How to Become a BCBA in Tennessee: Your 2026 Career Roadmap
Want to become a BCBA in Tennessee? You’re looking at a career with great growth potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects behavior analysts’ employment to grow 25% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than other occupations. Nashville’s BCBA job market should expand by 20% in the next decade.
BCBAs enjoy stable careers with competitive pay, and Nashville’s professionals earn around $65,000 annually. The field needs qualified professionals – more than 1.3 million Tennessee adults dealt with mental illness last year. You’ll need specific BCBA training and supervised fieldwork between 1,500 to 2,000 hours. The final step is passing the BCBA exam that has 175 multiple-choice questions. This piece covers all requirements, timelines, and essential information you should know to build a rewarding career as a BCBA in the Volunteer State.
Education Requirements for Tennessee BCBAs
Getting your Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification in Tennessee starts with the right education. A good understanding of these requirements will help you plan your career path better.
You need a master’s or doctoral degree in behavior analysis, psychology, education, or a related field from an accredited institution to qualify for BCBA certification in Tennessee. This advanced degree gives you the knowledge base you need to understand complex human behaviors and create effective interventions.
The best way forward is to complete a program accredited by either the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) or recognized by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). These programs meet all the educational requirements for BCBA certification automatically.
Students who choose non-accredited programs must complete these graduate-level behavior analysis courses:
- BACB 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: 60 hours
The ABAI has a list of Verified Course Sequences (VCS) that meet these requirements. The VCS system will end on December 31, 2025. Your university must verify that coursework standards have been met from 2026 onwards.
Tennessee asks aspiring BCBAs to complete at least 1,500 hours of supervised experience in behavior analysis. This hands-on training helps you apply theoretical knowledge in real-life settings and develop clinical skills.
Many Tennessee universities offer BCBA-track programs. The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, the University of Memphis, Tennessee Tech University, and Vanderbilt University lead the pack. To name just one example, the University of Memphis program trains students as scientist-practitioners who use behavior analysis principles to make meaningful changes.
These programs usually need:
- An undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5-2.75 on a 4.0 scale
- GRE or MAT scores (requirements vary by institution)
- Official transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statements outlining career goals
Most programs offer evening classes. You can finish your master’s degree in about two years by taking two evening classes each semester. Your studies will cover behavior change theories, ethical issues, behavioral assessments, and research designs.
After graduation, you’ll need to complete any remaining supervised fieldwork hours. Vanderbilt’s students usually finish their fieldwork requirements within six months to one year after graduation.
New coursework requirements for Pathway 2 applications for BCBA eligibility will start on January 1, 2027. Keep track of these upcoming changes if you’re planning your education timeline.
A clear understanding of these educational requirements and good planning will set you up for success in getting your BCBA certification and starting a rewarding career in behavior analysis in Tennessee.
Getting Your Licensure and Credentials
Getting your license is the next vital step to becoming a BCBA in Tennessee after completing your education. You’ll need certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) before applying for state licensure.
The BCBA examination comes after meeting eligibility requirements and submitting your certification application to the BACB. This four-hour computer-based test has 185 multiple-choice questions that cover various behavior analysis domains. You can take the exam at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers across Tennessee, with locations in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and other cities.
You’ll know your results right away at the testing site. The official confirmation shows up in your BACB account about a week later. The next step is applying for state licensure through Tennessee’s Applied Behavior Analyst Licensing Committee, which is now 9 years old.
Here’s what you need to get your Tennessee license as a Behavior Analyst (LBA):
- Complete an online application through the TN License and Regulatory System portal or submit a paper application
- Provide two letters of recommendation from professionals in behavior analysis or related fields
- Submit verification of licensure if licensed in another state
- Complete a criminal background check
- Pay the $100 application fee
The Tennessee Department of Health will check your BACB certification directly. The process becomes simpler if you’re already licensed in another state – Tennessee’s licensure by reciprocity waives the recommendation letter requirement.
Your Tennessee behavior analyst license stays valid for two years. To keep your credentials current, you must:
- Renew your BACB certification every two years by completing 32 continuing education units (four of which must relate to ethics)
- Renew your Tennessee license through the state’s Applied Behavior Analyst Licensing Committee
- Complete at least 3 continuing education hours specifically on cultural diversity
The cultural diversity requirement should cover identity aspects related to age, disability, gender, race/ethnicity, religious/spiritual orientation, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or other cultural dimensions.
Tennessee has started using CE Broker as its official continuing education tracking system. The system gives licensees a free Basic Account to track their compliance and includes a complete course search feature to find approved continuing education opportunities.
Following these licensure steps carefully will allow you to practice legally as a BCBA in Tennessee. You’ll join a growing profession that serves the state’s behavioral health needs.
Salaries for BCBAs in Tennessee
Tennessee ranks among the highest-paying states for Board Certified Behavior Analysts nationwide. A quick review of salaries will help you decide if this career matches your financial goals.
The average BCBA in Tennessee makes about $79,844 per year. This makes it an appealing choice for behavior analysis professionals. Your earnings could range from $45,308 to $140,705, based on your experience, workplace, and location within the state.
Your location significantly affects how much you can earn. Here are Tennessee’s top-paying cities for BCBAs:
- Chattanooga: $86,121 per year
- Smyrna: $84,150 per year
- Memphis: $84,015 per year
- Nashville: $83,946 per year
- Clarksville: $83,587 per year
Most urban areas in Tennessee pay well. Even cities like Knoxville ($81,890) and Hendersonville ($80,788) offer above-average salaries.
