Board Certified Behavior Analyst Jobs & Career Guide

• Conduct Behavioral Assessments – This includes initial and ongoing assessments to identify behavioral needs and to formulate effective intervention plans. Common assessments might involve functional behavior assessments (FBA) or other diagnostic tools that determine the causes and functions of specific behaviors.
• Develop Individualized Behavior Plans – Based on assessment outcomes, a BCBA designs comprehensive behavior intervention plans that address specific behavioral needs of the client.
• Implement Behavior Intervention Plans – BCBAs oversee the implementation of behavior plans, ensuring interventions are executed correctly to maximize effectiveness. This involves working directly with clients as well as collaborating with other professionals and educators who interact with the client.
• Data Analysis and Modification of Plans – They collect and analyze data to monitor the progress and effectiveness of interventions. Based on this data, BCBAs make necessary adjustments to the behavior plans to ensure continued progress and goal attainment.
• Supervise Lower-Level Staff – BCBAs provide direct supervision to Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs), and other support staff implementing behavior analytic interventions.
• Training and Development – They train caregivers, educators, and other professionals on how to implement and sustain behavior analytic interventions effectively. This training ensures that therapeutic strategies are consistently applied across all environments the client accesses.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Work collaboratively with other professionals such as educators, therapists, and medical professionals to provide holistic care to clients.
• Advocate for Clients – BCBAs often advocate for the needs and rights of their clients, particularly in educational and social service settings, to ensure that necessary accommodations and supports are in place.

Here is a typical daily schedule for a BCBA working in a private clinic:

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Morning Preparation

Start the day by reviewing client files and notes from the previous day’s sessions. Update treatment plans and prepare materials for today’s sessions.

Briefly meet with support staff and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) to discuss the day’s schedule, client-specific strategies, and any urgent issues.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Conduct a direct therapy session with a client. Implement and model behavior intervention plans, focusing on specific therapeutic goals.

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Observe an RBT conducting a session to ensure proper implementation of behavior plans. Provide immediate feedback and coaching to enhance technique and effectiveness.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Meet with parents or caregivers to discuss progress, concerns, and make adjustments to home-based strategies. This often involves collaborative planning and reinforcement of training.

Lunch Break

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Participate in a team meeting with other professionals such as occupational therapists, speech therapists, and psychologists to discuss integrated care and multi-disciplinary approaches for clients.

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Conduct another session with a different client, possibly focusing on more complex behavioral interventions or new techniques introduced in the treatment plan.

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Analyze data collected from the day’s sessions to monitor progress and efficacy of interventions. Prepare reports and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Complete detailed notes on client progress, session specifics, and observations. Plan for future sessions based on today’s insights and data trends.

Set up goals and materials for the next day’s sessions.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM:

Spend the last hour of the workday reading recent ABA research, participating in online forums, or completing continuing education courses to stay updated with the latest practices and maintain certification requirements.

Obtain a Relevant Bachelor’s Degree

Begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, or a related field. This foundational step is crucial as it prepares you for advanced studies in behavior analysis.

Earn a Master’s Degree

You must obtain a master’s degree or higher in behavior analysis, education, or psychology. The program should include coursework specifically in behavior analysis.

Complete Relevant Coursework

Enroll in a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). This coursework covers essential topics in behavior analysis, ethics, and intervention strategies. The BACB provides a list of approved courses and institutions.

Gain Supervised Fieldwork Experience

• Accumulate a specified number of hours of supervised fieldwork. The BACB outlines several options for this:
  • Supervised Independent Fieldwork: 1,500 hours of supervised experience.
  • Practicum: 1,000 hours within a more intensive university-based practicum.
  • Intensive Practicum: 750 hours, offering even more supervision than the standard practicum.
• This fieldwork must be supervised by a BCBA and involves applying behavior analytic skills and knowledge in practical settings.

Apply for and Pass the BCBA Examination

After completing your degree and supervised experience, you must apply to sit for the BCBA examination. This involves submitting your transcripts and fieldwork documentation for verification.

The BCBA exam is a comprehensive test that covers the core principles of behavior analysis, including designing and implementing interventions, behavior assessment, and ethical considerations.

The average salary in the US for a Board Certified Behavior Analyst is $72,524. For more insights please see our BCBA salary guide.