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Alaska Behavior Analyst — Requirements & Free Practice

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Assistant Behavior Analyst

Ordinary license under AS 08.15.020, subject to the statutory exemptions in AS 08.15.070.

Licensing authority: Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing · Application information

Conversion of child support temporary license to ordinary license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing temporary license
Hold the AS 25.27.244 temporary license for which ordinary initial or renewal eligibility has already been established.
Fees
12 AAC 02.102(c)(1) waives one-half of the annual or biennial license fee on timely conversion.
Release
Obtain the child support services agency release on or before expiration of the temporary license and take the action necessary for conversion.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by credentials

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the completed Department application, with identification and professional-fitness disclosures; examination applications require a notarized signature.
Approved examination alternatives
AS 08.15.020 permits another examination approved by the Department. The official text does not identify an additional approved examination; approval is an applicant condition.
Background check
Submit fingerprints and required fees for state and national criminal-history checks. Any license is contingent on a favorable background report.
Certification
Maintain current BACB certification or certification from another Department-approved certifying entity under AS 08.15.020(a)(4) or (b)(4).
Credentials documentation
12 AAC 77.110 asks for current certification rather than a new examination sitting. The statutory passed-examination requirement in AS 08.15.020 is retained.
Exam timing
The applicable examination must have been passed. No new sitting at the time of the Alaska application is stated; the currently offered registered examination remains a requirement reference.
Fees
Pay applicable application, license and fingerprint-processing fees.
Fitness
Provide satisfactory evidence of no conduct warranting disciplinary sanctions; disclose criminal and professional-fitness history with the documentation the application requests.
Licensure verification
The application requires direct verification from every jurisdiction where a professional license is or was held, including disciplinary explanations.
Military qualification credit
AS 08.01.064(a) requires acceptance of military education, training or service when the Department determines it is substantially equivalent to some or all otherwise required qualifications and satisfactory completion is proved.
Other license
Provide verification of a current license in another state under 12 AAC 77.110(3). The Department FAQ identifies an active license in good standing as the credentials pathway.
Social security number
Provide the social security number required by AS 08.01.060; the application permits a documented exemption request when there is no United States social security number.
Supervision
Provide proof of direct supervision by a licensed Behavior Analyst, under AS 08.15.020(b)(7), using the Verification of Supervisor form.
Licensure by examination

At least one of the following alternatives:

Applicant pathway
Initial applicants who have never been licensed, or who do not hold a current active license, apply by examination under the Department FAQ.
Application
Submit the completed Department application, with identification and professional-fitness disclosures; examination applications require a notarized signature.
Approved examination alternatives
AS 08.15.020 permits another examination approved by the Department. The official text does not identify an additional approved examination; approval is an applicant condition.
Background check
Submit fingerprints and required fees for state and national criminal-history checks. Any license is contingent on a favorable background report.
Certification
Maintain current BACB certification or certification from another Department-approved certifying entity under AS 08.15.020(a)(4) or (b)(4).
Exam timing
The applicable examination must have been passed. No new sitting at the time of the Alaska application is stated; the currently offered registered examination remains a requirement reference.
Fees
Pay applicable application, license and fingerprint-processing fees.
Fitness
Provide satisfactory evidence of no conduct warranting disciplinary sanctions; disclose criminal and professional-fitness history with the documentation the application requests.
Licensure verification
The application requires direct verification from every jurisdiction where a professional license is or was held, including disciplinary explanations.
Military qualification credit
AS 08.01.064(a) requires acceptance of military education, training or service when the Department determines it is substantially equivalent to some or all otherwise required qualifications and satisfactory completion is proved.
Social security number
Provide the social security number required by AS 08.01.060; the application permits a documented exemption request when there is no United States social security number.
Supervision
Provide proof of direct supervision by a licensed Behavior Analyst, under AS 08.15.020(b)(7), using the Verification of Supervisor form.
Reinstatement of lapsed license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fee
Submit a complete renewal application, fitness disclosures, and applicable renewal fee; furnish the social security number under AS 08.01.100(e).
Certification
Provide proof of current certification under AS 08.15.040 and 12 AAC 77.200(b)(2); the renewal form asks for a current copy of BACB certification.
Effective date
A complete renewal application determines effectiveness under 12 AAC 02.940. Retroactive effectiveness is discretionary for licenses lapsed less than 60 days and requires the written request and evidence specified in that rule.
Lapsed license
A lapsed license may be renewed unless it has lapsed for five years or more, except as otherwise provided. Fulfill renewal requirements and any applicable delayed-renewal penalty. Practice is prohibited while the license is lapsed.
License status
Renew an existing ordinary license. Licenses expire September 30 of even-numbered years.
Military exemption
AS 08.01.100(g) exempts qualifying active-duty licensees in combat zones, danger pay posts or qualified hazardous duty areas from maintenance fees and other requirements, including the specified 180-day period after return when no private practice for profit occurs.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fee
Submit a complete renewal application, fitness disclosures, and applicable renewal fee; furnish the social security number under AS 08.01.100(e).
Certification
Provide proof of current certification under AS 08.15.040 and 12 AAC 77.200(b)(2); the renewal form asks for a current copy of BACB certification.
License status
Renew an existing ordinary license. Licenses expire September 30 of even-numbered years.
Military exemption
AS 08.01.100(g) exempts qualifying active-duty licensees in combat zones, danger pay posts or qualified hazardous duty areas from maintenance fees and other requirements, including the specified 180-day period after return when no private practice for profit occurs.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Assistant Behavior Analyst Temporary License under AS 25.27.244

