How to Get Your BCBA Certification in Maryland
The BCBA certification exam has a pass rate of only 60%. Getting your BCBA certification in Maryland needs solid preparation and a clear grasp of the process.
Maryland started licensing applied behavior analysts in 2015 when the state legislature added the profession to the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. BCBA certification demands a graduate degree, at least 1,500 hours of supervised behavior analysis experience, and success in a complete certification exam. Maryland’s BCBA license requires current certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). The application process usually takes 60-90 days.
This guides you through everything about getting your BCBA certification in Maryland – from educational requirements to career paths. We have all the essential information for 2025, whether you’re just starting out or getting ready for your exam.
Education Requirements for Maryland BCBAs
Your BCBA certification experience in Maryland starts with the right education. A graduate-level degree from a behavior analysis program that meets specific standards will qualify you for a Maryland BCBA license.
You need a master’s degree or higher from a behavior analysis program accredited by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) or its successor organization. This advanced education gives you the knowledge and skills to practice applied behavior analysis professionally.
Since January 2022, ABAI-Accredited Programs meet the BACB’s degree and coursework requirements through Pathway 1 for BCBA certification applications. These programs have gone through strict review and met the ABAI Accreditation Standards to ensure quality education.
Based on your degree level, you can choose between two certification paths that give you similar practice privileges in Maryland:
- BCBA® (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) – For those with master’s degrees
- BCBA®-D (Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctorate) – For those with doctoral degrees
The BACB accepts online and campus-based master’s and doctorate programs in behavior analysis or related fields that focus on behavior analysis. These programs must be accredited by the Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) or Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA). Degrees in psychology and education that have the approved Course Content Allocation or fit into the ABAI recognized program list also work for certification.
Many students pick ABAI-accredited online master’s programs because they offer more flexibility. This lets them work while getting their degree. Maryland also has several excellent in-person program options.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) has an MA in Human Services Psychology with a track in Applied Behavior Analysis. This program is accredited through December 31, 2025 and works with the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Department of Behavioral Psychology. UMBC asks for unofficial transcripts, resume/CV, three recommendation letters, and a two-page statement of purpose. The Fall 2025 application deadline is January 1, 2025. GRE scores aren’t required or accepted.
Mount St. Mary’s University offers a full MSABA program and a certificate program that meets the Verified Course Sequence requirements. Their curriculum follows the 6th edition of the BCBA exam and the Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified it.
Johns Hopkins University has a post-master’s certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. This program works for people who already have a graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Maryland also has licensure agreements with 23 other states, so your certification might transfer if you move.
After getting your degree, you must complete the BACB’s coursework requirements. These courses cover behavior analysis, ethics, and research. The typical coursework has Behavior Assessment, Behavior Intervention, Ethics for Behavior Analysts, and Research Methods in Behavior Analysis.
Right now, you can finish coursework requirements through two main paths:
- Join a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the BACB
- Complete a university practicum that has the required behavior analysis courses
Keep in mind that ABAI will phase out the VCS system in 2025. After that, all accepted coursework must be by attestation or accreditation. This makes choosing a program that stays compliant with certification requirements vital.
After your educational program, you’ll need supervised fieldwork hours before you can take the BCBA examination. Programs like Mount St. Mary’s help students get these supervised fieldwork hours, but you don’t have to finish them before graduation. These hours can be completed after you get your degree.
Your education is just the first step toward BCBA certification in Maryland. The right program will build a strong foundation for your career in applied behavior analysis and prepare you for supervised experience and examination.
Getting Your Licensure and Credentials
Your next step after finishing your education is to pass the certification exam and get your Maryland license as a BCBA. This process needs attention to detail and the right paperwork.
You’ll take the BCBA certification exam at Pearson VUE testing centers. The BACB will review your eligibility and certification application before you can schedule and pay for the exam through your Pearson VUE account. The exam includes 185 multiple-choice questions with four options each, but only one right answer. You have exactly four hours to complete this full assessment.
