I'm just putting out some feelers and wanting confirmation on whether this whole thought process is a no-go. I'm transitioning away from a career in management in the tourism and resource interpretation field and am contemplating a pivot to another career with advancement potential. I've seen postings for Registered Behavior Technician positions, and am curious. While I recently completed a career pathway certificate in alcohol and drug counseling, my master's degree is in historic preservation, a field that has been absolutely gutted by the current administration. It appears that the Verified Course Sequence has been phased out, so do I now need to complete an entire master's degree if I'm ultimately looking at BCBA positions in a few years' time?

Is this pretty much guaranteeing me a job where I would be stuck making $20-25 an hour with no upward trajectory, or are there opportunities to have continuing education and job placement supported? I am in western Oregon, near Eugene. Brutal honesty would be appreciated here. I completely understand that behavioral fields are rife with burnout but am emotionally mature and resilient. Analysis and instruction is a core part of my current position, but it is becoming increasingly untenable to find work that offers compensation to support a household.

Diagnosed AuDHD BCaBA! How tf do we manage to keep organized and on track? Are you using timers on your phone? Staying up until 2 am to do things “after hours?” Checklists? I like automation so I’ve been building templates for things that I use commonly, but any tips and tricks that actually stick would be helpful.

Hi, I’m looking into picking up some extra part time work doing remote in Missouri, I have had a few interviews for both part time and full time positions, looking to see what salaried positions looks like out there before I lowball myself. Thanks!

Hi everyone, I have a Master’s degree in Business Analytics and I’m interested in becoming a BCBA. Can I complete a post-master’s ABA certificate instead of another master’s degree?

Looking for recommendations for ABA certificate programs that would lead toward BCBA eligibility. Thank you!

I’m planning to apply for my BCBA in 2027. I completed concentrated fieldwork hours in 2026 using the 2022 forms. Though I won’t have all the hours by Jan. Will those hours still count toward my application, or do I need the new 2027 forms too? Has anyone gotten clarification from the BACB? Thank you

This is a total crazy thought, but let's indulge it just for a second. What if the BCBA exam is different depending on the person taking it? Is that really a zero percent possibility?

Hi everyone, I am currently a BCBA for a non-public/alternative school and am considering making a switch to public schools. Has anyone made this switch? What was your experience?

Everything is taken care of in house at my current school, I see my behavioral students every day. If I switched to public it would be between multiple schools.

Thanks!

I’m working on completing my BCBA fieldwork supervision notes and I have a question for those who have already been through the process.

How much detail does the BACB actually expect in supervision documentation? I want my notes to accurately reflect the unrestricted activities I completed, but I’m also trying to avoid over-documenting. Help please!

I finally passed my BCBA exam! 🥳 I filled out my application and did finger prints the day after I submitted. Am I missing anything? How long does a it take in the state of TN to receive your license?

I’m a BCBA. I’m no longer working with a child and their family and all treatment and services have been ended. Am I allowed to continue a friendly relationship with the family now that I don’t provide them with, and won’t provide them with, ABA services? #ABA #BCBA #BACB #ethics #clinician

I just completed my RBT training and I still haven't found a job. It's hard as I don't have a driver's license and am not a full RBT yet. Where can I find someone to do my competency assessment and how soon do I need to do it? Also where can I find an ABA clinic that doesn't require a driver's license and actually returns calls and reaches out about applications

Hello! I was looking for recommendations of online master programs from former or current students who have passed their bcba exams.

A plus if they helped you with fieldwork hours

Hi y'all :) for those BCBAs that started taking on their own client, how did you find your very first client? I have a BT already and am thinking about the best way to find a client in need. Thanks for any responses

I’m based in Michigan, andI have about 350 unrestricted hours remaining before I’m eligible to sit for the BCBA exam. My company has offered me the opportunity to take the BCaBA exam first, and at first I was on board with the idea. However, my personal life has been incredibly stressful lately, and it’s significantly slowed down my studying. I’m starting to question whether it’s realistic or even necessary to prepare for two certification exams within a 2–3 month period.

Has anyone here taken the BCaBA and BCBA exams that close together? If so, what was your experience? Looking back, would you do it again? I’m also wondering if pursuing the BCaBA first is truly beneficial for me, or if it mainly benefits my company and supervisor. I’m trying to make the decision that’s best for my long-term career, not just what’s most convenient for my workplace.
I’d really appreciate any honest, unbiased perspectives or experiences. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

For reference, I have reached out to the BACB but wanted to hear others experiences with this process.

About 2 years ago, my dad had a serious mental health crisis and eventually died by suicide. At the same time, my recertification window was approaching. I was so beside myself with grief, I let it lapse and it expired. I took a break from the field and work all together. I am also an LPC so I’ve managed to maintain that over the last 2 years.

I’ve been wanting to get my certification again but at this point, I’ve not done any CEUs in the last 2 years. Does anyone have any experience with this? I know you can re-certify through examination within 5 years. I’d love to be certified again but I cannot and will not go through the field experience again. Curious if anyone has ever had to deal with an expired certification. TIA!

Im currently a home child care provider, I’ve been in the early childhood field for 12 years with experience in child care and social work. I have a BA in liberal studies. I’m very interested in pursuing a BCBA career path and I’m hoping for some guidance. I’m considering enrolling in the Ball State or Purdue Global masters program. I think it would make the most sense for me to continue my home daycare business while taking classes for financial reasons. There’s one particular ABA clinic I have my eye on to work at (privately owned, not part of a chain, great reviews from families, exclusively works with kids ages 1-7 which is my preferred age range.) How do I know if this will be the right place to get my field experience? Is it a good plan to get my masters first and do my field experience after, or is it better to do them concurrently? Any and all advice is more than welcome!

Hello! I’ve been doing some research but I can’t seem to find the answer. If an RBT missed their supervision requirements for the month can it be submitted by the requirement coordinator? I feel like I’ve read conflicting information. One of our staff is having difficult technology wise and we have had others quit before they received supervision. It’s unclear how we’re to proceed or if it is solely their responsibility to self-report.

Hi everyone, I’m an international student currently in Connecticut looking into becoming a BCBA. I’m trying to find the fastest and best pathway, including ABA master’s programs that accept international students. Does anyone have recommendations for colleges in Connecticut or advice on programs that lead to BCBA eligibility? Any personal experiences would be appreciated. Thank you!

Hi wondering if anyone knows if I can do a remote UM job as a BCBA from anywhere? My partner is a traveling nurse so we move a lot. I saw some are requiring you to live in a specific state. Wondering if I’m just looking for a unicorn or of this is attainable?