Licensing authority: Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing

Child support temporary license on initial credentials application

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the completed Department application, with identification and professional-fitness disclosures; examination applications require a notarized signature.
Approved examination alternatives
AS 08.15.020 permits another examination approved by the Department. The official text does not identify an additional approved examination; approval is an applicant condition.
Background check
Submit fingerprints and required fees for state and national criminal-history checks. Any license is contingent on a favorable background report.
Certification
Maintain current BACB certification or certification from another Department-approved certifying entity under AS 08.15.020(a)(4) or (b)(4).
Child support status
Be listed as not in substantial compliance with a support order or payment schedule, but otherwise eligible for the ordinary license under AS 25.27.244(d).
Duration
One nonextendable 150-day temporary license per regular license term; validity coincides with the first 150 days of that term.
Exam timing
The applicable examination must have been passed. No new sitting at the time of the Alaska application is stated; the currently offered registered examination remains a requirement reference.
Fees
Pay applicable application, license and fingerprint-processing fees.
Fitness
Provide satisfactory evidence of no conduct warranting disciplinary sanctions; disclose criminal and professional-fitness history with the documentation the application requests.
Licensure verification
The application requires direct verification from every jurisdiction where a professional license is or was held, including disciplinary explanations.
Military qualification credit
AS 08.01.064(a) requires acceptance of military education, training or service when the Department determines it is substantially equivalent to some or all otherwise required qualifications and satisfactory completion is proved.
Ordinary pathway
Satisfy ordinary licensure by credentials, including a current license in another state.
Social security number
Provide the social security number required by AS 08.01.060; the application permits a documented exemption request when there is no United States social security number.
Supervision
Provide acceptable proof of direct supervision by a licensed Behavior Analyst under AS 08.15.020(b)(7).
Child support temporary license on initial examination application

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the completed Department application, with identification and professional-fitness disclosures; examination applications require a notarized signature.
Approved examination alternatives
AS 08.15.020 permits another examination approved by the Department. The official text does not identify an additional approved examination; approval is an applicant condition.
Background check
Submit fingerprints and required fees for state and national criminal-history checks. Any license is contingent on a favorable background report.
Certification
Maintain current BACB certification or certification from another Department-approved certifying entity under AS 08.15.020(a)(4) or (b)(4).
Child support status
Be listed as not in substantial compliance with a support order or payment schedule, but otherwise eligible for the ordinary license under AS 25.27.244(d).
Duration
One nonextendable 150-day temporary license per regular license term; validity coincides with the first 150 days of that term.
Exam timing
The applicable examination must have been passed. No new sitting at the time of the Alaska application is stated; the currently offered registered examination remains a requirement reference.
Fees
Pay applicable application, license and fingerprint-processing fees.
Fitness
Provide satisfactory evidence of no conduct warranting disciplinary sanctions; disclose criminal and professional-fitness history with the documentation the application requests.
Licensure verification
The application requires direct verification from every jurisdiction where a professional license is or was held, including disciplinary explanations.
Military qualification credit
AS 08.01.064(a) requires acceptance of military education, training or service when the Department determines it is substantially equivalent to some or all otherwise required qualifications and satisfactory completion is proved.
Ordinary pathway
Satisfy ordinary licensure by examination.
Social security number
Provide the social security number required by AS 08.01.060; the application permits a documented exemption request when there is no United States social security number.
Supervision
Provide acceptable proof of direct supervision by a licensed Behavior Analyst under AS 08.15.020(b)(7).
Child support temporary license on renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certification
Provide current certification, a complete renewal form, professional-fitness disclosures and applicable fees.
Child support status
Be on the delinquent-support list under AS 25.27.244; only one nonextendable temporary license is allowed per regular license term.
Existing license
Be an ordinary licensee seeking renewal, otherwise eligible for renewal under AS 08.15.040 and 12 AAC 77.200.
Term
150 days; full renewal requires a child support agency release.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Behavior Analyst

Ordinary license under AS 08.15.020, subject to the statutory exemptions in AS 08.15.070.

