According to figures from the United States Department of Labor, behavior analysis is one of the fastest-growing professions. Across the United States, demand for services delivered using behavior-analytic methods is steadily increasing. This growth has increased demand for behavioral services nationwide. As a result, numerous states have established rules and guidelines to ensure that services delivered using behavior-analytic methods are not only safe for everyone involved but also in accordance with prevailing standards of practice.
Licensing laws vary from state to state. But all share the same goal: to protect clients, preserve professional service quality, and define the professional role of an individual who applies behavior-analytic principles within clinical, educational, or community settings.
This section aims to define what it means to be a Licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst (LBA), how this credential differs from the BCBA designation, the steps needed to obtain LBA licensure, and the primary duties of an LBA upon licensure.
The last section will clarify what it means to be an LBA in terms of licensure, how this credential differs from the BCBA designation, the steps required to obtain this license, and the responsibilities it entails.
Who is an LBA?
Licensed Behavior Analysts (LBAs) are professionals who hold a legal license to practice ABA within a U.S. state independently.
A state board issues the license under the Department of Health, the Department of Education, or a professional licensing agency. This license is an official document that authorizes the analyst to practice ABA in that jurisdiction.
Licensure not only recognizes a professional’s technical competencies but also establishes ethical and legal standards for practice.
The goal is always the same: to ensure that the community receives high-quality ABA services.
General Requirements
To obtain a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) license, applicants must:
- Holding a current BCBA certification (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) or another credential approved by the state board.
- Submit an official application along with academic or professional documentation that can be verified.
- Complete a criminal background check.
- Pay the required state fees.
- Complete courses or pass examinations on state-specific law, ethics, or related topics. This requirement varies by state and does not apply in all cases.
Each state has its own protocols and procedures for obtaining the LBA license. Most states, however, recognize BCBA certification as the primary requirement for demonstrating sufficient professional competence.
Professional Role of the LBA
Schools, private clinics, hospitals, therapeutic centers, and universities are some of the work settings where an LBA may practice.
Below are the key roles and responsibilities of an LBA.
- Comply with state rules and regulations regarding documentation, informed consent, and other ethical requirements.
- Maintain a professional practice consistent with BACB standards and state regulations.
- Develop behavioral intervention programs adapted to the needs of the clients they serve. This includes assessment, functional analysis, design, rigorous implementation, and supervision.
- Guide and monitor RBTs and BCaBAs in the implementation of behavioral programs
- Coordinate interdisciplinary services with insurance providers, educational institutions, healthcare professionals, families, and the broader community.
LBAs must periodically renew their licenses, maintain active BCBA certification, and complete Continuing Education Units (CEUs). In many states, a portion of these CEUs must focus on ethics, disability rights, or mandated reporting laws.
Differences Between LBA and BCBA
Although the terms may appear similar, the LBA and BCBA have credentials that serve different functions.
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) issues the BCBA credential as a national professional certificate, awarded upon meeting specific academic and supervisory requirements and passing a competency assessment in developing, implementing, and evaluating ABA-based interventions for others. The BCBA credential serves as evidence of an individual’s education and technical expertise in behavior analysis.
In contrast to the BCBA, every state and jurisdiction has the authority to license and regulate who is eligible to work as an ABA therapist. This represents the LBA credential. The LBA is considered a legal credential rather than an academic credential and includes established guidelines, regulations, and ethical responsibilities expected of all behavioral professionals operating within their respective state’s jurisdiction. Thus, while the BCBA represents the level of education and skill set for an individual behavior analyst, LBA represents the legal authority for that individual to provide ABA therapy services in a specified geographic area.
A practical way to understand the difference is to think of the BCBA as the “professional title” and the LBA as the “local professional license”. Any individual may meet all BCBA requirements, pass the exam, and receive certification, but still cannot practice (offer ABA therapy services) in a state until they have completed all procedures and met the requirements to obtain an LBA license in that state.
How to Become a Licensed Behavior Analyst
The Behavioral Analyst (ABA) license is obtained by meeting the academic criteria set by the BACB and the specific legal requirements of each state for independent practice as a Behavioral Analyst.
While the process for obtaining an ABA license will depend on the methods determined in each jurisdiction, each jurisdiction generally shares the same objectives: to adequately protect consumers by ensuring a minimum level of academic preparation and supervised experience, and to adhere to the code of ethics required by the BACB.
