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Iowa Behavior Analyst — Requirements & Free Practice

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Assistant Behavior Analyst

Iowa license to practice applied behavior analysis under ongoing supervision by a licensed behavior analyst.

Licensing authority: Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals · Application information

Initial licensure based on current certification
BCaBA Certification Examination
Application
Submit a completed application and the nonrefundable application fee; the Board application page states $120.
Board Implementation
481 IAC 880.2(2)(b) and the Board application instructions require proof of current BACB certification. The broader statutory certifying-entity alternative is preserved.
Certification
Maintain current BACB BCaBA certification.
Certifying Entity
Iowa Code 154D.1(2) also permits another certifying entity whose certification programs are accredited by NCCA or ANSI. No additional certifying entity or examination is named in the state licensing provisions; this open statutory alternative is an applicant condition.
Exam Timing
The leaf identifies the currently offered examination underlying the required BACB certification. Passing it may precede the Iowa application; a leaf does not require a currently certified applicant to retake it.
Ongoing Supervision
Provide proof of ongoing supervision by a licensed behavior analyst in accordance with the certifying entity's requirements under 154D.2A(2).
Practice Exemptions
Iowa Code 154D.4(3) preserves scoped exemptions, including independently certified or other-jurisdiction-licensed behavior analysts working no more than 2,080 hours in a calendar year; exemption activities are not separate Iowa credentials.
Late renewal within the grace period
BCaBA Certification Examination
Application
Submit the completed renewal application and fee before expiration.
Certification
Maintain current BACB BCaBA certification.
Continuing Education
Meet BACB continuing education requirements to renew certification.
Exam Timing
The leaf preserves the current examination underlying the required maintained certification; the renewal provision requires maintained certification and continuing education, rather than instructing an already certified licensee to retake the examination.
Late Fee
Complete the renewal requirements and submit the additional late fee within the grace period.
Late Status
Renew after expiration but within the 30-day grace period while the license remains active.
Ongoing Supervision
Provide proof of ongoing supervision by a licensed behavior analyst in accordance with the certifying entity's requirements under 154D.2A(2).
Renewal Period
The biennial Iowa renewal runs concurrently with BACB certification and uses the certification expiration date.
Expedited veteran or active duty military spouse reciprocity with equivalent scope
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit an application, fees, the statutory compliance attestation, scope-of-practice statement and copies of the issuing jurisdiction's relevant laws; fingerprints and waiver are required if the Board requires them for initial licensure.
Board Certification Instructions
The general Board application page states: "Submit proof of current BACB certification." That implementation demand is recorded as an applicant condition; the verification requirement follows the higher-ranked 272C.12 statutory route.
Criminal History
Disclose criminal history and provide the complete criminal record when applicable; disqualifying criminal history prevents licensure.
Discipline
Unresolved discipline prevents issuance or denial until resolved; submit relevant disciplinary documents.
Military Rule Examinations
481 IAC 7.3(1) states: "A veteran or spouse must pass any examinations required for licensure to be eligible for licensure through reciprocity and will be given credit for examinations previously passed when consistent with the licensing authority’s laws and rules on examination requirements." This lower-ranked general requirement is retained as a condition of the statutory without-examination verification route.
Military Status
Be a veteran or the spouse of an active-duty military member and provide documentation establishing that status; the application receives expedited processing.
No Identified State Exam
481 IAC 880.2(2) establishes certification-based licensing for these professions, while 880.3 assigns examination requirements to the other named professions. No state jurisprudence examination is assigned to this profession by these provisions.
Ongoing Supervision
Practice as an assistant behavior analyst is supervised by a licensed behavior analyst; provide the supervision proof required by 154D.2A(2).
Pending Matters
A pending complaint, allegation, or investigation relating to unprofessional conduct prevents issuance or denial until resolved.
Prior Examination
Provide evidence of previously passing the examination required by the issuing jurisdiction, if applicable (Iowa Code 272C.12(1)(d)). The provision does not identify a particular national examination; another jurisdiction's own examination is an applicant condition.
Prior License
Hold a current license, certificate, or registration from an issuing jurisdiction in a substantially similar scope of practice and be in good standing in all issuing jurisdictions.
Prior Qualifications
The issuing jurisdiction must verify its minimum education and, where applicable, work experience and clinical supervision requirements were satisfied.
Revocation Or Surrender
No license may have been revoked or voluntarily surrendered while under investigation for unprofessional conduct.
Scope Equivalence
Submit the information required of other reciprocity applicants; the authority determines whether the issuing jurisdiction's scope is substantially equivalent. This route covers the equivalent-scope applicant meeting 272C.12.
Statutory Exclusions
Iowa Code 272C.12(3) preserves state-law examination and criminal-check authority and excludes compact criteria, applicants receiving another statutory privilege to practice without a license, and applicants applying through a national licensing organization. The 154D.4(3)(i) practice exemption must be considered when assessing eligibility.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-03.

