How to Become a BCBA in PA: Complete Certification Guide
The just need for BCBAs in Pennsylvania has skyrocketed by a staggering 3,571% since 2010. You’re looking at an exceptionally bright career path with projected growth of 22% in the coming years if you want to become a BCBA in PA.
This remarkable expansion makes perfect sense. ABA therapy has become more available than ever, thanks to the PA Autism Insurance Act (Act 62) signed into law on July 9, 2008. The need for qualified professionals with proper BCBA certification in PA continues to grow. Almost all children with autism in Pennsylvania received coverage through the state’s Medical Assistance Program before Act 62. Private insurance companies must now provide simple coverage for autism services. This creates more opportunities for professionals completing behavioral specialist schooling.
Let us walk you through each step to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in Pennsylvania in this guide. We’ll cover everything you should know for certification, from educational requirements and supervised fieldwork hours to passing the certification exam with its 170 multiple-choice questions.
Education Requirements for Pennsylvania BCBAs
Starting your career as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in Pennsylvania requires proper education. Your first big step toward BCBA certification in PA involves meeting strict academic requirements.
A master’s degree or higher forms the foundation of your BCBA trip. You need this graduate-level education from an accredited institution that focuses on behavior analysis or related fields like psychology, education, or other behavioral sciences. Many successful BCBAs start with undergraduate degrees in psychology or behavioral fields before they move to graduate studies.
You’ll find multiple ways to meet the educational requirements for BCBA certification in Pennsylvania. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) lists several routes, and Pathway 1 stands out as the most direct. This pathway requires a master’s degree from a program accredited by the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) or the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). These programs naturally meet all coursework requirements needed to qualify for certification.
You can also qualify through Pathway 2 with a master’s degree in any field plus specific behavior-analytic coursework. Your coursework must cover designated areas like ethics, assessment methods, and intervention strategies. The BACB will only accept coursework completed in 2015 or later for applications submitted in 2025.
Several Pennsylvania universities offer BACB-approved programs specifically designed for future behavior analysts:
- Penn State University offers a 33-credit Master of Education in Special Education with an emphasis in applied behavior analysis, which prepares students to sit for the BCBA exam
- Duquesne University features a 39-credit-hour program in Applied Behavior Analysis designed around the Verified Course Sequence through ABAI
- Drexel University provides flexible full-time and part-time program options that prepare students for the BCBA exam
- York College of Pennsylvania offers an online 33-credit master’s in ABA program with a complete curriculum
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) must verify all coursework meets BCBA exam requirements. These Verified Course Sequences (VCS) ensure you get the specific training needed for certification.
After formal education, you must complete supervised fieldwork in applied behavior analysis. The BACB gives you two options: 2,000 hours of Supervised Fieldwork or 1,500 hours of Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork. The main difference lies in supervision percentage—5% for standard fieldwork and 10% for concentrated fieldwork.
Your fieldwork supervisor must be a qualified BCBA who has managed to keep certification for at least one year without disciplinary sanctions. Supervisors must also complete an 8-hour supervision training based on the BACB’s Supervisor Training Curriculum Outline before they can supervise others.
The whole process from bachelor’s degree through BCBA certification usually takes 4.5 to 6 years of full-time study and clinical practice. This includes about two years for a master’s degree, plus time to complete supervised fieldwork hours.
Once you finish your education and fieldwork requirements, you can take the BCBA certification exam. The exam has 170 multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of behavior analysis principles and applications.
Pennsylvania also offers a separate credential—the Licensed Behavior Specialist—through the State Board of Medicine. While similar to BCBA certification, this license needs a master’s degree in a related field, 90 hours of evidence-based coursework, and 1,000 hours of clinical experience with individuals who have behavioral challenges. Many BCBAs in Pennsylvania get both credentials to encourage engagement to maximize their professional opportunities.
Getting Your Licensure and Credentials
Your next significant step after completing your education is getting proper licensure and credentials to become a BCBA in Pennsylvania. The state gives behavior analysts two legal paths to practice: the national BCBA certification and the state-specific Behavior Specialist license.