Licensing authority: Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing · Application information

Conversion of child support temporary license to ordinary license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing temporary license
Hold the AS 25.27.244 temporary license for which ordinary initial or renewal eligibility has already been established.
Fees
12 AAC 02.102(c)(1) waives one-half of the annual or biennial license fee on timely conversion.
Release
Obtain the child support services agency release on or before expiration of the temporary license and take the action necessary for conversion.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by credentials

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the completed Department application, with identification and professional-fitness disclosures; examination applications require a notarized signature.
Approved examination alternatives
AS 08.15.020 permits another examination approved by the Department. The official text does not identify an additional approved examination; approval is an applicant condition.
Background check
Submit fingerprints and required fees for state and national criminal-history checks. Any license is contingent on a favorable background report.
Certification
Maintain current BACB certification or certification from another Department-approved certifying entity under AS 08.15.020(a)(4) or (b)(4).
Credentials documentation
12 AAC 77.110 asks for current certification rather than a new examination sitting. The statutory passed-examination requirement in AS 08.15.020 is retained.
Exam timing
The applicable examination must have been passed. No new sitting at the time of the Alaska application is stated; the currently offered registered examination remains a requirement reference.
Fees
Pay applicable application, license and fingerprint-processing fees.
Fitness
Provide satisfactory evidence of no conduct warranting disciplinary sanctions; disclose criminal and professional-fitness history with the documentation the application requests.
Licensure verification
The application requires direct verification from every jurisdiction where a professional license is or was held, including disciplinary explanations.
Military qualification credit
AS 08.01.064(a) requires acceptance of military education, training or service when the Department determines it is substantially equivalent to some or all otherwise required qualifications and satisfactory completion is proved.
Other license
Provide verification of a current license in another state under 12 AAC 77.110(3). The Department FAQ identifies an active license in good standing as the credentials pathway.
Qba certification equivalency
The Department FAQ states: "It has been determined that the Qualified Behavior Analyst/Qualified Applied Behavior Analyst (QBA/QABA) certification is equivalent to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) certification." This approves certification equivalency; it does not separately name the QBA examination as an approved examination under AS 08.15.020(a)(3).
Social security number
Provide the social security number required by AS 08.01.060; the application permits a documented exemption request when there is no United States social security number.
Licensure by examination

At least one of the following alternatives:

Applicant pathway
Initial applicants who have never been licensed, or who do not hold a current active license, apply by examination under the Department FAQ.
Application
Submit the completed Department application, with identification and professional-fitness disclosures; examination applications require a notarized signature.
Approved examination alternatives
AS 08.15.020 permits another examination approved by the Department. The official text does not identify an additional approved examination; approval is an applicant condition.
Background check
Submit fingerprints and required fees for state and national criminal-history checks. Any license is contingent on a favorable background report.
Certification
Maintain current BACB certification or certification from another Department-approved certifying entity under AS 08.15.020(a)(4) or (b)(4).
Exam timing
The applicable examination must have been passed. No new sitting at the time of the Alaska application is stated; the currently offered registered examination remains a requirement reference.
Fees
Pay applicable application, license and fingerprint-processing fees.
Fitness
Provide satisfactory evidence of no conduct warranting disciplinary sanctions; disclose criminal and professional-fitness history with the documentation the application requests.
Licensure verification
The application requires direct verification from every jurisdiction where a professional license is or was held, including disciplinary explanations.
Military qualification credit
AS 08.01.064(a) requires acceptance of military education, training or service when the Department determines it is substantially equivalent to some or all otherwise required qualifications and satisfactory completion is proved.
Qba certification equivalency
The Department FAQ states: "It has been determined that the Qualified Behavior Analyst/Qualified Applied Behavior Analyst (QBA/QABA) certification is equivalent to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) certification." This approves certification equivalency; it does not separately name the QBA examination as an approved examination under AS 08.15.020(a)(3).
Social security number
Provide the social security number required by AS 08.01.060; the application permits a documented exemption request when there is no United States social security number.
Reinstatement of lapsed license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fee
Submit a complete renewal application, fitness disclosures, and applicable renewal fee; furnish the social security number under AS 08.01.100(e).
Certification
Provide proof of current certification under AS 08.15.040 and 12 AAC 77.200(b)(2); the renewal form asks for a current copy of BACB certification.
Effective date
A complete renewal application determines effectiveness under 12 AAC 02.940. Retroactive effectiveness is discretionary for licenses lapsed less than 60 days and requires the written request and evidence specified in that rule.
Lapsed license
A lapsed license may be renewed unless it has lapsed for five years or more, except as otherwise provided. Fulfill renewal requirements and any applicable delayed-renewal penalty. Practice is prohibited while the license is lapsed.
License status
Renew an existing ordinary license. Licenses expire September 30 of even-numbered years.
Military exemption
AS 08.01.100(g) exempts qualifying active-duty licensees in combat zones, danger pay posts or qualified hazardous duty areas from maintenance fees and other requirements, including the specified 180-day period after return when no private practice for profit occurs.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fee
Submit a complete renewal application, fitness disclosures, and applicable renewal fee; furnish the social security number under AS 08.01.100(e).
Certification
Provide proof of current certification under AS 08.15.040 and 12 AAC 77.200(b)(2); the renewal form asks for a current copy of BACB certification.
License status
Renew an existing ordinary license. Licenses expire September 30 of even-numbered years.
Military exemption
AS 08.01.100(g) exempts qualifying active-duty licensees in combat zones, danger pay posts or qualified hazardous duty areas from maintenance fees and other requirements, including the specified 180-day period after return when no private practice for profit occurs.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Behavior Analyst Temporary License under AS 25.27.244

