How to Become an ABA Therapist: A Step-by-Step Career Guide (Expert-Backed)

The number of board-certified behavior analysts has grown to over 48,000 as of July 2021.

A career as an ABA therapist offers growing opportunities but requires deep commitment. ABA therapists in the U.S. earn around $42,088 yearly. The broader field looks even better – behavioral health counselors earned a median salary of $47,660 as of May 2020.

The path demands true dedication. You’ll need to invest at least six years in education and practical training. On top of that, most states have strict rules about field experience. Many require more than 1,000 hours of hands-on clinical work under qualified professionals’ supervision.

Becoming a certified ABA therapist follows clear steps: completing specific courses, gaining supervised practical experience, and passing certification exams. The process might seem daunting but knowing exactly what steps to take makes the transition easier.

This piece breaks down ABA therapist requirements and education into five clear steps. We’ll guide you through everything from understanding the role to building your career in this rewarding field.

Step 1: Understand the Role of an ABA Therapist

Starting your journey as an ABA therapist requires a clear understanding of what you’ll do. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy lets professionals help you reach your full potential through evidence-based behavioral interventions.

What does an ABA therapist do?

ABA therapists are specialized professionals who identify and modify problematic behaviors, especially in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Their main job involves using behavior interventions that improve communication, social skills, and daily living abilities.

The daily responsibilities of an ABA therapist include:

• Conducting assessments to identify strengths, deficits, and target behaviors
• Using individualized treatment plans created by supervisors
• Collecting and analyzing behavioral data to track progress
• Documenting session outcomes and client responses
• Working together with families and other healthcare professionals

ABA professionals work within a structured hierarchy. Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) work directly with clients at the entry level and use strategies their supervisor’s design. Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) have advanced certifications, create treatment plans, and oversee implementation.

BCBAs begin their day by looking at behavioral data from previous sessions and make needed adjustments to keep client progress on track. RBTs get materials ready to teach specific skills and follow the BCBA’s plans during one-on-one sessions.

Where do ABA therapists work?

ABA therapy stands out because it works in many different settings. You can receive ABA therapy in several environments based on your needs:

Home Settings: A child’s natural environment offers access to familiar toys, people, and activities. Parents get more chances to learn and participate in therapy at home.

School Environments: ABA therapists work together with teachers and staff as part of a child’s IEP team. They focus on behavioral, social, and communication goals. People often call these professionals 1:1 aides or IEP assistants.

Clinical Settings: Clinics provide distraction-free spaces where therapists work one-on-one with clients in customizable environments. These structured settings help address moderate to severe behavioral challenges effectively.

Community Locations: ABA therapy happens in grocery stores, malls, and parks. This helps people practice their skills in real situations that home or school can’t replicate. Community-based services help people connect with the world around them.

Who benefits from ABA therapy?

ABA therapy helps more than just people with autism. Children and teens with autism spectrum disorder who struggle with communication, social interaction, and understanding social rules benefit the most.

Research shows ABA helps people with:

• ADHD and anxiety disorders
• Oppositional defiant disorder
• Developmental disabilities like Down syndrome
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Substance misuse and addiction challenges

ABA therapy works for people of all ages, from young children to adults. Starting early gives better results. The largest longitudinal study shows that intensive, long-term ABA therapy improves outcomes for many children with autism.

ABA treatment plans target your specific needs rather than using a “one-size-fits-all” approach. This personal touch makes ABA work well for many different behavioral challenges.

Step 2: Meet the Education Requirements

A solid educational foundation is the first step to becoming an ABA therapist. Your education forms the basis of specialized knowledge you need to excel in this field.

Bachelor’s degree options

You need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field to start your career. There isn’t one specific undergraduate major that’s mandatory for aspiring ABA therapists, but some disciplines will prepare you better for advanced study.

The most recommended undergraduate majors include:

• Psychology
• Special education
• Education
• Sociology
• Other behavioral sciences

These disciplines give you basic knowledge in human behavior, learning theories, and developmental psychology that you’ll use directly in ABA therapy practice. Psychology degrees are valuable because they explore human behavior, developmental disorders, and mental health conditions.

