Loading...
Loading...
How to become a licensed behavior analyst (BCBA) in New York. BACB certification required. Telehealth permitted. Total initial fees: $300. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Behavior Analyst — BCBA
Governing Authority
New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions (Applied Behavior Analysis Unit)
Official website →Yes
License Required
Yes
BACB Required
Permitted
Telehealth
New York requires insurance coverage for ABA therapy for autism spectrum disorder
Autism Mandate
36 hrs
CE Hours
$300
Total Initial Fees
State Licensing Requirements
VerifiedState License Required
State License Title
Licensed Behavior Analyst
Additional Notes
New York enacted behavior analyst licensure in 2014.
Most states require behavior analysts to hold a state-issued license or certification in addition to BACB credentials. A few states (such as Alaska, Delaware, Idaho, and Maine) do not currently require state licensure, though BACB certification may still be required by employers and insurance payers.
Master's Degree & Coursework
VerifiedDegree Required
Master's Required
Coursework Hours
270 hours of BACB-approved coursework (5th Edition Task List or 6th Edition content) hrs
Degree Field
Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, Education, or related field
Accreditation
ABAI-accredited or BACB-approved program
Behavior analysts must earn a master's degree (or higher) in behavior analysis, psychology, education, or a related field. BACB-approved coursework in behavior analysis is required, typically covering ethics, experimental design, applied behavior analysis, and behavioral assessment.
Browse approved behavior analyst training programs to find the right fit.
Browse Behavior Analyst study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Certification Requirements
VerifiedBACB Certification Required
Behavior Analyst Certification Board
BCBA Examination (administered by BACB via Pearson VUE)
Exam Name
Scaled score determined by BACB; pass/fail reported
Passing Score
BCBA Examination (administered by BACB via Pearson VUE)
Exam Name
Certification Maintenance
Recertification every 2 years; 32 CE units required including 4 in ethics and 3 in supervision. Renewal fee: $215 every 2 years.
The BACB examination is a computer-based test administered at Pearson VUE testing centers. It covers measurement, experimental design, behavior-change procedures, and professional/ethical compliance. Most states require current BACB certification as a prerequisite for state licensure.
Fieldwork & Supervision Requirements
Verified2000 hrs
Total Hours
Minimum 5% of total fieldwork hours must be supervised (BACB standard)
Supervision Ratio
BCBA or BCBA-D with 8-hour supervision training
Supervisor Quals
2000 hrs
Independent Fieldwork
1500 hrs
Concentrated Fieldwork
BACB requires supervised fieldwork experience as part of certification. Fieldwork can be completed as concentrated (1,500 hours) or standard (2,000 hours). Supervision must be provided by a qualified BCBA or BCBA-D. States may have additional supervision requirements beyond BACB standards.
Practice Scope & Telehealth
VerifiedABA Therapy
Authorized
Telehealth
Permitted
Autism Mandate
New York requires insurance coverage for ABA therapy for autism spectrum disorder
Assessment
Yes
BIP Development
Development, implementation, and monitoring of behavior intervention plans (BIPs) based on functional behavior assessments
RBT Supervision
Supervision of Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and other paraprofessionals implementing ABA programming
Behavior analysts provide applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, conduct behavioral assessments, develop behavior intervention plans (BIPs), and supervise Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). Most states have autism insurance mandates requiring coverage of ABA services. Telehealth delivery of ABA services has expanded significantly.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $300 |
License Fee | $0 (included in the $300 combined licensure and first registration fee) |
Renewal Fee | $300 |
Total Initial Fees $300 fee for licensure and first registration | $300 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Government & exam fees
Application, exam & license fees
$300
Study guides & supplies
BCBA Exam Prep Books
Estimated total (gov't fees)
$300
Average Behavior Analyst salary in New York: $113,730/year
Your investment pays for itself in approximately 1 days
Education and training costs vary by provider. Government fees sourced from state licensing board websites.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified3 years (per NY's registration cycle)
Renewal Period
36 hrs
CE Hours Required
$300
Renewal Fee
CE Details
36 continuing education units per renewal cycle
Regulatory Board
Behavior analyst licenses must be renewed on schedule with the state licensing board. Additionally, BACB certification requires 32 continuing education units (CEUs) per 2-year certification cycle, including ethics and supervision-specific units. State CE requirements may differ from BACB requirements.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedEndorsement Available
Yes
BACB Transfer
Accepted
Reciprocity Requirements
Because BACB certification is a national credential, most states accept BACB-certified behavior analysts from other states through endorsement or transfer. Requirements typically include verification of BACB certification, background check, and meeting any state-specific requirements.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
New York is unique in housing behavior analyst licensing under the State Education Department's Office of the Professions (rather than a health department). The state has a 3-year registration cycle and two distinct pathways to licensure, with Pathway Two (BACB-based) added in 2022.
New York enacted behavior analyst licensure in 2014.
Two pathways to licensure: Pathway One (standard requirements under Education Law Section 8804) and Pathway Two (BACB certification, available since November 22, 2022).
New York has a 3-year registration cycle rather than the typical 2 years.
Graduate permits ($10) and limited permits ($70) are available.
The State Education Department's Office of the Professions oversees licensing.
Applicants must be of good moral character as determined by the Department.
Some out-of-state ABA programs may not qualify for New York licensure.
Behavior Analyst requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York (you) | $300 | 330–400 wks | |
| Connecticut | $350 | 330–400 wks | → |
| Massachusetts | $253 | 330–400 wks | → |
| New Jersey | $320 | 330–400 wks | → |
| Pennsylvania | $145 | 330–400 wks | → |
New York ranks #25 out of 42 for lowest behavior analyst licensing fees ($300). See full ranking →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost · Fewest CE Hours
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New York.
Behavior Analyst Schools in New York
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#29 of 51
Cost
#25 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Psychologists, All Other (SOC 19-3039)
Entry Level
$72,450
25th percentile
Median
$113,730
-3% vs. national avg ($117,580)Experienced
$136,790
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
870 employed in this state
Note: BLS does not have a specific SOC code for behavior analysts (BCBAs). This data uses "Psychologists, All Other" as an approximate reference. Actual BCBA compensation may vary.
Source: BLS OEWS – Psychologists, All Other (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+6.2%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+1,800
over 10 years
Annual Openings
2,900
per year (avg.)
29,400 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 330–400 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions — Licensing Requirements
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the BACB certification exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Moving to New York? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Behavior Analyst license to New York →
Transfer your Behavior Analyst license from New York to: Connecticut → | Massachusetts → | New Jersey → | Pennsylvania → | Vermont →
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
New York requires state licensure for behavior analysts. BACB certification is required. All licensing is managed through the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions (Applied Behavior Analysis Unit).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority and the BACB.