CEU Requirements for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What are the CEU requirements for BCBAs?

The CEU requirements for maintaining BCBA certification in 2025 are as follows:

• BCBAs need to complete 32 CEUs every two years for recertification.
• Out of these 32 CEUs, four CEUs must be in ethics (must directly address ethical and professional conduct).
• If the BACB provides supervision to RBTs or fieldwork candidates, they must earn an additional three CEUs in supervision.
• CEUs must be earned within the specific two-year recertification cycle and cannot be carried over to subsequent cycles.

The BACB had plans for a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) CEU category, but as of March 2025, this requirement was removed. Instead, cultural and contextual responsiveness content may be integrated within ethics CEUs.

CEUs can be earned through approved workshops, conferences, webinars, university coursework, or publishing research. Understanding the CEU requirements is a crucial part of a BCBA's professional journey, but it's just one aspect of a career in behavior analysis. Students preparing for certification also need to know how many fieldwork hours for BCBA are required before they can even start earning CEUs.

What are the three main types of BACB-approved CEUs?

The BACB approves three main types of CEUs for BCBAs:

• Learning: This includes attending workshops, conferences, seminars, and courses relevant to behavior analysis, or completing behavior-analytic graduate courses. CEUs must be provided by an Authorized Continuing Education (ACE) provider.
• Teaching: CEUs can be earned by teaching ACE events or university courses in behavior analysis at an accredited institution.
• Scholarship: This includes publishing articles in peer-reviewed behavior analysis journals, writing review or decision letters for such articles, or contributing to scholarly activities approved by BACB.

Many professionals also pair their CEU activities with career planning, such as exploring online database management masters programs that add complementary skills useful in research-heavy or data-driven behavior analysis roles.

What are the steps to recertify my BCBA credentials with the BACB?

To recertify BCBA credentials with the BACB, the following steps are required:

1. Complete Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
2. Comply with BACB ethical standards and any self-reporting requirements as set by the BACB throughout the cycle.
3. Enter and submit all your completed CEUs in your BACB account. You cannot submit your CEUs earlier than 45 days before your recertification date. This submission acts as your official recertification application.
4. Ensure all CEUs are submitted by the recertification deadline to avoid certification expiration. Failure to meet requirements by the deadline results in the expiration of your BCBA certification.
5. Take and Pass the BCBA Exam. If your certification has expired within the last five years, you may requalify by retaking and passing the BCBA exam after meeting certain CEU requirements and submitting an application for past certification requalification.

These steps are essential for maintaining a professional license, much like the national requirements substance abuse counselors must follow to keep their own credentials current. 

What is the deadline for completing BCBA CEU requirements?

The deadline for completing BCBA CEU requirements is every two years, corresponding to the recertification cycle. CEUs cannot be carried over into the next cycle, so all required CEUs must be earned within that specific period. 

If the deadline is missed, there may be late fees or penalties, and certification could be at risk. It is important to plan and submit proof of completed CEUs by the deadline to avoid losing BCBA certification.

To put these requirements into context, it helps to look at the most common BCBA degrees, since your degree level often shapes both the continuing education opportunities available and the career paths you can pursue. Some practitioners compare these timelines with programs like MHA online no GRE, which offer flexible enrollment and fast-tracked pathways for advanced study.

Can BCBAs earn CEUs by attending conferences and webinars?

Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification can earn CEUs by attending conferences and webinars. These activities fall under the "learning" category of CEUs approved by the BACB, which includes attending workshops, seminars, conferences, webinars, and relevant online courses offered by ACE providers. 

Such events provide opportunities for BCBAs to stay updated with new research, ethical guidelines, and best practices in behavior analysis, fulfilling part of their continuing education requirements.

This type of flexible professional development is common across many fields, including IT, where professionals can pursue fast-track online CompTIA CySA+ training to quickly gain new skills.

While the BACB outlines the types of activities that qualify for CEUs, the most effective way for a behavior analyst to advance their career is to acquire the most sought-after skills in the field. The chart below shows the most in-demand behavior analyst skills: 

How do I find high-quality supervision CEUs to fulfill my BCBA requirements?

To find high-quality supervision CEUs that fulfill Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) requirements, one can look for BACB-approved courses specifically designed for supervision training. These courses typically cover the BACB Supervisor Training Curriculum Outline and offer practical tools, templates, and interactive learning experiences.

For example, courses offer more than the minimum required eight hours of supervision CEUs, featuring engaging content provided by experts in the field.

