How to Become a BCBA in Alabama: Path to Certification [2025-2026 Guide]
BCBAs in Alabama can earn more than $130,000 per year at the top end of the scale.
A career as a BCBA in Alabama offers impressive growth potential. The field has seen a remarkable 20% annual increase in job openings over the last several years. This makes it a stable and financially rewarding career choice.
Alabama introduced specific laws in 2014 that define behavior analysis practice. BCBAs in Alabama earn $81,617 on average annually. The numbers look even better in Auburn, where professionals make about $84,760 per year. The state’s autism insurance bill (House Bill 284) now covers ABA services for children up to age 18. This creates more opportunities for qualified behavior analysts.
The path to becoming a certified behavior analyst requires graduate-level coursework in behavior analysis. You’ll just need a master’s degree that covers everything in ethical conduct, research methods, and behavior analysis principles. The final step involves passing the BCBA examination. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) administers this test, which includes 170 multiple-choice questions.
Would you like to begin this rewarding career? Let’s look at the detailed roadmap to become a BCBA in Alabama.
Education Requirements for Alabama BCBAs
Starting your trip to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in Alabama requires meeting strict educational requirements. The right educational credentials are the life-blood of your certification process.
Your first major milestone is meeting the BACB’s educational standards. You must get certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) before applying for licensure in Alabama. This national certification lays the groundwork for state licensure and professional practice.
Master’s Degree Requirement
A graduate-level degree starts your path to becoming a BCBA in Alabama. You need at least a master’s degree in behavior analysis, psychology, or a related field from an accredited institution. This graduate education gives you the theory basics and practical knowledge you need for professional practice.
Two main paths can help you meet this requirement:
- Accredited Program Route: A master’s degree from a program accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) works best. Your ABAI-accredited program must be from 2015 or later and must have been accredited while you were enrolled.
- Coursework Route: A master’s degree in behavior analysis or a related field like psychology or education plus the required behavior analysis coursework will do the job.
Required Coursework
The BACB needs 315 hours of graduate-level instruction in specific areas. This coursework covers everything in behavior analysis theory and practice. The curriculum includes:
- Ethics Code and Professionalism: 45 hours
- Philosophical Underpinnings and Core Principles: 90 hours
- Measurement, Data Display, and Experimental Design: 45 hours
- Behavior Assessment: 45 hours
- Behavior-Change Procedures and Interventions: 60 hours
- Personnel Supervision and Management: 30-60 hours
Verified Course Sequence (VCS)
Many students choose a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) to make certification easier. These courses have ABAI’s pre-approval as they meet BACB’s coursework requirements.
Several Alabama universities offer BACB-verified course sequences:
- Auburn University
- Jacksonville State University
- University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Troy University
- University of North Alabama (BCaBA level)
To name just one example, see Jacksonville State University’s psychology program. It offers a verified course sequence with PSY 508, 511, 521, 528, 529, 530, and 538. These courses cover key topics like personnel supervision, conceptual foundations of behavior analysis, functional assessment, and ethical considerations.
The ABAI plans to end the VCS system on December 31, 2025. After this date, your university must verify that your coursework meets the required standards.
Program Selection Considerations
The best master’s programs include:
- Advanced courses in applied behavior analysis
- Research opportunities with a master’s thesis
- Mentoring and supervision components
These elements help you build both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed in behavior analysis.
Programs often have prerequisites for admission. Some accept any bachelor’s degree, while others prefer degrees in education, psychology, counseling, special education, or social work.
After finishing your educational requirements, you’ll move to the supervised experience part of certification, which we’ll cover next.
Getting Your Licensure and Credentials
You’ll need both national certification and state licensure to practice legally as a behavior analyst in Alabama after completing your education and supervised experience.
The path to becoming a behavior analyst in Alabama requires two steps. You must first get national certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). The next step involves applying for state licensure through the Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensing Board (ABALB).
