BCaBA & BCBA: Salary, Roles, and Career Paths Explored

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a research-backed method that helps people change their behavior for the better, especially those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Demand for qualified ABA therapists is rising along with the increasing number of autism diagnoses.

Within ABA, two key certifications are Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). These professionals are critical in developing and implementing effective ABA therapy programs.

This article takes a closer look at the BCBA and BCaBA roles, so you can understand what makes them different. We’ll compare education requirements, day-to-day responsibilities, salaries, and career paths for both.

What’s the difference between a BCBA and a BCaBA?

If you’re looking for a professional to help you use the principles of behavior analysis to improve a life skill or change a behavior, you may encounter Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs). Here’s a quick primer on the different roles and responsibilities of each.

What is a BCBA?

A BCBA has completed a master’s degree and is certified to practice behavior analysis. BCBAs are able to practice independently, without supervision from another professional.

BCBAs are qualified to:

  • Design, implement, and oversee behavior interventions
  • Conduct functional behavior assessments

What is a BCaBA?

A BCaBA has completed a bachelor’s degree and is certified to practice behavior analysis, but BCaBAs must work under the supervision of a BCBA or a BCBA-Doctoral (BCBA-D).

BCaBAs are qualified to:

  • Help collect data
  • Help implement behavior interventions
  • Help evaluate the effectiveness of behavior interventions

Education and Certification: What’s Required?

Both BCBAs and BCaBAs must meet specific education and certification requirements before they can practice. Here’s a detailed comparison:

BCBA

To become a BCBA, you’ll need:

  • A master’s degree in behavior analysis, psychology, or a related field. Coursework will cover ABA therapy, ethics, measurement, experimental design, and behavior assessment.
  • Supervised fieldwork, with a minimum of 1,500 to 2,000 hours and at least 75 hours of face-to-face supervision from a qualified professional.
  • A passing score on the BCBA certification exam, which is administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

BCaBA

To become a BCaBA, you’ll need:

  • A bachelor’s degree in behavior analysis, psychology, or a related field. Like the BCBA coursework, BCaBA coursework covers ABA principles, ethics, measurement, experimental design, and behavior assessment.
  • Supervised fieldwork, with a minimum of 1,000 to 1,300 hours and at least 50 hours of face-to-face supervision.
  • A passing score on the BCaBA certification exam, also administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

Scope of Practice: Understanding the Boundaries

It’s important to understand what a BCBA can do versus what a BCaBA is qualified to do. Here’s a breakdown of the typical roles and responsibilities of each.

BCBA Scope of Practice

Board Certified Behavior Analysts have a broader scope of practice than BCaBAs. They’re qualified to carry out assessments, develop treatment plans, and supervise others.

A BCBA might conduct a Functional Behavior Assessment to work out why a client is behaving in a certain way. They’re also qualified to develop a Behavior Intervention Plan, and they can supervise both BCaBAs and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs).

BCBAs are autonomous in their practice, and they’re qualified to work independently.

BCaBA Scope of Practice

Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts work under the supervision of a BCBA or BCBA-Doctoral (BCBA-D). A BCaBA needs ongoing supervision and guidance from a more senior BCBA.

BCaBAs often assist with gathering data, putting treatment plans into action, and evaluating how well those plans are working. They focus on implementing plans, rather than developing them.

Supervision and autonomy: key differences in practice

Although both BCBAs and BCaBAs have similar training, there are important distinctions in their levels of autonomy and supervision.

BCBA supervision and autonomy

Board Certified Behavior Analysts are independent practitioners who take responsibility for all aspects of behavior analytic services. In short, a BCBA has the authority to make decisions about a patient’s treatment plan.

BCBAs are also qualified to provide supervision to both BCaBAs and RBTs.

BCaBA supervision and autonomy

In contrast, Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts are required to work under the close supervision of a BCBA or BCBA-D (a BCBA with a doctorate). A BCaBA must have ongoing supervision from a BCBA to practice.

Under the direction of their BCBA supervisor, a BCaBA implements treatment plans and collects data to track patient progress.

Career Opportunities and Salary Expectations

If you’re thinking about becoming a BCBA or a BCaBA, you’re probably wondering what kinds of jobs are out there and how much you can expect to earn.

BCBA Career Opportunities and Salary

Board Certified Behavior Analysts work in all sorts of settings, including schools, clinics, hospitals, and private practices. If you pursue an advanced certification and become a BCBA-D, you may have even more career options.

The average annual salary for a BCBA is around $71,627, but salaries can range from $55,000 to $85,000 or more per year. BCBAs with a doctorate degree can potentially earn up to $100,000 per year, and some sources cite a salary range of $70,000 to $100,000 or more.

BCaBA Career Opportunities and Salary

Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts often work in similar settings as BCBAs, but they typically work under the supervision of a BCBA.

BCaBA salaries typically range from $35,000 to $55,000 per year, with an average salary of around $45,000 to $50,000 per year.

The career outlook for both BCBAs and BCaBAs is generally promising, as the demand for qualified behavior analysts continues to grow.

Choosing the Right Path: BCBA vs. BCaBA

Deciding between becoming a BCBA or a BCaBA requires careful consideration. Start by thinking about your educational background and what you want to achieve in your career. Ask yourself:

  • What are the educational requirements for each?
  • What can each do, and what are they not allowed to do?
  • How much independence do you want, and how much supervision are you willing to accept?

Next, think about how much responsibility you want and how independently you want to work. BCBAs typically handle more complex cases and may supervise others. BCaBAs usually work under the guidance of a BCBA.

Finally, consider your long-term career goals and how you might advance. While both roles offer growth, BCBAs generally have more opportunities for leadership and specialization.

It’s also worth noting that you can start as a BCaBA and later pursue the education and experience needed to become a BCBA.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on certification requirements, always refer to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) website.

Key Takeaways

BCBAs and BCaBAs are both valuable members of the applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy team, but they have different educational requirements, responsibilities, and levels of autonomy. BCBAs have a master’s degree, while BCaBAs have a bachelor’s degree. Because of their more extensive training, BCBAs can practice independently, while BCaBAs must work under the supervision of a BCBA.

Both BCBAs and BCaBAs play a crucial role in helping people with autism and other developmental conditions achieve positive behavior changes. If you’re thinking about a career in ABA, it’s important to carefully consider your career goals and personal interests when choosing between the two paths.

While both are rewarding careers, a BCaBA can advance to the BCBA level with further education and supervised experience. No matter which path you choose, ongoing professional development is essential for providing the highest quality ABA therapy.