Several reputable online providers offer affordable, accessible, and BACB-approved BCBA supervision CEUs with various formats such as multimedia tutorials, videos, and quizzes. Some platforms also provide bundles combining ethics and supervision CEUs, which are necessary components of the BCBA recertification requirements. For those balancing professional development with affordability, options similar to the cheapest bachelor's degree for veterans online demonstrate how accessible education models can align with specialized CEU training needs.

What are the ethical considerations for BCBAs who provide supervision?

Board Certified Behavior Analysts who supervise others have a significant ethical responsibility to their supervisees and clients. The BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts outlines these considerations, ensuring high-quality services and the professional growth of future behavior analysts.

This is an important and expanding field; in 2024, for example, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors held approximately 483,500 jobs.

The focus on supervision is critical for the profession's integrity, much like the debate over PhD vs PsyD salary clinical psychology highlights the importance of training and credentials in a related field.

Key Ethical Considerations

Competence

A BCBA supervisor must only provide supervision within their scope of competence. This means they should be knowledgeable and experienced in the specific areas they are supervising, such as a particular population or a specialized intervention. 

If a supervisee's needs fall outside the supervisor's expertise, the supervisor has an ethical duty to seek consultation or refer the supervisee to a more competent professional. They must also ensure that they maintain their own competence by staying current with research and best practices.

Multiple Relationships and Exploitation

Supervisors must avoid multiple relationships that could impair their objectivity, competence, or judgment, or that could be exploitative. A multiple relationship occurs when a supervisor is in both a professional and non-professional role with a supervisee (e.g., friend, family member, or business partner). They should also refrain from any sexual relationships with supervisees, as this is inherently exploitative.

Delegation and Oversight

A supervisor is ethically responsible for all aspects of a supervisee's work. This includes delegating tasks that are within the supervisee's skill level and competence. They must ensure that the supervisee is not asked to perform tasks that could harm the client or that they are not yet qualified to perform. Supervisors must also provide timely and constructive feedback and regularly monitor the supervisee's performance to ensure the quality and integrity of their work.

Documentation and Integrity

Supervisors must maintain accurate and truthful documentation of supervision hours and activities. Falsifying supervision hours or billing for services not rendered is a serious ethical violation and can lead to sanctions, including the revocation of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst's certification. Supervisors are responsible for modeling honesty and integrity in all professional interactions, including billing and record-keeping.

Promoting an Ethical Culture

Supervisors play a critical role in cultivating an ethical culture. They should proactively discuss ethical dilemmas, use the ethics code as a guide for decision-making, and encourage supervisees to reflect on their own behavior. It's the supervisor's responsibility to intervene when they observe ethical concerns or violations by their supervisees. They must also ensure that the work environment itself supports ethical practice and client welfare.

Supervisors often guide professionals who are on a fast track to their careers, much like students who pursue an accelerated master's degree in marriage and family counseling online to enter their field more quickly. The ethical principles of supervision remain constant regardless of the speed or format of a professional's training.

What should I look for when choosing a BCBA continuing education provider?

When choosing a BCBA continuing education provider, several key factors should be considered to ensure the provider meets professional standards and supports the learner's development effectively:

Accreditation and Qualifications

It is crucial to select providers accredited by the BACB or other recognized bodies. Verify that instructors or providers hold appropriate certifications, such as active BCBA credentials, and have substantial professional experience in behavior analysis. 

Providers should adhere to BACB's standards for CEUs. By maintaining these high standards, BCBAs can justify their value in the job market; for context, the average salary of a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst in the U.S. is $89,075, or $43 per hour.

Course Relevance and Curriculum

Review the course catalog to ensure courses align with your field of study and professional interests. The curriculum should cover current topics and best practices to keep knowledge up to date and relevant for career advancement.

Cost and Accessibility

Compare course fees and consider providers offering discounts, bundles, or flexible payment options. Many providers offer online courses, beneficial for convenience and reducing travel expenses. Availability of additional resources like expert access or online forums can enrich the learning experience.

Quality and Experience

Look for providers with a proven track record of high-quality materials and well-organized courses. Experienced instructors with expertise in the subject matter ensure valuable learning and compliance with ethical codes.

Are there free or low-cost BCBA CEU options available?

