If you ask most people where Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) began, they’ll point to Baer, Wolf, and Risley’s 1968 article—the one that defined the field’s seven core dimensions. But here’s the twist: ABA didn’t start there. The real story is more complex, more fascinating, and—like all good stories—it challenges what we think we know.

Storytelling isn’t just an art; it’s a science of behavior change. A well-told story functions like a structured sequence of verbal behavior, carefully shaping the listener’s understanding, beliefs, and actions. In behavior analysis, storytelling does more than entertain—it educates, persuades, and transforms. It helps us make sense of history, recognize the patterns that led to major breakthroughs, and understand why the field evolved the way it did.

So, what’s the real story of ABA’s origins? To get there, we need to go beyond Baer, Wolf, and Risley and look at the pioneering work that came before them—the research programs, the key figures, and the...

Storytelling and Behavior Analysis: A Shared Foundation

Behavior analysis and storytelling might seem like separate disciplines, but they share a fundamental connection—both shape behavior through carefully arranged contingencies. Our field’s history includes powerful narratives, none more influential than Catherine Maurice’s Let Me Hear Your Voice, a firsthand account that introduced countless families to behavior analysis. Storytelling has always been a vehicle for disseminating science, yet we often underestimate its strategic role in shaping public perception and policy. I’ve spent years leveraging narrative in behavior analysis, whether through filmmaking, multimedia dissemination, or large-scale data analysis. When capturing discussions with thought leaders like Steven C. Hayes—one of the most highly cited researchers across all sciences—I’ve seen firsthand how behavior analysis is still defining its larger story. Skinner’s last words highlight this ongoing evolution: “A better ...

In the field of applied behavior analysis, there are two key credentials that professionals can obtain: BCBA® certification and licensure as a Behavior Analyst. While they may seem similar, they serve different purposes and are governed by different entities.

Breaking Down BCBA State Certification

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) oversees the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) certification. This certification is a professional credential that signifies a certain level of competence and expertise in the field of behavior analysis. It is recognized internationally and allows professionals to practice behavior analysis under certain conditions. The certification process involves meeting specific educational and experiential BCBA requirements, passing an examination, and adhering to the BACB®'s ethical guidelines.

On the other hand, licensure as a Behavior Analyst is a state-level credential. It is granted by individual states and allows professionals to practic...

As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) with over 15 years of experience and creator of over 250 hours of content with some of the world's best behavior analysts, including Patrick C. Friman, Steven C. Hayes, Gregory P. Hanley, and many more, I am well-positioned to guide you through the BCBA® CEU requirements for 2025.

Guide to BCBA Requirements

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) is a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis. Professionals certified at the BCBA® level are independent practitioners who provide behavior-analytic services. They may supervise the work of Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts® (BCaBA®s), Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT®s), and other professionals who implement behavior-analytic services.

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®) has been the leader in behavior analyst certification for over two decades. The BACB® is a nonprofit corporation that was established in 1998 to meet professional certification n...

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) credential is a nationally recognized certification that signifies a high level of competence in the principles and practices of applied behavior analysis (ABA).

While the BCBA salary by state can vary, this certification, granted by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®), a nonprofit organization that sets professional standards for behavior analysis, is universally respected. The BCBA® certification is highly sought after and respected in various fields, including healthcare, education, and social services, where professionals work to improve the lives of individuals through behavior change.

The BCBA® salary varies significantly across the United States, reflecting the diverse economic conditions, cost of living, and demand for services in each state. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the BCBA salary by state in 2023, based on information from the BACB® and labor market analytics from ZipRecruiter.

BCBA® Sa...

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the crucial aspects of BCBA® supervision and its significance in your journey toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®). In this post, we'll delve into the latest BCBA® supervision hours and requirements as of 2025, equipping you with the most up-to-date information you need to successfully navigate your training period.

Before we dive in, grasping the complexities of BCBA® supervision is key to advancing your skills and professionalism in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Important to note that a BCBA® is required to do 2,000 Supervised Fieldwork hours. We'll discuss the intricacies of how to go about obtaining those hours, Supervised vs. Concentraded, and everything else you need to know.

Latest BCBA® Supervision Requirements

BACB® supervision is a required component of becoming a BCBA®. It is crucial to the development of a behavior analyst as it ensures that the analyst is competent and adheres to the high standard...

As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) with over 13 years of experience, I've often been asked about the differences between a BCBA® and a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA®). In fact, I was certified as a BCaBA® prior to becoming a BCBA® myself, so I have quite literally experienced both roles in the field of behavior analysis. The distinctions between these two roles are significant and can impact one's career path, responsibilities, and opportunities in the field of behavior analysis.

BCBA® vs. BCaBA®: What’s Different Between the Two?

In essence, a BCBA® is a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis. Professionals who are certified at this level are independent practitioners who provide behavior-analytic services.  On the other hand, a BCaBA® is an undergraduate-level certification in behavior analysis. Professionals certified at this level provide similar services as BCBA®s under their supervision.

What Can You do as a BCBA® vs. a BCaBA®?

So,...

Welcome to our deep dive into the world of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA®), a profession that is pivotal in helping individuals with behavioral challenges lead enriched lives. This blog post is designed to clarify the BCBA® meaning and shed light on the comprehensive process to earn this sought-after certification. Let's navigate together the path to becoming a BCBA®.

What Does BCBA® Mean?

BCBA® means a Board Certified Behavior Analyst®. It is a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis, granted by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®). The BACB® is a nonprofit corporation established in 1998 to meet professional certification needs identified by behavior analysts, governments, and consumers of behavior-analytic services. Its mission is to protect consumers of behavior-analytic services by systematically establishing, promoting, and disseminating professional standards of practice1.

What Does a BCBA® Do?

Professionals certified at the BCBA® level are in...