The College Monk

BACB- Behavior Analyst Certification Board

Adam Girsault Updated May 14, 2018

BACB accredits behavior analysis programs. Learn what BACB accreditation means if you're pursuing a career in applied behavior analysis.

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Published May 14, 2018 • Updated May 14, 2018 • 5 min read

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Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. (BACB) is a not-for-profit organization established in the year 1998 to meet professional credentialing needs looked for by behavior analysts, governments, and customers of behavior analysis administrations. The BACB's accreditation prerequisites, exam substance, and methodology experience general audit as per international norms for associations that grant professional qualifications.

The BCBA is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies in Washington, DC. This commission is recognized by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. BACB is committed to protecting the audience of behavior analysis worldwide. 

As provided in the BACB’s laws, the BACB shall meet all applicable laws in doing its activities and shall prohibit discrimination in employment according to a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or any other feature.

Behavior Analyst Certification Board

Img Source - bacb.com


 Guiding Values of BACB

BACB’s global mission is to protect consumers of behavior analysis services worldwide by deliberately building up, advancing, and spreading proficient guidelines.

BACB’s global vision is to solve an extensive assortment of socially huge issues by expanding the accessibility of qualified behavior analysts around the globe.

BACB’s core values say that as a global not-for-profit, standard-setting association, the BACB is responsive, information-driven, and responsible. 


Colleges and universities under BACB accreditation

Few Colleges and Universities that come under BACB accreditation are:

University of Southern Maine (USM) Online Reviews, Financial Aid, FAFSA/Federal School Code and Admissions" href="https://www.thecollegemonk.com/university-of-southern-maine/c/854" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Southern Maine Ball State University Online Reviews, Financial Aid, FAFSA/Federal School Code and Admissions" href="https://www.thecollegemonk.com/ball-state-university/c/243" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ball State University
Brandman University Online Reviews, Financial Aid, FAFSA/Federal School Code and Admissions" href="https://www.thecollegemonk.com/brandman-university/c/255" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brandman University Texas A&M University
Kaplan University Capella University Online Reviews, Financial Aid, FAFSA/Federal School Code and Admissions" href="https://www.thecollegemonk.com/capella-university/c/9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Capella University

 

Click here to Read More About Online Colleges Offering this degree. 


Decision Making Bodies

The BACB's Board of Directors is in charge of building up the association's central goal and vision and supervising its administration. Chosen chiefs generally serve a three-year term and may serve a moment term if re-elected. Executives serve in an unpaid, volunteer limit. Executives speak to a cross segment of partners, including experts, buyers, managers, staff, and directors.


Behavior Analysis

Behavior Science is a science that seeks to understand the behavior of individuals. Behavior Analysts generally study how the biological and experimental factors affect the normal behavior of human beings. Behavior Analyst plays a very important role in focusing on studying factors that influence the behavior of individuals. They also train parents, individuals, and other professional people to implement the best plans for challenging situations.


How to become a Behavior Analyst 

STEP 1 - The first step to be a Behavior Analyst is to get a degree in a related field. According to the principles of the Behavior Certification Board, you must have a masters degree in applied behavior education. In addition to the bachelors and the master's degree, you should also have the relevant work experience for at least 1000 hours. However, a masters degree is preferred, there are many jobs available for those with a bachelors degree. 

Bachelors Degree in Behavior Analysis -  

A Bachelors degree gives you insights and prepares you to work in a different environment. Bachelors degree in Behavior Analysis provided the needed information and get the jobs as behavior assistance. 

Masters Degree in  Behavior Analysis - 

A masters degree fetches numerous opportunities for you to work as an independent practitioner in mental health, education in schools. Masters degree will help you understand research-based theories and apply research to practical work. 

STEP 2 - Obtaining a License

The licensing board has established the requirement for obtaining the license on the basis of the state. For most of the states, you have to meet the following 3 criteria to get their license. 

  • You should have a graduate degree from an accredited university, complete the required amount of practical sessions, and pass the licensure exam. 

  • A Doctoral degree with at least 10 years of experience along with the passing score in the licensure exam. 

  • You have the opportunity to hold a full-time faculty teaching position as a behavior analyst with supervision.  

You have to apply to take up your exam. Almost all the state requires a masters degree to obtain a license by applying to an exam.

Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Facts

  • BACB is a non-profit organization that operates independently from other national professionals membership organization.

  • The board has certified over 32,000 behavior analysts and more than 44,000 technicians in over 70 countries. 

  • BACBhas verified behavior analytic course at more than 300 universities and colleges. 

  • BACB has received the accreditation of its certification programs by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. 


Is Therapist same the same as a BACB?

Anyone can frame their own title and describe their work as behavior analysts. You meet the high standard of practice in the field of behavior analysis with BACB. BACB candidates have completed graduate level course work, practical work, and have passed the exam. While some Therapists would have just got their formal behavior analysis training and would call themselves BACB. 


Conclusion

Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) is the agency that accredits institutions that provide the students with the subjects of behavior analysis. They strive to meet the needs of behavior analysis customers by ensuring high-quality standards that will be reflected in the teachings of the educational programs of the colleges.


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FAQ's

  What does BACB stand for?


Behavior Analyst Certification Board. 

  When was BACB established?


BACB is a non-profit organization that was established in the year 1998. 

  Who accredits BACB?


BACB is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. 

  Who is a Behavior Analyst?


Behavior Analysts generally study how the biological and experimental factors affect the normal behavior of human beings. 

  Is a masters degree mandatory to be a behavior analyst?


Masters degree is not mandatory. But, an individual with a masters degree will have numerous opportunities to work as an independent practitioner. 

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Key Takeaways

Source: The College Monk — Based on data from 3,837 U.S. universities. Last updated July 2026.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • 1.What does BACB stand for?

    Behavior Analyst Certification Board. 

  • 2.When was BACB established?

    BACB is a non-profit organization that was established in the year 1998. 

  • 3.Who accredits BACB?

    BACB is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. 

  • 4.Who is a Behavior Analyst?

    Behavior Analysts generally study how the biological and experimental factors affect the normal behavior of human beings. 

  • 5.Is a masters degree mandatory to be a behavior analyst?

    Masters degree is not mandatory. But, an individual with a masters degree will have numerous opportunities to work as an independent practitioner. 

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