Getting Your Licensure and Credentials
Pennsylvania provides two main credential options that work well together:
- BCBA Certification – A national credential issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
- Behavior Specialist License – A Pennsylvania-specific license issued by the State Board of Medicine
BCBA Certification Process
You need to pass the BCBA examination after completing your master’s degree and supervised fieldwork. The assessment includes 170 multiple-choice questions that review your knowledge of behavior analysis principles and applications. A passing score lets you practice independently and supervise BCaBAs, RBTs, and other professionals who implement behavior-analytic interventions.
You can apply for the BCBA-D designation with doctoral or postdoctoral training in behavior analysis. This designation doesn’t give additional privileges beyond BCBA certification, but it shows your advanced education.
Pennsylvania Behavior Specialist License
Pennsylvania doesn’t have separate state licensure just for BCBAs. Many practitioners get the Behavior Specialist license through the Pennsylvania Board of Medicine. This license matters a lot when working with people under 21 years old.
The Behavior Specialist license needs:
- Master’s degree or higher in an approved field of study
- One year of experience in functional behavior assessments for children under 21
- 1,000 hours of clinical experience with individuals with behavioral challenges
- 90 hours of evidence-based coursework spread across specific areas
The Behavior Specialist license doesn’t require an exam, unlike the BCBA certification.
Application Process
The Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) handles Behavior Specialist license applications. Your application package should have:
- Completed verification forms for education, clinical experience, and behavior assessment experience
- Official transcripts sent directly from your educational institution
- Verification of evidence-based coursework
- Criminal background checks
- Self-query from the National Practitioner Data Bank
- Application fee of $75
Most applications take 30-60 days to process.
Maintaining Your Credentials
BCBA certification requires you to:
- Complete 32 continuing education credits every 2 years
- Follow the BACB’s ethics guidelines
- Submit your recertification application before the current one expires
The Behavior Specialist license needs:
- Renewal by December 31 of even-numbered years
- 2 hours of Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting
- A renewal fee of $75
Important Considerations
Moving to Pennsylvania with an existing BCBA certification is straightforward since the state recognizes the BACB credential. You should check any local regulations that might affect your practice.
Act 41 makes it easier to transfer out-of-state professional licenses to Pennsylvania if you’re in good standing without disciplinary actions or criminal convictions.
Many Pennsylvania professionals keep both credentials to maximize their practice opportunities. The BCBA certification gives you national recognition and lets you supervise others. The Behavior Specialist license specifically allows you to work with children in Pennsylvania.
Salaries for BCBAs in Pennsylvania
BCBAs in Pennsylvania can look forward to great earning potential. This career path offers promising financial rewards, and knowing the salary landscape helps you plan your professional future better.
Recent data from Indeed shows Pennsylvania BCBAs earn an average annual salary of $81,966, based on 5,700+ salary reports over 36 months. ZipRecruiter paints an even better picture with $89,289 yearly, which comes to $42.93 per hour or $7,440 monthly. These differences show how salary data can vary between sources.
New BCBAs start around $47,490 in Pittsburgh and $53,080 in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area. Your earnings grow as you gain experience in the field. Experienced BCBAs can earn up to $113,510 yearly.
Your location in Pennsylvania plays a vital role in determining your pay. The state’s top-paying cities are:
- Lancaster – $94,349 yearly
- Scranton – $91,338 yearly
- Downingtown – $92,363 yearly
- Harrisburg – $88,226 yearly
- Philadelphia – $84,176 to $89,885 yearly (varies by source)
Lancaster leads the pack with salaries almost $10,000 higher than Philadelphia, the largest metro area. Market demand often matters more than living costs in setting BCBA salaries.
Total Care ABA reports Pennsylvania’s average BCBA salary at $61,973, which falls below national figures. States like Massachusetts ($95,048), Hawaii ($94,601), and California ($86,882) pay by a lot more. The Northeast region typically pays $70,000 to $95,000, with Pennsylvania near the lower end.
ZipRecruiter’s data shows most Pennsylvania BCBAs earn between $74,200 (25th percentile) and $90,700 (75th percentile). Top performers (90th percentile) can make up to $132,818 yearly. This $16,500 range between the 25th and 75th percentiles shows room for growth based on your skills, location, and experience.
Pennsylvania ranks 50th among all states for BCBA salaries according to ZipRecruiter, with limited hiring activity. The massive 3,571% increase in demand still creates opportunities for certified BCBAs.
