BCBA

The BCBA, short for Board Certified Behavior Analyst, is a professional credential in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA). It is awarded by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and is widely recognized in education, health care, and human services as a standard for independent practice and for supervision of others in the field.

Eligibility and process: Candidates typically must hold a master's degree or higher from an accredited institution, complete a BACB-approved course sequence in behavior analysis, gain supervised fieldwork experience, and pass the BCBA examination. Some degree pathways or combinations of coursework may satisfy these requirements through the BACB's accepted alternatives.

Scope of practice: BCBAs develop and oversee behavior-analytic interventions, conduct functional assessments, design behavior-change plans, collect and analyze data, supervise other practitioners such as BCaBAs and registered behavior technicians, and ensure services meet ethical and professional standards. They work in schools, clinics, hospitals, residential facilities, and private practice.

Maintenance: To maintain certification, BCBAs must complete continuing education credits within a specified recertification period, including a component on ethics, and remain in good standing with the BACB. Some jurisdictions also require state licensure or registration.

Impact and limitations: The BCBA credential is commonly associated with treatment of autism and other developmental or behavioral challenges, but it is applicable across a range of behavioral service contexts. It serves as a credential for practitioners who design, implement, and supervise behavior-analytic interventions.