Maryland has three convenient Pearson VUE testing locations:
- Baltimore
- Bethesda
- Columbia
The exam will really test what you know about behavior analysis. You’ll see your results right after finishing at the test site, and your BACB account will show official confirmation about a week later.
You can request accommodations by submitting a BACB Examination Accommodation Request Form with supporting documents. Send everything as one PDF through the BACB’s online system. The review usually takes 10-14 days.
After passing the BCBA exam, you need to get your Maryland license. The state has required a license from the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists since January 2015 to practice behavior analysis. Here’s what Maryland requires:
- Current certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BCBA or BCBA-D)
- A master’s degree or higher from a BACB-accredited behavior analysis program
- A completed criminal history records check (CHRC) before applying
Here’s how to apply for your license:
Start by downloading the application form from Maryland’s Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists website. Maryland is different from other states – you must finish your criminal background check before sending your application. Remember to include your CHRC receipt with your paperwork.
Next, gather these documents:
- Proof of your current BCBA certification
- Official transcripts from your master’s program
- Three professional references (one must be from a current BCBA)
- Application fee of $200
Send in your complete application package. Processing usually takes 60 to 90 days. The board will ask for an extra $200 licensing fee if they approve your application.
Maryland doesn’t offer temporary licenses or reciprocal licensing if you’re already licensed somewhere else. All the same, include any out-of-state credentials with your application since they might help the board assess your qualifications.
You’ll need to renew your Maryland BCBA license every two years for $301. The deadline is January 31, and processing takes about 5-10 days. Each two-year period requires 40 hours of continuing education. If you’ve had your license less than two years, you only need 20 credits.
Your continuing education must come from approved sponsors in two categories:
- Category A: Formal education such as courses and presentations
- Category B: Informal opportunities like conferences and lectures
You can use up to 10 CEUs from Category B, with the rest from Category A. Extra CEUs can count toward your next renewal period.
Maryland’s structured approach to licensing helps maintain high professional standards for behavior analysts who serve the state.
Salaries for BCBAs in Maryland
Getting your BCBA certification in Maryland can be financially rewarding. Your investment in education and licensure will lead to competitive pay throughout the state.
Board Certified Behavior Analysts in Maryland make an average annual salary of $81,855. This breaks down to $6,821 monthly, $1,574 weekly, or $39.35 hourly. These numbers make Maryland an attractive place for behavior analysis professionals.
The salary range for Maryland BCBAs typically falls between $66,892 (25th percentile) and $98,344 (75th percentile) annually. Top performers can earn up to $116,996 (90th percentile). Your earnings can grow substantially as you build experience and specialize in specific areas.
Maryland’s average BCBA salary of $80,930 sits about 9% below the national average. The state stays competitive because of its regional economic conditions and job opportunities.
Your earning potential after getting your Maryland BCBA license depends on several key factors:
- Experience Level – Your salary grows with time in the field. New positions start around $63,034, while senior roles can reach $167,393.
- Specialization – Working in high-demand areas like autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities can boost your earnings.
- Work Setting – Your pay structure changes based on whether you work in healthcare, education, or private practice.
- Geographic Location – Salaries vary between Baltimore’s metropolitan area and other parts of Maryland.
Applied behavior analysis provides great job security. Maryland’s growing need for ABA services keeps pushing salaries up, which benefits newly certified professionals.
Your salary should match Maryland’s cost of living. Baltimore and nearby areas have different living costs that affect your actual take-home value.
BCBAs in neighboring areas earn similar amounts. Virginia professionals typically make between $80,000 and $85,000 yearly. The Northeast region, including Maryland, averages between $70,000 and $95,000.
BCaBAs (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts) earn around $71,150 yearly in Maryland. This makes the full BCBA credential much more valuable financially.
