How to Become a Behavior Analyst in Delaware

Delaware stands as one of 12 states that doesn’t license applied behavior analysts as of January 2025.

A career as a behavior analyst in Delaware presents excellent opportunities, even without state licensing. The state mandates insurance providers to cover autism services and behavioral health treatment. ABA therapy benefits can reach up to $36,000 yearly. Delaware’s health plans must cover autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and treatment for residents 21 and younger since 2012.

The path to becoming a board-certified behavior analyst in Delaware requires specific steps. Candidates need a master’s degree with behavior analytic coursework outlined by the BACB. They must also complete 2,000 fieldwork hours under a BCBA supervisor. The 2025 requirements specify these hours should split into 40% restricted and 60% unrestricted hours. BCBA observations and supervisions round out the requirements.

The Delaware Association for Behavior Analysis (DEABA), a 12-year-old ABAI affiliate chapter, leads efforts to implement analyst licensing in the state. DEABA’s board members acted in July 2023 by calling for BCBA credential regulation in Delaware schools.

This piece guides you through the complete process of becoming a behavior analyst in Delaware. You’ll learn about education requirements, career opportunities and essential steps along the way.

Education Requirements for Delaware BCBAs

A behavior analyst career in Delaware starts with advanced academic preparation. You need a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis or related fields like psychology or education to get BCBA certification. This advanced degree is the start of your career as a behavior analyst.

Getting your master’s degree marks just the beginning of your educational trip. You must also finish specific coursework that matches the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) standards. The BACB asks for at least 315 hours of graduate-level coursework in behavior analysis. These hours must cover six key content areas:

• BACB Ethics Code and Professionalism: 45 hours
• Philosophical Underpinnings and Concepts: 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 hours

Most aspiring behavior analysts in Delaware complete their educational requirements through a Verified Course Sequence (VCS). The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) verifies these sequences to meet national content standards. Students who complete an ABAI-verified course sequence find the certification process easier since it meets all BACB coursework requirements automatically.

Delaware currently offers few campus-based graduate programs in Applied Behavior Analysis. The University of Delaware’s undergraduate coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis (PSYC 423) can help you start before graduate studies.

Many Delaware residents choose online programs with ABAI-verified course sequences for graduate education. These programs deliver the same strong curriculum as campus-based options but work better for busy professionals. Drexel University’s quarter system runs four 10-week terms yearly, helping you finish more courses quickly.

Your program choice should focus on BCBA examination preparation. Quality programs typically offer:

• An ABAI-verified course sequence
• Faculty with deep behavior analysis experience
• Supervised fieldwork opportunities
• BCBA certification exam preparation

The VCS system will end on December 31, 2025. Students qualifying through course review must then get verification from their university showing they met all coursework standards.

School-based behavior analyst positions might need extra credentials. Delaware’s School Behavior Analyst Standard Certificate requires either a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board or a Qualified Behavior Analyst (QBA) certification from the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board.

Your certification journey continues after finishing educational requirements. You must complete 1,500-2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork and pass the BCBA examination.

Delaware’s ABA therapy clinics provide many supervision opportunities for BCBA certification fieldwork. This setup lets you complete online educational requirements while getting hands-on experience locally, despite limited campus-based graduate ABA programs in the state.

Getting Your Licensure and Credentials

Delaware stands out from other states since it doesn’t have a state-specific licensure process for behavior analysts. Despite that, you’ll need professional credentials to practice in this field. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) certification is the main credential for behavior analysts across the state.

You’ll need to complete several key steps to get your BCBA certification after finishing your education. The first step is to build up your supervised fieldwork hours. The BACB gives you two options:

• Supervised Fieldwork: 2,000 hours with supervision at least 5% of the time
• Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork: 1,500 hours with supervision at least 10% of the time

You have five years to complete your fieldwork. The good news is you can start collecting these hours as soon as you begin your qualifying graduate coursework in behavior analysis. During this time, you’ll work under a qualified BCBA, licensed psychologist, or ABAI-verified instructor.

