Massachusetts is renowned for the quality of behavior-analytic services in our region, but the demand for these services still far exceeds the number of qualified providers. Professionals who are interested in becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst or Associate Behavior Analyst (BCBA® or BCaBA®) must complete a combination of practical and academic training experiences. We've outlined the basic steps required to become a certified behavior analyst below. A wealth of useful information on this topic is also available online from the Behavior Analysis Certification Board® (www.bacb.com).
First, behavior analysts in training should find work in organizations that a) practice applied behavior analysis (e.g., functional assessment, behavior skills training, data-based decision making), b) employ certified behavior analysts, and c) provide frequent (i.e., daily to weekly) supervision and training opportunities for their certified and uncertified employees. If you have questions about whether your current organization practices ABA, you can read more about the definition and activities of behavior analysts in the BACB 3rd Edition Task List or by downloading the full text article on seven dimensions of ABA by Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968) here.
Second, behavior analysts must hold a bachelor's or a master's degree in a related discipline from an accredited institution of higher education. See our list of programs in the region under Graduate Training in Behavior Analysis located in the Student News/Graduate Training (NE) tab. You can also search a national database of approved course sequences through the BACB® (click here).
Third, behavior analysts must meet the Training and Experience Requirements of the BACB®. These standards differ if you are planning to become certified at the bachelor's level (Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst) or the master's level (Board Certified Behavior Analyst). If you would like to obtain a master's degree while completing your coursework and practicum experiences toward board certification, please visit the links under Graduate Training in Behavior Analysis on our website (click here). If you already hold your terminal degree and you would like to respecialize in behavior analysis, please see our list of non-degree Professional Certification Programs (click here). These programs often differ from Master's programs by offering evening classes, part-time programs of study, and other accomodations for working professionals.
Fourth, behavior analysts must pass the BACB® exam. The exam includes 130-150 multiple-choice items based on the 3rd Edition Task List. You may apply to take the exam after completing the aforementioned degree, training, and experience requirements. If your application is approved, you must register to take the computer-based exam at a Pearson VUE center during one of three testing windows per year (January, April-May, and September). For additional information on exam content, scoring, and outcome notification, please refer to the BACB® website.
Finally, behavior analysts must adhere to all Guidelines for Responsible Conduct and maintain certificaiton status by renewing every year and seeking recertification every third year. Standards for recertification include completion of 24-36 documented hours of continuing education (CEs) by a BACB®-approved provider. CE credits are available for purchase at BABAT and other regional conferences. Behavior analysts can also accumulate CEs by completing additional coursework or by obtaining BACB® approval and instructing CEs for others.
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