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If you’re considering BCBA certification, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is which degree program?or verified course sequence (VCS) to pursue. The rigor and quality of your coursework can have a big impact on how prepared you are for the BCBA exam?and, ultimately, your career.
While there are many factors that contribute to a program’s quality, the first-time pass rate is one of the strongest indicators of a top program. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) releases annual pass-rate data, which provide valuable insight into which universities and VCS programs are setting aspiring behavior analysts up for success. This article will take a look at that data and highlight other key factors to consider when making your decision.
Before we cover pass rates for ABA programs, we need to explore the difference in BCBA certification pathways. Candidates can pursue either a master’s degree in behavior analysis from an accredited program (Pathway 1) or a master’s degree in a separate field and complete an ABA course sequence (Pathway 2).
Which path you choose to take largely depends on your academic journey thus far. If you already hold a master’s degree in a different field or you’re close to completing one, Pathway 2 will make the most sense. Rather than going for a second master’s degree, you can complete a series of master’s-level courses in ABA. However, if you don’t yet have a master’s degree, Pathway 1 generally makes the most sense. It’s also important to note that Pathway 2 will be eliminated in 2032. At that point, the only way to become a BCBA will be by earning a master’s degree in behavior analysis through an accredited program.
When looking at individual program pass rates, it’s beneficial to understand them in relation to the overall pass rate. In 2024, only 54% of first-time candidates passed their exam. While the BCBA exam has always been known for its low pass rates, this has decreased considerably in recent years. In 2020, 66% of candidates passed on their first try.
While failing the BCBA exam doesn’t have to be the end of the road, statistics show a candidate’s chances of passing the exam drastically reduce on subsequent attempts. In 2024, only one quarter of those who retook their exam passed.
Year | First-Time Pass Percentage | Retake Pass Percentage |
2020 | 66% | 31% |
2021 | 60% | 28% |
2022 | 55% | 24% |
2023 | 56% | 23% |
2024 | 54% | 25 |
The following ABA programs produced the highest first-time pass rates, according to the BACB’s 2024 report.
Institution | Program Name | 2024 Pass Rate |
Applied Behavior Analysis | 100% | |
M.S. Programs in ABA, OBM, and ABA+OBM? Melbourne Campus | 100% | |
M.S. and Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis | 100% | |
M.A. in Psychology with a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis | 100% | |
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis | 100% | |
M.Ed. or M.A. in Autism/ Developmental Disabilities; M.Ed. or M.A. in Behaviour Disorders | 100% | |
MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Behaviour Analysis; MSc in Positive Behaviour Support | 100% | |
Applied Behavior Analysis | 100% | |
MSc in Behaviour Analysis & Therapy | 100% | |
Special Education | 100% | |
M.S. with Applied Behavior Analysis Coursework | 100% | |
M.S. in Psychology with a Specialty in Applied Behavior Analysis | 94% | |
Applied Behavioral Science M.A. | 93% | |
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis | 93% | |
Master?s in Psychology with Specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis | 91% | |
M.A. in Behavior Analysis | 90% | |
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | 89% | |
The Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis | 88% | |
Concentration in Autism/Applied Behavior Analysis | 88% | |
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | 88% | |
Applied Behavior Analysis | 88% | |
Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis | 88% | |
M.S. in Behavior Analysis | 86% | |
M.A. in Behavior Analysis | 86% | |
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | 86% | |
Behavior Analysis | 85% | |
Applied Behavior Analysis MA (Online) | 83% | |
MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Behaviour Analysis; MSc in Positive Behaviour Support | 83% | |
M.Ed. in Special Education with a Concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorder and ABA; Certificate in ABA | 83% | |
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | 83% | |
M.S. in Behavior Analysis | 83% | |
Master?s of Science in Education in Applied Behavior Analysis, Accelerated Master?s, and Certificate in ABA | 82% | |
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | 82% | |
Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate Program | 80% | |
Applied Behavior Analysis | 79% | |
MA, MADS, Diploma (ABA Specialization) | 79% | |
Behavior Analysis Online | 78% | |
Programs in Applied Behavior Analysis (PRO-ABA) | 78% | |
M.S. in Behavior Analysis | 77% | |
M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis | 77% | |
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis | 76% | |
M.A. in Teaching Students with Disabilities: Applied Behavior Analysis | 76% | |
Master of Professional Education in the Field of Applied Behaviour Analysis | 76% | |
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis | 75% | |
Master?s in Applied Behavior Analysis | 75% | |
Cambridge College at Bay Path University (formerly Cambridge College) | Behavior Analyst | 74% |
M.S. in General Psychology?ABA Concentration | 74% | |
M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis | 74% | |
Applied Behavior Analysis Program | 74% | |
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis | 74% |
There are dozens of other programs that aren’t included here. For a full list of programs and pass rates, see the BCBA Examination Pass Rates for University Training Programs (2024).
Pass rate is an important factor, but it’s not the only one. Consider the following other factors to ensure the program you select is the right fit for you.
Pass Rate & Number of Candidates: A High pass rate is an indicator of a quality program. However, also pay attention to the total number of candidates. A program with a 100% pass rate but only a few test-takers might not offer the same level of reliability as a larger program with consistently high rates.
Program Modality: Do you prefer online, in person, or a hybrid learning model? On-campus programs may offer more direct access to in-person practicum opportunities, while a virtual program may offer more flexibility.
Area of Specialization: Programs can differ in their focus. Some are focused on early intervention, while others are geared toward education or OBM.
Practicum Opportunities: For most students, fieldwork occurs separately, not offered through their program. However, some programs have built-in supervised fieldwork opportunities. If you’d like help with fieldwork placement, look for a program that offers this.
Cost & Financial Aid: Tuition can varely widely between programs. While cost shouldn’t be the only factor, as it’s better to look for a quality program than a cheap one, it is an important consideration.
Peer Feedback: Ask around! In you’re already in the ABA field, ask your supervisor or peers at work where they attend(ed) school and how they like(d) their program. This is a great way to get unfiltered, honest feedback. You could also try posting on the BCBA subreddit or in BCBA Facebook Groups.
Consider the following additional resources regarding BCBA certification:
How to Become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst: The full process to earn certification as a BCBA
Understanding BCBA Fieldwork hours:?An exploration of the 2nd component of becoming certified, the supervised fieldwork experience
2025 BCBA Fieldwork Clarifications: Highlighting updates and clarifications to fieldwork hours
Mastering BCBA Fieldwork Hours Tracking: How to track fieldwork hours
How to Get BCBA Unrestricted Fieldwork Hours:?Where to go to find opportunities for unrestricted fieldwork hours
How to Prepare for the BCBA Exam: Resources, tips, and tricks to pass your BCBA exam
BCBA Remote Supervisor Database: Locate a supervisor on the Remote Supervisor Database
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