How to Become a BCBA in Idaho
Looking to become a BCBA in Idaho? The timing couldn’t be better. Boise shows a 20% projected job growth rate for BCBAs over the next decade—double the national average of 10%.
BCBAs in Boise earn approximately $68,000 annually, about 8% higher than the state median for similar roles. The state faces a major shortage of certified behavior analysts, which makes it a perfect time to enter a field where your skills will be valuable.
You’ll need to complete a master’s or doctoral degree in applied behavior analysis to become a BCBA. The process requires either 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork or 1,500 hours of concentrated fieldwork, plus passing the BACB examination. The field will see a big change by 2032 – graduating from an ABAI masters program will be the only way to get BCBA credentials.
Idaho State University has become the first and only university in the state to offer an ABAI-Verified Course Sequence program. This makes your path to BCBA licensure easier than ever before.
Our detailed guide will take you through each step of becoming a BCBA in Idaho. We’ll cover everything from education requirements to licensing procedures, salary expectations, and career opportunities.
Education Requirements for Idaho BCBAs
Starting your educational experience to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in Idaho takes careful planning. You’ll need a solid grasp of specific requirements that are the foundations of your BCBA career path.
Your first step to get BCBA certification in Idaho is earning a master’s degree or doctorate in applied behavior analysis, psychology, education, or a related field from an accredited institution. Your degree program must have specific coursework in behavior analysis, ethics, and research methods, with a minimum of 270 hours of instruction in these areas.
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) accepts two educational paths toward certification. The first path involves completing a degree from a program accredited by either the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) or the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA). The second path requires you to complete a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) with your master’s degree.
Idaho State University’s Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) minor received official recognition from ABAI as a Verified Course Sequence, which marks a vital milestone for behavior analysis education in the state. ISU became the first and only university in Idaho with this prominent designation. This program gives undergraduate students a direct path to become eligible for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) exam.
Graduate-level BCBA preparation options in Idaho remain somewhat limited. The state has only one ABAI Verified Course Sequence program based on the latest data. The University of Idaho’s Master of Special Education program has some ABA coursework, like EDSP 540 (Applied Behavior Analysis), but this program isn’t designed specifically for formal ABA certification.
Many aspiring BCBAs in Idaho choose online programs that meet BACB requirements because of these limitations. Online options give you:
- Greater flexibility for students in remote areas
- More affordable than paying out-of-state tuition
- Knowing how to complete coursework while keeping your job
Boise State University offers a Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Interventions and Supports as an alternative in-state option. While not a complete BCBA preparation program, this fully online certificate helps education professionals boost their skills in managing challenging behaviors.
The BCBA education requirements will see major changes ahead. ABAI’s Verified Course Sequence system for Pathway 2 will be replaced by a BACB-managed Pathway 2 Coursework Attestation System by January 1, 2026. By January 1, 2032, you’ll need to apply exclusively through Pathway 1, which means only ABAI or APBA-accredited program degrees will qualify.
Most students complete a BCBA program in 1.5 to 2 years of graduate study. Your educational experience should focus on programs that provide a complete foundation in:
- Principles of behavior analysis
- Assessment and intervention techniques
- Ethical considerations in practice
- Research methods and data analysis
Look beyond meeting minimum requirements when choosing a program. Think about how well the curriculum prepares you for ground practice and whether it offers opportunities for supervised experience—a vital component of BCBA certification.
Idaho residents should explore both local and online options until more in-state programs develop. ISU’s achievement shows progress, and the state’s universities continue developing their academic offerings to meet the growing need for ABA professionals, especially in early intervention and school-based services.
Getting Your Licensure and Credentials
Your next significant step after completing education in your BCBA trip is to get proper certification and credentials. Idaho doesn’t require a state-specific license for behavior analysts, unlike many other states. You must get and maintain BACB certification to practice legally.
