Prospective students
Locating programs
Does ABAI offer coursework?
ABAI is not a university and does not offer courses. We are a professional membership association and programmatic accreditor.
To find courses and programs that offer behavior analytic coursework, please see our ABAI-accredited or ABAI-recognized programs.
Accreditation, Recognition, and Verified Course Sequences
What is accreditation?
Accreditation is both the process of reviewing the quality of higher education institutions and programs, and the status granted of those quality institutions and programs. In the U.S., accreditation signals to the public, students, families, government officials, and the press that an institution or program is legitimate and offers a quality education. ABAI’s accreditation board is a programmatic accreditor and specifically focuses on the accreditation of behavior analysis programs (not entire colleges or universities).
What is the difference between institutional accreditation and ABAI accreditation?
Higher education institutions must be accredited and authorized to award degrees, and to receive federal and state funding. In the U.S., most institutions (private and public universities and colleges) are accredited by one of (approximately 20) institutional accrediting organizations, which are often referred to as "regional accreditors." Almost all of those are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education (USDE). You can verify whether your school is recognized by the CHEA on www.chea.org.
ABAI accreditation is specific to behavior analysis training programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels. ABAI-accredited programs have gone through a rigorous quality review process and successfully met the ABAI Accreditation Board’s standards.
Graduates of ABAI-accredited programs meet the coursework and degree requirements for Pathway 1 eligibility with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). The BACB’s Pathway 2 eligibility requires a graduate degree from an accredited or qualifying institution: this is referring to institutional accreditation, rather than ABAI accreditation of a program.
What is ABAI accreditation?
ABAI accreditation means the program has undergone a comprehensive peer-review process, met standards for coursework, faculty, research, curriculum, experiential learning, and outcomes. Graduation from an accredited program fulfills the Pathway 1 degree and coursework requirement of BCBA or BCaBA examination applications – other requirements must be met.
Are Tier 2a/2b programs accredited?
No. The Tiered Model is designed to approximate accreditation, with Tier 1 being accredited degree programs. However, the BACB accepts degree programs that are recognized as Tier 2a/2b as meeting the Pathway 1 requirements, now through December 31, 2031. You can find a list of our ABAI-recognized programs here.
What is a Verified Course Sequence (VCS)?
A Verified Course Sequence (VCS) was a set of courses that had been reviewed and verified by ABAI as meeting the BACB’s coursework requirements for certification eligibility. The VCS designation sunset on January 1, 2026, and is no longer used or recognized after that date.
What is the process of applying for the examination via Pathway 2?
More information can be found on the BACB’s website here.
I am not sure that I have completed all of the required coursework for eligibility via Pathway 2. Can I submit my transcripts to ABAI for review?
No. ABAI does not certify or license individuals; thus, we cannot review transcripts or provide a determination for certification or licensure applications. Please refer to the appropriate certification or licensure body for information about their review processes.
Students applying for ABAI’s Student Membership may be asked to provide transcripts during the membership application process to verify degree completion or enrollment.
Eligibility
The program I’m interested in is not listed on your website. Will I be eligible for the examination?
There are two different pathways for examination eligibility. If the program you are interested in does not offer an ABAI-Accredited or ABAI-Recognized program, it would not qualify via Pathway 1. However, you may still be eligible through Pathway 2 if the program’s coursework meets the BACB’s Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. We recommend working with your program to confirm whether their coursework meets the eligibility requirements for Pathway 2.
I want to become a BCBA, where do I start?
It is important to know that ABAI does not certify individuals – we manage the academic aspect of behavior analytic training. Currently, the BACB offers two main pathways to eligibility for BCBA certification. To apply, one of the two pathways must be completed:
Pathway 1:Pathway 1: Accredited or ABAI-recognized program:
Pathway 2: Behavior-Analytic Coursework:
- Any graduate degree from an accredited institution
- Search chea.org’s institution database to determine if your degree is from an accredited institution
- If your degree was obtained outside of the U.S., please review the BCBA Handbook for information regarding degree equivalency evaluations
- Qualifying coursework
- Programs may indicate, "Our programs meets the behavior-analytic coursework requirements for those pursuing the BCBA pathway 2 eligibility route"
- If you already hold a graduate degree, you can complete a "coursework only" or "certificate" program to fulfill the coursework requirements
- Note: The BACB has updated eligibility requirements that go into effect January 1, 2027. Therefore, depending on when you plan to apply for the BCBA examination, you’ll want to confirm with the program if you’ll be eligible for the upcoming requirements.
- Supervised Fieldwork Experience (see BCBA Handbook)
After reviewing our accredited and recognized programs you can find contact information for program coordinators listed under each program.
