The Path to BCBA® Certification 
BCBA Exam Coursework Requirements

There are several pathways to become a BCBA, but all require a degree, field experience and passing the BCBA certification exam. Students in PCOM’s ABA certificate of advanced graduate studies (CAGS) program can apply for BCBA certification via the behavior-analytic coursework option. To obtain certification in this manner, applicants must:

• have earned a graduate degree from a qualifying institution (e.g., master’s or doctoral) in behavior analysis, education, or psychology;
• completed graduate-level BCBA coursework at a qualifying institution that meets ABAI’s requirements;
• achieved a passing grade (“C” or better in graded courses)*; 
• complete the ABAI-defined practical experience in applied behavior analysis; and pass the certification exam.
• Students in PCOM’s ABA certificate of graduate studies (CGS) with a bachelor’s degree may seek certification as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA®). A BCBA can practice without supervision but a BCaBA must have a certified supervisor (BCBA or Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral™ - BCBA-D®).

*Please note: PCOM requires students in the applied behavior analysis program to achieve a "B" or better in graded courses.

A Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®) is trained to implement interventions as part of an applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy program. RBTs use these interventions to teach social, communicative and other adaptive skills and to address challenging behaviors. RBTs—under the supervision of a BCBA, BCBA-D or BCaBA—work with individuals to provide support and ensure that newly learned behaviors can be applied outside of therapy including home, school and community settings. RBT supervisors determine which tasks the RBT may perform based on the technician’s training and experience. The RBTs do not conduct behavioral assessments or design intervention plans.