How to Become a BCBA in Texas

Want to become a BCBA in Texas? Texas ranks third nationwide for behavior analyst opportunities, with more than 4,000 BCBAs already practicing. The field continues to grow steadily.

The journey to becoming a board certified behavior analyst in Texas can be challenging. You’ll need to meet specific educational requirements and pass an exam with a 60-70% pass rate. On top of that, BCBA Texas professionals must follow regulations from the Texas Behavior Analyst Licensing Board. The license costs $165 and remains valid for two years. The career outlook makes these BCBA requirements worth it in Texas. Job openings saw a 14% increase from 2022 to 2023.

Ready to join this expanding field? This guide walks you through every step you need to know. You’ll learn about education requirements, licensing procedures, and career opportunities to become a successful behavior analyst in Texas.

Education Requirements for Texas BCBAs

The right education is the foundation of your experience to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in Texas. BCBA certification shows you’ve achieved graduate-level expertise in behavior analysis. This qualification lets you work independently to provide behavior-analytic services and supervise others.

Education Requirements for Texas BCBAs

Your path to becoming a BCBA in Texas begins with meeting specific educational criteria. Here’s what you need to qualify for BCBA certification:

1. Master’s Degree Requirement – A master’s degree in behavior analysis, psychology, special education, or a related field is required. This advanced education gives you the theoretical background you need to practice as a behavior analyst.
2. Coursework Requirements – Your degree program must include specific behavior-analytic coursework that lines up with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requirements. These courses cover ethics, assessment methods, and intervention strategies.

Texas offers two main ways to meet these educational requirements:

Pathway 1: ABAI-Accredited Programs – ABAI-accredited (Tier 1) and ABAI-recognized (Tiers 2a and 2b) programs meet all BACB’s degree and coursework eligibility requirements. Since January 1, 2022, these ABAI-Accredited Programs have met both degree and coursework requirements for BCBA certification applications.

Pathway 2: Behavior Analytic Coursework You can also complete a master’s degree plus specific behavior-analytic coursework. This pathway requires courses that meet BACB’s specifications. In spite of that, new coursework requirements for Pathway 2 applications will start January 1, 2027.

A big change is coming: by 2032, all BCBA candidates must get their degree from an accredited master’s program. This change will make sure behavior analysis professionals graduate from high-quality programs that focus on hands-on learning.

Verified Course SequencesThe Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has managed all aspects of the Verified Course Sequence (VCS) system since January 1, 2019, taking over from BACB. Programs with ABAI-verified course sequences will help you meet certification requirements.

Supervised Experience Requirement Hands-on training is vital. You’ll need 1,500 hours of supervised experience with at least 75 hours of supervision from a qualified BCBA. This practical work helps you develop real-world skills in applying behavior analysis principles.

Texas Universities Offering BCBA Programs These Texas universities offer programs that meet BCBA requirements:

• University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA): A fully accredited master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis
• University of North Texas (UNT): Required courses available 100% online through Behavior Analysis Online (BAO)
• Texas State University and University of Houston: Coursework that meets BACB criteria

UTSA’s program includes fieldwork experiences, coursework, and research opportunities. Students can pick between a detailed concentration with different fieldwork sites or a focused concentration. The focused option lets you work full-time at one approved site to complete 2,000 fieldwork hours.

Your program will help you build skills with different populations and settings. You’ll work with severe behavior clients, teenagers, toddlers in homes, clinics, and schools. This broad training prepares you for the many situations you’ll face as a practicing BCBA.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) doesn’t need direct proof of your educational requirements. Your current certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board proves you’ve met the education requirements.

Some universities might not provide supervision for experience hours. You might need to find a qualified supervisor on your own. Most students working in clinics and schools get supervision from qualified BCBAs at their workplace.

Getting Your Licensure and Credentials

Your next crucial step after completing your education is to get proper licensure and credentials for your BCBA Texas trip. Texas law has required behavior analysts to be licensed to practice in the state since September 1, 2018.