Please note that as of January 1, 2023, BACB certification is only available to individuals residing in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. If you will be practicing in the United States, we recommend looking up information about your state’s licensure requirements. Additional information regarding U.S. licensure can be found here.
I want to become a BCaBA, where do I start?
It is important to know that ABAI does not certify individuals – we manage the academic aspect of behavior analytic training. Currently, the BACB offers two main pathways to eligibility for BCaBA certification. To apply, one of the two pathways must be completed:
Note: Updated BACB eligibility requirements go into effect January 1, 2027.
Pathway 1: Accredited program:
Pathway 2: Behavior-Analytic Coursework – you must complete the following:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from a qualifying institution
- Qualifying coursework
- Programs may indicate, "Our programs meets the behavior-analytic coursework requirements for those pursuing the BCaBA pathway 2 eligibility route"
- If you already hold an undergraduate degree, you can complete a "coursework only" or "certificate" program to fulfill the coursework requirements
- Note: The BACB has updated eligibility requirements that go into effect January 1, 2027. Therefore, depending on when you plan to apply for the BCaBA examination, you’ll want to confirm with the program if you’ll be eligible for the upcoming requirements.
- Supervised Fieldwork Experience (see BCBA Handbook)
After reviewing our accredited programs and recognized programs, you can find contact information for program coordinators listed under each program.
Please note that as of January 1, 2023, BACB certification is only available to individuals residing in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. If you will be practicing in the United States, we recommend looking up information about your state’s licensure requirements. Additional information regarding U.S. licensure can be found here.
Where can I find programs that meet the Pathway 2 eligibility requirements?
There is not a directory of programs meeting the Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. We recommend researching behavior analytic programs that meet your needs (location, modality, flexibility) and confirming with the program whether they meet the Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Programs that are not accredited or recognized will be required to submit an attestation on your behalf at the time you apply for the examination. Further information on the eligibility and application requirements can be found on the BACB’s website.
I have a graduate degree from outside of the U.S.. Where can I get my transcripts evaluated to see if my degree qualifies?
Please contact the certification or licensure board to determine if they accept the degree and institution. If seeking BACB certification, review the appropriate handbook and direct further questions to their "contact us" form.
Areas of Emphasis
Can ABAI recommend a program?
There are many important factors to consider while researching which program is the best fit for you. ABAI cannot recommend a program outright, but we encourage you to review our ABAI-accredited programs and ABAI-recognized programs to find a program that has been fully evaluated and offers practical training and research opportunities in many areas. These programs may also meet the educational requirements for BACB certification.
When selecting a training program, it is worthwhile to consider several factors:
Are you looking for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral training program?
What is your preferred mode of instruction: on-campus, online, or a hybrid of both?
Would you like to study domestically or abroad?
What area of emphasis interests you?
Are you seeking a program that offers financial aid and/or funding?
Do you wish to work with a certain faculty member?
How do I find a program that offers a broader scope of study (e.g., counseling, special education, or experimental)?
Please see the annual reports of ABAI-accredited programs to see what areas of practical training and research training opportunities they offer (and the links to their websites). You can also email the program coordinator who oversees the program.
Current students
Scholarly activities
What types of activities should I engage in as a student?
Conferences: We encourage students to submit presentations and poster presentations for local, national, or even international conventions. Doing projects, theses, and dissertations advance your knowledge (and the fields’ knowledge) and can be shared at conferences in a variety of ways. Be on the lookout for our upcoming events and calls for papers to submit yours! Participating in local conferences (e.g., at one of our affiliate chapter’s conventions) is a great way to gain experience while staying local. You can browse our associated and affiliate chapters here and the calendar of upcoming conferences here. Be sure to work with your faculty advisor or supervisor to ensure you are starting appropriate projects that adhere to ethical standards and practices!
Publications: Having co-authorship on a peer-reviewed publication is a great contribution to the field and can garner further opportunities for educational advances and networking. We recommend contacting your advisor or other faculty in the department who may be conducting research in your areas of interest.
Research assistant: If you are an undergraduate student, reaching out to faculty in the department may not lead to a co-authorship but may allow you an opportunity as a research assistant. This is a great way to get hands on experience, create valuable connections, and build your resume/CV. Graduate students can take on more advanced roles in research projects and even work on their own projects alongside faculty.
Resources
What ABAI resources are available to students?
ABAI membership allows for wonderful networking and continuing education opportunities, especially for recent graduates and early-career behavior analysts. A full list of benefits for your professional and personal goals can be found here. Students and graduates of ABAI-accredited programs receive additional benefits.
ABAI has several resources that students can take advantage of:
Attending ABAI events is an excellent way to stay abreast of the latest in the field, to network and make connections, and to present your own research. Students can look into SABA’s Senior Student Presenter Grant, which helps students attend ABAI’s annual convention.
