Becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a major achievement, but earning your certification is only the beginning. You must complete Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain your credentials. If you’re a BCBA, staying on top of these requirements is crucial to ensuring you continue practicing legally and ethically. But what exactly are CEUs, and how can you keep up with them? In this article, we’ll break it all down for you.
What Are BCBA CEUs?
BCBA Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are credits certified professionals must earn periodically to maintain their credentials. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requires these units to ensure that BCBAs stay updated with new research, ethical considerations, and best practices in applied behavior analysis (ABA). Without completing the required CEUs, a BCBA risks losing certification, which can have significant career consequences.
How Many CEUs Do BCBAs Need?
The BACB requires 32 CEUs per two-year certification cycle. Four of these 32 CEUs must be in ethics to ensure BCBAs continue practicing responsibly. Three CEUs must focus on supervision if a BCBA supervises others in ABA settings. The remaining 25 CEUs can cover various ABA-related topics that enhance professional development. Failing to meet this requirement before the deadline will result in certification expiration, requiring additional steps for reinstatement.
Types of CEUs Accepted by the BACB
Not all learning opportunities count toward CEUs, so choosing the right ones is important. The BACB approves several methods for earning CEUs, including workshops, conferences, online webinars, courses, supervision training, and research publications. Industry conferences often offer CEU credits for attendance, while many organizations provide BACB-approved CEU courses that can be completed online at your own pace. If you supervise behavior analysts, taking supervision-related courses can count toward the required CEUs. Publishing a peer-reviewed research article in the field of ABA may also be eligible for CEU credit. Verifying that the provider is BACB-approved before enrolling in any CEU course is necessary.
Where to Earn BCBA CEUs?
There are numerous ways to earn CEUs, and choosing the best option depends on personal learning style and schedule. Many BCBA professionals complete CEUs through BACB-approved online platforms such as Relias, Behavior University, and CentralReach. ABA conferences, including the annual ABAI Convention, provide multiple CEU opportunities.
Some universities and ABA agencies also offer workshops designed for continuing education credits. Many of these options offer flexible learning, allowing professionals to complete CEUs conveniently.
How Much Do BCBA CEUs Cost?
The cost of CEUs varies widely depending on the provider. Online courses may range from ten to thirty dollars per credit hour, while conferences or in-person workshops can cost several hundred dollars. Some employers offer free CEU opportunities through sponsored training programs, and professional organizations may provide complimentary webinars that count toward CEU credits.
Keeping Track of Your CEUs
Keeping records is essential since CEUs must be completed within each two-year cycle. The BACB does not track CEUs for professionals, so maintaining accurate documentation is a personal responsibility. Some effective ways to track CEUs include using an Excel spreadsheet to log course details and completion dates, keeping certificates of completion in a digital folder, or using tracking platforms like CEU Smart Hub, which helps organize and store CEU records efficiently. Staying organized prevents last-minute stress when the renewal deadline approaches.
What Happens If You Don’t Complete Your CEUs?
Failing to meet the CEU requirements before the certification renewal deadline means losing BCBA certification, which can prevent professionals from practicing in the field. The BACB provides a grace period for reinstatement, but this process comes with additional fees and potential delays. It is best to complete CEUs gradually throughout the two-year cycle instead of waiting until the last minute to avoid complications.
BCBA CEUs are essential for staying certified, improving professional skills, and keeping up with advancements in applied behavior analysis. With multiple options for earning credits, including online courses, workshops, and research—maintaining certification is manageable with proper planning. By tracking CEUs and completing them regularly, professionals can avoid last-minute stress and remain compliant with BACB requirements. Those looking for affordable, high-quality CEU options should begin researching today to stay ahead of their renewal deadline.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.psychology.org/resources/bcba-meaning-career-overview
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/applied-behavior-analysis
https://www.abamatrix.com/bcbas-and-bcabas-heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-ceu-requirements/
https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ACE-Provider-Handbook_200626.pdf
