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Behavior Analyst — BCBA
Total cost: $250
Yes
License Required
Yes
BACB Required
Permitted
Telehealth
Minnesota requires insurance coverage for ABA therapy for autism spectrum disorder
Autism Mandate
32 hrs
CE Hours
$250
Total Initial Fees
State Licensing Requirements
VerifiedState License Required
State License Title
Licensed Behavior Analyst
Additional Notes
Minnesota enacted behavior analyst licensure in 2024 (Minnesota Statutes 148.9981 to 148.9995).
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 Behavior Analyst study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Certification Requirements
VerifiedBACB Certification 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.
BCBA Examination
Questions
185 questions
Time Limit
4 hours
Passing Score
Scaled score determined by BACB; pass/fail reported
Format
Computer-based, multiple choice
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the BCBA Examination.
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
Minnesota 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 | $150 |
License Fee | $100 |
Renewal Fee | $150 |
Total Initial Fees Estimated initial fees; licensing program began January 1, 2025 | $250 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
32 hrs
CE Hours Required
$150
Renewal Fee
CE Details
32 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 →
Compare Minnesota with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Minnesota is one of the newest states to require behavior analyst licensure (effective January 1, 2025). Licensed psychologists who practice behavior analysis are explicitly exempt from needing a separate behavior analyst license, a provision not common in all states.
Minnesota enacted behavior analyst licensure in 2024 (Minnesota Statutes 148.9981 to 148.9995).
Effective January 1, 2025, an individual must not practice applied behavior analysis without being licensed.
BCBA or BCBA-D certification is required for licensure.
Criminal background check required per Minnesota Statute 214.075.
Licensed psychologists practicing behavior analysis are exempt from the behavior analyst license requirement.
License is valid for two years.
A psychologist licensed under sections 148.88 to 148.981 who practices behavior analysis is not required to obtain a license as a behavior analyst under sections 148.9981 to 148.9995.
Behavior Analyst requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota (you) | $250 | 330–400 wks | |
| Iowa | $120 | 330–400 wks | → |
| North Dakota | $550 | 330–400 wks | → |
| South Dakota | $200 | 330–400 wks | → |
| Wisconsin | $59 | 330–400 wks | → |
See how Minnesota compares: Behavior Analyst License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare behavior analyst requirements across all states →
Behavior Analyst licensing requirements nationwide →
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How does Minnesota compare to other states for behavior analyst? See the full comparison →
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Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Minnesota.
Behavior Analyst Schools in Minnesota
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides and practice tests for the BACB certification exam.
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Official Sources
Behavior Analyst requirements in Minnesota verified against Minnesota Board of Psychology, March 2026.
Moving to Minnesota? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Behavior Analyst license to Minnesota →
Transfer your Behavior Analyst license from Minnesota to: Iowa → | North Dakota → | South Dakota → | Wisconsin →
Minnesota requires state licensure for behavior analysts. BACB certification is required. All licensing is managed through the Minnesota Board of Psychology.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority and the BACB.