Seasoned BCBAs with 10+ years of experience earn more. Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area offers median salaries of $113,510, with the 75th percentile at $123,530 and 90th percentile reaching $130,210. Pittsburgh numbers are slightly lower – median at $101,190, 75th percentile at $110,700, and 90th percentile at $123,340.
In a nutshell, Pennsylvania might not top the national salary charts, but BCBA careers still offer excellent earning potential. Your location in the state, combined with your credentials and experience, shapes your earning prospects as you pursue behavioral specialist schooling and BCBA certification in PA.
Careers in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania now ranks 9th nationwide in BCBA job openings. The state saw a 54% jump in demand from 2023 to 2024. Job postings reached 3,828 positions for behavior analysts in 2024, showing remarkable growth across the state.
BCBAs can work in a variety of settings after getting certified in PA. Here’s where you can find opportunities:
- Educational institutions (public and private schools)
- Healthcare facilities and hospitals
- Private practices and clinics
- Community organizations
- Home-based service providers
- Corporate settings with in-house counseling
The growth in BCBA positions comes from how well Applied Behavior Analysis works in treating autism and other developmental disorders. This therapy method has gained recognition everywhere, creating many opportunities for qualified practitioners throughout Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Erie have the highest number of BCBA positions. These urban areas offer great career prospects because they have larger populations needing ABA services.
Your job title and pay in Pennsylvania depend on your experience and work setting. New BCBAs often start as Clinical Supervisors or Staff BCBAs, earning around $62,000. With experience, you can move up to Lead BCBA roles that pay up to $135,200 per year. Clinical Director positions pay between $110,000 and $118,000 for seasoned professionals.
Clinical settings dominate today’s BCBA job market in Pennsylvania. Attain ABA hires throughout the state and lets you work up to 50% from home. Positive Behavior Supports Corporation has openings in Pittsburgh and Bethel Park. Success On The Spectrum focuses on hiring in the Lancaster area.
Schools keep hiring BCBAs regularly. CCRES Educational and Behavioral Health Services looks for professionals across various school districts. Healthcare systems and autism centers like NeurAbilities Healthcare, Soar Autism Center, and The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh are always recruiting.
Many employers now offer flexible work arrangements. Companies like Ascend Autism Group, Acorn Health, and Thrive Therapy let you choose between working remotely or partly in the office. This flexibility helps BCBAs maintain a better work-life balance.
The competitive job market makes proper credentials through behavioral specialist schooling essential. Most jobs need BCBA certification and prefer candidates who have worked with specific populations or settings.
Pennsylvania gives BCBAs a chance to work as Behavioral Consultants in the state’s Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) program. These roles help children and adolescents with behavioral health needs while working alongside other healthcare professionals.
Want better job prospects as a new BCBA in PA? Focus your training and supervised fieldwork on high-demand areas like autism treatment or early intervention. This approach will improve your chances in this growing job market.
Next Steps
A career as a BCBA in Pennsylvania offers excellent growth and plenty of opportunities. This piece outlines the complete path to BCBA certification in PA. You’ll learn about everything from educational requirements to career paths and salary expectations.
The field has seen a remarkable 3,571% increase in jobs since 2010, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. We focused on expanding ABA therapy across the state through the PA Autism Insurance Act. Your behavioral specialist schooling now will put you in a perfect position to take advantage of this growing field.
The path requires dedication. You’ll need to complete a master’s degree, finish supervised fieldwork hours, and pass the certification exam. Getting both the national BCBA certification and Pennsylvania’s Behavior Specialist license will open up more professional opportunities. You can work with people from all backgrounds.
Pennsylvania’s BCBA salaries might not top the national charts, but they offer great earning potential as you gain experience. Your location in the state will substantially affect your pay. Places like Lancaster and Scranton offer higher salaries than bigger cities like Philadelphia.
The most rewarding aspect is making a real difference in people’s lives. Pennsylvania ranks 9th nationwide for BCBA job opportunities. Your skills will be needed in educational institutions, healthcare facilities, private practices, and community organizations.
Becoming a BCBA takes time and dedication, but the rewards make it worthwhile. After certification, you’ll join a growing community of professionals who help improve lives through evidence-based behavioral interventions. Your career as a BCBA in Pennsylvania is waiting – start your journey today.