A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a master’s-level professional who uses the scientific principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to assess, design, and implement behavior intervention plans. This work focuses on improving socially significant behaviors and is most commonly associated with treating individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental challenges. Achieving the BCBA certification requires meeting national standards for education, supervised experience, and examination. For those seeking to practice in Colorado, the national credential is the primary requirement, but understanding the specific regulatory environment is important for a successful career.
Meeting the Educational Prerequisites for BCBA Certification
The foundation for BCBA certification requires a Master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution. Acceptable fields include behavior analysis, education, or psychology. Candidates must also complete a specific curriculum of behavior-analytic coursework.
This coursework is often completed through a Verified Course Sequence (VCS), a pre-approved set of graduate-level classes verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). The VCS ensures the curriculum covers all required content areas outlined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Another pathway involves completing a master’s program fully accredited by the ABAI or the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA), which automatically fulfills both the degree and coursework requirements.
Completing the Supervised Fieldwork Requirements
After meeting academic standards, candidates must engage in supervised fieldwork under the guidance of a qualified BCBA supervisor. This practical experience is designed to ensure the candidate can apply behavior-analytic principles in real-world settings. There are two primary pathways for accumulating these hours.
The standard Supervised Fieldwork pathway requires a total of 2,000 hours of experience, while the Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork pathway requires 1,500 hours but with a higher intensity of supervision. At least 60% of the total fieldwork hours must be spent on “unrestricted activities,” which involve professional work like conducting assessments, designing intervention plans, and analyzing data. The remaining hours are considered “restricted activities” and involve the direct implementation of the designed treatment plans. The BACB also mandates that a minimum of 50% of the total supervised hours must be obtained individually.
Applying for and Passing the BCBA Examination
The final step toward national BCBA certification is successfully passing the BCBA examination. Candidates must first submit their application to the BACB, providing documentation that verifies their graduate education and the completion of all supervised fieldwork hours. Once the BACB confirms a candidate’s eligibility, authorization is granted to schedule the computer-based exam.
The examination is a challenging assessment of the candidate’s mastery of the field’s core principles and practical application skills. It consists of 185 multiple-choice questions, with 160 questions scored and 25 being unscored pilot questions. Candidates are allotted four hours to complete the test, which covers content areas based on the BCBA Task List, including foundational knowledge, measurement, assessment, and intervention procedures. Preparing for this final test often involves focused study, utilizing practice exams and review courses.
Obtaining Colorado State Licensure to Practice
The regulatory landscape for behavior analysts in Colorado is unique because the state does not currently mandate a specific, separate BCBA license. A 2020 review by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) found no existing state law that specifically regulates Applied Behavior Analysis practitioners. Achieving national certification from the BACB is the de facto professional standard required to practice legally within the state.
Despite the absence of a dedicated license, BCBAs often work under the umbrella of other regulations, such as those governing mental health professionals. ABA practice can fall under the statutory definition of “psychotherapy,” and practitioners who perform such services must be mindful of the state’s requirements for Unlicensed Psychotherapists. For practical purposes, like securing employment or obtaining reimbursement through state programs, the BACB credential is the primary requirement, especially since the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing requires it for Medicaid reimbursement.
Maintaining Your Credentials in Colorado
Maintaining professional standing as a BCBA in Colorado focuses on meeting the national renewal requirements set by the BACB, as there is no separate state license to renew. The BACB requires certificants to complete 32 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years. These CEUs must include a minimum of four units dedicated to ethics.
An additional three CEUs in supervision are mandatory for any BCBA who provides supervision to other candidates or Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). These units must be earned through qualified providers and reported to the BACB during the two-year recertification cycle. This commitment ensures that practitioners remain current with the latest research and ethical standards.
Career Opportunities and Demand for BCBAs in Colorado
Colorado presents a strong and expanding job market for Board Certified Behavior Analysts, driven by increasing public awareness and state mandates for insurance coverage of ABA services. Demand is highest in the Denver metropolitan area and along the Front Range, including cities like Colorado Springs and Fort Collins. BCBAs find employment across diverse settings, most commonly in specialized ABA clinics, public school systems, and private practice groups.
The average annual salary for a BCBA in Colorado is competitive, generally averaging around $93,664, with experienced professionals earning into the six figures. This reflects the high need for qualified clinicians to serve a growing client population, particularly those with autism. Consistent demand ensures job security and offers numerous opportunities for career advancement into clinical director roles or the establishment of independent consulting practices.