Getting Your Licensure and Credentials

A behavior analyst license in Texas requires current certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D) from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). You can also qualify as a Qualified Behavior Analyst (QBA) from the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board. You must comply with all professional, ethical, and disciplinary standards set by the certifying entity.

Here are the steps to get your Texas license after certification:

1. Complete the BACB Supervised Fieldwork – You need 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork or 2,000 hours of regular supervised fieldwork. The main difference is supervision intensity. Concentrated fieldwork needs 10% of hours supervised with 6 supervisor contacts monthly. Regular fieldwork requires 5% supervision with 4 monthly contacts.
2. Pass the BACB Examination – The BCBA exam has 185 multiple-choice questions (175 scored). It covers nine knowledge categories from the official BCBA task list. You have four hours to complete the exam at Pearson VUE testing centers across Texas.
3. Apply for State Licensure – Submit your application online through the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) website. Behavior analysts pay a license fee of $165, while assistant behavior analysts pay $110. Your license stays valid for two years.
4. Complete Criminal Background Check – Every applicant must pass a criminal history background check. You can have your criminal history assessed before submitting your application and non-refundable fees.
5. Receive Your License – After approval, you can print an online license verification and start working. Your physical license certificate will arrive by mail.

Texas doesn’t require a state-specific exam for licensure. Your BACB or QABA certification proves you’ve passed the required examination.

Some professionals don’t need a license. College students, interns, and fellows working under supervision in behavior analysis programs are exempt. Licensed psychologists and other professionals can provide behavior analysis services within their education, training, and competence scope.

License renewal happens every two years. TDLR sends a reminder email 60 days before expiration. Renewal costs match initial fees—$165 for Behavior Analysts and $110 for Assistant Behavior Analysts. Texas doesn’t require state-based continuing education, but you must keep your BACB or QABA certification current.

A mandatory human trafficking prevention training course approved by the Health and Human Services Commission is required before each renewal. If you don’t renew right away, you’ll get a postcard when 30 days remain. A 90-day grace period follows license expiration. During this time, reinstatement costs 1.5 times the regular fee. The cost doubles after this period. After three years, you must submit a new application.

Out-of-state behavior analysts can work in Texas for up to 20 days per calendar year without a Texas license. In spite of that, moving to Texas with an out-of-state license means applying for a Texas behavior analyst license. This process includes submitting your out-of-state license verification and meeting background check requirements.

Salaries for BCBAs in Texas

BCBAs earn competitive pay that matches their specialized expertise and years of training. Your Texas license and education can lead to good compensation, though your exact salary depends on where you work and your experience level.

ZipRecruiter’s August 2025 data shows Texas BCBAs make an average annual salary of $82,987. This breaks down to $39.90 per hour, $1,595 weekly, or $6,915 monthly. Texas ranks 46th among all states for BCBA pay, which means you might earn more in other states.

BCBA salaries in Texas vary quite a bit. You could earn anywhere from $44,254 to $138,817 according to ZipRecruiter. Most BCBAs make between $68,900 (25th percentile) and $84,300 (75th percentile), while top performers (90th percentile) take home $123,444 yearly. The $15,400 gap between the 25th and 75th percentiles shows you have room to grow based on your skills, location, and experience.

Regional Salary Variations Across Texas

Your location in Texas affects your earning potential by a lot. Here are the cities that pay BCBAs the most:

BLS data reveals even better pay for experienced BCBAs in big cities. Houston’s experienced behavior analysts can earn up to $109,470 yearly. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington’s experienced professionals earn median salaries of $105,930, with top earners reaching $129,110.

New BCBAs in Texas cities start with impressive salaries too. Austin-Round Rock’s starting salary at the 10th percentile is $81,600, while the 25th percentile reaches $93,890. Some entry-level jobs in Texas cities pay more than what experienced BCBAs make in other parts of the state.

Texas offers good money, but other states might pay better. One study puts Texas at 46th place for BCBA pay nationwide, with yearly earnings of $76,769 (that’s $6,397 monthly, $1,476 weekly, or $36.91 hourly).