Initial licensure with military education, training or service credit
BCaBA Certification Examination
Application
Submit a completed application and the nonrefundable application fee; the Board application page states $120.
Board Implementation
481 IAC 880.2(2)(b) and the Board application instructions require proof of current BACB certification. The broader statutory certifying-entity alternative is preserved.
Certification
Maintain current BACB BCaBA certification.
Certifying Entity
Iowa Code 154D.1(2) also permits another certifying entity whose certification programs are accredited by NCCA or ANSI. No additional certifying entity or examination is named in the state licensing provisions; this open statutory alternative is an applicant condition.
Exam Timing
The leaf identifies the currently offered examination underlying the required BACB certification. Passing it may precede the Iowa application; a leaf does not require a currently certified applicant to retake it.
Military Credit
Provide military transcripts, verified documents, affidavit or forms (including DD214 or VMET where applicable). The authority decides equivalence and grants applicable credit; examination requirements receive no military credit. Certification requirements remain applicable.
Military Status
Request military education, training or service credit using the military service application and identify the education or experience requirement to which it would apply.
Ongoing Supervision
Provide proof of ongoing supervision by a licensed behavior analyst in accordance with the certifying entity's requirements under 154D.2A(2).
Practice Exemptions
Iowa Code 154D.4(3) preserves scoped exemptions, including independently certified or other-jurisdiction-licensed behavior analysts working no more than 2,080 hours in a calendar year; exemption activities are not separate Iowa credentials.
Reactivation of an inactive license
BCaBA Certification Examination
Application
Submit the completed renewal application, proof of current certification and the reactivation fee.
Certification
Maintain current BACB BCaBA certification.
Exam Timing
The leaf represents the examination underlying proof of current certification, including certification obtained before reactivation; no repeat sitting is inferred.
Inactive Status
The license was not renewed by the end of the grace period; an inactive license retains the privilege of licensure but cannot be used to practice where an active license is required.
Ongoing Supervision
Provide proof of ongoing supervision by a licensed behavior analyst in accordance with the certifying entity's requirements under 154D.2A(2).
Reinstatement following revocation, suspension or voluntary surrender, followed by reactivation
BCaBA Certification Examination
Additional Assessment
Iowa Code 272C.3(2)(d) permits additional education, training or reexamination as a condition of reinstatement or termination of suspension. No particular examination is named by this discretionary slot; it remains an applicant condition.
Application
Submit the completed renewal application, proof of current certification and the reactivation fee.
Board Order
Meet the terms and conditions of the disciplinary order. A permanent revocation does not permit reinstatement; if no terms were set, or the license was surrendered, an initial application generally waits one year.
Certification
Maintain current BACB BCaBA certification.
Disciplinary Status
The license was revoked, suspended or voluntarily surrendered; obtain Board reinstatement before returning to practice.
Exam Timing
The leaf represents the examination underlying proof of current certification, including certification obtained before reactivation; no repeat sitting is inferred.
Inactive Status
The license was not renewed by the end of the grace period; an inactive license retains the privilege of licensure but cannot be used to practice where an active license is required.
Ongoing Supervision
Provide proof of ongoing supervision by a licensed behavior analyst in accordance with the certifying entity's requirements under 154D.2A(2).
Proof
File in the original disciplinary case and establish that the basis for the action no longer exists and reinstatement is in the public interest; the applicant bears the burden.
Rule Cross References
880.15 references 506.31, while the obtained current Chapter 506 puts reinstatement in 506.32 and public-record status in 506.31. It also references 880.14, whose profession list excludes behavior analysts; the specific behavior-analyst reactivation provision is 880.11(8). The Board reinstatement order remains an applicant condition.
Biennial license renewal
BCaBA Certification Examination
Application
Submit the completed renewal application and fee before expiration.
Certification
Maintain current BACB BCaBA certification.
Continuing Education
Meet BACB continuing education requirements to renew certification.
Exam Timing
The leaf preserves the current examination underlying the required maintained certification; the renewal provision requires maintained certification and continuing education, rather than instructing an already certified licensee to retake the examination.
Ongoing Supervision
Provide proof of ongoing supervision by a licensed behavior analyst in accordance with the certifying entity's requirements under 154D.2A(2).
Renewal Period
The biennial Iowa renewal runs concurrently with BACB certification and uses the certification expiration date.
Licensure by verification under Iowa Code 272C.12
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit an application, fees, the statutory compliance attestation, scope-of-practice statement and copies of the issuing jurisdiction's relevant laws; fingerprints and waiver are required if the Board requires them for initial licensure.
Board Certification Instructions
The general Board application page states: "Submit proof of current BACB certification." That implementation demand is recorded as an applicant condition; the verification requirement follows the higher-ranked 272C.12 statutory route.
Criminal History
Disclose criminal history and provide the complete criminal record when applicable; disqualifying criminal history prevents licensure.
Discipline
Unresolved discipline prevents issuance or denial until resolved; submit relevant disciplinary documents.
No Identified State Exam
481 IAC 880.2(2) establishes certification-based licensing for these professions, while 880.3 assigns examination requirements to the other named professions. No state jurisprudence examination is assigned to this profession by these provisions.
Ongoing Supervision
Practice as an assistant behavior analyst is supervised by a licensed behavior analyst; provide the supervision proof required by 154D.2A(2).
Pending Matters
A pending complaint, allegation, or investigation relating to unprofessional conduct prevents issuance or denial until resolved.
Prior Examination
Provide evidence of previously passing the examination required by the issuing jurisdiction, if applicable (Iowa Code 272C.12(1)(d)). The provision does not identify a particular national examination; another jurisdiction's own examination is an applicant condition.
Prior License
Hold a current license, certificate, or registration from an issuing jurisdiction in a substantially similar scope of practice and be in good standing in all issuing jurisdictions.
Prior Qualifications
The issuing jurisdiction must verify its minimum education and, where applicable, work experience and clinical supervision requirements were satisfied.
Revocation Or Surrender
No license may have been revoked or voluntarily surrendered while under investigation for unprofessional conduct.
Statutory Exclusions
Iowa Code 272C.12(3) preserves state-law examination and criminal-check authority and excludes compact criteria, applicants receiving another statutory privilege to practice without a license, and applicants applying through a national licensing organization. The 154D.4(3)(i) practice exemption must be considered when assessing eligibility.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-31.

