If you’re interested in a career helping individuals with autism and other developmental or behavioral challenges, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) job could be right for you.
A BCBA is a professional who specializes in applied behavior analysis (ABA). BCBAs design and implement behavior intervention plans that improve social, communication, and learning skills while reducing challenging behaviors.
This career path is rewarding, highly impactful, and in growing demand across schools, clinics, hospitals, and private practice settings.
What Does a BCBA Do?
The role of a BCBA is diverse and hands-on. While their ultimate goal is to help individuals achieve greater independence, their day-to-day responsibilities span assessment, planning, supervision, and collaboration.
Some of the most common duties include:
- Conducting behavioral assessments to understand student needs
- Designing and overseeing individualized intervention plans
- Training and supervising support staff such as Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)
- Collecting and analyzing data to track progress
- Collaborating with families, teachers, and healthcare professionals
- Ensuring ethical and evidence-based practice
How to Become a BCBA
The journey to becoming a BCBA requires both academic study and practical training. Candidates must complete graduate-level coursework, gain supervised field experience, and demonstrate their knowledge by passing a rigorous certification exam. Here’s an overview of the main steps:
Education Requirements
Candidates must earn a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis, psychology, or education, with coursework that meets Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) standards.
Supervised Fieldwork
Alongside coursework, candidates complete supervised fieldwork hours under the mentorship of a qualified BCBA. This real-world training ensures strong professional competency.
BCBA Certification
The final step is passing the BACB’s certification exam, which qualifies candidates to practice as independent behavior analysts.
How Long Does it Take to Become a BCBA?
The timeline for becoming a BCBA depends on prior education and training. Here is how long each step of the process typically takes to complete:
- Bachelor’s degree: 4 years
- Master’s degree: 2–3 years
- Supervised fieldwork: 1.5–2 years (can overlap with graduate study)
- Exam approval and preparation: several months
Overall, it typically takes 6–8 years from the start of undergraduate study to full certification.
Explore BCBA Jobs
If becoming a BCBA sounds like the right path for you, Sunbelt Staffing has a wide selection of opportunities all around the country. This is a career where you’ll not only grow professionally but also make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Check out our BCBA jobs to explore positions in your area.