If you’re looking for a career that provides a challenging but rewarding experience that centers around both science and compassion, you may try considering a career as a Board Certfied Behavior Analyst (BCBA). BCBAs are sought after, highly educated therapists in the ever-expanding field of ABA. Through assessment and data collection, BCBAs determine what behaviors are impacting a person’s life, and create finely-tuned behavior plans that help eradicate harmful behaviors while building positive behaviors. They oversee the behavior plan’s implementation by training and monitoring parents, caregivers, and other paraprofessional ABA roles like RBTs.
Since the 1980s, the demand for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy has skyrocketed nationwide. ABA takes a scientific approach to understanding what motivates human behavior, and how reinforcement can help shape it. In 1998, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board created the BCBA credential to codify the professional standards of behavior analysts. Though there are technically further specializations, the BCBA is typically seen as the highest level of credential in the field of ABA.
In the US, BCBAs are in very high demand. As of 2025, there is a projected growth rate of 22% over the next decade.
Throughout this document, we may refer to the BACB and the BCBA Handbook they publish. It is important to note that new standards are being set for 2027. A copy of the 2027 BCBA Requirements can be found here.
This article is brought to you by our very own educational/training wing: CoachABA! No matter what step in your journey or where you are in the world: CoachABA is the place to launch your career in ABA.
What do BCBAs do?
Board Certified Behavior Analysts use the science of Behavior Analysis to shape behavior in a variety of individuals. The specific everyday tasks of a BCBA vary depending on the expertise of the BCBA, the target population, and the work environment.
Some common tasks BCBAs fulfill include:
- Observing Behaviors and Collecting Data
- Creating data-informed Behavior Plans to address problem behaviors and encourage skill acquisition
- Determine the function of behaviors
- Monitoring the implementation of behavior plans
- Supervising RBTs and other ABA paraprofessionals
- Meeting with parents and teachers to discuss challenging behaviors
- Providing parents, teachers, and caregivers with ABA training
- Analyzing behavior plan’s success and making appropriate adjustments
- Collaborating with other professionals to improve services
The complete list of skills and competencies required to complete daily BCBA tasks is outlined in the BACB’s Task List: https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/BCBA-task-list-5th-ed-240830-a.pdf
Who do BCBAs work with?
BCBAs are most commonly associated with children, adolescents, and adults on the autism spectrum. According to the BCBA, 75% of BCBAs primarily work with individuals on the Autism spectrum. However, the science of ABA can be used in a variety of scenarios. Other common areas of expertise include Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, Education, Clinical Behavior Analysis, Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Child Welfare, and Corrections & Delinquency.
What are good qualities of a BCBA?
Every person brings their own unique personality and worldview to work as a BCBA, here are a few qualities we think help make BCBAs especially successful.
- Compassionate
- Empathetic
- Analytical
- Collaborative
- Patience
- Curiosity
How to become a BCBA
Becoming a BCBA will require years of study and training. You will need to think through the training necessary and plan how you will approach the field. Your ultimate guide to all the finer details of becoming a BCBA will be the BACB thesmelves. You can read The BCBA handbook here: https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/BCBAHandbook_250818-2-a.pdf
Earning a Bachelors Degree
As you will eventually need a graduate degree to become a BCBA, you will need to first complete an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Common undergraduate degrees earned by BCBAs include degrees in Education, psychology, or applied behavior analysis.
While degrees related to the field are strongly encouraged, they are not necessarily a requirement to pursuing a master’s degree in ABA.
Earning a Masters Degree & Completing Required Behavior-Analytic Graduate Coursework
To pursue certification as a BCBA, you must complete a qualifying graduate degree. The BACB encourages aspiring BCBAs to choose this training carefully, as its something you will only do once!
The BACB sets graduate coursework requirements that must be met in order to pursue a certification. They have outlined two possible pathways:
ABAI-Accredited Graduate Program (Pathway 1) Some graduate programs have been accredited by APBA or ABAI. This accreditation signifies that the quality of curriculum, faculties, and supports have met the board’s standards of quality. You can find out which programs have been accredited by these boards on their websites:
https://www.abainternational.org/welcome.aspx
Verified Course Sequence (Pathway 2)
Your other option is to find a university that offers coursework that meets the pathway 2 coursework requirements. A ‘Verified Course Sequence’ means that the ABAI has determined that the courses meet all the requirements to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam. The Verified Course Sequence system is being discontinued starting January 1, 2026 and is being replaced by a coursework attestation process
Fieldwork
Fieldwork is an important part of becoming a BCBA. It proviodes the unparalleled opportunity to get practical, hands-on experience working with your target population.
The BACB requires either 2,000 Supervised Fieldwork hours or 1,500 Concentrated Fieldwork hours.
There are many additional specifications and requirements to keep in mind when achieving your fieldwork hours. Refer to the BCBA Handbook for the most up-to-date information on fieldwork requirements.
Need help finding a supervisor and completing your fieldwork hours? Check out CoachABA. All of our supervisors are prepared and excited to take on new clients and help prepare the next generation of BCBAs. Not to mention – they are well versed in paperwork and there to make sure you dot all your i’s and cross all your t’s. Learn more at coachaba.com
Pass the BCBA Exam
You’ve got the graduate degree and you’ve accrued the necessary fieldwork hours: now its time to take the BCBA exam.
You will apply to take the exam through Pearson Vue.
The BCBA exam is a multiple choice standardized test that reviews all the necessary skills and qualifications that will be necessary for a successful career in Behavior Analysis. Candidates are given four hours to complete all 160 questions.
Our supervisors at CoachABA have developed proven study techniques that help you pass the BCBA Exam – the first time. Learn more at coachaba.com
Applying for State Licensure
You’ve come so far! After completing all the necessary coursework, completing fieldwork hours, and passing the exam, you’re well on your way to becoming a BCBA. The final step will be to apply for state licensure in the state where you plan on practicing. This license and certification will require upkeep through certain ethical practices and continued education efforts.
Benefits of Working in the ABA Field
There’s never been a better time to join the ever-expanding field of Applied Behavior Analysis. ABA is in high demand in a variety of settings across the country. For the worker, the job offers job security, opportunities to advance, and flexibility and choice. Not to mention – as a professional in the ABA field you’ll have the chance to create meaningful change in the lives of those you serve everyday. If you’re looking for an exciting, engaging, and impactful career: ABA might just be for you!
About ABA-LLC
ABA-LLC is one of the largest suppliers of Behavior Support in the State of Kentucky. Since 2007, the agency has created innovative strategies to improve the lives of unique individuals. ABA-LLC works with around 190 contractors, each dedicated to building an inclusive culture that celebrates individuals of all abilities. No matter who you are, you can reach your goals at ABA-LLC.
ABA-LLC is set apart from its competitors by its uniquely person-centered approach. The agency strives to provide services from a place of deep love for the population they serve. Their work exemplifies the belief that every individual has a right to live a fulfilling and independent life integrated within their communities. There is no objective to change a person, but rather to give them the tools they need to succeed. B.F. Skinner summarizes this vision in his quote: “I’m not trying to change people. All I want is to change the world in which they live.” Learn more about us at https://aba-llc.com/