The BACB regularly makes changes to its requirements for RBT, BCBA, and BCaBA certificates. As a BACB certificant, supervisor, aspiring technician, aspiring analyst, or an ABA employer, staying current with the BACB's requirements is critical for maintaining compliance. Let’s review the recent and upcoming BACB changes.
Important Note: ABA Resource Center is not endorsed nor sponsored by the BACB. Contact the BACB directly for questions or concerns regarding upcoming or recent changes.
2024 BACB Requirement Changes
Before we explore the upcoming 2025 changes, let’s review the changes that took effect in 2024.
Grace Period Reduced
As of January 1st, 2024, there is a 30-day reinstatement period (aka grace period) for BCBA and BCaBA renewals. This is a reduction from the previous policy, which allowed for 90 days. When renewing BCBA and BCaBA certificates, you must submit your recertification application within 30 days of your due date. It is important to note that you still need to complete all of your CEUs before your recertification deadline, as the grace period does not allow extra time to complete CEUs.
Can you practice during the grace period?
No, your certification will be listed as inactive during the grace period. You cannot practice ABA until your recertification application is submitted and approved.
What happens after the 30-day grace period?
You would lose your certification if you did not submit your recertification application by the end of your grace period (30 days following your recertification date). To begin practicing as a BCBA again, you must reapply under the current requirements. This is extremely risky, as it often means additional supervision hours and coursework to meet the current standards. Not to mention—retaking the dreaded exam! Don't let this happen. Be sure to submit your recertification application before the 30-day grace period ends.
Rolling 10-Year Period on Coursework
To apply for BCBA or BCaBA certification, you must have completed your coursework in the last 10 years. It is a rolling 10-year period, so regardless of the year you apply, your coursework must have been completed no more than 10 years prior.
RBT Initial Competency Assessment Changes
The BACB changed the RBT Initial Competency Assessment, which clarified the relationship between the RBT applicant and the supervisor who completes the assessment. They specify the following:
"The responsible assessor, assistant assessor(s), and RBT applicant must be employed at (or all have a contractual relationship with) the same organization where the client is receiving services. This requirement applies to the entire assessment."
Since this change has been enacted, there has been a common misunderstanding amongst the ABA community, with many believing that the only allowed path to RBT certification is having a supervisor at work complete the initial competency assessment. However, that leaves out the "or all have a contractual relationship with" component of the BACB's statement. Some companies offer the competency assessment remotely with a contract in place between their organization, clients, and the applicant. Since many companies only hire certified RBTs, a remote competency assessment allows those new to the field to achieve the requirements for RBT certification. Explore other common myths in ABA.
Ontario RBT and BCaBA Certification
As of July 1st, 2024, those living in Ontario can no longer apply for RBT or BCaBA certification. Current certificants were placed on voluntary inactive status. Additionally, BCBAs cannot practice until they are registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. This is due to regulatory changes in Ontario. You can learn more about this change here.
Non-Certified RBT Supervision Requests
As of October 1st, 2024, non-certified RBT supervisors must submit a request to the BACB to supervise RBTs. Currently, non-certified supervisors can serve as RBT supervisors if they meet the requirements and have oversight from the RBT Requirements Coordinator. However, it is important to note that this will be changing come 2026.
Get Ready for the 2025 BACB Changes
So, what's changing to BACB requirements in 2025? As of now, there are four main changes on the docket. Stay in the loop with additional future changes by ensuring you're subscribed to BACB newsletters.
Multiple Certifications Policy
In 2025, BACB certificants will only be allowed to hold one certification at a time. When you earn a higher level certification (e.g., a BCBA), your lower level certification (e.g., RBT, BCaBA) will stay active for 90 days or until it expires, whichever happens sooner.
RBT Application Process Changes
Beginning January 2nd, 2025, there will be a more streamlined approach to the application process. With this change, the Supervisor or Requirements Coordinator will not need to log into their account anymore. Instead, they will complete an RBT Certification Application Attestation form verifying that the applicant meets all of the requirements (e.g., age, background check, education, etc.). The applicant will upload the attestation form when they apply. The RBT won't need to upload proof of HS diploma anymore, as that is now on the supervisor to verify in the attestation.
When the RBT passes the exam, their certification will initially be listed as inactive until their RBT Supervisor adds them to their BACB account. Their ongoing supervisor may or may not be the one who completed the competency assessment.
Learn more about what is and is not changing with the RBT application process in this BACB update.
6th Edition BCBA Exams
The BCBA exam will be based on the 6th Edition Test Content Outline. If you plan on testing for BCBA certification in 2025, familiarize yourself with the differences between the 5th and 6th editions.
6th Edition BCaBA Exams
The BCaBA exam will be based on the 6th Edition Test Content Outline. If you plan on testing for BCaBA certification in 2025, familiarize yourself with the difference between the 5th and 6th editions.
More BACB Changes are on the Way for 2026 and Beyond
There are several certification changes planned for 2026 and beyond. We'll save those for a future article—But if you are beginning the process of planning for a future ABA career, it's worth it to review those future changes to make sure you're in alignment with the requirements.
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