Thinking about a Career as a Behavior Analyst?
Pepperdine University offers an online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis that combines interactive coursework with real-world, in-person field experiences in your community.
How to Become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) is a multi-step process that requires a specific combination of education, experience, and passing an examination. The exact requirements can vary depending on when you pursue certification and where you plan to practice.
According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®), BCBAs are independent practitioners who can provide behavior-analytic services and supervise the work of Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs), and other professionals who implement behavior-analytic interventions.
BCBAs specialize in helping individuals with behavior problems through observation, analysis, and positive reinforcement in various settings. This is an ideal profession for empathetic people who are interested in understanding the intricacies of human behavior to help people thrive.
Key Takeaways
- Becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) typically requires a qualifying master’s degree, supervised fieldwork, and passing the BCBA certification exam.
- The BCBA pathway generally takes 6–8 years, including undergraduate and graduate education plus required supervised fieldwork.
- 2027 Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) certification changes will update coursework, fieldwork, and supervision requirements. Prospective BCBAs should understand which requirements apply to their certification timeline.
BCBA Requirements At-a-Glance
| Requirement | What You Need To Know |
|---|---|
Degree | Earn a qualifying master’s degree or higher and complete the required behavior-analytic coursework. |
Fieldwork hours | Complete the supervised fieldwork requirement. Under the current requirements, this may include 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork. |
Exam | Apply for and pass the national BCBA certification examination. |
Licensure | State licensure may be required depending on where you practice. Certification and state licensure are separate requirements. |
Timeline | Approximately 6–8 years, including undergraduate education, graduate education, and required supervised fieldwork. For those coming into the field with a bachelor’s degree, it can take 2–4 years, depending on the program, fieldwork schedule, and certification requirements. |
2027 BCBA Certification Changes
Students looking to receive BCBA certification in 2027 or later should be aware that the Behavior Analyst Certification Board is introducing changes to certification requirements. Some of these changes include coursework, fieldwork, and supervision. These updated requirements are to establish more specific educational and experiential requirements for students entering the field. These changes will affect students depending on when they apply and complete the requirements. If you’re planning to become a BCBA in 2027 or later, review the BACB’s official handbook (PDF, 2.1 MB) before selecting your program or beginning your fieldwork.
Steps to Become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Below is the typical path for how to become a BCBA, as recognized by the BACB:
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in a field like psychology, education, or a related human services field is ideal, as this builds the foundational knowledge for your graduate studies. A bachelor’s degree in one of these fields usually also fulfills some Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) requirements. However, an undergraduate degree in these fields isn’t a requirement to enroll in a master’s program for applied behavior analysis, so career changers or those entering the field from other academic backgrounds can also pursue this path.
Step 2: Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree
To be eligible to take the BCBA exam, students can pick between two university pathways recognized by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
- For Pathway 1, you must earn a master’s degree or higher from a program accredited or recognized by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) or accredited by the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA). This ensures that your master’s program includes the coursework you need to be certified and can support you with fieldwork placements and completing your hours.
- For Pathway 2, you must earn your master’s degree or higher and complete the required behavior analytic coursework. The institution also needs to have a designated Pathway 2 Program Contact.
Pepperdine’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program is designed to meet the behavior-analytic coursework requirements for those pursuing the BCBA Pathway 2 eligibility route to take the BCBA examination.
2027 BCBA Pathway 2 Course Requirements
| Course | Total Hours Required |
|---|---|
Basic Principles of Behavior | 45 hours (within 1 freestanding course) |
Theory & Philosophy in Behavior Analysis | 45 hours (within 1 freestanding course) |
Research Methods in Behavior Analysis | 45 hours (within 1 freestanding course) |
Behavior Assessment and Intervention | 90 hours (within 2 freestanding courses) |
Organizational Behavior Management | 45 hours (within 1 freestanding course) |
Ethics in Behavior Analysis | 45 hours (within 1 freestanding course) |
Students planning to pursue BCBA certification in 2027 or later should confirm that their graduate program meets the requirements before applying.
Step 3: Complete Supervised Fieldwork
During or after your master’s program, you must complete a set amount of supervised fieldwork (typically 1,500–2,000 hours, depending on the type of fieldwork) as defined by the BACB. This hands-on experience allows you to apply your knowledge under the guidance of a qualified supervisor.
Key Components of BCBA Fieldwork
| Fieldwork Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
Hour Requirements | Candidates may need to complete 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, depending on the fieldwork option and requirements that apply. |
Client Requirements | Fieldwork must provide appropriate opportunities to apply behavior-analytic knowledge and skills with clients in accordance with BACB requirements. |
Fieldwork Activities | Activities may include conducting assessments, analyzing behavioral data, developing and implementing interventions, monitoring outcomes, and other qualifying behavior-analytic activities. |
Supervision | Candidates must receive the required amount of supervision during each supervisory period from a qualified supervisor. |
Unrestricted Activities | A required percentage of fieldwork must consist of unrestricted activities that help develop the skills needed to practice independently as a behavior analyst. |
According to the BACB’s official handbook (PDF, 2.1 MB), the fieldwork requirements are set to change in 2027. These changes include updating the number of fieldwork hours that can be counted during a supervisory period, increasing the maximum hours from 130 to 160, and adding new eligibility criteria for supervisors. Below is an overview of some of the changes coming in 2027:
- 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork and 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork are required to qualify for licensure
- Supervisors must meet one of the following criteria:
- Be an active BCBA with no current disciplinary sanctions, certified for at least one year, and meeting the ongoing supervision CEU requirement
- Be an active BCBA with no current disciplinary sanctions, certified for less than one year, and receiving monthly consultation from a qualified consulting supervisor.
