# How do I become a BCBA? The 2027 pathways, step by step > Degree, coursework, fieldwork and the exam under the BACB's 2027 requirements, plus how to plan your timeline. URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/how-to-become-a-bcba By The Autism Kit team ยท Updated 2026-09-27 **Short answer:** To become a BCBA, you need a master's degree or higher, behavior-analytic content (through an accredited or recognized program, or 315 hours of approved coursework), 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork (or 1,500 concentrated hours), and a passing score on the BCBA exam. From January 1, 2027, the BACB accepts two pathways, and it plans to remove Pathway 2 in 2032. **Key takeaways** - You need a **master's degree or higher**. - You need **behavior-analytic content**: an accredited program (Pathway 1) or **315 hours** of coursework (Pathway 2). - You need **2,000 supervised** or **1,500 concentrated** fieldwork hours. - Then you **pass the BCBA exam**, based on the 6th edition Test Content Outline. ## What are the two pathways? Beginning January 1, 2027, the BACB accepts two pathways:[1] | | Pathway 1 | Pathway 2 | | --- | --- | --- | | Degree | Master's or higher from an APBA-accredited program, or an ABAI-accredited or recognized program (Tier 1, 2a or 2b) | Master's or higher in any field from a qualifying institution | | Behavior-analytic content | Built into the degree | 315 hours of behavior-analytic coursework | | Fieldwork | 2,000 supervised or 1,500 concentrated hours | 2,000 supervised or 1,500 concentrated hours | | Exam | BCBA exam | BCBA exam | The BACB has announced it will **remove Pathway 2 in 2032**.[1] **Choosing a program.** If you're choosing a master's program now, a program that's accredited or recognized by ABAI or APBA gives you Pathway 1 and avoids the 2032 cutoff. [4] ## What coursework does Pathway 2 require? 315 instructional hours at the graduate level, completed within 10 years of applying, with a C or better:[1] - Basic principles of behavior (45 hours) - Theory and philosophy (45) - Research methods (45) - Behavior assessment and intervention (90, across two courses) - Organizational behavior management (45) - Ethics (45) ## What are the fieldwork requirements? | | Supervised | Concentrated | | --- | --- | --- | | Total hours | 2,000 | 1,500 | | Supervision per period | 5% of hours | 7.5% of hours | | Hours per period | 20 to 160 | 20 to 160 | | Observation with client | 60 minutes | 90 minutes | | Individual supervision | At least 50% | At least 50% | | Unrestricted activities | At least 60% | At least 60% | Full details: [How does BCBA supervised fieldwork work?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/bcba-supervised-fieldwork)[1] ## What's on the BCBA exam? The exam follows the **BCBA Test Content Outline (6th ed.)**, in effect since January 1, 2025. It has 185 questions, 175 of them scored, across nine content domains.[3] Study tips: [How do I pass the BCBA exam?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/bcba-exam-tips) **Plan fieldwork early.** Start fieldwork while you're in school, with a supervisor who's certified, qualified and available every month. See [How do I find a BCBA supervisor?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/finding-a-bcba-supervisor) ## What can I do next? - [ ] Read the 2027 BCBA requirements document - [ ] Choose Pathway 1 or 2 - [ ] Find a qualified fieldwork supervisor - [ ] Set up a fieldwork tracking system Already an RBT? Read [How do I go from RBT to BCBA?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/rbt-to-bcba) ## Common questions ### How long does it take to become a BCBA? Many people take two to three years: a master's program plus 2,000 fieldwork hours, often completed at the same time. Concentrated fieldwork (1,500 hours) can shorten it. ### Can I become a BCBA with a master's in something other than ABA? Yes, through Pathway 2, if you complete 315 hours of qualifying behavior-analytic coursework. The BACB plans to retire Pathway 2 in 2032, so check timelines carefully. ### Can my RBT hours count as fieldwork? Only if they meet the fieldwork requirements, including a qualified supervisor, supervision percentage, and at least 60% unrestricted activities. Routine RBT work alone isn't enough. ## Sources 1. Behavior Analyst Certification Board: 2027 BCBA requirements. https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2027-BCBA-Requirements_260127-a.pdf 2. Behavior Analyst Certification Board: BCBA Handbook. https://www.bacb.com/bcba-handbook/ 3. Behavior Analyst Certification Board: BCBA Test Content Outline (6th ed.). https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BCBA-6th-Edition-Test-Content-Outline-240903-a.pdf 4. Association for Behavior Analysis International: Accreditation. https://www.abainternational.org/accreditation.aspx General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.