Continuing Your Journey: A Practical Guide to CEU Requirements for BCBAs and BCaBAs 

By: Erin Mayberry

    •    Reading time: 6 min

Published: Jun 8, 2023
Female BCBA working on CEUS in home office

Your Roadmap to Success: CEU Requirements for BCBAs and BCaBAs

Are you a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) striving for continuous professional growth? Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are a key component of your journey. As markers of evolving expertise and enriched knowledge, CEUs ensure that you stay current in the swiftly changing landscape of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Our straightforward guide breaks down BCBA and BCaBA CEU requirements to empower you to drive your professional development confidently. So, ready to dive in?

The Power of Lifelong Learning: Why are CEUs Important for BCBAs and BCaBAs?

CEUs serve as stepping-stones in the professional evolution of both BCBAs and BCaBAs. They fuel the advancement of ABA therapy services, ensuring that you stay updated with emerging practices, innovative methodologies, and ethical guidelines. Embracing this path of perpetual learning is pivotal to delivering exceptional ABA therapy services and catering to the dynamic needs of your clients.

Unraveling the BACB Code: What are the CEU Requirements for BCBAs and BCaBAs?

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) has set forth explicit guidelines for accruing CEUs. As per these directives, every BCBA must acquire at least 32 CEUs during each two-year certification cycle, while BCaBAs need to gather 20 CEUs in the same timeframe. In addition, BACB certificants must also attest to their compliance with the organization’s ethical and disciplinary rules bi-annually. The avenues to garner these CEUs include teaching or attending authorized workshops, relevant online courses, or participating in behavior analysis research. These diverse pathways accommodate varying learning preferences and foster a stimulating environment of professional growth in ABA therapy.

Embracing the Digital Age: How can Online CEUs Benefit BCBAs and BCaBAs?

In our tech-savvy era, learning has taken an exciting digital turn. Online CEUs present a convenient and flexible solution for BCBAs and BCaBAs striving to meet CEU requirements. They offer an extensive array of topics and formats, catering to diverse learning styles and professional interests. Above all, online CEUs allow you to manage your professional commitments while ensuring your professional growth doesn’t hit a roadblock.

Decoding the CEU Types: Are all CEUs Created Equal?

CEUs aren’t one-size-fits-all. The BACB distinguishes between different types of CEUs, each holding its unique significance. For instance, out of the total CEUs, at least four must pertain to professional ethics, underlining the critical role of ethical considerations in ABA therapy. For clinicians in supervisory roles, 3 supervision CEUs are also required.

The Downside of Non-compliance: What Happens if CEU Requirements aren’t Met?

Failure to meet CEU requirements can result in a lapse in your certification, causing disruptions in your professional practice. Such setbacks can impact service delivery to clients and potentially blemish your professional reputation. Hence, it’s crucial to regard CEU acquisition as an essential part of your professional journey, ensuring consistent delivery of superior service.

Rethink Behavioral Health: Your Partner in CEU Acquisition

At Rethink Behavioral Health, we are committed to supporting BCBAs and BCaBAs in fulfilling CEU requirements with courses by industry experts. In addition to our robust practice management and data collection platform, we also provide free resources to simplify your CEU acquisition process. We’re here to equip you with the tools and knowledge to achieve professional excellence in ABA therapy. Are you ready to leap forward in your professional journey? Check out our monthly live CE webinar series – Our Next Guest with Dr. Bridget Taylor.

TLDR: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here, we address some of the most frequently asked questions regarding CEU requirements for BCBAs and BCaBAs:

What are the specific CEU requirements for BCBAs and BCaBAs?

BCBAs are required to obtain at least 32 CEUs, and BCaBAs must acquire 20 CEUs during each two-year certification cycle.

Are online CEUs acceptable for BCBAs and BCaBAs?

Yes, online CEUs are a convenient and flexible way to fulfill your CEU requirements and are acceptable for both BCBAs and BCaBAs.

Do all CEUs have the same value?

Not exactly. The BACB mandates that at least four CEUs must focus on professional ethics, emphasizing the crucial role of ethical considerations in ABA therapy. For clinicians in supervisory roles, 3 supervision CEUs are also required.

What happens if I don’t meet my CEU requirements?

Failure to meet CEU requirements can lead to a lapse in certification, disrupting your professional practice.

How does Rethink Behavioral Health support CEU acquisition?

Rethink Behavioral Health offers a rich variety of resources, including online courses and live webinars, to help BCBAs and BCaBAs earn their required CEUs conveniently. Check out our monthly live CE webinar series – Our Next Guest.

In conclusion, earning CEUs isn’t merely about ticking off a requirement. It’s a testament to your dedication to lifelong learning, ethical practice, and offering the gold standard in ABA therapy. With this guide and the resources offered by Rethink Behavioral Health, meeting your BCBA and BCaBA CEU requirements can be an enlightening, rewarding experience.

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About the Author

Headshot of Erin Mayberry, Director of Community Engagement for RethinkBH

Previous Director of Community Engagement

Erin Mayberry is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has been in the field of ABA since 2009. Prior to Rethink, Erin provided clinical consultation to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families in home, clinic, and school settings, as well as staff training in behavioral crisis prevention. Erin was with Rethink 2018-2024 as Rethink’s Director of Community Engagement, working with our customers to create successful and meaningful partnerships, and has worked in professional services and customer success.

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