Licensing authority: Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing

Child support temporary license on initial credentials application

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the completed Department application, with identification and professional-fitness disclosures; examination applications require a notarized signature.
Approved examination alternatives
AS 08.15.020 permits another examination approved by the Department. The official text does not identify an additional approved examination; approval is an applicant condition.
Background check
Submit fingerprints and required fees for state and national criminal-history checks. Any license is contingent on a favorable background report.
Certification
Maintain current BACB certification or certification from another Department-approved certifying entity under AS 08.15.020(a)(4) or (b)(4).
Child support status
Be listed as not in substantial compliance with a support order or payment schedule, but otherwise eligible for the ordinary license under AS 25.27.244(d).
Duration
One nonextendable 150-day temporary license per regular license term; validity coincides with the first 150 days of that term.
Exam timing
The applicable examination must have been passed. No new sitting at the time of the Alaska application is stated; the currently offered registered examination remains a requirement reference.
Fees
Pay applicable application, license and fingerprint-processing fees.
Fitness
Provide satisfactory evidence of no conduct warranting disciplinary sanctions; disclose criminal and professional-fitness history with the documentation the application requests.
Licensure verification
The application requires direct verification from every jurisdiction where a professional license is or was held, including disciplinary explanations.
Military qualification credit
AS 08.01.064(a) requires acceptance of military education, training or service when the Department determines it is substantially equivalent to some or all otherwise required qualifications and satisfactory completion is proved.
Ordinary pathway
Satisfy ordinary licensure by credentials, including a current license in another state.
Qba certification equivalency
The Department FAQ states: "It has been determined that the Qualified Behavior Analyst/Qualified Applied Behavior Analyst (QBA/QABA) certification is equivalent to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) certification." This approves certification equivalency; it does not separately name the QBA examination as an approved examination under AS 08.15.020(a)(3).
Social security number
Provide the social security number required by AS 08.01.060; the application permits a documented exemption request when there is no United States social security number.
Child support temporary license on initial examination application

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the completed Department application, with identification and professional-fitness disclosures; examination applications require a notarized signature.
Approved examination alternatives
AS 08.15.020 permits another examination approved by the Department. The official text does not identify an additional approved examination; approval is an applicant condition.
Background check
Submit fingerprints and required fees for state and national criminal-history checks. Any license is contingent on a favorable background report.
Certification
Maintain current BACB certification or certification from another Department-approved certifying entity under AS 08.15.020(a)(4) or (b)(4).
Child support status
Be listed as not in substantial compliance with a support order or payment schedule, but otherwise eligible for the ordinary license under AS 25.27.244(d).
Duration
One nonextendable 150-day temporary license per regular license term; validity coincides with the first 150 days of that term.
Exam timing
The applicable examination must have been passed. No new sitting at the time of the Alaska application is stated; the currently offered registered examination remains a requirement reference.
Fees
Pay applicable application, license and fingerprint-processing fees.
Fitness
Provide satisfactory evidence of no conduct warranting disciplinary sanctions; disclose criminal and professional-fitness history with the documentation the application requests.
Licensure verification
The application requires direct verification from every jurisdiction where a professional license is or was held, including disciplinary explanations.
Military qualification credit
AS 08.01.064(a) requires acceptance of military education, training or service when the Department determines it is substantially equivalent to some or all otherwise required qualifications and satisfactory completion is proved.
Ordinary pathway
Satisfy ordinary licensure by examination.
Qba certification equivalency
The Department FAQ states: "It has been determined that the Qualified Behavior Analyst/Qualified Applied Behavior Analyst (QBA/QABA) certification is equivalent to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) certification." This approves certification equivalency; it does not separately name the QBA examination as an approved examination under AS 08.15.020(a)(3).
Social security number
Provide the social security number required by AS 08.01.060; the application permits a documented exemption request when there is no United States social security number.
Child support temporary license on renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certification
Provide current certification, a complete renewal form, professional-fitness disclosures and applicable fees.
Child support status
Be on the delinquent-support list under AS 25.27.244; only one nonextendable temporary license is allowed per regular license term.
Existing license
Be an ordinary licensee seeking renewal, otherwise eligible for renewal under AS 08.15.040 and 12 AAC 77.200.
Term
150 days; full renewal requires a child support agency release.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