Initial licensure using qualifying work experience in a jurisdiction without licensure
BCaBA Certification Examination
Application
Submit a completed application and the nonrefundable application fee; the Board application page states $120.
Board Implementation
481 IAC 880.2(2)(b) and the Board application instructions require proof of current BACB certification. The broader statutory certifying-entity alternative is preserved.
Certification
Maintain current BACB BCaBA certification.
Certifying Entity
Iowa Code 154D.1(2) also permits another certifying entity whose certification programs are accredited by NCCA or ANSI. No additional certifying entity or examination is named in the state licensing provisions; this open statutory alternative is an applicant condition.
Exam Timing
The leaf identifies the currently offered examination underlying the required BACB certification. Passing it may precede the Iowa application; a leaf does not require a currently certified applicant to retake it.
Ongoing Supervision
Provide proof of ongoing supervision by a licensed behavior analyst in accordance with the certifying entity's requirements under 154D.2A(2).
Practice Exemptions
Iowa Code 154D.4(3) preserves scoped exemptions, including independently certified or other-jurisdiction-licensed behavior analysts working no more than 2,080 hours in a calendar year; exemption activities are not separate Iowa credentials.
Relocation
Relocate to Iowa from a jurisdiction that did not require licensure in this profession.
Work Experience
Show at least three years of substantially similar work experience within the four years before application, Iowa residency and documents proving the scope. Experience may substitute for education or training; other requirements, including required examinations and certification, remain applicable.

