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Your Complete Guide to Navigating the Path to BCA Certification
October 30, 2023
By ABA Psychological Services
Your Complete Guide to Navigating the Path to BCA Certification
Are you interested in becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)? Do you consider yourself a great listener and naturally empathetic
to others? If so, you may possess traits that make a great Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
The professional field of behavior is growing, and this specialized certification opens the door for many highly desirable BCBA jobs. These
professional roles require someone trained and certified in observing, assessing, and applying research-based strategies for those in need.
What Is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)?
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a healthcare practitioner with a certification in applied behavior analysis, which they’ve officially
received through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. As a BCBA, you’ll focus on understanding, improving, and changing problematic
behaviors in children and adults. Many BCBAs specialize in autism, developmental disabilities, and other emotional, social, or behavioral issues.
What Is Required for A BCBA Certification?
If you are wondering how to become a BCBA, you’ll first need to understand how the BCBA certification works, the main requirements, and the
recommended path to get you there. To become BCBA certified, every candidate must have a graduate degree in a relevant field, complete the
coursework and supervised experience requirements, and pass the BCBA exam to become an official Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
For many, the most common path to receiving their BCBA certification involves:
1. Attending an accredited university and earning their graduate degree in a behavior-related field, such as behavior analysis, psychology, or education).
2. Completing and submitting their relevant coursework.
3. And fulfilling the required 2,000 hours of supervised independent fieldwork or 1,500 hours at a supervised practicum.
Beyond coursework, another way to qualify for BCBA certification is through faculty teaching and research. In this case, someone would need to
meet the equivalent education and experience requirements and have worked as a faculty member in behavior analysis for at least three years.
Postdoctoral experience can earn a BCBA certification if an individual has a doctoral degree in behavior analysis, education, or psychology
and supervised practical experience.
How Much Does a Salaried BCBA Make?
If you are actively pursuing BCBA jobs, you can expect to see roles that offer an average of $75,784 per year if this job is in the United States,
according to Salary.com. The average salary will depend on the location and state you are a practitioner. Also, as Board Certified Behavior Analysts,
many can receive bonus pay and more.
Work With Us
At ABA Psychological Services, P.C., we work with BCBAs to create effective treatment and service plans for children and adults with
autism. Join our team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA), Licensed Behavior Analysts (LBA), and ABA paraprofessionals, working to
support individuals with autism to live their highest potential and work towards behavioral and professional independence.
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