Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Does BCBA Stand For?What Does a BCBA Do?Do I Need a Degree?How to Become a BCBAHow Much Does a BCBA Make?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Does BCBA Stand For?
What Does a BCBA Do?
Do I Need a Degree?
How to Become a BCBA
How Much Does a BCBA Make?
Close
Please note that Verywell Mind does not promote Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy. ABA is a harmful type of “therapy” because it aims to change an individual’s behaviors so that the person appears more neurotypical. However, this technique harms the autistic community (among others) because it is rooted in behaviorism, which is connected to eugenics. This article describes the role of a BCBA and is for informational use only.
Applied behavior analysis utilizes behavioral processes, includingclassical conditioning,operant conditioning, and three-term contingency, to change people’s behavior. Some estimates suggest that BCBAs made an average of $66,711 per year.
Learning more about what they do and the type of training they need can help you better decide if this is a career that might be right for you. Other considerations, including how to find a job in this field and how much you can expect to make with your degree and certification, are also important.
What Does a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Do?
A BCBA works with people to solve behavior-related issues. These professions often work withautistic children, but they also work with other people to help with various issues.
People with a BCBA may specialize in using ABA for certain conditions, including:
Using behavioral principles, particularlypositive reinforcement, a BCBA professional works with clients to improve social, learning, communication, and behavioral skills.
Discrete Trial Training
Today, BCBA professionals and ABA programs typically utilize play-based approaches that rely on positive reinforcement in naturalistic settings to help children develop their strengths.ABA is not a “treatment” for autism. It is an approach that can help people learn new skills, identifytriggers, and find ways to adapt to their environments to improve functioning.
While BCBA’s often work with autistic children, it is essential to recognize that they also utilize applied behavior analysis to help people with various mental health conditions.
Do I Need a Degree to Become a BCBA?
A BCBA is a graduate-level certification. To obtain the certification, people must have a minimum of a graduate degree in a related field.
You Will Need a Bachelors Degree and a Graduate Degree
Sometimes, people opt to earn a graduate degree in a related field such as psychology, education, behavior analysis,social work, or medicine. This is also an option for people who have already earned a degree in a different field before deciding to pursue a career as a BCBA. In such cases, they may need to complete additional behavioral analysis coursework.
RecapA graduate degree is required to become a BCBA. Some people earn a graduate degree in behavior analysis but related degrees in psychology, education, social work, and medicine are also acceptable.
Recap
A graduate degree is required to become a BCBA. Some people earn a graduate degree in behavior analysis but related degrees in psychology, education, social work, and medicine are also acceptable.
The first step in becoming a BCBA is to complete a graduate degree. The next steps depend on the pathway to certification that you choose.
Earning Your Graduate Degree
There are four different eligibility pathways to getting the certification.
Fieldwork Is Required
No matter which path you choose, fieldwork is also required. Fieldwork requires a certain number of hours of supervised fieldwork. Fieldwork can involve 1,500 hours of supervised independent fieldwork, 1,000 hours of supervised practicum work, or 750 hours of an intensive supervised practicum.
Take the BCBA Exam
After completing this fieldwork, the next step is to take the BCBA exam to become certified. Once certified, a BCBA must take continuing education credits, adhere to ethical requirements, and re-certify every two years.
RecapThere are several different ways to become a BCBA. The most common is to earn a master’s degree from an accredited program, complete supervised fieldwork, and pass the certification exam.
There are several different ways to become a BCBA. The most common is to earn a master’s degree from an accredited program, complete supervised fieldwork, and pass the certification exam.
The average salary for a BCBA in August of 2022 was $66,711 annually. However, various factors can influence pay, including geographic location, years of experience, and employment sector. For example, a person with less than one year of experience can earn an average of around $59,000, while a person with ten or more years of experience can earn approximately $72,000.
Location plays an integral part in determining pay:
Skills that can give you a vital edge include experience with case management, clinical supervision, program development, and program management. An experienced BCBA might also consider opening their own practice.
80+ Jobs in Psychology to Consider
5 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
PayScale.Average behavior analyst salary.
Smith T, Eikeseth S. O.Ivar Lovaas: Pioneer of applied behavior analysis and intervention for children with autism.J Autism Dev Disord. 2011;41(3):375-378. doi:10.1007/s10803-010-1162-0
Child Mind Institute.The controversy around ABA.
Behavior Analyst Certification Board.BCBA: Board Certified Behavior Analyst Handbook.
Meet Our Review Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit
What is your feedback?