You can start the certification process after completing your graduate degree and coursework. Here’s what you need to become a certified behavior analyst:
Supervised Fieldwork Requirements
The BACB asks you to complete either 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork. Your hands-on experience must meet these guidelines:
- You must accumulate hours within 5 consecutive years
- Each supervision period must range from 20 to 160 hours per calendar month
- At least 5% of hours must be supervised for standard fieldwork (7.5% for concentrated fieldwork)
- A minimum of 50% of supervision must be individual (rather than group)
- Your supervisor must observe you with clients monthly—at least 60 minutes for standard fieldwork or 90 minutes for concentrated fieldwork
The difference between “restricted” and “unrestricted” activities matters. At least 60% of your fieldwork hours must be “unrestricted.” These tasks show higher-level behavior analyst skills beyond direct therapy and include assessment development and intervention design.
Examination Process
After completing your education and supervised fieldwork, you must:
- Submit your certification application to the BACB
- Receive approval to schedule your examination
- Register through Pearson VUE to take the exam
The BCBA examination has 185 multiple-choice questions and runs for 4 hours. First-time test takers had a 54% pass rate in 2024, while those retaking the exam achieved 25%. So, full preparation matters.
Idaho residents can take their tests at the University of Idaho Testing Center and Pearson Professional Centers in Boise. Book your appointment early because changing it within 30 days of your exam date costs extra.
Idaho-Specific Considerations
Recent data shows Idaho remains one of the few states without state-level licensure requirements for behavior analysts. Active BCBA certification from the BACB is the main credential you need to practice in the state.
This setup is different from neighboring states. Montana created a Behavior Analyst licensing board in 2017, while Nevada has had one since 2009. Without state-level regulation, you’ll find:
- No extra application process beyond BACB certification
- No state-specific continuing education requirements (beyond BACB requirements)
- No reciprocity concerns when moving to Idaho from another state
The regulatory scene might change as the profession grows. Since 2009, many states have added licensing requirements for behavior analysts. Minnesota and Arkansas joined most recently in 2024 and 2025.
Maintaining Your Certification
You need to complete continuing education units and renew your certification every two years to keep your credentials active.
Reinstatement procedures vary based on how long your certification has lapsed. You can reinstate a license lapsed for less than five years by submitting a renewal application with all back fees and required continuing education documentation. A new application process becomes necessary if more than five years have passed.
Being organized and maintaining your certification qualifies you to practice as a BCBA throughout Idaho. This opens doors to career opportunities in a variety of settings in this growing field.
Salaries for BCBAs in Idaho
The financial aspects of a BCBA career in Idaho provide vital context when you plan your professional path. Let’s look at the salary landscape that shows both challenges and opportunities in the state’s behavior analysis field.
BCBAs in Idaho earn an average annual salary of $68,657. This breaks down to $5,721 monthly, $1,320 weekly, and $33.01 hourly. These numbers represent the middle ground, since new professionals often earn differently than experienced ones.
New BCBAs in Idaho can expect to earn around $60,000 annually. This starting salary creates a good foundation and grows with experience and additional credentials. Boise’s entry-level positions start at $46,220 (10th percentile) and rise to $64,250 (25th percentile).
Your financial rewards grow as your career advances. BCBAs with several years of experience typically earn between $75,000 and $85,000 annually. Those in leadership positions or with specialized roles can earn much more.
Professionals with ten-plus years show the career’s earning power. Boise’s experienced BCBAs earn a median salary of $95,200. The top performers reach $107,490 (75th percentile) and $113,630 (90th percentile) annually. These numbers represent Idaho’s highest-earning behavior analysts.
Your location in Idaho affects your potential earnings. Urban areas like Boise offer higher salaries, often reaching $90,000 or more. Rural areas pay less due to different living costs and service needs.
Here’s what shapes salary differences across Idaho:
- Regional ABA service needs
- Urban versus rural living costs
- Your employer type (schools, healthcare, private practice)
- Education and credentials
- Professional experience
- Special certifications
Extra certifications beyond BCBA requirements can boost your earning potential. Specialists in niche areas often earn premium salaries that match their expertise.
