The services of a BCBA are often sought when parents, teachers, and other caregivers have exhausted all other ideas and resources. Therefore, the work BCBAs are called upon to do can be very challenging, but meaningful work both for the individual who requires intervention as well as the relevant stakeholders. Progress, while sometimes slow, can still provide much needed hope and inspiration to those affected.

What Is a BCBA and What Do They Do?

BCBAs serve various roles depending on the setting. In schools, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) often fulfill a consultative role to teachers and administrators, providing guidance and training on strategies to address student behavior challenges or to develop a school-wide behavior plan. In residential or community-based settings, BCBAs may also function in various roles. Specifically, they may provide direct service to residents, serve a consultative role to managers and directors, or fill administrative or training roles themselves. In clinic and research settings, BCBAs may be responsible for conducting assessments or overseeing caseloads of individuals with more significant needs or managing research protocols. In all these settings and roles, BCBAs are expected to function as a member of a team of professionals focused on improving outcomes for individuals with the most significant needs.

What Degree Do I Need to Become a BCBA?

The road to becoming a BCBA requires earning a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Those who are interested in becoming a Behavior Analyst may consider a bachelor’s degree program in a behavioral science field such as psychology. A graduate degree or certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis with coursework verified by the Association of Behavior Analysis International prepares students to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® exam, a critical step in becoming a BCBA.

How To Become a BCBA: 5 Steps and Requirements

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step in becoming a BCBA requires that students need to earn a bachelor’s degree. Aspiring BCBAs should consider degrees in fields like education, psychology, and other subjects related to the field of behavioral science. We encourage you to visit our undergraduate degrees page to see academic offerings from the School of Education.

2. Earn a Graduate degree with Coursework in Behavior Analysis

Those interested in becoming a BCBA will need to earn a master's degree and complete coursework required to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® exam. Drexel’s MS in Applied Behavior Analysis, provides a verified course sequence necessary to be eligible to sit for the take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Students who already have a master’s degree in a relevant field can enroll in Drexel’s Applied Behavior Analysis certificate program.

3. Complete Supervised Fieldwork

In addition to completing coursework, aspiring BCBAs must also complete either 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork. This field experience and supervision by a BCBA allows students to gain valuable skills and guidance before they take the BCBA exam. Students may complete their supervised fieldwork at their place of employment provided that there is a BCBA available and they are able to practice and implement behavioral procedures and strategies. Other students in Drexel's MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program, who do not already work in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, may receive guidance and support from the faculty and staff to find a site to receive the appropriate fieldwork experience

4. Pass the BCBA Exam

After completing coursework and the required number of supervised fieldwork hours, students will prepare for the BCBA exam. Future behavior analysts must first apply to take the BCBA exam which requires proof of their degree(s), coursework, and supervised fieldwork. The BCBA exam typically consists of 185 questions that cover the foundations and applications of behavior analysis. Applicants are given four hours to complete the exam.

5. Become Licensed in Your State

The final step to becoming a Behavior Analyst is to become licensed by the state where you plan to practice. Most, but not all, states require a license. To find out if your state has a licensure act and the details for applying for your license, visit the BACB Licensure of Applied Behavior Analysis page.

How Long Does it Take to Become a BCBA?

For aspiring BCBAs with a high school diploma, it will typically take 4 years to earn a bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years to earn a master’s degree. Students in Drexel’s MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program can complete the required supervised fieldwork hours while taking their coursework online. It is highly recommended that students acquire their fieldwork hours while enrolled in their graduate coursework.

Maintaining Your BCBA Certification and License

Once a person becomes a Behavior Analyst, they must maintain their certification and license. BCBA’s need to be recertified every two years. To be eligible for recertification, they must complete continuing education requirements, comply with the ethics set by the BACB, and submit a recertification application before their current certification expires.

Become a BCBA with Drexel University’s School of Education

Drexel University offers two options to help students become a BCBA through the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis degree program and the Applied Behavior Analyst certificate program. The certificate program is available to students who already have a master’s degree in a related field and are looking to complete the required coursework and field experience hours. Alternate routes to a BCBA at Drexel include the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education and the EdS in School Psychology.

Start your application today or contact us for more information.