# What is a BCBA, and what does a Board Certified Behavior Analyst do?

> What BCBAs do, where they work, and how the credential compares with an RBT or a licensed therapist.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/what-is-a-bcba
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** A BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) is a graduate-level practitioner certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. BCBAs are independent practitioners: they assess behavior, design and oversee applied behavior analysis (ABA) programs, train caregivers and supervise RBTs. Many work with autistic children, but ABA is also used in schools, organizations and health settings.

**Key takeaways**
- 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?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/what-does-a-bcba-do)

## 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](https://theautismkit.com/guides/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?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/how-to-become-a-bcba)

**State licensure.** Many U.S. states also license behavior analysts. Check your state's requirements in addition to BACB certification.

## 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]

**Tools that make caregiver training easier.** The Autism Kit Pro lets BCBAs coach caregivers on the same visual supports families use at home, and drafts a
  structured note for you to review and sign.

## What can I do next?

- [ ] Read the BCBA Handbook on the BACB website
- [ ] Check whether your state licenses behavior analysts
- [ ] Talk to a practicing BCBA about their work

## Common questions

### Is a BCBA a therapist?

BCBAs are often called therapists, but the credential is specific to behavior analysis. It's different from a licensed counselor, psychologist or speech therapist, and many states also license behavior analysts.

### Do BCBAs only work with autism?

No. Autism services are the largest area, but behavior analysts also work in education, organizational behavior management, health and fitness, and other areas.

### What's a BCBA-D?

BCBA-D is a designation for BCBAs with a qualifying doctoral degree. Their practice rights are the same as a BCBA's.

## Sources

1. Behavior Analyst Certification Board: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). https://www.bacb.com/bcba/
2. Behavior Analyst Certification Board: 2027 BCBA requirements. https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2027-BCBA-Requirements_260127-a.pdf
3. Behavior Analyst Certification Board: About behavior analysis. https://www.bacb.com/about-behavior-analysis/

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.