Are you interested in becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)? If so, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to become a BCBA, including education requirements, certification, and job outlook.
Education Requirements
Undergraduate Degree
To become a BCBA, you must first have a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as psychology, education, or behavior analysis. It’s important to make sure your undergraduate program includes coursework in behavior analysis, as this is a requirement for certification.
Graduate Degree
After obtaining your undergraduate degree, you’ll need to pursue a graduate degree in behavior analysis. Many universities offer a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or a related field. Your graduate program should be approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Supervised Experience
In addition to completing your education, you must also complete supervised experience in behavior analysis. This experience must be completed under the supervision of a BCBA and include a certain number of hours of direct client contact.
Pass the BCBA Exam
After completing your education and supervised experience, you’ll need to pass the BCBA exam. This exam is designed to test your knowledge of behavior analysis and is administered by the BACB.
Certification
Becoming a BCBA
Once you’ve completed your education, supervised experience, and passed the BCBA exam, you’ll be eligible to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. This certification is awarded by the BACB and demonstrates that you have met the requirements for education and experience in behavior analysis.
Maintaining Certification
To maintain your BCBA certification, you’ll need to complete continuing education credits every two years. This ensures that you stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in behavior analysis.
Job Outlook
Job Growth
The job outlook for BCBA’s is very positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of behavior analysts is projected to grow 25% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Salary
The average salary for a BCBA varies depending on location, experience, and setting. According to PayScale, the average salary for a BCBA in the United States is $68,000 per year.
FAQ
What is a BCBA?
A BCBA is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. This is a professional who has met the requirements for education and experience in behavior analysis and is certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
What does a BCBA do?
A BCBA uses behavior analysis to help individuals improve their behavior and achieve their goals. This may involve working with individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities, as well as individuals with mental health issues or behavioral problems.
How long does it take to become a BCBA?
The time it takes to become a BCBA varies depending on your education and experience. Typically, it takes 2-3 years to complete a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, and an additional 1-2 years to complete supervised experience and pass the BCBA exam.
What are the requirements for becoming a BCBA?
To become a BCBA, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis or a related field, supervised experience in behavior analysis, and pass the BCBA exam.
What is the BCBA exam like?
The BCBA exam is a computer-based exam that consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers a variety of topics related to behavior analysis, including assessment, intervention, and ethical considerations.
What is the pass rate for the BCBA exam?
The pass rate for the BCBA exam varies from year to year but is typically around 60-70%.
What is the difference between a BCBA and an BCaBA?
A BCaBA is a Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst. This is a professional who has met the requirements for education and experience in behavior analysis but has not yet obtained a Master’s degree. A BCBA has obtained a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis or a related field.
Where do BCBA’s work?
BCBA’s work in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, hospitals, and private practices. Some BCBA’s also work in research or academia.
Pros
Becoming a BCBA is a highly rewarding career that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of others. The job outlook for BCBA’s is very positive, with high demand for behavior analysts in a variety of settings. Additionally, the average salary for a BCBA is very competitive, making it a financially rewarding career as well.
Tips
When pursuing your education in behavior analysis, be sure to choose a program that is approved by the BACB. This will ensure that you meet the requirements for certification. Additionally, seek out opportunities to gain supervised experience in behavior analysis, as this will be a requirement for certification.
Summary
Becoming a BCBA requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field, a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis or a related field, supervised experience in behavior analysis, and passing the BCBA exam. The job outlook for BCBA’s is positive, with high demand for behavior analysts in a variety of settings. To maintain certification, BCBA’s must complete continuing education credits every two years.