Idaho ranks among the lower-paying states for BCBAs nationwide. Salaries typically range from $64,000 to $83,000, but still provide comfortable living. Idaho’s top BCBAs can earn up to $95,200 yearly.
Remember that these numbers are averages. Your actual salary depends on your employer, negotiation skills, and unique experience combination.
These salary benchmarks help set realistic expectations and highlight your financial growth potential in this rewarding career. Use them as a guide while you work toward becoming a BCBA in Idaho.
Careers in Idaho
BCBAs in Idaho face unique career opportunities and challenges as their field keeps growing. The state’s behavior analysis profession continues to expand, with projections showing over 2,600 job openings for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors from 2022 to 2032.
Idaho’s BCBAs work with people who have autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, and behavioral challenges. Recent data shows 1 in 34 children in Idaho have an ASD diagnosis. Job listings reflect this growing need, with over 200 BCBA job postings appearing throughout Idaho in 2023.
BCBAs can work in several key settings across Idaho:
- Educational institutions
- Healthcare facilities
- Private practices
- Home-based service providers
A quick search shows 28 BCBA positions available in Idaho, mostly in urban areas like Boise, Meridian, and Nampa. Companies such as Opal Autism Centers, Caravel Autism Health, and Connect ABA + Therapy look for qualified behavior analysts regularly.
New BCBAs should know what practicing in Idaho involves. The state’s rural nature means many jobs require:
- Regular travel between clients
- Services delivered at home
- Valid driver’s license
- Your own transportation
Working in rural areas brings its own mix of challenges and rewards. BCBAs must feel comfortable working independently and traveling often. The limited number of providers creates excellent employment and growth opportunities.
Idaho’s small but dedicated community of behavior analysts helps professionals grow. The Idaho Association for Behavior Analysis provides networking opportunities, continuing education, and updates about regulatory changes. Members include professionals like Bobbi, who helps families through Idaho ABA Consultants, LLC, and Shelbi Morrison, who leads clinical services at Trellis ABA.
ABA service providers in Idaho include Access Point Family Services (Idaho Falls and Pocatello), Understanding Behavior (Nampa), and South Sound Behavior Therapy (Fort Lewis and nearby areas). These employers usually offer good benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life and professional liability insurance
- Disability coverage
- Retirement plans with matching contributions
- Weekly pay schedules
Idaho’s BCBAs do more than work directly with clients. They cooperate with parents, caregivers, teachers, and medical professionals to create and use consistent Behavioral Intervention Plans. This team approach helps everyone support individuals with behavioral challenges consistently.
Boise and Coeur d’Alene offer the best career prospects, with more jobs available than other areas. Notwithstanding that, qualified behavior analysts can find rewarding positions in communities throughout Idaho.
Starting your BCBA career in Idaho means joining a field with growing professional opportunities and real community needs. The work requires flexibility and independence but lets you make a real difference in supporting Idaho’s families and individuals.
Next Steps
A career as a BCBA in Idaho comes with great rewards and plenty of chances to grow. The state needs more behavior analysts, especially in cities like Boise. This creates perfect conditions for new professionals. You’ll find a clear path to BCBA certification through a master’s degree, supervised fieldwork hours, and passing the BACB examination.
Idaho gives aspiring BCBAs some unique benefits. You can work anywhere in the state with your BACB certification since there are no state-specific license rules. Idaho State University’s new ABAI-Verified Course Sequence program makes education more available than ever.
The money looks good too. Starting salaries around $60,000 give you a strong base, and experienced professionals can earn over $95,000 per year. Your growth depends on your experience, specialty, and how willing you are to help communities of all sizes across Idaho’s cities and rural areas.
Note that this path takes commitment at every step. You’ll need to study hard for your education, put in consistent work during supervised fieldwork, and prepare well for the BACB exam. In spite of that, these challenges lead to achieving a career that helps people with behavioral needs throughout Idaho.
This detailed guide helps you take your next steps toward becoming a BCBA in Idaho with confidence. The mix of rising demand, competitive pay, and meaningful work makes this a great chance to build your future in behavior analysis.