How to Become a BCBA in Washington

Want to get BCBA certification in Washington? Your career prospects look promising with projected growth exceeding 20% through 2030. The state currently has only 1,500 certified BCBAs practicing, making this the perfect time to enter the field.

Washington passed legislation in 2015 that established licensing requirements for behavior analysts. The law created three distinct classifications: Applied Behavior Analysts (ABAs), Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts (LABAs), and Certified Behavior Technicians (CBTs). The path to BCBA certification remains clear but challenging, with exam pass rates hovering around 60%.

This page guides you through each step to certification in Washington state. Your license will remain valid for two years, and your expertise will be valuable in the job market. The path works well for both newcomers and professionals from related fields who want to make the switch.

Education Requirements for Washington BCBAs

Getting your Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification in Washington needs proper planning and specific qualifications. You should understand these requirements before spending your time and resources to get BCBA certification.

Washington’s requirements are similar to national BACB standards but have slight differences. The first step is to get a master’s or doctorate degree in behavior analysis or a related field. The Washington State Department of Health accepts a wider range of degree concentrations than the BACB. These degrees can be in:

• Behavior Analysis
• Education
• Human Services
• Engineering
• Medicine
• Natural Science
• Other related fields approved by the Department of Health

Your degree requirements don’t stop there. You must complete a minimum of 225 classroom hours of graduate-level instruction in behavior analysis topics. The Department of Health will review your official transcripts during the application process.

Your program must meet certification bodies’ curriculum standards. Programs with accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) or the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) have pre-approved curricula that meet board requirements. ABAI now manages all aspects of the Verified Course Sequence (VCS) system since January 1, 2019, which was previously handled by BACB.

Keep in mind that after 2025, you’ll need to either attend recognized or accredited programs, or have a VCS coordinator at your institution verify your coursework. This change will give a standardized educational foundation for future BCBAs.

Several Washington universities offer programs that meet these requirements. The University of Washington’s ABA programs let students earn their master’s degree in special education while completing BCBA certification coursework. These programs satisfy all BACB coursework and supervision requirements.

Whitworth University’s ABA program shows impressive results. Their graduates’ first-attempt pass rate for the BCBA exam is 80%, which is higher than the national average of 55% by a lot. ABAI verifies their coursework, and students can complete the ABA course sequence while earning their master’s degree.

Gonzaga University offers a verified course sequence that meets BCBA examination eligibility requirements. Their program has eight specific courses that follow national standards and cover everything from basic ABA principles to ethics and supervision.

Supervised experience is a vital part of your education. Washington requires at least 1,500 hours of supervised experience in behavior analysis. Universities like Whitworth give options for partial or full supervision of required fieldwork hours.

ABA programs need official transcripts for verification. The typical application requirements include:

• A completed online application
• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA (usually 3.0)
• Letters of recommendation (typically two to three)
• Personal statement or essay
• Professional resume
• Official transcripts from previous institutions

After completing these educational components, you can take the BCBA examination—your final step before applying for your Washington state license.

Getting Your Licensure and Credentials

The path to becoming a licensed behavior analyst in Washington starts after you complete your educational requirements. You must pass the BCBA examination and complete the state licensure process.

The BCBA examination marks a crucial step in your certification experience. Pearson VUE administers this computer-based test at authorized testing centers. The exam includes 185 multiple-choice questions and gives you four hours to complete it. Each question presents four possible answers with one correct option. You’ll see your results immediately at the testing site. Official confirmation will appear in your BACB account about a week later.

Here’s how to schedule your examination:

1. Submit your certification application to the BACB
2. Upon approval, schedule your exam through your Pearson VUE account
3. Pay the examination fee
4. Select an authorized testing location (available in the US, Canada, Australia, and UK)

Note that you should schedule or reschedule at least 48 hours before your appointment to avoid extra fees. Changes made within 30 days of your exam date will result in penalties.

Once you pass your examination, you’ll need to get licensure through the Washington State Department of Health. The state offers three professional classifications:

• Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA)
• Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst (LABA)
• Certified Behavior Technician (CBT)

You can qualify as a Licensed Behavior Analyst through several paths. The simplest way requires current BACB certification as a BCBA. You can also qualify by meeting these requirements:

• A master’s or doctorate degree in behavior analysis or related field
• 225 classroom hours of graduate-level behavior analysis instruction
• 1,500 hours of supervised experience
• Passing the national BCBA examination

The application process requires submitting your forms to the Department of Health with a $250.00 fee. This fee covers both application processing and your initial license. Your license stays valid for two years and expires on your birthday. Renewal requires $350.00 and proof of 32 continuing education hours, including four hours focused on professional ethics and boundaries.

Washington provides licensure by endorsement if you’re already licensed in another state with equivalent requirements. This reciprocal arrangement currently applies to 28 states. The state also offers temporary licenses for practitioners who are licensed elsewhere and plan to practice in Washington for less than 180 days or are applying for full licensure.

Getting your license puts you among approximately 1,500 certified BCBAs practicing across Washington state. The profession shows strong potential for growth in the coming years.

Salaries for BCBAs in Washington

What salary can you expect as a BCBA in Washington after completing your certification? The financial picture looks bright. Your compensation will vary based on where you work, your experience, and your work setting.

BCBAs in Washington earn between $84,054 and $100,886, depending on the source. Washington ranks sixth nationwide for behavior analyst pay with an average annual salary of $93,576.

Your earnings can go much higher with experience. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that BCBAs with ten years of experience in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area earn a median salary of $111,030. The 75th percentile reaches $124,490, while the 90th percentile hits $131,210.

