Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA) are crucial members in the field of behavior analysis. As a BCaBA, you’ll work under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to implement and manage behavior analysis programs. If you’re considering this career path in New Jersey, understanding the certification process and requirements is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a BCaBA in NJ.
How to Become a BCaBA in NJ
- Understand the role of a BCaBA
Before pursuing certification, it’s important to understand what a BCaBA does. BCaBAs assist in the development and implementation of behavior analysis programs and provide direct services to clients. They work with individuals with behavioral issues, often within settings like schools, clinics, and homes. They help in assessing behavioral issues, designing intervention strategies, and monitoring progress.
- Obtain the Necessary Coursework
To become a BCaBA, you must have at least bachelor’s degree. The bachelor’s degree should be in a field related to behavior analysis, such as psychology, education, or applied behavior analysis. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requires that you complete a degree program that includes coursework in behavior analysis. When choosing a program to attend, look for a program that is approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis (ABAI) or a program that has coursework through a verified course sequence.
- Accumulate Supervised Experience
In order to be eligible for certification, you must complete supervised fieldwork in applied behavior analysis. There are two ways to accrue fieldwork hours, either through supervised fieldwork or concentrated supervised fieldwork. Below are the requirements you must meet for both types of supervised fieldwork.
- Supervised fieldwork
- Fieldwork hours required to qualify: 1,300 hours
- Supervision hours per supervisory period: 5% of hours
- Concentrated supervised fieldwork
- Fieldwork hours required to qualify: 1,000 hours
- Supervision hours per supervisory period: 10% of hours
- Apply for the BCaBA Exam
Once you have met the eligibility requirements, the next step is to apply for the BCaBA certification exam. To apply for the exam, you will need to provide supplemental documents which include official transcripts and BCaBA VCS Coordinator Coursework Attestation (if relevant). There will also be an associated fee to apply for the exam that must be paid when sending in the application. Once you have submitted your payment, you will have approximately 90 days to submit the supplemental documents.
- Prepare for the Exam
Preparing for the exam is key to pass on your first try and become certified. The BACB recommends to review the BCaBA Task List, the materials gathered from your trainings, and the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts. The task list goes over the knowledge and skills that serve as the foundation for the exam. Consider finding study groups, practice exams online, and reading textbooks that focus on behavior analysis. Ensure that you are familiar with the exam format and topics to set yourself up for success.
- Pass the BCaBA Exam
The BCaBA exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is split into two sections: foundations and applications. Study the task list mentioned earlier and stay up to date on any changes in certification requirements.
- Maintain Your Certification
Once you’ve earned your BCaBA certification it will need to be maintained. In order to maintain your certification you must obtain ongoing continuing education, meet ongoing supervision requirements, adhere to the BACB’s ethics requirements and self-reporting requirements, and submit a completed recertification application every two years. It is required for BCaBA’s to obtain 20 continuing education units (CEUs) within each 2-year recertification cycle. The continuing education units include 4 CEUs in ethics and 3 CEUs in supervision.
- Explore Job Opportunities
Potential job opportunities for BCaBAs in NJ include working in schools, clinics, and private practices. Networking or teaming up with a staffing company may increase your job opportunities and help advance your career.
Conclusion
Becoming a BCaBA in NJ involves meeting requirements in education, experience, and certification status. By following the steps on how to become a BCaBA in NJ and staying dedicated to your career, you can become a board certified assistant behavioral analyst. Being a BCaBA in New Jersey is a rewarding career as you make a meaningful impact on individuals lives. If you’re looking for a BCaBA job in New Jersey, send in your application today!