Step 1: Get BACB Certification
The BACB serves as the official national certifying agency for Alabama behavior analysts. The BCBA certification exam is mandatory before you can apply for state licensure. This exam includes 170 multiple-choice questions that cover:
- BACB compliance code and professionalism
- Philosophical underpinnings and core principles
- Measurement and experimental design
- Behavior assessment
- Behavior-change procedures
- Personnel supervision and management
Your BCBA certification makes you eligible for Alabama state licensure once you pass the exam.
Step 2: Apply for Alabama State Licensure
The Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensing Board handles the licensure process under the Alabama Department of Mental Health’s Division of Developmental Disabilities. Here’s what you need to do:
- Complete the ABALB Application for Licensure (must be notarized)
- Submit license verification forms if licensed in another state
- Pay the required fees:
- Application fee: $25.00
- Licensure fee: $150.00 for Licensed Behavior Analysts or $100.00 for Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts
Background Check Requirements
The licensure process requires a background check. You must:
- Submit an application to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
- Provide classifiable fingerprints on FBI “Applicant” fingerprint cards
- Include a photocopy of valid photo identification
- Pay the $25.00 fee (money order or cashier’s check only) to “ALEA Criminal Records and Identification Unit”
The ABALB will check your BACB certification status and review your application materials. The board’s application review meetings are open to the public, with announcements posted on the Secretary of State’s website a week before.
License Types and Designations
The ABALB’s license types match BACB certification levels:
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) → Licensed Behavior Analyst
- Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA®) → Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT®) → Applied Behavior Analyst Direct Contact Technician (no license required)
License Renewal and Maintenance
Your Alabama license stays active for up to two years. All licenses expire on December 31 of the year following issuance. A license issued in 2025 will expire on December 31, 2026.
Keeping your license active requires:
- License renewal before December 15 ($50.00 late fee applies after this date)
- Active BACB certification, which needs:
- 32 continuing education units every two years for BCBAs
- 20 continuing education units for BCaBAs, plus supervision requirements
A 45-day reinstatement period exists after the deadline. After this period, you’ll need to submit a new license application.
Additional Licensure Options
Alabama provides two other ways to get licensed:
- Reciprocity License: BACB-certified behavior analysts licensed in states with similar requirements can apply through reciprocity.
- Temporary License: Out-of-state BACB-certified behavior analysts can get temporary practice permission in Alabama.
These steps will help you get both national certification and Alabama state licensure to practice as a behavior analyst.
Salaries for BCBAs in Alabama
Getting to know the financial outlook is significant when you think over a career as a BCBA in Alabama. Let’s get into what you can expect to earn once you’ve completed your certification experience.
The average annual salary for a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in Alabama stands at $80,737 as of August 2025. This means approximately $38.82 per hour, $1,552 weekly, or $6,728 monthly. Another source estimates the average annual BCBA salary in Alabama at $72,982.
Your salary as a BCBA in Alabama can vary based on experience, location, and specialization. Most behavior analysts earn between $67,100 (25th percentile) and $82,000 (75th percentile). The top earners in the 90th percentile can make up to $120,096 annually. BCBAs in Birmingham may earn as much as $120,100.
Alabama’s salary progression looks promising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2021 data shows that experienced behavior analysts in Birmingham can earn:
- Median (50th percentile): $104,710
- 75th percentile: $110,860
- 90th percentile: $120,100
The entry-level positions offer competitive compensation. Some early-career BCBAs in Birmingham earn salaries that are a big deal as it means that the median for experienced professionals:
- 10th percentile: $27,480
- 25th percentile: $92,370
- 50th percentile: $104,710
Your earning potential substantially varies by location within Alabama. The highest-paying cities for BCBAs include:
- Union Springs: $91,834 annually ($44.15 hourly)
- Vestavia Hills: $89,027 annually ($42.80 hourly)
- Mobile: $88,692 annually ($42.64 hourly)
- Montgomery: $88,114 annually ($42.36 hourly)
- Fairfield: $86,321 annually ($41.50 hourly)
Mobile leads the cities with above-average BCBA salaries, exceeding the state average by 9.9%. The salary variations among the top ten cities remain minimal—only about 8% difference between Mobile and Tuskegee. You can find well-compensated positions throughout the state.
