Behavioral Therapist Question:

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst is an independent practitioner who also may work as an employee or independent contractor for an organization. The BCBA conducts descriptive and systematic (e.g., analogue) behavioral assessments, including functional analyses, and provides behavior analytic interpretations of the results. The BCBA designs and supervises behavior analytic interventions. The BCBA is able to effectively develop and implement appropriate assessment and intervention methods for use in unfamiliar situations and for a range of cases. The BCBA seeks the consultation of more experienced practitioners when necessary. The BCBA teaches others to carry out ethical and effective behavior analytic interventions based on published research and designs and delivers instruction in behavior analysis. BCBAs supervise the work of Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts and others who implement behavior analytic interventions.

The Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) awards this credential to individuals who have met coursework, degree, fieldwork and examination requirements. To become eligible for BCBA certification by the BACB, applicants must meet one of the following three options:

☛ Option 1 requires an acceptable graduate degree from an accredited university, completion of acceptable graduate coursework in behavior analysis, and a defined period of supervised practical experience to apply for the BCBA examination.
☛ Option 2 requires an acceptable graduate degree, a full-time faculty position in behavior analysis that includes research and teaching, and supervised practical experience to apply for the BCBA examination.
☛ Option 3 requires an acceptable doctoral degree that was conferred at least 10 years ago and at least 10 years’ post-doctoral practical experience to apply for the BCBA examination.