LBA vs. BCBA – What’s the Difference?

Behavior analysts use scientific research to develop techniques and treatments to improve their clients’ behaviors, such as social skills, communication, and adaptive learning. This form of therapy is called applied behavior analysis (ABA).

Behavior analysts work with a variety of populations, such as clients with:

  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Attention deficit disorder
  • Behavior disorders
  • Brain injuries and diseases
  • Dementia
  • Developmental and intellectual disabilities
  • Feeding disorders
  • Movement disorders
  • Substance abuse disorders

If you’re interested in exploring ABA as a career, you may have heard of the acronyms “BCBA” (board-certified behavior analyst) and “LBA” (licensed behavior analyst). Learn what the difference is between an LBA and BCBA and how to become one or both.

What Is an LBA?

An LBA is a behavior analyst credential specific to New York. While a BCBA credential is not required to legally practice in New York, it also doesn’t make you eligible to practice as a behavior analyst in New York. To do so, you may obtain an LBA if you want to use the title of licensed behavior analyst in New York, unless you’re employed by an exempt setting.1

In New York, LBAs practice applied behavior analysis pursuant to a diagnosis and prescription or order from a professional authorized to provide that diagnosis and prescription or order, unless they are practicing in an exempt setting.

If you want to practice as a behavior analyst in another state, state licensure requirements will vary.

What Is a BCBA?

A BCBA is a graduate-level behavior analysis certification appointed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). As a BCBA, behavior analysts typically:

  • Are professionally certified
  • May provide behavior analysis services as independent practitioners
  • May supervise Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) work
  • May supervise the work of Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)
  • May oversee professionals who implement interventions for behavior

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board certification indicates the behavior analyst has met requirements that set the professional standard for independent and supervisory work in ABA. The BCBA credential may help behavior analysts advance their careers. It may be a requirement for certain positions and/or to obtain licensure in certain states.

What Does a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) Do?

LBAs provide applied behavior analysis services pursuant to a diagnosis and prescription or order from an authorized professional for the purpose of providing behavioral health treatment. Current New York law does not limit LBA practice only to autism-specific treatment. 

LBAs determine how to modify a client’s environment and use behavioral stimuli and consequences to help their clients adapt to social situations and improve their behaviors. LBAs do this by observing their clients in everyday situations, measuring their behaviors, and determining the relationships between those behaviors and their environments.

How to Become a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in New York

New York now has a standard LBA licensure pathway and a pathway based on qualifying BACB certification. According to the New York State Office of the Professions, they typically involve:

  • Earning a master’s or higher degree in ABA or a master’s or higher degree in a related field that’s acceptable to the New York State Education Department, such as psychology or education, that addresses learning and behavioral change, includes coursework in ABA, and leads to an advanced certificate in ABA. The master’s degree may be from a program that’s registered by the New York State Education Department or from a program that’s determined to be substantially equivalent to such a program.
  • Documenting supervised experience acceptable to the Department in accordance with the Commissioner’s Regulations. If you are completing supervised experience in New York to meet BACB requirements, you must obtain a graduate permit and work under the supervision of a New York State LBA.
  • Meeting the current supervision and documentation requirements tied to the qualifying experience pathway.
  • Passing an examination acceptable to the Department when required under the pathway used for licensure.
  • Applicants who already hold a qualifying BACB certification may apply through New York’s licensure pathway based on national board certification.

The fee for licensure and first registration as an LBA is $300 as of April 2026.

How to Become a BCBA

The process to become a behavior analyst (BCBA) depends on the BACB eligibility pathway. As of 2026, the BACB lists four pathways.

Pathway 1 is for applicants with a qualifying APBA-accredited, ABAI-accredited, or recognized graduate program.

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The online ABA program can be completed on a full-time basis in as few as 12 months, and students can choose from four cohort start dates every year.

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Pathway 2 is for applicants with a master’s degree or higher who complete qualifying behavior-analytic coursework through an institution with a Pathway 2 Program Contact. Both pathways also require supervised fieldwork.

Pathway 3 is for applicants with a qualifying graduate degree who have held a full-time faculty position in behavior analysis that includes research, teaching, and supervised fieldwork.

Pathway 4 is for applicants with a doctoral degree and qualifying postdoctoral experience in applied behavior analysis, plus supervised fieldwork.

After meeting the applicable eligibility requirements, candidates submit a BCBA certification application and, if approved, schedule the exam through Pearson VUE. As of 2026, the BACB certification application fee is $245, and the examination appointment fee is $125. To maintain certification, BCBAs must complete continuing education and submit a recertification application every two years; the BCBA recertification application fee is $215.

With a Behavior Analyst Certification Board certification, an ABA may apply for licensure in the state where they plan to practice. Licensure requirements will vary by state.

Learn More About Behavior Analysis

Behavior analysts can make a positive difference in their clients’ lives, potentially leading to better outcomes in client settings such as family homes and schools. If you would like to learn more about human behavior and how certain conditions affect it, you might be interested in a career in applied behavior analysis.

Licenses and certifications, such as the BCBA, ensure clients and their families know they’re receiving treatment from a professional with the education, supervised experience, and knowledge to provide appropriate care. Completing the necessary steps for licensure and certification is required to work legally and to adhere to professional ethics and standards.

Learn more about online ABA programs and ABA certification that may put you on the path to becoming a professional ABA.

Information last updated: April 2026

Sponsored Online ABA Programs

Simmons University

Department of Behavior Analysis

infoAD

Master of Science in Behavior Analysis

Earn your master’s degree in behavior analysis online in 20 months through Simmons’ highly respected program, BehaviorAnalysis@Simmons.

  • Complete Your Master’s in 20 Months
  • No GRE Required 
  • ABAI-verified course sequence

Pepperdine University

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

infoAD

Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

The online ABA program can be completed on a full-time basis in as few as 12 months, and students can choose from four cohort start dates every year.

  • GRE not required 
  • Complete online in as few as 12 months 
  • Prepare to sit for the board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) exam

info AD