Students who know they want an ABA career can choose universities that offer specialized online bachelor’s degrees in Applied Behavior Analysis. These programs need 180 program credits, which include general education courses, core courses, elective courses, specialization courses, and capstone projects.

Applied behavioral analysis degree programs

Students gain distinct advantages from dedicated ABA undergraduate programs. Many programs include an Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) verified course sequence that meets educational requirements for the Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA) examination.

These specialized programs typically cover:

• Behavioral principles and concepts
• Research methods in behavior analysis
• Development of behavioral treatment plans
• Professional and ethical standards
• Practical application through capstone projects

Some bachelor’s programs include supervised fieldwork hours, which helps students get ahead on certification requirements. Programs like Florida Tech’s Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis meet all knowledge and experience requirements needed for BCaBA exam eligibility after graduation.

Look for programs accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) when choosing an undergraduate program. This accreditation ensures the curriculum meets professional standards.

Master’s degree and its importance

A master’s degree is essential for most professional positions in ABA therapy, despite entry-level opportunities with a bachelor’s degree. Graduate-level education matters because:

• You need it for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification
• Most states require it for licensure
• It opens up more career opportunities and leadership potential
• Insurance companies often require it for reimbursement under autism mandate laws

Master’s programs in ABA come as Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Teaching (MAT), or Master of Education (MEd) degrees. Schools of psychology, education, or dedicated schools of behavior analysis typically offer these programs.

The most common graduate options include:

• MS in Behavior Analysis
• MA in Applied Behavior Analysis
• MS in Counseling with an option in ABA
• MA in Psychology with an ABA concentration
• MA in Special Education with ABA focus

Quality graduate programs include the Verified Course Sequence (VCS) with 315 coursework hours across six content areas including philosophical underpinnings, behavior assessment, and personnel supervision. Many programs also offer built-in supervised fieldwork opportunities.

A bachelor’s degree helps you enter the field, but a master’s degree opens all professional opportunities. Data shows that professionals with a BCBA certification earn more money than those with undergraduate qualifications.

Step 3: Complete Supervised Fieldwork

Supervised fieldwork marks a crucial step in your trip to becoming an ABA therapist. This hands-on experience connects theory with real-world practice and prepares you for certification.

How many hours are required?

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) gives you two ways to complete your supervised fieldwork:

• Supervised Fieldwork: Requires 2,000 total hours with supervision for at least 5% of your hours
• Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork: Requires 1,500 total hours with supervision at 10% of your hours

You must complete these hours within 5 consecutive years. You’ll need to log between 20-130 hours each month—no exceptions. This limit helps maintain high clinical standards because working too much can lead to burnout and affect care quality.

It’s worth mentioning that you can’t start collecting fieldwork hours until you’ve begun your qualifying coursework and found a qualified supervisor. This means you’ll need to plan to complete this requirement quickly.

What does supervised experience involve?

Your supervised fieldwork will involve you in both restricted and unrestricted activities. Restricted activities mean working directly with clients. Unrestricted activities focus on typical BCBA daily tasks.

Each monthly supervision period must have:

• Regular supervisor-trainee meetings (4 for Supervised Fieldwork; 6 for Concentrated Fieldwork)
• At least one direct observation of your client work
• Individual supervision that makes up at least 50% of your supervised hours

Unrestricted activities should be at least 60% of your total fieldwork. These include assessment work, behavior intervention planning, data analysis, and staff training. Restricted activities like therapeutic procedures should be no more than 40% of your total hours.

Tips for finding a qualified supervisor

The right supervisor plays a vital role in your fieldwork experience. Your supervisor must:

• Have an active BCBA certification in good standing for at least one year
• Complete an 8-hour supervision training before they start supervising
• Not be related to you, work under you, or be hired by you during fieldwork

Look beyond just credentials when choosing a supervisor. Find someone whose expertise matches your career goals. ABA conferences and professional organizations are great ways to meet potential supervisors.

Talk to several candidates before you decide. Ask them about how they supervise, give feedback, and their experience with BCBA candidates. The most important thing is feeling at ease with your supervisor.

You should also think over whether in-person or remote supervision works better for you. In-person supervision lets you learn hands-on, while remote options give you flexibility and access to more experts.

Step 4: Get Certified and Licensed

ABA therapist certification and licensure are the final steps you need after completing your supervised experience. These credentials confirm your expertise and establish your professional standing in the field.