BCBAs consistently earn more than similar roles in Texas. Related jobs like Clinical Behavior Analyst ($77,133), Behavioral Data Analyst ($76,992), and Senior ABA Therapist ($74,250) all pay less than the BCBA average. This higher pay shows why completing your BCBA requirements in Texas is worth it.

The Texas BCBA job market tells an interesting story. ZipRecruiter says the current market is “not very active” with few companies hiring. This seems odd since nationwide demand for behavior analysts grew 14% in 2023 alone.

Your investment in BCBA education and licensing in Texas usually pays off through competitive salaries. You’ll earn more if you work in major cities or build specialized experience. The wide range of salaries across different regions gives new BCBAs a good starting point and experienced professionals room to grow.

Careers in Texas

Texas has emerged as a powerhouse for behavior analyst employment. The state ranks third nationwide in the need for BCBAs. Job postings that require BCBA or BCBA-D certification have jumped by 62% from 2023 to 2024. This remarkable growth creates excellent opportunities for new graduates and experienced professionals who want to build their careers in the Lone Star State.

Several key factors have driven this rising need across Texas:

• More autism diagnoses have created a greater need for Applied Behavior Analysis services
• Better insurance coverage has made ABA therapy available to more people
• Schools have started integrating behavior analysis into their programs

BCBAs in Texas work in a variety of professional settings:

• Clinical settings – Private ABA clinics and therapy centers
• Educational institutions – Schools, early intervention programs, and university research labs
• Healthcare facilities – Hospitals and residential treatment centers
• Home-based services – Direct therapy in clients’ homes

Major metropolitan areas offer the most job opportunities. Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio have many ABA companies and school districts that are looking for qualified behavior analysts. San Antonio alone has 17 school districts and over 30 ABA companies that need behavior analysts.

The current shortage of qualified professionals in this thriving job market leads to quick career advancement. Many organizations attract talent with sign-on bonuses between $3,000 and $10,000. The growth of telehealth has also created flexible work options that help BCBAs reach clients in remote areas throughout Texas.

BCBAs can choose to specialize in different areas. Some focus on autism spectrum disorders, while others work in education, healthcare, or social services to develop behavior modification programs for different populations.

Texas presents great opportunities for professionals who want to start their own practice. Several organizations are looking for BCBAs interested in launching independent ABA practices across the state.

The job market continues to thrive as employers try new strategies to address the ongoing BCBA shortage. They have expanded training programs, offered competitive compensation packages, and improved workplace support to keep their existing professionals. This situation allows qualified BCBAs to negotiate better employment terms, especially in underserved areas where services are needed most.

Next Steps

A career as a BCBA in Texas provides excellent stability and room to grow. Qualified behavior analysts are in high demand throughout the state, especially in metro areas where employers compete to hire talent. Your educational background, supervised fieldwork, and certification will prepare you well for this rewarding profession.

Texas offers many advantages to behavior analysts. You can earn competitive salaries averaging $83,000 per year with opportunities in clinical settings, schools, healthcare facilities, and home-based services. The career options remain diverse and abundant. You also have the flexibility to work in busy cities like Dallas and Austin or choose less crowded markets where your expertise might earn you higher pay.

The path may look daunting at first. The structured process builds a strong foundation for long-term success as you complete your master’s degree, accumulate supervised hours, and pass certification exams. Each step helps you develop essential skills that you’ll use throughout your career to serve different populations.

The current dual-pathway system gives you flexible options based on your educational background and career goals, though requirements will change by 2032 when all candidates must graduate from accredited programs. Better insurance coverage for ABA services and more autism diagnoses makes jobs in this field even more secure.

Note that Texas’s average compensation might be lower than some states, but the lower cost of living often makes up for this difference. Sign-on bonuses and chances for advancement create significant financial benefits, particularly if you’re willing to work in underserved areas.

Most importantly, a BCBA career in Texas goes beyond financial rewards. Your work will help countless individuals and families while establishing you as a respected healthcare professional in an expanding field. With good planning and commitment to meeting requirements, you can join over 4,000 behavior analysts who make a difference in the Lone Star State.