Five Primary Stages of the ABA Licensing Process:
1 – Obtain BCBA Certification or Equivalent
The first step to obtaining your LBA license is to be a current BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst). The BACB is the certifying board that grants this national certification, which serves as the basis for most states’ licensing requirements.
To qualify for the BCBA, applicants must have completed a Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis, Education, or Psychology, including a BACB-approved Verified Course Sequence (VCS), and completed a specific number of hours of supervised experience working with a certified behavior analyst before taking the national competency examination to demonstrate their knowledge of the area of behavior analysis. The national competency examination will test the applicant’s knowledge of program design, professional ethics, functional assessment, and the application of evidence-based practices in real-world settings.
Some states allow the use of alternative credentials, especially for applicants from out of state or from similar areas (e.g., Clinical Psychology, Special Education, etc.). However, such exceptions are infrequent and, in most cases, require the applicant to undergo an individual evaluation process established by that state board.
Having a BCBA is a requirement of technical competency and moral obligation as set forth by the BACB Code of Ethics, and this obligation carries over to the state level when an applicant receives their LBA license.
2 – Submit the Application to the State Board
The next step after obtaining an active BCBA certification is to complete and submit a formal licensure application to the state’s regulatory agency. This agency may include the state Department of Health, Department of Education, Board of Psychology, or a Behavior Analyst Licensing Board created explicitly for the profession, depending on where you live.
The application process is divided into several components:
- Complete an Application Form: Applicants must complete a formal application form, either online or by mail, and include: your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and other personal information; your college/university education; and your employment history. You will also need to sign and submit an ethics declaration, swearing that you will abide by the profession’s ethical codes.
- Verification of your BCBA credential: You should submit verification of your Credential by providing either a letter sent from BACB to your regulatory agency or submitting official copies of your Credential.
- Official Academic Transcripts: Your college/university will need to send your official transcripts to your regulatory agency.
- Criminal Background Check: You will be required to provide either a national (FBI) fingerprint clearance or a fingerprint clearance from your state.
- Administrative Fee: The administrative fee for obtaining a BCBA License varies by state, but it generally falls between $100 and $300 USD.
- Additional Evaluation/Interview: Some states may require an additional evaluation or interview, which may include a brief test on that state’s laws, ethics, and practice regulations.
3 – Review, Approval, and Issuing the License
After an analyst submits a complete application to the appropriate state board, the board will review it to ensure regulatory and professional requirements have been satisfied. The timeline for this review will vary depending on the number of applications the board must process and the complexity of the submitted documentation, with an average turnaround time of 30 to 90 days.
During the application review process, the board may request the applicant to provide additional documentation, such as copies of certified diplomas, verification of employment, and proof of prior professional conduct. When an application is approved, the applicant will receive notification from the board informing them of the state license number assigned by the state and authorizing them to independently practice ABA within the jurisdiction in which they hold the license.
An analyst who possesses an active LBA license can submit clinical reports and create treatment plans, oversee the work of subordinates, and typically submit claims for reimbursement through various insurance providers. In addition, many, if not all, states use the state-issued license number assigned to an analyst to identify the analyst in a public database for financial transactions (e.g., billing purposes).
4 – Maintain an Active License
A license authorizes an analyst to work in a given state. A permit must be renewed. Renewal typically involves maintaining a license every one (1) or two (2) years. During the renewal process, the licensee must provide proof of ongoing compliance with ethical and educational requirements, which include:
- Continuing education units (CEUs) – 20-36 hours per recertification cycle; additional specific CEUs to demonstrate ethics, consumer rights, and abuse prevention.
- Maintaining an active Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential – if the national BCBA credential expires, the state license is automatically suspended.
- Renewal fees – fees vary by state and may include a penalty for late renewal.
- Additional local requirements – such as short training modules regarding new legislation or mandatory reporting.
Analysts must meet the above requirements to avoid administrative discipline, suspension, or revocation. To help ensure compliance, most professionals utilize a computer-based continuing education system to track CEUs and renewals or a BACB-managed program that provides an expiration date for their credentials.
A current license indicates that the analyst is capable of competing in the workforce, remains competent in the profession, and continues to learn new skills in the field. This is of great importance to employers, insurance companies, and families seeking the highest-quality ABA services.