Behavior Analyst

Iowa license to practice applied behavior analysis.

Licensing authority: Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals · Application information

Initial licensure based on current certification
BCBA Certification Examination
Application
Submit a completed application and the nonrefundable application fee; the Board application page states $120.
Board Implementation
481 IAC 880.2(2)(b) and the Board application instructions require proof of current BACB certification. The broader statutory certifying-entity alternative is preserved.
Certification
Hold current BACB BCBA or BCBA-doctoral certification; the doctoral designation does not create a second Iowa license or a second examination.
Certifying Entity
Iowa Code 154D.1(2) also permits another certifying entity whose certification programs are accredited by NCCA or ANSI. No additional certifying entity or examination is named in the state licensing provisions; this open statutory alternative is an applicant condition.
Exam Timing
The leaf identifies the currently offered examination underlying the required BACB certification. Passing it may precede the Iowa application; a leaf does not require a currently certified applicant to retake it.
Practice Exemptions
Iowa Code 154D.4(3) preserves scoped exemptions, including independently certified or other-jurisdiction-licensed behavior analysts working no more than 2,080 hours in a calendar year; exemption activities are not separate Iowa credentials.
Late renewal within the grace period
BCBA Certification Examination
Application
Submit the completed renewal application and fee before expiration.
Certification
Hold current BACB BCBA or BCBA-doctoral certification; the doctoral designation does not create a second Iowa license or a second examination.
Continuing Education
Meet BACB continuing education requirements to renew certification.
Exam Timing
The leaf preserves the current examination underlying the required maintained certification; the renewal provision requires maintained certification and continuing education, rather than instructing an already certified licensee to retake the examination.
Late Fee
Complete the renewal requirements and submit the additional late fee within the grace period.
Late Status
Renew after expiration but within the 30-day grace period while the license remains active.
Renewal Period
The biennial Iowa renewal runs concurrently with BACB certification and uses the certification expiration date.
Expedited veteran or active duty military spouse reciprocity with equivalent scope
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit an application, fees, the statutory compliance attestation, scope-of-practice statement and copies of the issuing jurisdiction's relevant laws; fingerprints and waiver are required if the Board requires them for initial licensure.
Board Certification Instructions
The general Board application page states: "Submit proof of current BACB certification." That implementation demand is recorded as an applicant condition; the verification requirement follows the higher-ranked 272C.12 statutory route.
Criminal History
Disclose criminal history and provide the complete criminal record when applicable; disqualifying criminal history prevents licensure.
Discipline
Unresolved discipline prevents issuance or denial until resolved; submit relevant disciplinary documents.
Military Rule Examinations
481 IAC 7.3(1) states: "A veteran or spouse must pass any examinations required for licensure to be eligible for licensure through reciprocity and will be given credit for examinations previously passed when consistent with the licensing authority’s laws and rules on examination requirements." This lower-ranked general requirement is retained as a condition of the statutory without-examination verification route.
Military Status
Be a veteran or the spouse of an active-duty military member and provide documentation establishing that status; the application receives expedited processing.
No Identified State Exam
481 IAC 880.2(2) establishes certification-based licensing for these professions, while 880.3 assigns examination requirements to the other named professions. No state jurisprudence examination is assigned to this profession by these provisions.
Pending Matters
A pending complaint, allegation, or investigation relating to unprofessional conduct prevents issuance or denial until resolved.
Prior Examination
Provide evidence of previously passing the examination required by the issuing jurisdiction, if applicable (Iowa Code 272C.12(1)(d)). The provision does not identify a particular national examination; another jurisdiction's own examination is an applicant condition.
Prior License
Hold a current license, certificate, or registration from an issuing jurisdiction in a substantially similar scope of practice and be in good standing in all issuing jurisdictions.
Prior Qualifications
The issuing jurisdiction must verify its minimum education and, where applicable, work experience and clinical supervision requirements were satisfied.
Revocation Or Surrender
No license may have been revoked or voluntarily surrendered while under investigation for unprofessional conduct.
Scope Equivalence
Submit the information required of other reciprocity applicants; the authority determines whether the issuing jurisdiction's scope is substantially equivalent. This route covers the equivalent-scope applicant meeting 272C.12.
Statutory Exclusions
Iowa Code 272C.12(3) preserves state-law examination and criminal-check authority and excludes compact criteria, applicants receiving another statutory privilege to practice without a license, and applicants applying through a national licensing organization. The 154D.4(3)(i) practice exemption must be considered when assessing eligibility.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-03.

