Your Guide to ABA Therapy Terminology
June 18, 2025
Learn common ABA therapy terms with this A-Z guide to understand your child’s care.
If you’re passionate about pursuing a career that makes a lasting, positive impact, becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to transform the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders, all while serving in a key leadership role. The BCBA credential reflects expertise in applied behavior analysis (ABA), an evidence-based therapy focused on improving social, behavioral, and self-help skills for children with autism. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to becoming a BCBA, including the educational requirements, how long the process takes, and what to expect from a fulfilling career in this field.
The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification is a graduate-level certification that allows individuals to provide behavior analysis services and supervise the work of Behavior Technicians, Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs). The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), is designed to ensure that BCBAs adhere to ethical standards and best practices in the field of ABA therapy. To earn the BCBA certification, candidates must meet specific education, experience, and exam requirements governed by BACB.
The amount of time it takes a BCBA to become credentialed can vary depending on your educational background and the path you choose. Generally, the process includes earning a 4-year bachelor’s degree, completing a 2-year master’s program, accumulating 1,500 to 2,000 hours of fieldwork, and study time for exam preparation. On average, it can take anywhere from 5 to 7 years to meet all the requirements from start to finish, depending on how quickly you progress through each step.
Becoming a BCBA requires a combination of education, supervised fieldwork experience, and passing the certification exam administered by the BACB. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate what it takes to become a BCBA.
The first step toward becoming a BCBA is earning a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as psychology, education, or behavior analysis. After obtaining your bachelor’s degree, you will need to pursue a master’s degree or doctorate degree in a related field. Many universities now offer undergraduate and graduate programs designed for students who want to become BCBAs. These programs combine academic coursework with the practical application of behavior analysis.
Some employers in the ABA therapy industry, like Surpass Behavioral Health, offer tuition discount programs for employees. If you start working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), you may qualify for discounted tuition as you work toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
In addition to the education requirements to become a BCBA, you’ll need to complete supervised fieldwork hours in applied behavior analysis (ABA). This practical experience typically involves working under the supervision of an active BCBA. This fieldwork can take place ABA clinics, schools, or home setting and involves working directly with clients following applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles.
| Overview of BCBA Fieldwork Requirements | Supervised Fieldwork | Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork |
|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork hours required to qualify for BCBA certification | 2,000 hours | 1,500 hours |
Source: BACB Handbook
Once you’ve completed your academic coursework and accumulated the required supervision hours, you’ll need to apply for your BCBA certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). This application includes your academic transcripts, documentation of your supervised experience, and other required materials. The BACB will review your application to ensure that you meet their qualifications, allowing you to sit for the certification exam.
After you’ve been approved by the BACB to proceed, the final step to becoming a BCBA is passing the certification exam. This comprehensive assessment tests your knowledge of behavior analysis, such as behavioral principles, ethical standards, behavioral assessments, ABA interventions, and data collection methods. The exam consists of 185 questions and is designed to make sure you have the knowledge to practice ABA as a BCBA.
After passing the exam and earning your BCBA certification, it’s essential to maintain it by fulfilling continuing education requirements. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) mandates that all active BCBAs complete 32 continuing education units (CEUs) to stay current with the latest advancements in behavior analysis. Many ABA providers offer paid CEU opportunities and recertification stipends to help you meet these requirements and keep your certification active.
Becoming a BCBA offers an exciting and impactful opportunity for individuals looking for a rewarding, meaningful career. As a BCBA, you’ll not only make a profound difference in the lives of individuals with autism and other developmental disorders, but you’ll also gain access to a wide range of benefits that make this career path both fulfilling and sustainable. Here are some key reasons to consider becoming a BCBA:
Choosing to become a BCBA is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to make a significant difference while experiencing personal and professional growth along the way.
Becoming a BCBA is a rewarding journey that requires commitment and hard work. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be well equipped to launch a fulfilling career as a BCBA. Whether you’re currently a BCBA or an RBT working toward your BCBA certification, explore open positions with Surpass Behavioral Health. With clinics in Georgia, Kentucky, and South Carolina, Surpass Behavioral Health offers a supportive environment to help you grow personally and professionally. Enjoy benefits like tuition reimbursement and paid CEUs as you continue your journey toward becoming a BCBA, all while advancing your career in a meaningful way.
Learn common ABA therapy terms with this A-Z guide to understand your child’s care.
With a little planning, you can create a summer filled with fun, skill-building, and consistency that supports your child’s unique needs
April marks Autism Acceptance Month, dedicated to fostering understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals with autism.