Starting salaries are competitive too. New BCBAs in the Seattle metro area can earn between $56,730 (10th percentile) and $111,030 (median).

Your location in Washington plays a big role in what you’ll earn. Here’s a city-by-city breakdown of average annual salaries:

• Spokane: $86,630
• Seattle: $86,209 ($101,428 according to ZipRecruiter)
• Issaquah: $84,874 ($102,734 according to ZipRecruiter)
• Tacoma: $84,336
• Olympia: $84,128

Most salaries fall between $83,800 (25th percentile) and $102,500 (75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) can make up to $150,069 yearly across Washington.

Your pay depends on more than just location. Experience level offers great chances for growth, with salary ranges varying up to $18,700 based on your skills and time in the field. Your work setting matters too – whether you choose clinical work, education, or private practice.

The current job market in Washington shows fewer companies hiring. This might affect your negotiating power when entering the field. Yet, your investment in education and credentials usually leads to strong earning potential.

BCBA certification in Washington opens doors to a rewarding career financially. These salary figures show the economic benefits waiting for you once you become a certified behavior analyst in this growing field.

Careers in Washington

BCBAs in Washington state have excellent prospects for growth. The job market for behavior analysts and mental health professionals will grow more than 20% through 2030. This creates plenty of opportunities for newly certified professionals.

Washington currently has about 1,500 certified BCBAs. They mostly work with people who have autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities. This small number of practitioners shows great potential if you want to get BCBA certification.

You can find jobs as a certified behavior analyst in many settings:

• Educational institutions: Schools, universities, and special education programs
• Healthcare facilities: Hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers
• Private practices: Independent clinics and consulting firms
• Nonprofit organizations: Community-based programs focused on behavioral health

Urban centers like Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue have the most BCBA positions. Job platforms show dozens of active BCBA listings statewide. Many employers offer competitive benefits and flexible work arrangements.

After getting your BCBA certification, you can choose from several career paths beyond the usual behavior analyst role. You might become a clinical supervisor, autism specialist, behavioral therapist, or early intervention specialist. With experience, many BCBAs move up to program director positions or start their own practices.

Your career path really depends on what interests you most. Some BCBAs prefer working with children who have autism, while others focus on adult populations or specific behavioral challenges. ABA training lets you use behavior analysis principles with different groups and settings.

Teaching could be your thing – several Washington universities hire BCBAs as instructors for their ABA programs. You’ll need extra experience, but it’s a great way to help shape future professionals.

To stand out after certification, look into high-demand areas or specialized populations. Employers value BCBAs who show strong clinical assessment skills and know how to design treatment plans that work. They especially want professionals who can work together well with schools, families, and community groups.

Getting certified as a behavior analyst in Washington opens doors to many possibilities in this faster growing field.

Next Steps

Getting your Washington BCBA license is just the beginning of your career path. Applied behavior analysis demands continuous learning to keep your credentials current and grow professionally.

You need to complete 32 continuing education (CE) hours every two years to keep your certification active. This must have at least four hours focused on professional ethics and boundaries. Washington now requires all behavior analysts to complete two hours of health equity training within their first full CE reporting period starting January 1, 2024. These hours fit within your existing requirements without adding to the total.

The annual Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) conference offers great professional development opportunities. You can reach the ABAI office at (269) 492-9310 or convention@abainternational.org with any questions. Make the most of your conference experience by:

• Sending personal follow-up emails to new contacts within 48 hours
• Setting up 15-minute meetings with potential collaborators
• Hosting “Lunch & Learn” sessions to share knowledge with your team

The University of Washington Autism Center has specialized training programs to build your post-certification skills. Their workshops teach understanding autism, using visual supports, handling challenging behaviors, and developing executive functioning skills. Many BCBAs also choose to pursue doctoral education after getting field experience. The University of Washington’s PhD in Special Education program could be a good fit after working as a BCBA for several years.

Advanced programs and positions follow a clear timeline. Application processing takes seven business days after submission deadlines. Committee reviews start about three weeks later. You’ll get email updates when your application moves to review and when final decisions are ready.

Keep your BACB credentials current by following changing requirements. By July 1, 2026, ACE (Authorized Continuing Education) providers must meet new standards. Check that your CE courses count toward recertification. All certificates and materials need the updated ACE logo by late 2025.

Your path from certification to advanced practice needs ongoing education. This helps you stay current with evidence-based behavioral interventions and opens opportunities for leadership roles and specialized areas.

A career as a BCBA in Washington state can lead to an amazing experience of helping others through evidence-based interventions. The path to certification will give you a well-laid-out framework that anyone can follow with determination and planning.

Washington’s behavioral analyst community stays relatively small compared to the growing need. This creates a great chance for newcomers who want to invest in their professional development. The state’s complete regulatory framework maintains high standards and provides clear guidelines for certification.

You can get valuable support through these resources:

• The Washington State Department’s health division (behavior analyst licensing)
• The Behavior Analyst Certification Board website
• University program advisors at schools offering verified course sequences

The original certification process needs serious dedication, but the professional and financial rewards make it worth the investment. Most practitioners love the mix of competitive salaries, job security, and knowing how to create meaningful changes in their clients’ lives.

BCBA certification in Washington marks just the start of your professional experience. The field keeps evolving with new research and methods. This makes it perfect for people who love lifelong learning and professional growth.

Your path to success involves completing proper education, getting supervised experience, passing the examination, and securing state licensure. This approach will help you join this dynamic profession and improve Washington residents’ behavioral health services.