BCBA® Certification Preparation | ABA Programs at PCOM
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The Path to BCBA® Certification 
BCBA Exam Coursework Requirements

PCOM's ABA certificate program is designed to provide students with the coursework needed to obtain BCBA certification.Interested in becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®)? PCOM offers an 21-credit online applied behavior analysis (ABA) certificate program designed to help working professionals complete the coursework required to sit for the BCBA exam. Our curriculum provides students with comprehensive behavior assessment, intervention and consultation skills, and meets the guidelines and task list items established by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

What are the requirements to become a BCBA?

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.

What is the difference between a Registered Behavior Technician® and a BCBA?

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.

Prepare for the BCBA Exam and BCBA Certification

PCOM’s applied behavior analysis program trains professionals to assess and support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as other neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders.

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is trained to provide and supervise behavior analysis services, including the work of RBTs. PCOM’s ABA program meets ABAI requirements for the coursework necessary to sit for the BCBA exam.

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