Alabama ranks 50th out of 50 states nationwide for BCBA salaries. The job market for behavior analysts in Alabama remains “not very active” with few companies currently hiring. This information helps you plan your career path and think about whether mobility might be part of your professional strategy.
To maximize your earnings, you might want to explore related certifications. To cite an instance, see Certified Analytics Professional positions in Alabama that pay approximately 39% more ($31,518 higher) than the average BCBA salary.
The behavior analysis positions in Alabama offer various compensation levels:
- Chairperson Board of Directors: $87,056 annually
- Clinical Value Analyst: $75,041 annually
- Senior ABA Therapist: $72,236 annually
- Assistant Behavior Analyst: $64,963 annually
Your earning potential as a BCBA in Alabama depends on your experience level, geographic location, specialized skills, and practice setting. The BCBA profession in Alabama offers a solid middle-class income with opportunities to stimulate your career growth through experience, despite ranking lower compared to other states.
Careers in Alabama
Alabama’s career landscape for behavior analysts keeps growing, which creates promising opportunities for professionals pursuing BCBA certification. Job postings for Board Certified Behavior Analysts in Alabama have increased by 108% over the last several years. This reflects a nationwide trend where these professionals are needed more than ever.
BCBAs in Alabama work in a variety of settings. They find rewarding roles helping individuals on the autism spectrum and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Alabama’s BCBAs also secure positions in education, business, healthcare, substance abuse treatment, behavioral safety, sports performance, and even animal training.
The state’s major employers actively seek qualified behavior analysts. Organizations like Positive Behavior Supports Corporation provide competitive positions with annual salaries reaching $124,000. The Alabama State Department of Education, Key Autism Services, and various private clinics regularly post behavior analyst positions statewide. Companies like Hopebridge, BK Behavior Ventures, and Apollo Behavior consistently hire throughout Alabama.
The job market distribution shows some regions are especially promising. Mobile and Montgomery have become prime areas for BCBA employment, offering varied opportunities in clinical and educational environments. The job market stays competitive, particularly in urban centers like Birmingham and Huntsville. Yet qualified candidates find plenty of opportunities across the state.
These specializations can improve your job prospects:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: With approximately 1 in 54 children diagnosed with ASD, specialists in this area are essential to develop effective interventions
- School-Based Services: Many Alabama school districts actively hire BCBAs to support students with behavioral challenges
- Mental Health: BCBAs with expertise in behavioral interventions for mental health issues see growing demand as awareness increases
- Telehealth Services: Rural areas offer unique opportunities for BCBAs who provide remote consultations
The Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensing Board oversees practice throughout the state. All practicing behavior analysts must have a license, except Registered Behavior Technicians. Your career advancement depends on maintaining good standing with both the BACB and the state licensing board.
Aspiring BCBAs in Alabama can look forward to a rewarding career path. They’ll find opportunities to specialize, advance, and have a positive effect on individuals and communities throughout the state.
Next Steps
A career as a BCBA in Alabama can transform your professional future. This piece outlines the key steps you need to take – from getting your master’s degree to completing supervised hours and securing both BACB certification and Alabama state licensure.
The journey might look tough at first, but the rewards make it worth every effort. Your financial outlook is bright with average salaries exceeding $80,000 annually, and top professionals earn more than $120,000. The job market shows an impressive 108% growth in postings, which means plenty of opportunities in schools, clinics, and private practices.
Alabama ranks 50th nationwide for BCBA salaries now, but your earnings will grow as you build experience and add specialized certifications. Cities like Union Springs, Vestavia Hills, and Mobile give competitive packages to qualified behavior analysts.
This career path goes way beyond the reach and influence of just financial benefits. You’ll help create positive changes in the lives of people with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities. The expertise you build will open doors in education, healthcare, and several other fields.
Behavior analysis is perfect if you want to blend analytical thinking with helping others. Take the steps we’ve outlined here. Stay focused on your education and supervised experience requirements. Soon you’ll join other certified behavior analysts who make real differences across Alabama.