BCaBA Certification Examination

Provider
Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB); delivered by Pearson VUE in person at authorized Pearson VUE testing sites
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination, continuously available and offered only in English; each question has 4 possible answers and only 1 correct answer; all questions are equally weighted and the result is based on overall performance
Exam questions
175 multiple-choice questions: 150 scored and 25 unscored
Time limit
4 hours
Passing score
Pass/fail; criterion-referenced passing score established by the modified Angoff method
Exam fee
$175 certification application (BACB) plus $125 examination appointment (Pearson VUE)
Examination outline
  • A. Behaviorism and Philosophical Foundations (10 of 150 scored questions) (7%)
    • A.1. Explain the goals of behavior analysis as a natural science (i.e., description, prediction, control).
    • A.2. Explain the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis (e.g., selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony, pragmatism).
    • A.3. Describe and explain behavior from the perspective of radical behaviorism.
    • A.4. Distinguish among behaviorism, the experimental analysis of behavior, applied behavior analysis, and professional practice guided by the science of behavior analysis.
    • A.5. Identify and describe dimensions of applied behavior analysis (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968).
  • B. Concepts and Principles (18 of 150 scored questions) (12%)
    • B.1. Identify and distinguish among behavior, response, and response class.
    • B.2. Identify and distinguish between stimulus and stimulus class.
    • B.3. Identify and distinguish between respondent and operant conditioning.
    • B.4. Identify and distinguish between positive and negative reinforcement contingencies.
    • B.5. Identify and distinguish between positive and negative punishment contingencies.
    • B.6. Identify and distinguish between automatic and socially mediated contingencies.
    • B.7. Identify and distinguish among unconditioned, conditioned, and generalized reinforcers and punishers.
    • B.8. Identify and distinguish among simple schedules of reinforcement.
    • B.9. Identify examples of operant extinction.
    • B.10. Identify and distinguish between types of stimulus control.
    • B.11. Identify and distinguish between discrimination and generalization.
    • B.12. Define and identify examples of unconditioned motivating operations.
    • B.13. Identify and distinguish between rule-governed and contingency-shaped behavior.
    • B.14. Identify and distinguish among elementary verbal operants.
    • B.15. Define and identify examples of processes that promote emergent relations and generative performance.
  • C. Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation (20 of 150 scored questions) (13%)
    • C.1. Define and identify dimensions of behavior (e.g., count, duration, magnitude).
    • C.2. Describe the form (i.e., topography) and develop operational definitions of behavior.
    • C.3. Distinguish among direct, indirect, and product measures of behavior.
    • C.4. Develop and implement continuous measurement procedures (e.g., duration recording, event recording).
    • C.5. Develop and implement discontinuous measurement procedures (e.g., interval recording, time sampling).
    • C.6. Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures.
    • C.7. Select a measurement system to obtain representative data given the dimensions of behavior and the logistics of observing and recording.
    • C.8. Graph data to communicate relevant quantitative relations (e.g., equal-interval graphs, bar graphs, cumulative records).
    • C.9. Interpret graphed data.
    • C.10. Develop and evaluate mastery criteria.
  • D. Experimental Design (10 of 150 scored questions) (7%)
    • D.1. Distinguish between dependent and independent variables.
    • D.2. Distinguish between internal and external validity.
    • D.3. Identify the defining features of single-case experimental designs (e.g., individuals serve as their own controls, repeated measures, prediction, verification, replication).
    • D.4. Identify strengths of single-case experimental design.
    • D.5. Distinguish among and implement single-case experimental designs (e.g., reversal, multiple baseline, multielement, changing criterion).
    • D.6. Distinguish among and implement comparative, component, and parametric analyses.
  • E. Ethical and Professional Issues (18 of 150 scored questions) (12%)
    • E.1. Identify and apply core principles underlying the ethics codes for BACB certificants (e.g., benefit others; treat others with compassion, dignity, and respect; behave with integrity).
    • E.2. Identify the risks to oneself, others, and the profession associated with engaging in unethical behavior (e.g., misuse of social media, misrepresentation of one’s credential, making confidential information public).
    • E.3. Identify one’s area(s) of competence and when to seek a supervisor’s guidance.
    • E.4. Identify professional development activities that strengthen and expand areas of competence (e.g., attend conferences, read literature, seek consultation, establish mentors).
    • E.5. Identify and comply with requirements for collecting, using, protecting, and disclosing confidential information.
    • E.6. Identify steps that should be taken when transitioning clients or supervisees to another professional or when a BCaBA transitions to a different supervisor.
