BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

What is BCBA Certification?

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) certification is a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis. BCBAs are independent practitioners who can provide behavior-analytic services and supervise the work of RBTs, BCaBAs, and other professionals who implement behavior-analytic interventions. Interested in the BACB’s BCBA-Doctoral® (BCBA-D®) designation? Learn more in the section.

Video: What is a BCBA


How to Obtain and Maintain BCBA Certification

Start With the BCBA Handbook
Updated September 27, 2024

To get started, review the BCBA Handbook and watch these videos. Other important stops in your journey will include the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts and the Recent and Upcoming Changes to BACB Requirements web page. If you have questions, please use the Contact Us Form.

Video: Becoming a BCBA

Video: Maintaining BCBA Certification

Two women with a checklist discussing BACB supervision.
Interested in supervising and training RBTs or BCaBAs? You can learn more about the roles and requirements on the Supervision, Assessment, Training, and Oversight web page.

Resources for BCBAs

Overview of BCBA Requirements card thumbnail
Verified Course Sequence Program card thumbnail
ABAI VCS Accredited Programs card thumbnail
VCS Coordinator Coursework Attestation FAQ card thumbnail
Examination Pass Rates for VCSs card thumbnail
Qualify for Examination via Past Certification card thumbnail
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The Life Cycle of BCBA/BCaBA Application card thumbnail
Nonverified Course Content Attestation card thumbnail
Preliminary Coursework Evaluation card thumbnail
2022 VCS Coordinator Coursework Attestation card thumbnail

BCBAs with doctoral or postdoctoral training in behavior analysis may apply for the designation of Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral. The BCBA-D designation is not a separate certification and does not grant any privileges beyond BCBA certification. If you hold the BCBA-D designation, you may function in the same capacity as a BCBA (i.e., as an independent practitioner who provides behavior-analytic services) and must meet all BCBA maintenance requirements as defined in the BCBA Handbook.

Information that pertains to BCBAs also pertains to BCBA-Ds (e.g., supervision qualifications, requirements).

BCBA-D Designation Application

If you are currently certified as a BCBA and wish to apply for the BCBA-D designation, you must complete the following application, provide all required supplemental documentation, and pay the application fee. Incomplete applications expire 90 days after payment.