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Kentucky Behavior Analyst — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst

Kentucky licensure for the practice of applied behavior analysis. Voluntary inactive and retired status are changes to this license, not separately issued licenses.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Applied Behavior Analysis Licensing Board · Application information

Reinstatement after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Restrictions
Board may impose reasonable practice restrictions as a condition of reinstatement.
Fitness Evaluation
KRS 319C.060(2)(e) provides for physical and mental examinations of impaired licensees. These are applicant fitness evaluations, not identified examinations of the behavior-analysis profession.
Hearing
Board hearing under KRS Chapter 13B must establish reasonable practice competency and ability to maintain ethical standards (KRS 319C.120(3)).
Supervision
An approved supervisor is appointed for the disciplinary period; licensee pays supervision costs when the final order or settlement so specifies (201 KAR 43:050 Section 12).
Suspension Or Revocation
License was suspended or revoked under KRS 319C.110.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure for a person credentialed in another jurisdiction
BCaBA Certification Examination
Abuse Training
Provide proof of at least five hours of adult abuse and neglect training, child abuse, neglect and dependency training, or a combination; proof must explicitly show the covered subject matter (current 201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(e)).
Application
Submit completed Form ABA-001, certifying that the application is true, correct and complete; a misrepresentation or falsification is grounds for denial or revocation (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(a)).
Certification
Hold active BACB BCaBA certification and fulfill renewal and recertification requirements (KRS 319C.080).
Degree Evidence
Submit a copy of the degree obtained (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(b)).
Disciplinary Status
Have no imposed or pending disciplinary actions (KRS 319C.090).
Education
Meet the BCaBA education standards in KRS 319C.080.
Fees
Pay the application-review and licensure fees under 201 KAR 43:030 (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(c)).
Other Jurisdiction Credential
Hold a valid license or certificate from another state (KRS 319C.090).
Professional Standards
Conduct professional activities in accordance with the Board standards and comply with applicable administrative regulations (KRS 319C.080).
Supervision
Work under a certified behavior analyst consistently with BACB requirements; submit Form ABA-002 Supervisory Plan for Board approval and comply with 201 KAR 43:050 reporting requirements.
Conversion from temporary to full licensure
BCaBA Certification Examination
Abuse Training
Provide proof of at least five hours of adult abuse and neglect training, child abuse, neglect and dependency training, or a combination; proof must explicitly show the covered subject matter (current 201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(e)).
Application
Submit completed Form ABA-001, certifying that the application is true, correct and complete; a misrepresentation or falsification is grounds for denial or revocation (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(a)).
Certification
Hold active BACB BCaBA certification and fulfill renewal and recertification requirements (KRS 319C.080).
Degree Evidence
Submit a copy of the degree obtained (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(b)).
Education
Meet the BCaBA education standards in KRS 319C.080.
Fees
Pay the application-review and licensure fees under 201 KAR 43:030 (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(c)).
Final Supervision Report
Submit final Report of Supervision, Form ABA-003, for Board approval.
Professional Standards
Conduct professional activities in accordance with the Board standards and comply with applicable administrative regulations (KRS 319C.080).
Supervision
Work under a certified behavior analyst consistently with BACB requirements; submit Form ABA-002 Supervisory Plan for Board approval and comply with 201 KAR 43:050 reporting requirements.
Temporary Status
Application may be submitted within the two-year temporary-license period after satisfying the applicable full-license requirements (201 KAR 43:020 Section 1(7)).
Grant of voluntary inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit Form ABA-005 with current home address, email and phone, final Kentucky practice-employment date, and anticipated return date (201 KAR 43:090 Section 2(1)).
Current License
Hold this Kentucky license and be currently out of Kentucky practice while intending to return.
Ethics
Continue complying with 201 KAR 43:040.
Practice Restriction
Do not practice or use LBA, LaBA, TLBA or TLaBA initials while inactive; obtain reinstatement before returning.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration from voluntary inactive to active status
BCaBA Certification Examination
Application
Before returning to Kentucky practice submit Renewal and Reinstatement Application, Form ABA-004, and the required fees, including a reinstatement fee (201 KAR 43:090 Section 3(1)).
Inactive Status
Hold this license in voluntary inactive status.
Licensure Qualifications
Meet certification and licensure requirements under the applicable subsection of KRS 319C.080.
Literal Certification Requirement
201 KAR 43:090 Section 3(2) states: A licensee seeking reinstatement shall also meet certification and licensure requirements as provided in KRS 319C.080 and show an active BCBA certification. This BCBA wording is retained as published, including for an assistant licensee; it is not silently replaced with BCaBA.
