The ABA Certification Guide

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a treatment approach that focuses on the science of behavior — including the circumstances and consequences that govern it. According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), ABA techniques generally teach individuals more effective ways of behaving through positive reinforcement, and treatment approaches based on ABA have been applied in a wide variety of areas.

The BACB, a nonprofit established in 1998, operates certification programs for the profession and sets professional standards of practice. It offers three certifications — Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) — plus a doctoral designation, the BCBA-D. The BACB's BCBA Handbook notes that BCBA certification is required by many funders and licensure boards. This guide explains what each credential allows, how to earn it and how to keep it.

ABA Certification Levels at a Glance

The table below compares the BACB credentials, drawing on the BACB's RBT Handbook, BCaBA Handbook and BCBA Handbook, its examination information and its 2027 BCBA Requirements. The sections that follow explain each credential in detail, including changes scheduled for 2027.

There are two other potential pathways to becoming a BCBA. One includes having an acceptable graduate degree and at least three years of experience as a full-time faculty member at an accredited university, teaching and researching behavioral analysis. The other includes having at least 10 years of post-doctoral experience in the field.

The BCBA Exam

Once you’ve met the eligibility requirements described above, you must take and pass the BCBA certification examination. The exam includes 160 multiple-choice questions covering the domains in the current BCBA Test Content Outline (6th edition)—for example, measurement, experimental design, behavior-change procedures, client-centered responsibilities, and ethics.

You will be given four hours to complete 160 multiple choice questions. Exams may be taken at Pearson VUE test sites, and applicants may pay a $245 certification application fee as well as a $125 exam appointment fee.

Important note: The BACB has announced that faculty and post-doctoral eligibility pathways (often referred to as Pathways 3 and 4) will be phased out for new BCBA applicants beginning January 1, 2027. Students planning to rely on these alternative pathways should carefully review the latest BCBA Handbook and the BACB’s “Recent & Upcoming Changes” page when planning their timelines.

Maintaining the BCBA Certification

To maintain your BCBA certification, you must meet several requirements to help ensure you remain proficient in key skills and competencies necessary to practice effectively. You will need to complete ongoing continuing education, which may help you expand your knowledge and stay up to date on developments and best practices in the field. Continuing education requirements include completing at least 32 continuing education units within each two-year recertification cycle.

If you will be supervising BCaBAs, RBTs, or trainees pursuing certification, you must complete specific ongoing supervisory training as well as complete certain continuing education units related to working in a supervisory capacity.

Additionally, you must also adhere to the BCBA code of ethics and meet self-reporting requirements to apply for renewal every two years.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D)

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D) is a doctoral-level certification in the field. Though the designation of BCBA-D may be given to those with doctoral degrees in behavioral analysis, it’s not a separate certification from BCBA and it does not grant those with the certification any additional privileges beyond those of a BCBA. BCBA-Ds function in the same capacity as BCBAs, meaning they work as independent practitioners who provide behavior-analytic services.

How to Become a BCBA-D

Some common steps to become a BCBA-D may include active BCBA certification and meeting one of the three additional requirements detailed below.

• First certification pathway: Complete a doctoral degree from a program accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International.
• Second certification pathway: Complete a doctoral degree from a non-accredited program and conduct a behavior analysis-related dissertation. If you pursue this pathway you must also have either completed four or more courses related to behavior-analytics, received formal advising or supervision from a faculty member who meets requirements set by the BACB, or have published at least two peer-reviewed journal articles that are behavior-analytic in nature.
• Third certification pathway: Complete relevant postdoctoral experience and have published at least two peer-reviewed journal articles that are behavior-analytic in nature.

Maintaining the BCBA-D Certification

To maintain your certification as a BCBA-D, you must meet the same recertification requirements as a BCBA. You may pay an additional $75 on top of the fee associated with renewing a BCBA certification. You will typically change your certification from BCBA to BCBA-D at the time of renewal by contacting the BACB.