Overview
Two systems to understand
Behavior analysis has a program accreditor and a separate certification gate, and the certification gate is usually what matters most:
- ABAI — program accreditationThe Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board accredits behavior-analysis degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. CHEA-recognized.
- BACB — the certification gateThe Behavior Analyst Certification Board requires coursework from an ABAI-accredited program or a BACB-Verified Course Sequence to sit for the BCBA (or BCaBA) exam.
The Gate
From coursework to BCBA and licensure
The BCBA credential is the real target. To sit for the BCBA exam you need a qualifying master’s with an ABAI-accredited program or BACB-Verified Course Sequence, supervised fieldwork, and then the exam. A growing majority of states license behavior analysts, generally requiring BCBA certification. Confirm your program’s course sequence is BACB-verified before enrolling.
Do It Yourself
Verify a program
Go Deeper
Official sources
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Who accredits behavior analysis programs? The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board accredits behavior-analysis degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. It is CHEA-recognized.
- What actually gates the BCBA exam? The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requires coursework from an ABAI-accredited program or a BACB-Verified Course Sequence, plus supervised fieldwork, to sit for the BCBA exam.
- What is the difference between ABAI and BACB? ABAI accredits degree programs; the BACB certifies individuals (BCBA/BCaBA). The BACB's course-sequence requirement is usually the practical gate to certification.
- Are behavior analysts licensed? A growing majority of states license behavior analysts, generally requiring BCBA certification. Check your state's rules.
- What is the BCBA? The Board Certified Behavior Analyst credential, earned via a qualifying master's, supervised fieldwork, and the BACB exam.
- Do I need an ABAI-accredited program specifically? Not necessarily — a BACB-Verified Course Sequence within a program also qualifies. Confirm the course sequence is BACB-verified before enrolling.
- Is ABAI recognized by the government? ABAI's accreditation is CHEA-recognized.
- How do I verify a behavior analysis program? Check ABAI for accredited programs and the BACB for verified course sequences, then confirm state licensure requirements.