The next step after completing your fieldwork hours is to get BACB’s approval to take the BCBA exam. Pearson VUE administers this exam at testing centers in Dover and Newark. You’ll need to pay an application fee of about $300.

Your BCBA credential needs regular upkeep once you’re certified. The certification renewal happens every two years. Here’s what you need to do:

• Complete continuing education requirements
• Follow the BACB ethics code
• Submit your recertification application before your current one expires

Delaware professionals also need to stick to BACB’s ethical guidelines and complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years to keep their credentials valid.

Working in Delaware public schools requires extra credentials. You’ll need the School Behavior Analyst Standard Certificate if you plan to provide behavior analytic services in public educational settings. This certificate requires either a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board or a Qualified Behavior Analyst (QBA) certification from the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board.

The School Behavior Analyst Standard Certificate application asks about your criminal conviction history. Not disclosing this information could lead to your application being denied. Your certificate stays valid as long as your Educator’s License is current, regardless of whether you’re employed. The certificate doesn’t need renewal, but you must keep your BCBA or QBA certification current and hold an Initial, Continuing, or Advanced License.

Behavioral technicians working under BCBA supervision in Delaware need these qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Clean criminal background and abuse registry checks
• Current CPR certification
• An approved course on autism spectrum disorders
• Competency-based training in ABA procedures
• At least 10 hours of observed competency-based training before one-on-one service

BCBAs must adjust their supervision of behavioral technicians based on client needs. The minimum requirement is 1.5 hours of supervision for every 10 hours of direct treatment. Clients receiving less than 10 hours of ABA weekly need at least 1 hour of supervision per week.

Delaware might not have its own licensure process for behavior analysts right now, but BACB certification and related credentials are the accepted standards for practicing. The BACB Handbook and the Recent and Upcoming Changes to BACB Requirements web page are great resources to stay current with requirements throughout your career.

Salaries for BCBAs in Delaware

BCBAs in Delaware earn different salaries based on their experience, where they work, and their employer type. This guide will help you understand what you can expect to earn in this career.

The average annual salary for Delaware BCBAs ranges from $67,773 to $89,152. These numbers translate to hourly rates between $32.58 and $42.86. Delaware’s competitive pay scale makes it an attractive option for aspiring board-certified behavior analysts.

Your experience level directly affects your earnings. New BCBAs in Dover start at around $70,733 per year ($34.01 hourly). The pay increases to about $85,000 annually after ten years. This growth shows a promising career path.

The salary distribution across Delaware varies by percentile:

• 25th percentile: $61,307-$74,100 annually
• Median (50th percentile): $75,000-$77,120 annually
• 75th percentile: $90,600-$95,060 annually
• 90th percentile: $105,216-$149,129 annually

Your location within Delaware plays a big role in your earning potential. Wilmington tops the list for both new and experienced behavior analysts’ pay. Experienced professionals in Wilmington earn between $63,801 and $85,000 yearly. Newark ($62,141-$80,000), Bear ($60,139-$79,000), Dover ($57,788-$79,000), and Milford ($56,869-$75,000) follow behind.

Your workplace type also determines your salary. Data from 2016 shows corporate positions paid the most in most Delaware cities. Wilmington’s corporate positions offered $63,480, government roles paid $63,313, and private practice positions earned $63,174. School districts and non-profits paid slightly less, with median salaries of $62,861 and $62,902.

Entry-level positions follow similar patterns. Wilmington’s corporate roles started at $54,071, while government positions began at $53,749. School districts, private practices, and non-profits offered starting salaries of $53,211, $52,791, and $50,368.

Delaware BCBAs see yearly salary increases averaging more than $1,100. Recent job posting data shows limited activity in Delaware’s BCBA market. The wide salary range, which can vary by $16,500, suggests room for growth based on skills, location, and experience.