5 – Practice According to State Law and Ethics
Once granted a license, analysts are responsible for complying with the laws and ethical codes of their respective states and for maintaining ongoing professional competence through continuing education. As such, LBAs must be knowledgeable about the rules governing their area, including those related to patient confidentiality (such as HIPAA).
In many states, LBAs must comply with mandatory reporting laws for suspected abuse, including specific timelines and penalties for noncompliance.
Each state board has the authority to impose disciplinary sanctions for violations of ethics, acts of professional negligence, or administrative noncompliance. Sanctions available to state boards include, but are not limited to:
- Issuance of a reprimand or formal warning
- Monetary fines
- Suspension from practice
- Revocation of a license, either temporarily or permanently.
Upon determining the existence of a serious violation, the board will notify the BACB, which has an obligation to take follow-up actions to maintain consistency at the national certification level. Practicing in accordance with state law not only protects professionals from the possibility of disciplinary action but also helps keep the integrity and credibility of ABA as a profession by instilling confidence in the general public.
Practical Tips for Applicants
Obtaining a license can sometimes be an overwhelming process. Here are some tips to simplify it with specific strategies:
- Research the requirements in advance: many states require notarized or in-person verification of qualifications.
- Consult the state board: request information by phone or email regarding requirements and clarify any doubts. This is especially important for international applicants or graduates of a new program.
- Keep certified copies: most states require original or stamped documents for the application. Saving time by obtaining these documents can expedite the review process.
- Start background checks early: fingerprinting processing can take several weeks, especially when requests are high or when records must be obtained from another state.
- Track BACB and state timelines separately: although BACB and state requirements are related, each has its own renewal calendar and fee schedules.
Why Obtain a State License (LBA)?
Professional Credibility and Protection Under the Law
With legal recognition of an active license, professionals can sign clinical reports, establish supervisory relationships for treatment purposes, and practice independently within their state’s legal framework. A state license also strengthens public trust in accountability and transparency, allowing professionals to serve vulnerable populations more effectively.
Insurance Coverage and Reimbursement for ABA Services
The majority of Medicaid and private insurance companies only reimburse for ABA services provided by individuals who hold an active, state-issued license to practice. A Certified BCBA may not be permitted to bill for ABA services performed without the authorization of the state in which the professional works.
Licensure Makes it Easier to Move and Maintain Employment.
The trend of states enacting licensure legislation continues to grow, with more states passing licensure laws each year. As a result, holding a professional license makes interstate transfers or reciprocity agreements easier and reduces career interruptions.
Obtaining Superior Positions in the Workplace
Many supervisory, clinical director, and behavioral health consulting positions require both BCBA certification and a state-issued license, expanding opportunities for career advancement.
Career Outlook and Salary Range
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in behavior analysis and mental health is projected to grow by 19% through 2033, well above the national average.
LBA salaries vary by region and experience but typically range between $70,000 and $105,000 USD annually. Higher wages are common in supervisory or clinical leadership positions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is an LBA license mandatory in all states?
No. Some states have not yet regulated ABA, though the trend is toward full regulation. Practicing without a license (in a regulated state) carries severe consequences, including fines and being denied contracts.
How much does a state license cost?
It varies. But estimates range from $100 to $300 USD, plus background check fees.
What if I move to another state?
It is reliant on reciprocity agreements. Some states accept the transfer, provided the BCBAs are active and up to date with their obligations. Remember that some other states require a new application or local training.
Can I practice ABA with only BCBA certification?
Only in unregulated states. In regulated states, practicing ABA without a license is a legal violation that can result in fines and loss of accreditation.
Can I hold licenses in more than one state?
Many analysts have applied for licenses in several states, submitted the required applications, and renewed each license separately.
How does LBA licensure apply to telehealth?
In remote ABA practice, the analyst must be licensed in the states where the client resides. Some states allow temporary, reciprocal licenses, while others restrict them. Practising without a valid state license, even in telehealth, is considered unauthorized practice.
How long does approval take?
The processing time varies by state, typically 30-90 days after receiving the complete application. Delays are frequent when records from schools arrive late, background checks take a long time, or board meetings are infrequent. Temporary or provisional licenses may be available in some jurisdictions.