ABA Careers Archives - Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP)

BCaBA vs BCBA: What’s the Difference Between a BCaBA and a BCBA?

Published: March 4, 2025

When pursuing a career in autism therapy, it’s essential to understand the qualifications and roles of professionals in the field.

Two key titles you will encounter are known as board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) and board certified assistant behavior analysts (BCaBAs). Though they sound similar, they have distinct differences.

The main difference between the BCaBA vs BCBA titles is the level of education and supervision required for each. Let’s explore more about each role.

BCaBA vs BCBA Requirements: What Level of Education Do I Need?

The titles “BCaBA” and “BCBA” are the two main certifications in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. That may sound like a lot of alphabet soup, but let’s break it down:

A BCaBA requires a bachelor’s degree, while a BCBA requires both a bachelor’s and master’s degree.

The roles also require a different level of supervision.

A BCaBA can’t practice without supervision from a BCBA or BCBA-D (doctoral-level BCBA). A BCBA can practice independently and supervise others.

What Does the Coursework Include?

There is a difference between BCBA and BCaBA coursework required. To become a BCBA, coursework covers ABA therapy for autism, ethics, measurement, experimental design, and behavior assessment. Additionally, candidates must complete supervised fieldwork and pass the BCBA exam.

For BCaBA certification, a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in behavior analysis, education, or a related field is required. Like the BCBA, candidates need coursework in ABA, ethics, measurement, experimental design, and behavior assessment. They also need to complete supervised fieldwork and pass the BCaBA exam.

Both certifications require continuing education to stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field.

BCBA vs BCaBA: What Do They Do?

BCaBAs and BCBAs both work with people who have developmental disabilities, such as autism, to help them change their behavior and lead more fulfilling lives.

These professionals use scientific approaches such as ABA therapy. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, homes, learning centers, and the community.

BCaBAs and BCBAs conduct assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, and work with families who have kids on the autism spectrum.

How Much Autonomy Does a BCBA vs BCaBA Have?

Supervision requirements and levels of autonomy differ between BCaBAs and BCBAs. BCBA candidates need a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised experience, including at least 75 hours of face-to-face supervision from a qualified BCBA. BCaBA candidates require 1,000 hours of supervised experience, with at least 50 hours of face-to-face supervision.

One difference between a BCaBA and BCBA is that BCBAs generally have more autonomy, conducting assessments, developing behavior plans, and directly supervising others. BCaBAs, while crucial in treatment, work under a BCBA’s guidance, using behavior plans and collecting data. Together, they use evidence-based interventions tailored to each person’s needs.

What Kinds of Career Opportunities Are Available for a BCBA vs BCaBA?

Career prospects for BCBAs and BCaBAs are promising, driven by the growing demand for autism therapies. BCBAs can work in schools, clinics, and private practices, often holding supervisory roles and conducting assessments.

Both roles offer advancement opportunities. BCBAs can pursue advanced certifications like BCBA-D, leading to higher-level positions and research opportunities. BCaBAs can gain experience, pursue higher education, and take on more responsibilities, such as supervising other BCaBAs.

Specializations within behavior analysis — such as early intervention or verbal behavior — allow professionals to focus their expertise and advance their careers. Staying informed and pursuing ongoing professional development can lead to successful and fulfilling careers in autism therapies.

BCaBA Salary vs BCBA Salary: What’s the Difference?

Across the country, BCBA salaries typically range from $55,000 to $85,000 per year, influenced by experience, location, and work setting. BCaBAs earn between $35,000 and $55,000 per year, with similar influencing factors.

Geographic location, level of experience, specialization, and work setting all affect BCBA vs BCaBA salary levels. BCBAs and BCaBAs working in educational institutions or private clinics may earn higher salaries compared to those in nonprofit organizations.

While BCaBAs earn lower salaries, they play a crucial role in providing behavior analysis services under BCBA supervision. Ultimately, career goals, desired responsibility level, and commitment to professional development should guide the choice between these positions.

BCBA or BCaBA: How Do You Choose the Right Career Path?

If you’re seeking a career in autism therapy, both roles are crucial positions. You can start at one level and work your way up through education and experience. It’s common for people to earn an assistant certification before working toward becoming a BCBA.

