BCBA (BACB) - Board Certified Behavioral Analyst

Behavior analysis is the scientific study of human behavior. Professional behavior analysts may work in government, education, or the private sector. The Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is offered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. (BACB). The BCBA credential is a graduate-level certification earned through examination. Professionals at this level can work as independent Behavior Analysts. BCBAs may specialize in fields such as:

• intellectual/developmental disabilities

• brain injury rehabilitation

• sports

• health and fitness

• behavioral pediatrics

• behavioral gerontology

• organizational behavior management

• substance abuse treatment

Behavior analysis is a relatively new field that has grown since the 1900s. Currently, 33 states require behavior analysts to be licensed. The BCBA credential demonstrates specialized expertise in the field and is highly favored by employers.

Costs

• Exam Application - $250

• Retake Application - $140

• Exam Application paid to Pearson VUE - $125

Test Format

The BACB exam is administered through Pearson VUE. It is a four-hour timed test comprised of 185 multiple-choice questions. Ten items are for statistical analysis and do not affect the final score. 

The exam is revised every five years or whenever there is a significant change to the content.

Results

Pass/fail results are available immediately upon completion. The BACB confirms results via email and posts them on the candidates’ online accounts within 24 hours of the test. Candidates receive a BCBA certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

The steps to becoming a BCBA are:

1. Graduate high school or obtain an equivalent diploma

2. Obtain a master’s degree in special education, psychology, or a related field, or

3. Complete an ABAI-accredited Ph.D. program in applied behavior analysis

4. Gain experience in research, teaching, or fieldwork in behavior-analytics

There are four pathways to qualify for exam eligibility that vary in experience requirements, from 500 to 2000 supervised fieldwork hours.

Candidates must apply to the board and provide documentation to establish eligibility to sit for the exam. Transcripts are evaluated, and BCBA candidates must print field visit supervision forms from the board website for completion and submission.

BCBA recertification is due every two years. BCBA holders must earn 32 hours of continuing education units (CEUs) within each 2-year recertification cycle.

Recertification Fee: $215

The BACB offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Candidate Handbook

• Exam Content

The BACB also offers the Board Certified Behavioral Analyst - Doctoral Designation (BCBA-D).