BCBA-D (BACB) - Board Certified Behavioral Analyst - Doctoral Designation

The Board Certified Behavioral Analyst - Doctoral Designation (BCBA-D) credential is offered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

Behavioral analysts study the behavior of children and adults to help guide the treatment of learning disorders, social issues, and behavioral challenges. Behavioral analysts typically work with patient populations, including those with brain injuries, developmental delays, and social/learning disorders.  

Becoming a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst is a great way to advance within your career. There are a variety of different routes that can be taken to obtain a BCBA certification. However, the BCBA-D certification is specifically designed for those who have a doctoral degree. 

Education/Experience Requirements

For the BCBA-D certification exam, there are educational and fieldwork requirements. To be considered eligible to sit for this exam, test-takers must have a doctoral degree from an accredited institution and at least 10 years of postdoctoral experience. 

Latest Revision Version

The BCBA examination content is updated regularly using a formal task analysis. This process helps to ensure that test material is relevant and current. The current BCBA exam is the fifth edition and is based on the most recent BCBA Task List.

Cost

The cost of the BCBA-D certification exam includes a $245 application fee and a $125 fee for the exam appointment. The fee for the retake application is $140. There are additional fees involved for anyone who has to retake or reschedule the exam.

Format

The BCBA-D certification exam is made up of 185 multiple-choice questions. Test takers are given up to four hours to complete the exam. Test-takers must have a doctoral degree from an accredited institution and at least 10 years of post-doctoral experience to be considered eligible to sit for this exam. 

The BCBA-D certification is designed for post-doctoral graduates who have at least 10 years of relevant work experience. 

Eligibility

Once individuals have obtained an acceptable doctoral degree and completed the necessary 10 years of relevant work experience, the next step is to complete 500 hours of supervised fieldwork. Fieldwork must begin after individuals have completed their 10 years of necessary work experience and must be overseen by a qualified supervisor. 

Application Process

If you meet all eligibility requirements to sit for the BCBA-D examination, then you can begin the application process. 

1. Complete an online application through the BACB website.

2. Submit the necessary application fees.

3. Provide all necessary documentation. 

Required documentation for the BCBA-D certification includes the following: official transcripts, curriculum vitae, signed verification letters from current/former employers, and fieldwork verification forms.

It may take up to 45 days for your application to be reviewed and processed. Once your application has been approved, you will be given test scheduling instructions via email. You can schedule your exam through Pearson VUE and choose to take it at home via online proctoring or in-person at a testing center. The exam must be taken and passed within a two-year window following approval. The exam can be taken up to 8 times. 

The BCBA-D certification must be renewed every two years. To maintain certification as a BCBA-D, obtain continuing education credits throughout your recertification period, always adhere to the BACB’s code of ethics and self-reporting, and submit a recertification application along with the necessary fees before your certifications expiration date. 

The cost of recertifying is $290 every two years. There is a $105 processing fee for renewal application.

Certificants must obtain 32 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years. This includes 4 CEUs in ethics and 3 CEUs in supervision. To maintain your BCBA-D certification, follow these steps:

1. Enter your CEUs into your online portal throughout the certification cycle. 

2. Once all CEUs have been entered, you will be able to fill out the recertification application. 

3. Complete the application and pay the required fees. Make sure that all information is accurate. 

Note: Some CEUs are selected for audit. If this happens to you, you may have to provide additional information via email. 

The BCBA Handbook offers detailed information regarding BCBA certification including exam information, eligibility details, and the application process. 

Those who obtain certification as a BCBA-D may find work at a hospital, clinical, private practice, home, or school. BCBA-D certification is a great enhancement to your professional resume and offers the opportunity for new employment opportunities. Certification ensures a professional standard across the field and encourages continuing education amongst practitioners. 

The BACB offers the Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA).