BCBA stands for Board Certified Behavior Analyst. BCBAs must have a minimum of a Master’s degree, complete 315 graduate-level hours in specific behavior analytic content, undergo 2,000 hours of supervised independent field work, and pass a rigorous exam. Once certified, BCBAs must complete at least 32 behavior analysis CEs every 2 years, including in Ethics. BCBAs providing oversight for BCBA trainees and registered behavior technicians are also required to complete CEs in Supervision.

BCBA coursework leading to certification must include:

BACB Ethics Code and Code-Enforcement System; Professionalism, 45 hrs
Philosophical Underpinnings; Concepts & Principles, 90 hours
Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation; Experimental Design, 45 hrs
Behavior Assessment, 45 hrs
Behavior-Change Procedures; Selecting and Implementing Interventions, 60 hrs
Personnel Supervision and Management, 30 hrs
Total, 315 hrs