There are several free or low-cost BCBA CEU options available from various authorized providers. Some key options include:

• Verbal Beginnings offers a free live CEU webinar once every month, usually on the 4th Wednesday, worth two CEUs.
• ABA Inside Track podcast provides free CEUs for selected episodes, allowing you to earn credits while listening.
• Therapy Brands has a library of free CEUs on topics like VB-MAPP and supervision.
• Behavior Analyst CE and Full Spectrum ABA offer free continuing education courses through their websites and apps.
• Behavior University hosts free live webinars twice a month, offering CEUs.
• Blossom Children’s Center also provides free CEUs on various topics.
• ABC Behavior Training offers a free Supervision Crash Course worth 1.5 CEUs plus monthly free CEUs.
• CentralReach has a free Culturally Responsive Care course worth 2.5 CEUs.
• Some platforms offer low-cost bundles starting around $10 per CEU, making it affordable to accumulate credits as well.

Are there apps or software specifically for tracking behavior analyst CEUs?

Some behavior analysts use digital tools such as Google Docs or specialized spreadsheets for tracking CEUs. These spreadsheets can automatically calculate totals and are easy to customize and update. They also feature dashboards showing completed CEUs by category, real-time progress calculations, and certificate tracking.

BCBAs can also track their progress through continuing education tracking software. These applications are designed for managing and monitoring ongoing education and credentials, automating registration, progress tracking, and reporting to simplify CEU compliance for professionals.

This focus on digital tools for professional development is common across many fields, from healthcare to technology, where professionals can find resources like the shortest online software engineering programs to quickly advance their skills and careers. 

Do state licensure laws have different CEU requirements than the BACB?

State behavior analyst licensure laws often have different continuing education requirements than those set by the BACB. States govern their own licensure laws, which may add to or differ from BACB rules.

Each state regulates the use of the "behavior analyst" title within its borders. As a result, states can vary their CEU requirements in several ways. For example, they may mandate a different number of hours, specify the type of acceptable continuing education, or require courses on state-specific laws. States may also have shorter renewal cycles than the BACB.

Unlike BACB certification, which is a professional credential, a state's licensure requirements are legally enforceable. Some states, for instance, require CEUs that focus on state law, ethics, or other topics not typically covered by the BACB. Others may simply demand more frequent renewals or a higher number of CEU hours.

Beyond licensure requirements, understanding the job market's geographic landscape is crucial for BCaBAs. The chart below shows the number of job postings for BCaBA per state in 2024.

Here's what BCBAs have to say about CEU Requirements

Other Things You Should Know About CEU Requirements for BCBA 

How long does it take to get 1,500 hours for BCBA?

It generally takes about 9 to 24 months to complete 1,500 BCBA supervised fieldwork hours, depending on whether you choose concentrated supervised fieldwork or standard supervised independent fieldwork. Concentrated fieldwork requires 1,500 hours with more intensive supervision, allowing completion in a shorter time, typically around nine to 12 months.

Standard supervised fieldwork requires 2,000 hours and takes longer, but with less frequent supervision, around 18-24 months. The actual timing depends on the number of hours worked weekly and supervisor availability.

How hard is it to get a BCBA?

Getting a BCBA certification is challenging but achievable with dedication. The exam has a pass rate of around 55% for first-time test takers, making it one of the more difficult professional certification exams. Success requires a graduate degree, completing specific coursework, supervised fieldwork (1,500 to 2,000 hours), and passing a comprehensive exam that tests both knowledge and practical application of behavior analysis.

Factors such as study habits, preparation quality, and foundational knowledge strongly influence passing.

Is BCBA a stressful job?

Being a BCBA can be stressful due to high workloads, emotional demands, and managing challenging behaviors in clients. BCBAs often juggle multiple clients and administrative tasks, which can lead to time constraints and pressure to meet goals.

The emotional toll of working with individuals with autism and their families, combined with the responsibility for client progress, adds to stress levels. Burnout is common, but effective stress management, self-care, and peer support can help maintain well-being in this demanding profession.

What’s the difference between ABA and BCBA?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding and improving human behavior. It involves using evidence-based strategies to teach new skills, reduce harmful behaviors, and improve quality of life—commonly applied in areas like autism therapy, education, and behavior management. 

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), on the other hand, is a professional credential. A BCBA is a trained specialist who designs, supervises, and evaluates ABA programs. They conduct assessments, create treatment plans, oversee registered behavior technicians (RBTs), and ensure interventions follow ethical and professional standards.

In short, ABA is the practice, while a BCBA is the professional who leads and oversees that practice. Without ABA, there’s no field for BCBAs to work in; without BCBAs, ABA programs would lack certified oversight and accountability.