Practice Restriction
Do not practice or use state license initials while inactive; complete reinstatement before resuming practice.
Supervision On Return
Document supervisory compliance and report activities and employment during the inactive period (201 KAR 43:090 Section 3(5)).
Initial licensure following BACB certification
BCaBA Certification Examination
Abuse Training
Provide proof of at least five hours of adult abuse and neglect training, child abuse, neglect and dependency training, or a combination; proof must explicitly show the covered subject matter (current 201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(e)).
Application
Submit completed Form ABA-001, certifying that the application is true, correct and complete; a misrepresentation or falsification is grounds for denial or revocation (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(a)).
Certification
Hold active BACB BCaBA certification and fulfill renewal and recertification requirements (KRS 319C.080).
Degree Evidence
Submit a copy of the degree obtained (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(b)).
Education
Meet the BCaBA education standards in KRS 319C.080.
Fees
Pay the application-review and licensure fees under 201 KAR 43:030 (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(c)).
Professional Standards
Conduct professional activities in accordance with the Board standards and comply with applicable administrative regulations (KRS 319C.080).
Supervision
Work under a certified behavior analyst consistently with BACB requirements; submit Form ABA-002 Supervisory Plan for Board approval and comply with 201 KAR 43:050 reporting requirements.
Reinstatement of a license lapsed more than three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed Renewal and Reinstatement Application, Form ABA-004, and employment documentation from expiration to the present (201 KAR 43:080 Section 4).
Board Discretion
The Board may reinstate the lapsed license under KRS 319C.120; reinstatement is discretionary.
Certification
Show that the applicant is certified (KRS 319C.120(2)); that provision does not name a required certification examination or require a fresh examination.
Fees
Pay the reinstatement fee (KRS 319C.120(2)).
Lapsed License
This Kentucky license has lapsed more than three years.
Supervision
Provide supervision information requested by Form ABA-004, page 2, question 11, for reinstatement of an assistant or temporary license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a license lapsed within three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed Renewal and Reinstatement Application, Form ABA-004, and employment documentation from expiration to the present (201 KAR 43:080 Section 4).
Board Discretion
The Board may reinstate the lapsed license under KRS 319C.120; reinstatement is discretionary.
Fees
Pay prescribed renewal fee and additional reinstatement fee (KRS 319C.120(1)).
Lapsed License
This Kentucky license has lapsed within three years.
Supervision
Provide supervision information requested by Form ABA-004, page 2, question 11, for reinstatement of an assistant or temporary license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within the following calendar month
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed Renewal and Reinstatement Application, Form ABA-004.
Continuing Certification
Maintain active BCaBA certification and fulfill BACB renewal and recertification requirements under KRS 319C.080; this renewal provision does not name an additional examination.
Existing License
Hold this Kentucky license.
Fee
Pay the renewal fee established in 201 KAR 43:030.
Late Deadline
Apply no later than the last day of the calendar month following the issuance month and pay the appropriate late fee (201 KAR 43:080 Section 2).
Renewal Deadline
Renew biennially by the last day of the calendar month in which the license was issued (201 KAR 43:080 Section 1).
Supervision
Have a current approved Report of Supervision and Supervisory Plan; 201 KAR 43:050 Section 3 requires biennial reports/plans after five years of full-time practice or its equivalent, and annual reports/plans with less experience.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed Renewal and Reinstatement Application, Form ABA-004.
Continuing Certification
Maintain active BCaBA certification and fulfill BACB renewal and recertification requirements under KRS 319C.080; this renewal provision does not name an additional examination.
Existing License
Hold this Kentucky license.
Fee
Pay the renewal fee established in 201 KAR 43:030.
Renewal Deadline
Renew biennially by the last day of the calendar month in which the license was issued (201 KAR 43:080 Section 1).
Supervision
Have a current approved Report of Supervision and Supervisory Plan; 201 KAR 43:050 Section 3 requires biennial reports/plans after five years of full-time practice or its equivalent, and annual reports/plans with less experience.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Grant of voluntary retired status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit Form ABA-005 with current home address, email and phone, the qualifying condition, and the final Kentucky practice-employment date.
Designation
Use LaBA-R under 201 KAR 43:090 Section 5(2).
Eligibility
The Board may grant retired status when at least one applies: age at least 65; Kentucky license held at least 25 years; illness or medical disability prevents continued practice (201 KAR 43:090 Section 4(2)).
Ethics
Continue complying with 201 KAR 43:040.
Existing License
Hold this ordinary Kentucky license.