    • E.7. Identify types of and risks associated with multiple relationships, and how to mitigate those risks when they are unavoidable.
    • E.8. Identify and apply interpersonal and other skills (e.g., accepting feedback, listening actively, seeking input, collaborating) to establish and maintain professional relationships.
    • E.9. Engage in cultural humility in service delivery and professional relationships.
    • E.10. Apply culturally responsive and inclusive service and supervision activities.
    • E.11. Identify and apply the legal, regulatory, and practice requirements (e.g., licensure, jurisprudence, funding, certification) relevant to the delivery of behavior-analytic services.
  • F. Behavior Assessment (17 of 150 scored questions) (11%)
    • F.1. Review relevant information in available records and data (e.g., educational, medical, historical) at the outset of a case.
    • F.2. Identify conditions that warrant behavior-analytic services.
    • F.3. Identify and prioritize socially significant, client-informed, and culturally responsive behavior-change goals.
    • F.4. Implement assessments of relevant skill strengths and deficits, and contextual fit (e.g., client values, cultural variables, social validity, environmental resources).
    • F.5. Implement preference and reinforcer assessments.
    • F.6. Implement functional assessments of behavior, including indirect, descriptive, and experimental analyses.
  • G. Behavior-Change Procedures (22 of 150 scored questions) (15%)
    • G.1. Develop and implement positive and negative reinforcement procedures, including contingent and noncontingent applications.
    • G.2. Develop and implement procedures to establish and use conditioned reinforcers.
    • G.3. Develop and implement procedures that incorporate motivating operations and discriminative stimuli.
    • G.4. Develop and implement procedures to teach simple and conditional discriminations.
    • G.5. Develop and implement procedures using stimulus and response prompts that include appropriate fading procedures (e.g., errorless, least-to-most, stimulus fading).
    • G.6. Develop and implement modeling procedures.
    • G.7. Develop and implement procedures that use instructions and rules.
    • G.8. Develop and implement shaping procedures.
    • G.9. Develop and implement chaining procedures.
    • G.10. Develop and implement procedures to teach elementary verbal operants.
    • G.11. Develop and implement procedures to promote emergent relations and generative performance.
    • G.12. Develop and implement procedures that promote behavioral persistence.
    • G.13. Develop and implement acquisition procedures that are appropriate to the client’s skills and intervention goals (e.g., discrete-trial, free-operant, and naturalistic teaching arrangements).
    • G.14. Develop and implement group contingency procedures.
    • G.15. Develop and implement contingency contracting procedures.
    • G.16. Develop and implement self-management procedures.
    • G.17. Develop and implement procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization.
    • G.18. Develop and implement differential reinforcement procedures with and without extinction.
    • G.19. Define and implement positive and negative punishment procedures (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).
    • G.20. Develop and implement procedures to promote maintenance of behavior change.
  • H. Intervention Development and Monitoring (20 of 150 scored questions) (13%)
    • H.1. State intervention goals in observable and measurable terms.
    • H.2. Identify potential interventions based on assessment results and scientific evidence.
    • H.3. Develop intervention goals and procedures based on risks and contextual fit (e.g., client preferences and values, cultural variables, social validity, environmental resources).
    • H.4. Identify alternative behaviors to be established or increased when a target behavior is to be decreased.
    • H.5. Identify possible unwanted effects when using reinforcement, extinction, and punishment procedures.
    • H.6. Evaluate client progress and procedural integrity.
    • H.7. Make data-based decisions about the effectiveness of procedures and the need for modification.
    • H.8. Collaborate with and include others who support and/or provide services to clients.
  • I. Supervisory Relationships (15 of 150 scored questions) (10%)
    • I.1. Use behavior-analytic supervision practices and state the potential risks of ineffective supervision (e.g., poor client outcomes, impaired job satisfaction, employee turnover).
    • I.2. Identify and apply strategies for establishing and maintaining effective supervisory relationships (e.g., active listening, providing reinforcement, reciprocal feedback).
    • I.3. Identify and implement methods that promote equity in supervision practices.
    • I.4. Establish clear performance expectations for the supervisor and supervisee.
    • I.5. Select supervision goals based on an assessment of the supervisee’s skills.
    • I.6. Apply empirically validated and competency-based approaches to train supervisees to perform assessment and intervention procedures.
    • I.7. Identify and apply empirically validated and culturally responsive performance management procedures (e.g., modeling, practice, feedback, reinforcement, task clarification, manipulation of response effort).
    • I.8. Apply a function-based approach (e.g., performance diagnostics) to assess and improve supervisee behavior.
    • I.9. Evaluate the effects of supervision (e.g., on client outcomes, on supervisee repertoires).
Examination sources

