Becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst is both a challenging and rewarding process that opens doors to career stability and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. This certification validates the extensive learning, hands-on experience, and specialized training required to excel in ABA therapy. As a BCBA, you play a vital role in helping individuals develop essential life and social skills, making a lasting difference in their lives and communities.
At Flywheel Centers, we take pride in providing exceptional ABA therapy, driven by our dedicated and highly skilled team. Our trained staff is passionate about making a meaningful impact, using evidence-based techniques to help children thrive. If you’re interested in a career in behavioral analysis we are here to teach you how to become a BCBA in 5 steps and offer the resources and mentorship needed to succeed.
5 Steps to Becoming a BCBA
If you are wondering how to get BCBA certification, becoming familiar with BCBA requirements is essential. These include:
- Getting a bachelor’s degree related to the field
- Completing a master’s program in behavior analysis
- Gaining experience in the field
- Passing the BCBA certification exam
- Obtaining a state license and ensuring it is up-to-date
Let’s take a closer look at these five board certified behavior analyst requirements.
1. Obtain a Relevant Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is essential to earning the BCBA requirements. When applying for a bachelor’s degree program, choose a field of study related to behavioral science, such as psychology, education, social work, or applied behavioral analysis.
2. Choose the Right Master’s Program in Behavior Analysis
After earning a bachelor’s degree related to the field, the next item on the list of BCBA requirements is a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis. You can obtain this graduate degree in a traditional university setting or online. Ensure the institution is accredited and the coursework is geared towards passing the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam.
3. ABA Fieldwork Experience
The next item on the list of BCBA requirements is fieldwork, usually between 1,500 and 2000 hours. Many of those enrolled in the BCBA program complete their fieldwork at their place of employment. The fieldwork involves working directly with patients or as an assistant and applying coursework in practical cases.
4. Take the BCBA Certification Exam
Completing BCBA requirements culminates in passing the BCBA exam , which is intended to prove knowledge of coursework and principles gained through fieldwork. You can apply to take the BCBA online or by submitting a written application.
The BCBA exam takes about four hours and includes 160 questions about the principles and applications of behavioral analysis. The questions will cover behavior, assessment, ethics, and more relevant topics. The exam consists of five categories:
- Measurement
- Experimental Design and Data Analysis
- Applied Behavior Analysis Interventions
- Systems Intervention
- Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice
5. Pursue State Licensure and Certification Maintenance
After completing and passing the exam, the next step toward BCBA requirements is to apply for certification in the state where you intend to practice. The requirements may vary from state to state, so it’s important to understand the regulations in your area.
Once you have achieved a BCBA certificate, it is essential to understand the rules for maintaining it with continuing education and renewing certification every two years. The best way to prepare for this is to continue learning in the field and re-apply for your license before it expires.
Career Opportunities as a BCBA
A BCBA certificate is a gateway to various career opportunities. Those with BCBA certification work in schools, mental health clinics, hospitals, and private practice. Those who earn BCBA certificates can also work in academia or research. In addition, BCBAs work in the area of consultancy. Working in a specialized area is also possible if one’s education and field work reflect the specialties. These include:
- Autism
- Education
- Developmental disabilities
- Behavior management
- Behavioral gerontology
Your Pathway to Becoming a BCBA
Becoming a BCBA unlocks new career opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact by helping individuals develop essential life skills and improve social functioning. Earning this certification enhances your job security, increases earning potential, and allows you to work in diverse settings such as schools, hospitals, treatment centers, and private homes, reaching those who need support the most.
Whether you’re just beginning your journey in behavior analysis or already have experience in the field, at Flywheel Centers, we’re here to support you. Reach out to learn more about potential job opportunities or our training programs and take the next step in your career.
Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a BCBA
How Long Does It Take To Become a BCBA?
Beginning with a high school diploma, it usually takes 6 to 7 years to complete the BCBA requirements. This includes:
- A four-year bachelor’s degree program
- A two to three-year master’s degree program
- Fieldwork performed concurrently while the candidate is enrolled in the graduate program.
It is recommended that students do fieldwork while enrolled in coursework. Those who find it difficult to combine both may focus on their graduate studies and finish their fieldwork at a later date before taking the exam for BCBA certification, with the knowledge that it will take somewhat longer to become a BCBA with this route.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a BCBA?
The costs of earning a BCBA certificate can vary widely depending on the type of school you attend for your bachelor’s and master’s, whether you enroll as an in-state or out-of-state student, and other factors.
The breakdown of the approximate costs of becoming a BCBA are as follows:
- Bachelor’s degree between $5,000 and $9,000 per year in-state, up to $24,000 out-of-state
- Master’s degree: between $5,000 and $9,000 per year
- $245 BCBA examination fee plus $125 examination appointment, $50 for processing with a total of $420
Are There Alternative Paths to Becoming a BCBA?
There are some ways to obtain a BCBA certificate without enrolling in and completing a master’s degree program. A candidate can complete a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as psychology, behavioral analysis, or social work, and complete additional coursework in behavioral analysis.
In addition, there are ways to certify fieldwork hours if you are not enrolled in a graduate program. Once the extra coursework in behavioral analysis and the fieldwork hours are completed, it’s possible to take the BCBA exam and achieve certification.
What Degree Do You Need to Become a BCBA?
To become a BCBA, you must earn a master’s degree in a relevant field. This advanced degree provides the foundational knowledge and specialized training needed to assess behavior, develop treatment plans, and implement effective interventions.
Can I Become a BCBA With a Master’s in Psychology?
It is possible to earn a BCBA certificate with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a master’s degree in psychology if you take five courses in behavioral analytics, complete 2,000 hours of fieldwork, and pass the BCBA exam.
Can You Become a BCBA With a Master’s in Education?
Similarly, you can earn a BCBA certificate with a master’s in education provided you take the core behavioral analytic courses, complete the fieldwork, and pass the BCBA exam.