Tennessee’s national ranking is impressive. The state consistently appears among the top ten highest-paying states for behavior analysts, though its exact rank varies by source.
Your experience shapes your earning potential. Memphis’s data shows that BCBAs with ten years of experience earn between $98,490 (median) and $123,910 (top 10%). Entry-level positions in Tennessee’s behavior analysis market pay well too.
Southern BCBAs typically earn $60,000 to $80,000 yearly. Tennessee professionals often earn more than this regional average. Tennessee’s BCBAs earn roughly $7,116 monthly, which provides good financial stability.
Nashville’s salary outlook is bright, with yearly earnings averaging $83,946. Top Nashville professionals can earn up to $120,824 annually. This shows great earning potential as your career advances.
Completing your BCBA requirements in Tennessee sets you up for financial success in a field that offers competitive pay and growing opportunities.
Careers in Tennessee
BCBAs in Tennessee can explore career opportunities in a variety of settings. The state has seen a dramatic surge in behavior analyst positions, with BCaBA job postings showing an impressive 400% increase between 2023 and 2024. The Southeast region, including Tennessee, continues to grow at 20% annually.
The Tennessee job market welcomes behavior analysis experts in several professional environments:
- Healthcare facilities and autism treatment centers
- Public and private schools
- Residential facilities
- Private practices
- Higher education institutions
- Business settings for employee training
Most BCBAs work with children on the autism spectrum, but their influence extends way beyond the reach of this population. Some professionals supervise direct care providers in homes, while others create treatment plans for serious behavior disorders like self-injury and physical aggression. A career in higher education as a scientist or scholar might also appeal to you.
Nashville, Memphis, and Chattanooga show a strong need for qualified behavior analysts right now. Companies like Hopebridge give their staff well-laid-out career paths from entry-level BCBA to Clinical Director positions. Their system promotes growth through roles like Lead BCBA, Senior BCBA, and Assistant Clinical Director—each role bringing better pay.
Your career path in Tennessee will require ongoing professional development. BCBAs must earn 32 continuing education units every two years, with four units focused on ethics. Supervisory roles require three additional CEUs in supervision.
Many employers now offer flexible work arrangements with hybrid options. Staff can work remotely on administrative tasks like treatment planning. On top of that, larger companies provide relocation packages to bring qualified professionals to areas that need them.
The job market for behavior analysts in Tennessee stands strong compared to nearby states. Competition has increased as new graduates enter the field, but opportunities remain plentiful—especially when you have specialized training or relevant experience. Tennessee’s institutions, including the University of Tennessee and Tennessee Tech University, provide many professional development workshops to help you grow.
Next Steps
Getting your BCBA certification and Tennessee licensure is just the start of your professional path. Your credentials need regular updates through continuous learning and development.
CE Broker makes tracking your continuing education easy. This official system for the Tennessee Board of Behavior Analyst provides free Basic Accounts with simple tracking tools. Setting up your account takes just three steps:
- Visit https://cebroker.com/tn/account/basic/
- Enter your license number
- Start tracking your continuing education
CE Broker’s Course Search helps you find the right courses for license renewal quickly. Educational providers usually report your credits directly to CE Broker. Keep your certificates for your records too.
The Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis (TABA) brings great professional benefits. You’ll connect with behavior analysts throughout the state. TABA members get:
- Voting rights at annual meetings (Full and Sustaining Members)
- The chance to run for TABA office positions
- Lower rates for the annual TABA conference
- Entry to three regional meetings yearly, some with free CEUs
- A professional lobbying team protecting Behavior Analysis in Tennessee
- Discounts on 20+ hours of quality educational seminars annually
CE Broker’s customer service team knows Tennessee Board regulations well. They’re ready to help Monday through Friday, 8AM-8PM ET by phone (877-434-6323), email, or live chat.
Successful BCBAs in Tennessee keep building specialized skills. Many join peer study groups to learn about complex cases and treatment approaches. Working with colleagues can boost your professional growth.
Job requirements vary by setting, so read descriptions carefully. Most BCBA positions in Tennessee need reliable transportation to visit clients. Companies like Hopebridge offer simplified hiring with online applications, recruiter calls, and virtual interviews with Regional BCBAs.
Employers look for BCBAs who can handle Functional Behavior Assessments, create individualized treatment plans, and supervise team members. These responsibilities come with the reward of making real differences in clients’ lives.
A career as a BCBA in Tennessee needs careful planning and dedication. Your experience from original education to full certification usually takes 2-3 years. This timeline depends on your current credentials and knowing how to complete requirements at the same time.
You’ll need to get your master’s degree first. Full-time study typically takes about two years. Tennessee programs help working professionals with evening classes. This setup lets you take two classes each semester while you keep your job.
Make sure you understand your options before starting supervised fieldwork:
- Concentrated fieldwork: 1,500 hours (completed in 12-24 months)
- Supervised fieldwork: 2,000 hours (completed in 18-30 months)
Most candidates need 3-4 years to finish everything from starting their master’s program to passing the BCBA exam. Careful planning of your educational and professional experience helps create the best path forward.
The BCBA exam stands as a most important milestone. First-time test takers have about a 65% pass rate. The exam needs solid preparation since it covers everything from philosophical foundations to practical behavior-change procedures.
Joining professional organizations early can be valuable. The Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis welcomes students with special membership rates. This membership gives you networking opportunities and resources before certification.
Successful BCBAs suggest building professional connections during your education phase. Becoming a BCBA in Tennessee follows a well-laid-out path. The career offers great growth potential and competitive pay.