Overview of ABA therapist certification

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) manages the three main certifications in applied behavior analysis. This nonprofit organization, 1998 old, makes sure practitioners meet standardized requirements. You’ll need to verify your education, document supervised experience, and pass a detailed exam to get certified. The certification process helps employers and clients trust your qualifications and lets insurance companies reimburse your services.

Your BACB certification needs regular upkeep. You must complete continuing education, renew your certification every two years, and follow BACB’s ethics guidelines. These strict certification standards keep the field’s quality high.

BCBA vs. BCaBA vs. RBT credentials

Each certification level comes with its own scope of practice and responsibilities:

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT): This entry-level credential needs a high school diploma, 40 hours of training, passing the RBT competency assessment, and clearing the RBT exam. RBTs deliver direct therapy under supervision and put behavior plans from BCBAs into action.

Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA): This undergraduate-level credential requires a bachelor’s degree, specific behavior analysis coursework, supervised experience, and passing the BCaBA exam. BCaBAs must work with BCBA supervision.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): This graduate-level credential needs a master’s degree, extensive behavior analysis coursework, supervised fieldwork, and passing the BCBA exam. BCBAs can work independently and guide RBTs and BCaBAs.

BCBAs with doctoral degrees might earn the BCBA-D designation, though it doesn’t add more privileges than BCBA certification.

State-specific licensure requirements

Many states need extra licenses for ABA practitioners beyond BACB certification. State requirements usually include:

• Proof of education and BACB certification
• Application to the state licensing board
• Background checks
• State licensing fees
• Possible jurisprudence exams

BCBAs typically need state licenses, while RBTs often don’t. Each state has different licensing rules, so check your state’s requirements before you start practicing.

Step 5: Build Your Career and Keep Learning

Your real work as an ABA therapist starts after certification. Professional development becomes an important part of your career. This helps you stay current with best practices and research advancements.

How long does it take to become an ABA therapist?

Your certification path determines the timeline. You should plan to spend at least six years on education and practical training. This includes four years for a bachelor’s degree and two years for a master’s degree with certification. RBT certification takes 3-6 months, plus 1-2 years of practical experience. BCBA certification needs 2-4 years with master’s degree completion, fieldwork hours, and a passing exam score.

Continuing education and license renewal

Your certification needs regular updates through education. BCBAs must complete 32 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years. BCaBAs need 20 CEUs during this same period. Professional ethics must cover at least four CEUs. Supervisors need 3 additional CEUs in supervision.

BACB license renewal happens every two years. You must complete continuing education coursework and follow the BACB code of ethics. Missing CEU requirements leads to certification lapse. This disrupts client services and can harm your professional reputation.

Career paths and advancement opportunities

ABA therapy offers several professional growth paths:

• Registered Behavior Technician → Board Certified Behavior Analyst: Most professionals start as RBTs before becoming BCBAs
• Specialist roles: You can focus on early intervention, adult services, or other specialized areas
• Leadership positions: You can advance to clinical director, program coordinator, or start your own ABA clinic
• Academic pursuits: A doctorate lets you contribute to research or teach at university level

Active professional development boosts your skills, career growth, and client outcomes.

Next Steps

Becoming an ABA therapist takes dedication but rewards you by helping people reach their full potential. The experience involves several key stages: understanding your role, completing education requirements, getting supervised experience, earning certification, and growing professionally.

You can enter the field in different ways depending on your goals. Starting as an RBT needs minimal requirements, while pursuing BCBA certification requires graduate education. Note that the complete process usually takes six or more years. Each step helps you build skills you’ll use directly with clients.

ABA therapy gives you the freedom to work in a variety of settings – from homes and schools to clinics and community spaces. This flexibility lets you focus on your interests while making a real difference in your clients’ lives.

Your career growth continues well beyond certification. Many therapists move into specialized roles, take leadership positions, or start their own practices. The field’s growing recognition for treating conditions beyond autism spectrum disorder expands your ability to help even more people.

The path requires commitment, but every challenge brings you closer to a career where you improve others’ quality of life. As you start this journey, build genuine compassion and clinical excellence. These qualities will shape your practice for years to come.