Initial licensure with military education, training or service credit
BCBA Certification Examination
Application
Submit a completed application and the nonrefundable application fee; the Board application page states $120.
Board Implementation
481 IAC 880.2(2)(b) and the Board application instructions require proof of current BACB certification. The broader statutory certifying-entity alternative is preserved.
Certification
Hold current BACB BCBA or BCBA-doctoral certification; the doctoral designation does not create a second Iowa license or a second examination.
Certifying Entity
Iowa Code 154D.1(2) also permits another certifying entity whose certification programs are accredited by NCCA or ANSI. No additional certifying entity or examination is named in the state licensing provisions; this open statutory alternative is an applicant condition.
Exam Timing
The leaf identifies the currently offered examination underlying the required BACB certification. Passing it may precede the Iowa application; a leaf does not require a currently certified applicant to retake it.
Military Credit
Provide military transcripts, verified documents, affidavit or forms (including DD214 or VMET where applicable). The authority decides equivalence and grants applicable credit; examination requirements receive no military credit. Certification requirements remain applicable.
Military Status
Request military education, training or service credit using the military service application and identify the education or experience requirement to which it would apply.
Practice Exemptions
Iowa Code 154D.4(3) preserves scoped exemptions, including independently certified or other-jurisdiction-licensed behavior analysts working no more than 2,080 hours in a calendar year; exemption activities are not separate Iowa credentials.
Reactivation of an inactive license
BCBA Certification Examination
Application
Submit the completed renewal application, proof of current certification and the reactivation fee.
Certification
Hold current BACB BCBA or BCBA-doctoral certification; the doctoral designation does not create a second Iowa license or a second examination.
Exam Timing
The leaf represents the examination underlying proof of current certification, including certification obtained before reactivation; no repeat sitting is inferred.
Inactive Status
The license was not renewed by the end of the grace period; an inactive license retains the privilege of licensure but cannot be used to practice where an active license is required.
Reinstatement following revocation, suspension or voluntary surrender, followed by reactivation
BCBA Certification Examination
Additional Assessment
Iowa Code 272C.3(2)(d) permits additional education, training or reexamination as a condition of reinstatement or termination of suspension. No particular examination is named by this discretionary slot; it remains an applicant condition.
Application
Submit the completed renewal application, proof of current certification and the reactivation fee.
Board Order
Meet the terms and conditions of the disciplinary order. A permanent revocation does not permit reinstatement; if no terms were set, or the license was surrendered, an initial application generally waits one year.
Certification
Hold current BACB BCBA or BCBA-doctoral certification; the doctoral designation does not create a second Iowa license or a second examination.
Disciplinary Status
The license was revoked, suspended or voluntarily surrendered; obtain Board reinstatement before returning to practice.
Exam Timing
The leaf represents the examination underlying proof of current certification, including certification obtained before reactivation; no repeat sitting is inferred.
Inactive Status
The license was not renewed by the end of the grace period; an inactive license retains the privilege of licensure but cannot be used to practice where an active license is required.
Proof
File in the original disciplinary case and establish that the basis for the action no longer exists and reinstatement is in the public interest; the applicant bears the burden.
Rule Cross References
880.15 references 506.31, while the obtained current Chapter 506 puts reinstatement in 506.32 and public-record status in 506.31. It also references 880.14, whose profession list excludes behavior analysts; the specific behavior-analyst reactivation provision is 880.11(8). The Board reinstatement order remains an applicant condition.
Biennial license renewal
BCBA Certification Examination
Application
Submit the completed renewal application and fee before expiration.
Certification
Hold current BACB BCBA or BCBA-doctoral certification; the doctoral designation does not create a second Iowa license or a second examination.
Continuing Education
Meet BACB continuing education requirements to renew certification.
Exam Timing
The leaf preserves the current examination underlying the required maintained certification; the renewal provision requires maintained certification and continuing education, rather than instructing an already certified licensee to retake the examination.
Renewal Period
The biennial Iowa renewal runs concurrently with BACB certification and uses the certification expiration date.
Licensure by verification under Iowa Code 272C.12
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit an application, fees, the statutory compliance attestation, scope-of-practice statement and copies of the issuing jurisdiction's relevant laws; fingerprints and waiver are required if the Board requires them for initial licensure.
Board Certification Instructions
The general Board application page states: "Submit proof of current BACB certification." That implementation demand is recorded as an applicant condition; the verification requirement follows the higher-ranked 272C.12 statutory route.
Criminal History
Disclose criminal history and provide the complete criminal record when applicable; disqualifying criminal history prevents licensure.
Discipline
Unresolved discipline prevents issuance or denial until resolved; submit relevant disciplinary documents.
No Identified State Exam
481 IAC 880.2(2) establishes certification-based licensing for these professions, while 880.3 assigns examination requirements to the other named professions. No state jurisprudence examination is assigned to this profession by these provisions.
Pending Matters
A pending complaint, allegation, or investigation relating to unprofessional conduct prevents issuance or denial until resolved.
Prior Examination
Provide evidence of previously passing the examination required by the issuing jurisdiction, if applicable (Iowa Code 272C.12(1)(d)). The provision does not identify a particular national examination; another jurisdiction's own examination is an applicant condition.
Prior License
Hold a current license, certificate, or registration from an issuing jurisdiction in a substantially similar scope of practice and be in good standing in all issuing jurisdictions.
Prior Qualifications
The issuing jurisdiction must verify its minimum education and, where applicable, work experience and clinical supervision requirements were satisfied.
Revocation Or Surrender
No license may have been revoked or voluntarily surrendered while under investigation for unprofessional conduct.
Statutory Exclusions
Iowa Code 272C.12(3) preserves state-law examination and criminal-check authority and excludes compact criteria, applicants receiving another statutory privilege to practice without a license, and applicants applying through a national licensing organization. The 154D.4(3)(i) practice exemption must be considered when assessing eligibility.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-31.