ABAI hosts webinars throughout the year on engaging and relevant topics.
Explore special interest groups (SIGs) focused on topics that align with your interests, research, or professional goals. Joining a SIG is a great way to stay involved.Do you wish to work with a certain faculty member?
Grants
Does ABAI have grants available for students?
ABAI does not distribute grants, but the Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis (SABA) is ABAI’s grant-making arm. SABA has several grants available each year to fund research or to help students attend the ABAI annual convention. Visit the SABA website here to learn more and apply for applicable grants!
Graduates
What ABAI membership category do I fall into?
You can review the different ABAI membership types on our website (here). If you graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program within the past year, we encourage you to apply for a student transition membership! Graduates from ABAI-accredited programs qualify for full membership via Category 1.
Licensure and Certification
Which pathway do I select when applying for BACB certification?
If you obtained a degree from an ABAI-Accredited or Recognized program after 2015 and while the program was accredited/recognized, you will apply via Pathway 1. If you did not obtain a degree in an ABAI-accredited program or attended the program before they were accredited or prior to 2015, you will apply via Pathway 2.
How do I know if my state requires licensure?
The BACB’s website (U.S. Licensure of Behavior Analysts) provides you with information to review whether your state requires licensure and links to identify how to obtain licensure in various states.
If I want to practice outside of the United States, do I need to be licensed/certified?
Requirements for licensure and to practice are ever-changing. If you wish to practice outside of the U.S., we recommend connecting with the local ABA chapter for specific guidance about practicing behavior analysis in that area/region. You must also review and become familiar with the local, regional, or national requirements to work with or practice with clients (regardless of the profession). A list of ABAI’s chapters outside of the U.S. is available here, and each link provides additional contact information/resources.
Behavior Analytic Training Programs
New Programs
How should our program arrange our coursework to ensure our students will be eligible for BACB certification and align with upcoming requirements?
We recommend requesting a meeting with ABAI staff to discuss your program’s goals and timeline. Please fill out the Tiered Model of Education Interest Survey, to request a meeting and other resources.
VCS Sunset
Can my program reference that we historically offered a VCS?
No. While your program may have previously held Verified Course Sequence (VCS) status, referencing it after December 31, 2025, is no longer appropriate. Doing so could mislead or confuse current and prospective students, as VCS designations will no longer exist or be recognized by the BACB. To ensure accuracy and transparency, programs should instead reference how their coursework aligns with current eligibility requirements (e.g., Pathway 2) or ABAI recognition, if applicable.
Can we continue using the VCS logo after 2025?
No. ABAI will send reminder emails to remove the logo in early January 2026, if not done already. ABAI may also issue a formal letter to aid in your removal of the logo and references to the Verified Course Sequence.
If students took coursework while it was designated as a VCS, how will they apply for the examination once the VCS sunsets?
If applying for the examination after January 1, 2026, students will apply using the BACB’s attestation process. It is the coordinator and student's responsibility to ensure the current Pathway 2 eligibility requirements are met at the time they apply. If those requirements are met, you can communicate with students that your program meets the behavior-analytic coursework requirements for those pursing the [BCBA/BCaBA] Pathway 2 eligibility route.
How can I get my 2027 coursework approved?
There will not be a separate or new application system for the BACB's 2027 Pathway 2 coursework requirements as the VCS system will no longer exist. We recommend programs planning to meet the BACB’s 2027 requirements, with graduates eligible via Pathway 2, document their coursework details internally in preparation for the BACB's Coursework Attestation system. Programs applying for the Tiered Model will continue to work with ABAI.
How will the sunset of the VCS system impact students currently enrolled?
If your program meets the BCBA or BCaBA Pathway 2 coursework requirements, this change will not impact your students. Your students can still apply for BCBA or BCaBA certification. The only difference is that those who apply on or after January 1, 2026, must have the university contact attest that they meet all coursework requirements.
Will ABAI remove all VCS programs from the VCS Directory on January 1, 2026?
Yes. ABAI will maintain the directory of current, active VCSs through December 31, 2025. On January 1, 2026, ABAI will retire the VCS Directory.
How should we advertise our coursework to prospective students?
Effective January 1, 2026, training programs offering coursework to meet the BCBA and BCaBA Pathway 2 requirements must update the language to remove reference to ABAI’s verification and instead, once enrolled in the attestation process may state, "Our program meets the behavior-analytic coursework requirements for those pursing the [BCBA/BCaBA] Pathway 2 eligibility route." ABAI-accredited and recognized programs can incorporate more specific language about their accreditation and recognition status (as indicated by ABAI).