University Training Options
Currently, universities can offer behavior-analytic coursework in one of two ways:
| Pathways | University Training | Description | Resources | What will students experience when applying for certification? |
| Pathway 1 | Accredited Degree* |
Your master’s degree program must be:
|
Review accreditation/recognition requirements for: |
Students who earn a master’s degree or higher from one of ABAI or APBA’s accredited/recognized programs will have fulfilled the coursework and degree requirements for BCBA eligibility under pathway 1. When applying, the student’s transcripts must show that they have obtained the accredited degree and that the degree was conferred during the dates the program was accredited. |
| Pathway 2 | Behavior-Analytic Coursework |
Students must have a master’s degree and have completed behavior-analytic coursework at an institution that has an authorized Pathway 2 Program Contact. The Pathway 2 Program Contact will review each student’s coursework and, if appropriate, may attest to the BACB that the student has met the coursework requirements. |
Review the BCBA Handbook’s pathway 2 section on behavior-analytic coursework requirements. |
Once all coursework requirements have been completed, the student will request that the institution’s Pathway 2 Program Contact complete a Pathway 2 Coursework Attestation and submit it to the BACB. When the student applies, they will also request that the institution(s) send an official transcript(s) from each institution where they completed qualifying coursework.* |
*Students who have a VCS Coordinator Coursework Attestation submitted prior to December 31, 2025, may use that attestation toward a certification application until December 31, 2026.
Important Upcoming Updates to BCBA Coursework Requirements
In response to the profession’s changing needs, there are notable updates to university training in the coming years. We recognize such changes require time and effort for preparation and we routinely provide public notice—often years in advance—to help support a smooth transition.
Jan. 1,
2026
Change: With ABAI’s discontinuation of their Verified Course Sequence System for pathway 2, the BACB has implemented a Pathway 2 Coursework Attestation System.
Implications for Universities:
- Programs must have a full-time faculty member in the department where the program is located who holds an active BCBA certification. This individual—the Pathway 2 Program Contact—will complete coursework attestations for BCBA applicants from their program.
- Managing VCS course records with ABAI will no longer be required.
- Students can only apply for certification through pathway 2 if an attestor submits a coursework attestation, as the course-by-course review using ABAI’s VCS course records will no longer be an option. Nonverified coursework attestations may no longer be submitted.
- For details about 2026 coursework evaluations, refer to the BACB-managed Pathway 2 Coursework Attestation System section below.
Jan. 1,
2027
Change: Applicants for BCBA certification must meet the 2027 coursework requirements described in the 2027 BCBA Requirements.
Implications for Universities: Coursework for pathway 2 certification must align with the updated coursework requirements in advance of this date.
Jan. 1,
2032
Change: Applicants for BCBA certification must apply via pathway 1. Only ABAI or APBA-accredited program degrees will qualify for certification since pathway 2 will be discontinued.
Implications for Universities: Universities must have their degrees accredited by ABAI or APBA. Note: ABAI’s Tier 2a- and 2b-recognized programs will no longer be accepted.
Pathway 2 Coursework Attestations
As of January 1, 2026, universities can continue to offer behavior-analytic coursework for BCBA certification under pathway 2 if they:
- meet all pathway 2 coursework requirements for BCBA certification, AND
-
have a full-time faculty member in the department where the program is housed who has an active BCBA (or BCBA-D) certification who will:
- review each student’s coursework,
- confirm all coursework requirements under pathway 2 are met, AND
- complete an Attestation for each eligible applicant.
Becoming a Pathway 2 Program Contact:
Registration is open for full-time faculty members to become Pathway 2 Program Contacts and add their programs. To apply, complete the following steps:
- Download the Pathway 2 Program Contact Request Form.
- Complete the program details and attestations.
-
Obtain confirmation from the college dean or department chair/head that you are the appropriate Pathway 2 Program Contact for the program.
Note: All programs must go through this process to maintain accurate records and contacts with the BACB, even if they previously held a VCS designation. -
Submit the request and upload the form through the
University Faculty Contact Form.
Pathway 2 Program
Contact Request Form
If at any time a new Pathway 2 Program Contact needs to replace an existing Contact, a Pathway 2 Program Contact Change Request Form will need to be submitted to the BACB.
Pathway 2 Program Contact Change Request Form
Pathway 2 Program Contact Responsibilities:
- Review students’ coursework and, if applicable, complete and submit the coursework attestation.
- Maintain accurate records and update the BACB if your role changes.
- Serve as the primary contact for coursework-related questions.
Attesting to a Student’s Pathway 2 Coursework (starting January 1, 2026):
After a student has completed a course sequence, the Pathway 2 Program Contact will complete an attestation indicating that the student meets all of the current pathway 2 coursework requirements, which program the applicant completed, and which courses the student completed.
Note: If the student has a BACB ID, an attestation can be completed any time after coursework completion. Effective January 1, 2026, students cannot complete their pathway 2 application until an attestation is in their account. The student will be notified when the attestation is in their account.
Pathway 2 Program Contacts may start using this attestation process for students who are applying for certification on or after January 1, 2026.
Have more questions? Review the Pathway 2 Coursework Attestation FAQs below.
BCBA and BCaBA Pathway 2 Coursework Attestations FAQs