Initial licensure using qualifying work experience in a jurisdiction without licensure
BCBA Certification Examination
Application
Submit a completed application and the nonrefundable application fee; the Board application page states $120.
Board Implementation
481 IAC 880.2(2)(b) and the Board application instructions require proof of current BACB certification. The broader statutory certifying-entity alternative is preserved.
Certification
Hold current BACB BCBA or BCBA-doctoral certification; the doctoral designation does not create a second Iowa license or a second examination.
Certifying Entity
Iowa Code 154D.1(2) also permits another certifying entity whose certification programs are accredited by NCCA or ANSI. No additional certifying entity or examination is named in the state licensing provisions; this open statutory alternative is an applicant condition.
Exam Timing
The leaf identifies the currently offered examination underlying the required BACB certification. Passing it may precede the Iowa application; a leaf does not require a currently certified applicant to retake it.
Practice Exemptions
Iowa Code 154D.4(3) preserves scoped exemptions, including independently certified or other-jurisdiction-licensed behavior analysts working no more than 2,080 hours in a calendar year; exemption activities are not separate Iowa credentials.
Relocation
Relocate to Iowa from a jurisdiction that did not require licensure in this profession.
Work Experience
Show at least three years of substantially similar work experience within the four years before application, Iowa residency and documents proving the scope. Experience may substitute for education or training; other requirements, including required examinations and certification, remain applicable.

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