Practice Cessation
Retire from applied behavior analysis in every jurisdiction (201 KAR 43:090 Section 4(1)).
Renewal Fee
Retired holders are relieved of renewal fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Kentucky licensure for the practice of applied behavior analysis. Voluntary inactive and retired status are changes to this license, not separately issued licenses.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Applied Behavior Analysis Licensing Board · Application information

Reinstatement after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Restrictions
Board may impose reasonable practice restrictions as a condition of reinstatement.
Fitness Evaluation
KRS 319C.060(2)(e) provides for physical and mental examinations of impaired licensees. These are applicant fitness evaluations, not identified examinations of the behavior-analysis profession.
Hearing
Board hearing under KRS Chapter 13B must establish reasonable practice competency and ability to maintain ethical standards (KRS 319C.120(3)).
Supervision
An approved supervisor is appointed for the disciplinary period; licensee pays supervision costs when the final order or settlement so specifies (201 KAR 43:050 Section 12).
Suspension Or Revocation
License was suspended or revoked under KRS 319C.110.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure for a person credentialed in another jurisdiction
BCBA Certification Examination
Abuse Training
Provide proof of at least five hours of adult abuse and neglect training, child abuse, neglect and dependency training, or a combination; proof must explicitly show the covered subject matter (current 201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(e)).
Application
Submit completed Form ABA-001, certifying that the application is true, correct and complete; a misrepresentation or falsification is grounds for denial or revocation (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(a)).
Certification
Hold active BACB BCBA certification and fulfill renewal and recertification requirements (KRS 319C.080).
Degree Evidence
Submit a copy of the degree obtained (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(b)).
Disciplinary Status
Have no imposed or pending disciplinary actions (KRS 319C.090).
Education
Meet the BCBA education standards in KRS 319C.080.
Fees
Pay the application-review and licensure fees under 201 KAR 43:030 (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(c)).
Other Jurisdiction Credential
Hold a valid license or certificate from another state (KRS 319C.090).
Professional Standards
Conduct professional activities in accordance with the Board standards and comply with applicable administrative regulations (KRS 319C.080).
Upgrade from licensed assistant behavior analyst
BCBA Certification Examination
Abuse Training
Provide proof of at least five hours of adult abuse and neglect training, child abuse, neglect and dependency training, or a combination; proof must explicitly show the covered subject matter (current 201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(e)).
Application
Submit completed Form ABA-001, certifying that the application is true, correct and complete; a misrepresentation or falsification is grounds for denial or revocation (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(a)).
Assistant Status
An assistant licensee may apply within the two-year licensure period after meeting the full-license requirements (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(5)).
Certification
Hold active BACB BCBA certification and fulfill renewal and recertification requirements (KRS 319C.080).
Degree Evidence
Submit a copy of the degree obtained (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(b)).
Education
Meet the BCBA education standards in KRS 319C.080.
Fees
Pay the application-review and licensure fees under 201 KAR 43:030 (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(c)).
Final Supervision Report
Submit final Report of Supervision, Form ABA-003, for Board approval.
Professional Standards
Conduct professional activities in accordance with the Board standards and comply with applicable administrative regulations (KRS 319C.080).
Conversion from temporary to full licensure
BCBA Certification Examination
Abuse Training
Provide proof of at least five hours of adult abuse and neglect training, child abuse, neglect and dependency training, or a combination; proof must explicitly show the covered subject matter (current 201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(e)).
Application
Submit completed Form ABA-001, certifying that the application is true, correct and complete; a misrepresentation or falsification is grounds for denial or revocation (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(a)).
Certification
Hold active BACB BCBA certification and fulfill renewal and recertification requirements (KRS 319C.080).
Degree Evidence
Submit a copy of the degree obtained (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(b)).
Education
Meet the BCBA education standards in KRS 319C.080.
Fees
Pay the application-review and licensure fees under 201 KAR 43:030 (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(c)).
Final Supervision Report
Submit final Report of Supervision, Form ABA-003, for Board approval.
Professional Standards
Conduct professional activities in accordance with the Board standards and comply with applicable administrative regulations (KRS 319C.080).
Temporary Status
Application may be submitted within the two-year temporary-license period after satisfying the applicable full-license requirements (201 KAR 43:020 Section 1(7)).
Grant of voluntary inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit Form ABA-005 with current home address, email and phone, final Kentucky practice-employment date, and anticipated return date (201 KAR 43:090 Section 2(1)).
Current License
Hold this Kentucky license and be currently out of Kentucky practice while intending to return.
Ethics
Continue complying with 201 KAR 43:040.
