The field of applied behavior analysis is relatively young. Currently, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®) has worked with many states to create well-defined processes for becoming a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA). Each state has different regulations and laws governing work with clients. As a result, there are steps and requirements for individuals working to become certified that may be unique to a particular state.
The certification requirements of the individual are defined in the “BCBA Test of Competency (6th ed.).” This document specifies the knowledge and skills required to pass examinations and become a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst. As the field of behavior analysis has evolved, the knowledge and skills have been updated to reflect this evolution. The “BCBA Test of Competency (6th ed.)” is the latest edition of the task list document.
For this Discussion, you will examine the “Board Certified Behavior Analyst” webpages of the nonprofit BACB® organization, including the 5th Edition BCBA Task List. You will also discuss the importance of mastering the skills and abilities listed.
To Prepare
- Review the Learning Resources for this week, including the required weekly media programs, to develop an understanding of state licensing and BCBA. Focus specifically on the “Board Certified Behavior Analyst” webpage. Note: It is critical for you to review all media for this week prior to completing this Discussion.
- As you review the “Board Certified Behavior Analyst” webpage, make sure to review all of the linked information on that page, including the “BCBA Documents and Resources” section containing the BCBA Task List (5th ed.).
Resources
- Bailey, J. S., & Burch, M. R. (2022). Ethics for behavior analysts (4th ed.). Routledge.
- Chapter 7, “Section 2: Responsibility in Practice” (pp. 123–172)
- Chapter 8, “Section 3: Responsibility to Clients and Stakeholders” (pp. 173-210)
- Association of APBA Professional Behavior Analysts. (2018, August). Model behavior analyst licensure actLinks to an external site.. https://assets.noviams.com/novi-file-uploads/apba/...
- Cautilli, J., & Weinberg, M. (2007). Editorial: To license or not to license? That is the question: Or, if we make a profession, will they come?Links to an external site. The Behavior Analyst Today, 8 (1), 1–8.
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2025). Board certified behavior analyst Links to an external site.. https://www.bacb.com/bcba/
Note: Please read all linked information on this webpage.