BCBA Certification Examination

Provider
Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB); delivered by Pearson VUE in person at authorized Pearson VUE testing sites
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination, continuously available and offered only in English; each question has 4 possible answers and only 1 correct answer; all questions are equally weighted and the result is based on overall performance
Exam questions
185 multiple-choice questions: 175 scored and 10 unscored
Time limit
4 hours
Passing score
Pass/fail; criterion-referenced passing score established by the modified Angoff method
Exam fee
$245 certification application (BACB) plus $125 examination appointment (Pearson VUE); $140 examination retake application
Examination outline
  • A. Behaviorism and Philosophical Foundations (8 of 175 scored questions) (5%)
    • A.1. Identify the goals of behavior analysis as a science (i.e., description, prediction, control).
    • A.2. Explain the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis (e.g., selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony, pragmatism).
    • A.3. Explain behavior from the perspective of radical behaviorism.
    • A.4. Distinguish among behaviorism, the experimental analysis of behavior, applied behavior analysis, and professional practice guided by the science of behavior analysis.
    • A.5. Identify and describe dimensions of applied behavior analysis.
  • B. Concepts and Principles (24 of 175 scored questions) (14%)
    • B.1. Identify and distinguish among behavior, response, and response class.
    • B.2. Identify and distinguish between stimulus and stimulus class.
    • B.3. Identify and distinguish between respondent and operant conditioning.
    • B.4. Identify and distinguish between positive and negative reinforcement contingencies.
    • B.5. Identify and distinguish between positive and negative punishment contingencies.
    • B.6. Identify and distinguish between automatic and socially mediated contingencies.
    • B.7. Identify and distinguish among unconditioned, conditioned, and generalized reinforcers.
    • B.8. Identify and distinguish among unconditioned, conditioned, and generalized punishers.
    • B.9. Identify and distinguish among simple schedules of reinforcement.
    • B.10. Identify and distinguish among concurrent, multiple, mixed, and chained schedules of reinforcement.
    • B.11. Identify and distinguish between operant and respondent extinction as operations and processes.
    • B.12. Identify examples of stimulus control.
    • B.13. Identify examples of stimulus discrimination.
    • B.14. Identify and distinguish between stimulus and response generalization.
    • B.15. Identify examples of response maintenance.
    • B.16. Identify examples of motivating operations.
    • B.17. Distinguish between motivating operations and stimulus control.
    • B.18. Identify and distinguish between rule-governed and contingency-shaped behavior.
    • B.19. Identify and distinguish among verbal operants.
    • B.20. Identify the role of multiple control in verbal behavior.
    • B.21. Identify examples of processes that promote emergent relations and generative performance.
    • B.22. Identify ways behavioral momentum can be used to understand response persistence.
    • B.23. Identify ways the matching law can be used to interpret response allocation.
    • B.24. Identify and distinguish between imitation and observational learning.
  • C. Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation (21 of 175 scored questions) (12%)
    • C.1. Create operational definitions of behavior.
    • C.2. Distinguish among direct, indirect, and product measures of behavior.
    • C.3. Measure occurrence.
    • C.4. Measure temporal dimensions of behavior (e.g., duration, latency, interresponse time).
    • C.5. Distinguish between continuous and discontinuous measurement procedures.
    • C.6. Design and apply discontinuous measurement procedures (e.g., interval recording, time sampling).
    • C.7. Measure efficiency (e.g., trials to criterion, cost-benefit analysis, training duration).
    • C.8. Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures.
    • C.9. Select a measurement procedure to obtain representative data that accounts for the critical dimension of the behavior and environmental constraints.
    • C.10. Graph data to communicate relevant quantitative relations (e.g., equal-interval graphs, bar graphs, cumulative records).
    • C.11. Interpret graphed data.
    • C.12. Select a measurement procedure to obtain representative procedural integrity data that accounts for relevant dimensions (e.g., accuracy, dosage) and environmental constraints.
  • D. Experimental Design (13 of 175 scored questions) (7%)
    • D.1. Distinguish between dependent and independent variables.
    • D.2. Distinguish between internal and external validity.
    • D.3. Identify threats to internal validity (e.g., history, maturation).
    • D.4. Identify the defining features of single-case experimental designs (e.g., individuals serve as their own controls, repeated measures, prediction, verification, replication).
    • D.5. Identify the relative strengths of single-case experimental designs and group designs.
    • D.6. Critique and interpret data from single-case experimental designs.
    • D.7. Distinguish among reversal, multiple-baseline, multielement, and changing-criterion designs.
    • D.8. Identify rationales for conducting comparative, component, and parametric analyses.
    • D.9. Apply single-case experimental designs.
  • E. Ethical and Professional Issues (22 of 175 scored questions) (13%)
    • E.1. Identify and apply core principles underlying the ethics codes for BACB certificants (e.g., benefit others; treat others with compassion, dignity, and respect; behave with integrity).
    • E.2. Identify the risks to oneself, others, and the profession as a result of engaging in unethical behavior.
    • E.3. Develop and maintain competence by engaging in professional development activities (e.g., read literature, seek consultation, establish mentors).
