Association for Behavior Analysis International

Does ABAI offer coursework?

ABAI is not a university and does not offer courses. We are a professional membership association – we verify behavior analytic coursework to ensure it meets the minimum content area and hour requirements (VCS status). To find courses and programs that offer behavior analytic coursework, please see our ABAI-accredited programs, recognized programs, and Verified Course Sequence (VCS) Directory.

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).

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:

I want to become a BCaBA, where do I start?

Under the current 5th Edition, the BACB offers two main Pathways to eligibility for BCaBA certification. To apply, one of the two Pathways must be completed:

Can ABAI recommend a program to me?

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.

You can also browse the VCS Directory here to find coursework that has been verified to meet the BACB’s coursework requirements via Pathway 2. You can filter your search by BACB certification level and mode of instruction to find the program that best fits your needs.

When selecting a training program, it is worthwhile to consider several factors:

1. Are you looking for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral training program?
2. What is your preferred mode of instruction: on-campus, online, or a hybrid of both?
3. Would you like to study domestically or abroad?
4. What area of emphasis interests you?
5. Are you seeking a program that offers financial aid and/or funding?
6. Do you wish to work with a certain faculty member?

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 call 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.

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:

1. 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.
2. ABAI hosts webinars throughout the year on engaging and relevant topics.
3. 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.

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!

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.

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. If you completed a Verified Course Sequence (VCS), you can find the VCS number in our Directory.

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.

Can I apply for a Verified Course Sequence?

No. Effective January 1, 2025, ABAI stopped accepting new Fifth Edition BACB VCS applications given that the VCS system will be sunsetting after December 31, 2025. If you are offering coursework aligned with the current eligibility criteria, you may use the following language to advertise your program, "This program has been designed to meet the [BACB Certification Type] Pathway 2 coursework requirements. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements to qualify for [BACB Certification Type]." Additional questions regarding Pathway 2 eligibility should be directed to the BACB.

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.

What will happen to programs that have a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) but are not yet or do not plan to become an ABAI accredited (Tier 1) or recognized (Tier 2) program as of January 1, 2026?

Programs not yet ready for recognition or accreditation may still produce eligible candidates for BCBA and BCaBA certification applications. Each university program that meets the BCBA or BCaBA Pathway 2 coursework requirements will use the attestation system to convey that their students meet said coursework requirements. We are announcing this change well in advance of January 1, 2026, so that the BACB has time to work with VCS Coordinators and other program representatives to help ensure the success of the attestation system. Then, as outlined in the BACB’s March 2022 Newsletter, beginning January 1, 2032, Pathway 1, which will consist of an ABAI-Accredited Degree Program (and practical fieldwork) will be the only eligibility pathway for BCBA-level certification.

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.

Do I need to keep my VCS active and updated until January 1, 2026 by renewing it?

If you want your students to be able to apply for BCBA or BCaBA certification under Pathway 2 using course-by-course review through December 31, 2025, you should keep your VCS(s) active and updated, renew, and maintain accurate verified course records with ABAI per usual. Beginning July 1, 2025, ABAI will no longer process course changes for VCSs, and the current VCS Database will be retired. From that point forward, the attestation system will be used for all BCBA and BCaBA Pathway 2 applications. Through December 31, 2025, VCS Coordinators should continue to email VCS@abainternational.org for support regarding the maintenance of their VCS(s).

How can I update my VCS to meet the BACB’s 2027 coursework requirements?

The VCS system remains in place for the current, Fifth Edition coursework requirements, and updates or modifications to those sequences will continue to be supported. There will not be a separate or new VCS 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 should we advertise our coursework to prospective students?

If you maintain an active VCS through 2025, you may continue to use the language provided by ABAI as indicated in the renewal email, The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional eligibility requirements and demonstrate they reside in an authorized country and province [Canada] before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination." 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 "This program has been designed to meet the [BACB Certification Type] Pathway 2 coursework requirements. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements to qualify for [BACB Certification Type]." You may incorporate this revised language for communications and prospective students who may apply for certification after January 1, 2026. ABAI-accredited and recognized programs can incorporate, more specific language about their accreditation and recognition status (as indicated by ABAI).

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!

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.

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. If you completed a Verified Course Sequence (VCS), you can find the VCS number in our Directory.

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.