabeth Rahim
Board certified behavior analyst (BCBA)
2
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New York, New York
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
I'm a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) and passionate about the field of applied behavior analysis, (ABA) so happy to answer this question as I want to disseminate ABA!
1.) Following your bachelors, you need a masters in ABA or a related field. The schools where you're potentially looking to get your masters should spell out on their website whether or not their programs meet the requirements for the behavior analyst certification board. (They should also spell out if they meet state licensure requirements- more on that below.)
2.) Supervised practical experience- this is typically done while one is in graduate school in an ABA program. Again, any schools you're looking at should spell out if they facilitate this as part of their ABA program.
3.) Apply to take the BCBA exam- they will want evidence of your MA/ transcripts, and evidence of your supervised practical experience.
4.) Sit for BCBA exam (and pass!).
5.) Many US states also require that you obtain a state license to practice behavior analysis. Before beginning this journey, give thought to where you want to live & work. (This can be flexible- many BCBAs hold licenses in multiple states.) Some of the licensure requirements are relatively low considering that you've already met standards that satisfy the BCBA requirements.
Please note that there is also a bachelors level ABA certification, the BCaBA, (assistant BCBA) and an entry-level ABA certification that does not require any higher education, the RBT- registered behavior technician.
More information about ALL of these credentials and how to obtain them are available on https://www.bacb.com
1.) Following your bachelors, you need a masters in ABA or a related field. The schools where you're potentially looking to get your masters should spell out on their website whether or not their programs meet the requirements for the behavior analyst certification board. (They should also spell out if they meet state licensure requirements- more on that below.)
2.) Supervised practical experience- this is typically done while one is in graduate school in an ABA program. Again, any schools you're looking at should spell out if they facilitate this as part of their ABA program.
3.) Apply to take the BCBA exam- they will want evidence of your MA/ transcripts, and evidence of your supervised practical experience.
4.) Sit for BCBA exam (and pass!).
5.) Many US states also require that you obtain a state license to practice behavior analysis. Before beginning this journey, give thought to where you want to live & work. (This can be flexible- many BCBAs hold licenses in multiple states.) Some of the licensure requirements are relatively low considering that you've already met standards that satisfy the BCBA requirements.
Please note that there is also a bachelors level ABA certification, the BCaBA, (assistant BCBA) and an entry-level ABA certification that does not require any higher education, the RBT- registered behavior technician.
More information about ALL of these credentials and how to obtain them are available on https://www.bacb.com