    • E.4. Identify and comply with requirements for collecting, using, protecting, and disclosing confidential information.
    • E.5. Identify and comply with requirements for making public statements about professional activities (e.g., social media activity; misrepresentation of professional credentials, behavior analysis, and service outcomes).
    • E.6. Identify the conditions under which services or supervision should be discontinued and apply steps that should be taken when transitioning clients and supervisees to another professional.
    • E.7. Identify types of and risks associated with multiple relationships, and how to mitigate those risks when they are unavoidable.
    • E.8. Identify and apply interpersonal and other skills (e.g., accepting feedback, listening actively, seeking input, collaborating) to establish and maintain professional relationships.
    • E.9. Engage in cultural humility in service delivery and professional relationships.
    • E.10. Apply culturally responsive and inclusive service and supervision activities.
    • E.11. Identify personal biases and how they might interfere with professional activity.
    • E.12. Identify and apply the legal, regulatory, and practice requirements (e.g., licensure, jurisprudence, funding, certification) relevant to the delivery of behavior-analytic services.
  • F. Behavior Assessment (23 of 175 scored questions) (13%)
    • F.1. Identify relevant sources of information in records (e.g., educational, medical, historical) at the outset of the case.
    • F.2. Identify and integrate relevant cultural variables in the assessment process.
    • F.3. Design and evaluate assessments of relevant skill strengths and areas of need.
    • F.4. Design and evaluate preference assessments.
    • F.5. Design and evaluate descriptive assessments.
    • F.6. Design and evaluate functional analyses.
    • F.7. Interpret assessment data to determine the need for behavior-analytic services and/or referral to others.
    • F.8. Interpret assessment data to identify and prioritize socially significant, client-informed, and culturally responsive behavior-change procedures and goals.
  • G. Behavior-Change Procedures (25 of 175 scored questions) (14%)
    • G.1. Design and evaluate positive and negative reinforcement procedures.
    • G.2. Design and evaluate differential reinforcement (e.g., DRA, DRO, DRL, DRH) procedures with and without extinction.
    • G.3. Design and evaluate time-based reinforcement (e.g., fixed-time) schedules.
    • G.4. Identify procedures to establish and use conditioned reinforcers (e.g., token economies).
    • G.5. Incorporate motivating operations and discriminative stimuli into behavior-change procedures.
    • G.6. Design and evaluate procedures to produce simple and conditional discriminations.
    • G.7. Select and evaluate stimulus and response prompting procedures (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most).
    • G.8. Design and implement procedures to fade stimulus and response prompts (e.g., prompt delay, stimulus fading).
    • G.9. Design and evaluate modeling procedures.
    • G.10. Design and evaluate instructions and rules.
    • G.11. Shape dimensions of behavior.
    • G.12. Select and implement chaining procedures.
    • G.13. Design and evaluate trial-based and free-operant procedures.
    • G.14. Design and evaluate group contingencies.
    • G.15. Design and evaluate procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization.
    • G.16. Design and evaluate procedures to maintain desired behavior change following intervention (e.g., schedule thinning, transferring to naturally occurring reinforcers).
    • G.17. Design and evaluate positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).
    • G.18. Evaluate emotional and elicited effects of behavior-change procedures.
    • G.19. Design and evaluate procedures to promote emergent relations and generative performance.
  • H. Selecting and Implementing Interventions (20 of 175 scored questions) (11%)
    • H.1. Develop intervention goals in observable and measurable terms.
    • H.2. Identify and recommend interventions based on assessment results, scientific evidence, client preferences, and contextual fit (e.g., expertise required for implementation, cultural variables, environmental resources).
    • H.3. Select socially valid alternative behavior to be established or increased when a target behavior is to be decreased.
    • H.4. Plan for and attempt to mitigate possible unwanted effects when using reinforcement, extinction, and punishment procedures.
    • H.5. Plan for and attempt to mitigate possible relapse of the target behavior.
    • H.6. Make data-based decisions about procedural integrity.
    • H.7. Make data-based decisions about the effectiveness of the intervention and the need for modification.
    • H.8. Collaborate with others to support and enhance client services.
  • I. Personnel Supervision and Management (19 of 175 scored questions) (11%)
    • I.1. Identify the benefits of using behavior-analytic supervision (e.g., improved client outcomes, improved staff performance and retention).
    • I.2. Identify and apply strategies for establishing effective supervisory relationships (e.g., executing supervisor-supervisee contracts, establishing clear expectations, giving and accepting feedback).
    • I.3. Identify and implement methods that promote equity in supervision practices.
    • I.4. Select supervision goals based on an assessment of the supervisee’s skills, cultural variables, and the environment.
    • I.5. Identify and apply empirically validated and culturally responsive performance management procedures (e.g., modeling, practice, feedback, reinforcement, task clarification, manipulation of response effort).
    • I.6. Apply a function-based approach (e.g., performance diagnostics) to assess and improve supervisee behavior.
    • I.7. Make data-based decisions about the efficacy of supervisory practices.
Examination sources