- A BCBA is a graduate-level, board-certified behavior analyst.
- BCBAs are independent practitioners who assess, design treatment and supervise.
- Certification needs a master's degree, supervised fieldwork and a national exam.
- BCBAs recertify every 2 years with continuing education.
What does a BCBA do?
BCBAs are the clinical leads on an ABA team. Common responsibilities include:1
- Assessment: skills assessments, preference assessments and functional behavior assessments
- Treatment planning: writing goals and choosing interventions
- Supervision: training and overseeing RBTs and BCaBAs
- Caregiver training: coaching families to use strategies at home
- Data analysis: reviewing graphs and changing the plan when progress stalls
- Collaboration: working with schools, doctors, speech and occupational therapists
A closer look at a typical week is in What does a BCBA do day to day?
How is a BCBA different from an RBT or BCaBA?
| RBT | BCaBA | BCBA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | High school | Bachelor's | Master's or higher |
| Practices independently? | No | No, needs supervision | Yes |
| Designs treatment? | No | Under supervision | Yes |
| Supervises others? | No | Can supervise RBTs | Yes |
More in BCBA vs. BCaBA vs. RBT.
How do you become a BCBA?
Starting January 1, 2027, the BACB offers two pathways. Both require a master's degree or higher, 2,000 supervised fieldwork hours (or 1,500 concentrated hours) and passing the BCBA exam.2 Pathway 1 uses a degree from an accredited or recognized behavior analysis program; Pathway 2 pairs any qualifying master's degree with 315 hours of behavior-analytic coursework.
Full steps are in How do I become a BCBA?
How do BCBAs keep their certification?
BCBAs recertify every 2 years. Under the 2027 requirements, that includes 32 continuing education units (CEUs) per cycle, with 4 in ethics and, for supervisors, 4 in supervision.2
What can I do next?
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