- Each supervisory period requires between 20 and 160 fieldwork hours.
- At least 50% of supervised hours must be individual (i.e., group supervision may not exceed 50%)
Step 4: Pass the BCBA Certification Exam
Once your education and fieldwork are complete, you must apply for and pass the national BCBA certification examination. This exam tests your competency and knowledge of behavior-analytic principles and practices.
The BCBA exam (PDF, 2.1MB) includes 175 scored questions and 10 unscored questions. Candidates have four hours to complete the test, and results are based on overall performance, not the individual content areas. The exam consists of nine content areas, with the highest percentage of questions under the Concepts and Principles, Behavior-Change Procedures, and the Behavior Assessment areas.
Step 5: Obtain State Licensure (If Required)
BCBA certification and state licensure are two separate requirements needed before graduates can practice as a BCBA. Many states, including California, have their own licensure requirements.
Many states oversee the practice of behavioral analysts and require a license in addition to national BCBA certification. Licensure requirements often vary by state and may change over time, so ensure that you know your state’s requirements before applying.
If a state requires a behavior analyst license, you may need to apply for that license after earning your BCBA certification. State licenses may not automatically transfer between states, so professionals who relocate should review the requirements in their new state.
What Does a Behavior Analyst Do?
Behavior analysts work with clients to overcome emotional and social problems and disabilities using applied behavior analysis—a type of therapy that decreases maladaptive behaviors and replaces them with adaptive ones. They may work with people experiencing behavioral, social, developmental, or other challenges and can practice in settings including schools, hospitals, community organizations, mental health centers, nonprofits, and private practices. Depending on their area of practice, behavior analysts may work with:
- Adults and children diagnosed with autism.
- Students struggling with behavioral problems at school.
- Adults and children struggling with social problems.
- Disabled adults having trouble with hygiene, domestic work, punctuality, and/or job competence.
- People who have suffered through traumatic brain injury.
- Elderly people having problems related to aging.
Applied behavior analysts may help clients by:
- Conducting an initial behavior assessment.
- Determining which behaviors need intervention.
- Assessing biological, medical, or environmental factors.
- Utilizing positive reinforcement to improve adaptive behaviors.
- Measuring the effects of behavioral interventions on target behaviors.
- Evaluating progress and adjusting treatment as necessary.
It’s very challenging work, but being a behavior analyst is also a very rewarding career path, and it can be fulfilling on both a personal and professional level.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Jobs
Behavior analysts can work in schools, hospitals, residential and outpatient settings, community organizations, and private practices. Some specialize in working with particular populations, such as children with autism, people with developmental disabilities, or older adults.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not have a separate category specifically for BCBAs. Employment and wage data for related occupations, such as substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors (who earn a median salary of $59,350, according to BLS data), can provide some context. However, it should not be used as a specific BCBA salary. According to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data for May 2025, clinical psychologists had a median annual wage of $100,580.
There is also rising demand for behavioral health experts—substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035, according to the BLS.
Become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University offers an online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis designed for students pursuing careers in applied behavior analysis. The program combines graduate-level coursework with real-world field experiences.
Students learn about the principles and practice of applied behavior analysis, including ethical standards, research-based interventions, and behavior assessment.
Prepare to Improve Lives
Pepperdine’s online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis doesn’t just prepare you to sit for the BCBA exam—it also prepares you to analyze, treat, and improve behaviors to help people thrive.
FAQs About Becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst
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6–8 years. This generally includes approximately four years to earn a bachelor’s degree, followed by graduate education and the supervised fieldwork required for BCBA certification. If you already have your bachelor’s degree, it typically takes 2-4 years, depending on your program and schedule. The actual timeline can vary depending on the graduate program, fieldwork schedule, certification pathway, and the requirements that apply when you start to pursue certification.
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A Board Certified Behavior Analyst focuses specifically on observable behaviors and their environmental factors, using applied behavior analysis (ABA) to create change. A clinical psychologist has a broader scope, diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders using various forms of psychotherapy.
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Our program focuses on the core principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), ethical standards, and research-based interventions. To see a full list of courses, please visit our online MS in Applied Behavior Analysis curriculum page.
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Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. For a full list of requirements, deadlines, and steps to apply, please visit our online MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program admissions page.
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A Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) is a behavior analyst who provides services under the supervision of a BCBA or another qualified supervisor. BCaBA certification generally requires a bachelor’s degree and behavior-analytic coursework that meets BACB’s requirements.
However, getting a BCBA certification can only happen at the graduate level. You need a qualifying master’s degree, required coursework, supervised fieldwork, and successful completion of the BCBA certification examination.
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Under the current requirements, students have to complete 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, according to the BACB’s official handbook (PDF, 2.1 MB. Fieldwork must also meet the 2027 supervision, activity, and other BACB requirements.
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BCBA candidates generally need a qualifying master’s degree or higher and must complete the behavior-analytic coursework required by the BACB. Your undergraduate degree does not necessarily need to be in psychology or behavior analysis.
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Yes. Your bachelor’s degree does not necessarily need to be in psychology. Students from various backgrounds can pursue their master’s in applied behavior analysis, as long as they meet the admission requirements of their program and BCBA certification requirements.