BCBA salaries in Delaware start at $63,034 and can reach $167,393 at senior levels. These numbers show that becoming a board-certified behavior analyst in Delaware offers strong earning potential with excellent growth opportunities as you gain expertise.

Careers in Delaware

The behavior analyst job market in Delaware offers opportunities in many professional settings. BCBAs have seen their job prospects grow, with postings increasing by 14% from 2022 to 2023. This upward trend shows how Applied Behavior Analysis has gained recognition nationwide as an effective treatment for various behavioral disorders.

Delaware’s Board-Certified Behavior Analysts work in several key settings:

• Healthcare settings and behavior medicine practices
• Educational institutions and school districts
• Mental health practices and clinics
• Nonprofit organizations
• Hospitals and children’s services
• Private practices specializing in autism treatment

BrightBloom Centers stands out among Delaware’s prominent employers. The organization, previously known as the Brandywine Center for Autism, has locations in Wilmington and Milford. They provide behavioral and educational services for children with autism through home- and center-based intervention programs. Dover-based Innovation Behavior Services specializes in ABA therapy for children with autism and provides parent training and consultation services.

Wilmington and Newark lead the state in BCBA job opportunities. These cities offer higher salaries and more positions thanks to their larger populations and strong healthcare infrastructure. Job listings frequently appear in these cities, as well as Dover, Middletown, and other Delaware communities.

The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) creates another career path by working to improve Delaware citizens’ quality of life through health and well-being promotion. BCBAs interested in education can obtain the School Behavior Analyst Standard Certificate. This certification allows them to provide behavior analytic services in Delaware public schools. The certificate requirement applies to all behavior analysts in public education, except educators who already provide these services as part of their roles, such as teachers or school psychologists.

Private organizations like Behavior Interventions expand their services throughout Delaware. They create shared environments where BCBAs develop their professional and clinical skills. These organizations place high value on clinical excellence and behavioral health research.

Major employment platforms currently list about 43 BCBA job openings. Employers look for candidates skilled in teaching, research, communication, leadership, advocacy, planning, and management.

The field extends beyond traditional BCBA roles to include:

• Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA)
• Behavior Consultant
• Behavior Specialist
• ABA Interventionist

Organizations like BK Behavior Ventures offer remote BCBA positions across multiple Delaware locations. This provides flexibility for professionals in the field.

A career as a behavior analyst in Delaware creates opportunities to make meaningful differences in clients’ lives. These opportunities continue to grow as healthcare, education, and social service sectors recognize ABA’s effectiveness.

Next Steps

Delaware offers a promising career path for aspiring behavior analysts, even without state licensure requirements. The field needs qualified BCBAs more than ever, especially when you have Delaware’s mandated insurance coverage for autism services and behavioral health treatments. A master’s degree and specialized coursework require substantial commitment, but the competitive salary and diverse career options make it worthwhile.

The path to BCBA certification remains clear. You’ll need to complete your education and supervised fieldwork hours before getting BACB certification to establish your credentials. School-based positions require an additional School Behavior Analyst Standard Certificate to work in Delaware’s public education system.

The field rewards your expertise well. Annual salaries range from $67,773 to $89,152, and experienced practitioners can earn over $100,000. Your location in Delaware substantially affects your earning potential, with Wilmington offering the highest pay packages.

BCBAs can work in healthcare facilities, schools, mental health clinics, and private practices. Job postings increased 14% from 2022 to 2023, which shows ABA’s growing effectiveness in treatment of all types. Organizations like BrightBloom Centers and Innovation Behavior Services look for qualified BCBAs throughout the state.

Delaware remains one of the few states without specific licensure requirements, but BACB credentials help maintain quality standards. DEABA’s advocacy work suggests new regulations might emerge over the last several years, which could deepen behavior analysts’ commitment statewide.

Starting a career as a behavior analyst in Delaware takes dedication and perseverance. The professional fulfillment and financial rewards make this path worth exploring. The field’s growth and recognition create opportunities to make real differences in clients’ lives across the First State.