Practice Restriction
Do not practice or use LBA, LaBA, TLBA or TLaBA initials while inactive; obtain reinstatement before returning.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration from voluntary inactive to active status
BCBA Certification Examination
Application
Before returning to Kentucky practice submit Renewal and Reinstatement Application, Form ABA-004, and the required fees, including a reinstatement fee (201 KAR 43:090 Section 3(1)).
Inactive Status
Hold this license in voluntary inactive status.
Licensure Qualifications
Meet certification and licensure requirements under the applicable subsection of KRS 319C.080.
Literal Certification Requirement
201 KAR 43:090 Section 3(2) states: A licensee seeking reinstatement shall also meet certification and licensure requirements as provided in KRS 319C.080 and show an active BCBA certification. This BCBA wording is retained as published, including for an assistant licensee; it is not silently replaced with BCaBA.
Practice Restriction
Do not practice or use state license initials while inactive; complete reinstatement before resuming practice.
Supervision On Return
Comply with the applicable standards of practice.
Initial licensure following BACB certification
BCBA Certification Examination
Abuse Training
Provide proof of at least five hours of adult abuse and neglect training, child abuse, neglect and dependency training, or a combination; proof must explicitly show the covered subject matter (current 201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(e)).
Application
Submit completed Form ABA-001, certifying that the application is true, correct and complete; a misrepresentation or falsification is grounds for denial or revocation (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(a)).
Certification
Hold active BACB BCBA certification and fulfill renewal and recertification requirements (KRS 319C.080).
Degree Evidence
Submit a copy of the degree obtained (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(b)).
Education
Meet the BCBA education standards in KRS 319C.080.
Fees
Pay the application-review and licensure fees under 201 KAR 43:030 (201 KAR 43:010 Section 1(3)(c)).
Professional Standards
Conduct professional activities in accordance with the Board standards and comply with applicable administrative regulations (KRS 319C.080).
Reinstatement of a license lapsed more than three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed Renewal and Reinstatement Application, Form ABA-004, and employment documentation from expiration to the present (201 KAR 43:080 Section 4).
Board Discretion
The Board may reinstate the lapsed license under KRS 319C.120; reinstatement is discretionary.
Certification
Show that the applicant is certified (KRS 319C.120(2)); that provision does not name a required certification examination or require a fresh examination.
Fees
Pay the reinstatement fee (KRS 319C.120(2)).
Lapsed License
This Kentucky license has lapsed more than three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a license lapsed within three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed Renewal and Reinstatement Application, Form ABA-004, and employment documentation from expiration to the present (201 KAR 43:080 Section 4).
Board Discretion
The Board may reinstate the lapsed license under KRS 319C.120; reinstatement is discretionary.
Fees
Pay prescribed renewal fee and additional reinstatement fee (KRS 319C.120(1)).
Lapsed License
This Kentucky license has lapsed within three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within the following calendar month
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed Renewal and Reinstatement Application, Form ABA-004.
Continuing Certification
Maintain active BCBA certification and fulfill BACB renewal and recertification requirements under KRS 319C.080; this renewal provision does not name an additional examination.
Existing License
Hold this Kentucky license.
Fee
Pay the renewal fee established in 201 KAR 43:030.
Late Deadline
Apply no later than the last day of the calendar month following the issuance month and pay the appropriate late fee (201 KAR 43:080 Section 2).
Renewal Deadline
Renew biennially by the last day of the calendar month in which the license was issued (201 KAR 43:080 Section 1).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed Renewal and Reinstatement Application, Form ABA-004.
Continuing Certification
Maintain active BCBA certification and fulfill BACB renewal and recertification requirements under KRS 319C.080; this renewal provision does not name an additional examination.
Existing License
Hold this Kentucky license.
Fee
Pay the renewal fee established in 201 KAR 43:030.
Renewal Deadline
Renew biennially by the last day of the calendar month in which the license was issued (201 KAR 43:080 Section 1).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Grant of voluntary retired status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit Form ABA-005 with current home address, email and phone, the qualifying condition, and the final Kentucky practice-employment date.
Designation
Use LBA-R under 201 KAR 43:090 Section 5(2).
Eligibility
The Board may grant retired status when at least one applies: age at least 65; Kentucky license held at least 25 years; illness or medical disability prevents continued practice (201 KAR 43:090 Section 4(2)).
Ethics
Continue complying with 201 KAR 43:040.
Existing License
Hold this ordinary Kentucky license.
Practice Cessation
Retire from applied behavior analysis in every jurisdiction (201 KAR 43:090 Section 4(1)).
Renewal Fee
Retired holders are relieved of renewal fees.

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