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Colorado does not require a state license for behavior analysts. BACB certification may still be required. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Colorado does not require a state license for behavior analysts. Colorado does not require state licensure for behavior analysts.
Behavior Analyst — BCBA
Colorado does not require a state license for behavior analysts. Colorado does not require state licensure for behavior analysts.
No
License Required
No
BACB Required
Permitted
Telehealth
Colorado does not have state licensure but insurance carriers may require BCBA certification for ABA reimbursement
Autism Mandate
0 hrs
CE Hours
N/A
Total Initial Fees
State Licensing Requirements
VerifiedNo State License Required
State License Title
No state license required
Colorado does not require state licensure for behavior analysts.
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.
Certification Requirements
VerifiedBACB Certification Not Required
Behavior Analyst Certification Board
BCBA Examination
Exam Name
Scaled score determined by BACB; pass/fail reported
Passing Score
BCBA Examination
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
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
Colorado does not have state licensure but insurance carriers may require BCBA certification for ABA reimbursement
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.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedEndorsement Available
No
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.
Colorado's regulatory framework creates an unusual situation where ABA could theoretically fall under psychotherapy regulations, but behavior analysts are not required to register unless they engage in the practice of psychotherapy as defined by state law.
Colorado does not require state licensure for behavior analysts.
ABA practice may fall under the legal definition of psychotherapy in Colorado, but ABA practitioners are not required to register as Unlicensed Psychotherapists unless engaging in psychotherapy.
BCBA certification from the BACB serves as the professional standard.
Colorado accepts BCBA certification without requiring additional state licensure.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Colorado.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#26 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
$84,810
25th percentile
Median
$118,640
+1% vs. national avg ($117,580)Experienced
$141,930
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
350 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)
Estimated total: 330–400 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: No dedicated licensing board — Licensing Requirements
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: No dedicated licensing board — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the BACB certification exam.
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Colorado does not require a state license for behavior analysts, though BACB certification remains the professional standard. Contact the No dedicated licensing board for current details.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority and the BACB.