Many BCBAs love knowing how to set their own schedules. This flexibility, plus the rising demand for behavior analysis services, makes completing your BCBA certification in Maryland a smart career move.
Location within Maryland plays a big role in determining your salary. Urban areas usually pay more, but you’ll need to think about their higher living costs.
Careers in Maryland
The job market for BCBAs in Maryland is growing faster across multiple settings. A projected growth of 20% over the next decade means newly certified behavior analysts will find plenty of opportunities throughout the state.
Maryland’s strong support for autism services and insurance mandates that cover ABA therapy make it an ideal place for behavior analysis professionals. This supportive environment creates jobs in a variety of settings where you can use your expertise after getting your bcba certification in maryland.
BCBAs in Maryland typically work in:
- Clinical services and ABA agencies
- Public and private schools
- Healthcare facilities and hospitals
- Developmental centers
- Private practices and entrepreneurial ventures
Baltimore’s field is going through major changes. Telehealth services have created flexible job options and extended behavioral support to communities that didn’t have access before. This change lets practitioners balance their work and personal life—a benefit you’ll see highlighted in job postings across the state.
You’ll find the most opportunities in urban centers like Baltimore, Silver Spring, and Columbia. The Kennedy Krieger Institute, a leading employer, brings BCBAs into teams that work together to address complex neurodevelopmental needs. So professionals can work with specialists from different fields to boost patient outcomes and grow their careers.
Maryland BCBAs now take on leadership roles, design programs, and shape policies. These career paths are way beyond direct service delivery and open doors to advanced positions with better pay. Many employers just need BCBAs to supervise teams of Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs).
School districts throughout Maryland hire behavior analysts to help students with autism and create individualized education programs. These roles involve working closely with teachers and staff to apply behavior intervention plans that help students succeed in class.
Job postings usually ask for these requirements besides your maryland bcba license:
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Experience with specific populations (often autism spectrum disorder)
- Skills with electronic data collection systems
- Good communication skills for family training and team work
- Leadership experience for senior positions
Starting your own clinic or business looks promising with growing client needs and strong telehealth systems. Many organizations also help recent graduates by offering mentorship as they work toward their bcba certification.
Most employers give complete benefits packages including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- 401(k) retirement plans with company matching
- Continuing education allowances
- Bonus structures for productivity or referrals
Organizations in Maryland are actively looking for BCBAs, and some offer signing bonuses up to $10,000. This competitive hiring shows how much qualified behavior analysts are valued and needed.
New laws keep supporting more funding for ABA services. Maryland BCBAs can look forward to stable careers with room to grow and chances to make real differences in people’s lives.
Next Steps
Getting your BCBA certification in Maryland is one of the most important steps in your professional trip. You’ll build specialized knowledge, practical skills, and credentials that set you up for success in a growing field. The path takes real dedication as you complete your graduate education, pass the certification exam, and meet supervised experience requirements.
BCBAs in Maryland have excellent job prospects, with projected growth of 20% over the next decade. On top of that, you can earn competitive salaries averaging $81,855 per year. Your investment in education and certification pays off through plenty of job opportunities in clinical settings, schools, healthcare facilities, and private practices.
Maryland’s supportive rules for behavior analysis services create a strong base for your career growth. The state’s insurance requirements cover ABA therapy, which helps practitioners who work with autism spectrum disorders. Your career can grow in many directions – you might choose to specialize, supervise others, or start your own practice.
The certification process takes time and effort, but the rewards make it worth it. BCBA credentials help you find meaningful work that develops essential skills in others and tackles behavioral challenges. Each step brings you closer to a career that affects lives positively – from picking the right educational program to finishing your license requirements.
Take time to research program accreditation status and understand fieldwork requirements before you begin this trip. Study hard for the certification exam. Once you have your license, keep learning and growing to maintain your credentials and boost your expertise. This mix of preparation and continuous learning will help you succeed as a behavior analyst in Maryland.