Many BCBAs first earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, or ABA, then pursue a master’s degree in ABA or a related field. The job growth rate for BCBAs is projected to be 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than average for psychologists.

To learn more about BCBA or BCaBA job opportunities available at LEARN, visit our careers page .

A board certified behavior analyst (BCBA), managing technician, at LEARN’s Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST) in California’s Inland Empire region, Joshua Polanco provides supervision and behavioral intervention plans for clients in need of ABA services. He earned a master’s degree in psychology and ventured into ABA because he wanted to use that degree in a more direct and meaningful way. He’s also legally blind.

Here, he shares stories from his journey and experience working with children and young adults with autism—and his take on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA).

Q: WHY DID YOU GET INTO ABA?

A: I was working as a behavioral technician and providing one-to-one services with multiple clients. I was about to quit after the first two weeks of working in the ABA setting because I did not have any experience with children with disabilities and felt like I was not helping my clients. Ironically, the clients and their families are what made me stay. To me, nothing can beat the sensation of knowing you have made a difference in someone’s life, and I have had so many fun experiences that helped me realize the importance of ABA, and how prevalent it is in our everyday lives. All of these experiences are what drove me to continue pursuing ABA to the position where I am now.

Q: WHAT DOES DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI) MEAN TO YOU?

A: Everything. I feel these concepts as a whole are very overlooked at times. It’s not only important to have diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but to also recognize the benefits provided when DEI is incorporated into a work environment. In my case, I may be legally blind, but that does not make me useless in a work environment that relies heavily on vision. I am able to continue to make an impact on peoples’ lives through my work and can actually provide a different perspective and understanding when helping clients or co-workers because of my loss of vision.

Q: IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF WORKING IN A DIVERSE ENVIRONMENT?

A: Trying to comprehend various interactions that take place. Balancing the state of empathy and understanding, while simultaneously needing to support and accomplish work objectives that need to be achieved.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING THE PERSPECTIVES OF COLLEAGUES OR CLIENTS FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS?

A: The short, easy answer is that I take a step back and just listen. Self-awareness and self-control over your own biases and habits go a long way. It’s important to me to recognize the limitations you have in the moment. For example, you may not always be able to truly understand the perspective of others. This is OK—we are only human. I feel like there are ways to still attempt to understand to some degree. Failure to truly understand someone should not give us permission to disregard their perspective.

I’ve relied, to some degree, on multiple psychology books, articles, and notes from when I obtained my master’s degree in psychology, with an emphasis in clinical counseling and marriage and family therapy. When communicating with colleagues and clients, I always try to review and remember the concepts I learned on the dynamics of communication, including those on cognitive distortions and positive feedback loops. Understanding these can play a huge role on how I understand and communicate during a conversation.

Q: WHY IS DEI IMPORTANT IN ABA?

A: Without DEI, we would be refusing to grow ABA as a whole. ABA is a science that expands to more than any one individual population. Part of everything we do is to help, expand, and make a difference in the world. What better way to accomplish this than to recognize the different things people have to contribute.

Q: TELL ME ABOUT A TIME WHEN YOU ADVOCATED FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN THE WORKPLACE OR IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE.

A: One poignant instance in which I had to advocate for myself is the moment I was officially diagnosed blind, and I had to reach out to the HR department to figure out some resolutions and next steps forward. Luckily, I was part of a supportive team and was able to continue doing the core work I was educated to do and hired for, with some slight accommodations and adjustments.

Q: WHAT’S SOMETHING MOST COLLEAGUES DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I do not know how many people know that I am legally blind. My condition is called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). There is no treatment. With this condition, my vision will gradually worsen. There is no telling how much vision I will lose tomorrow…or over the next 30 years. I don’t only have to think about how this affects the work I do with clients but how I adjust my everyday life to prepare for this. Through my work with rehabilitation specialists, I am learning to use technology, to read braille, and even to cook without looking.

Q: ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?

A: I was diagnosed legally blind less than a year ago. In that time, I’ve taken and passed the BCBA exam, which was the first test I’ve ever had to study for and take without my vision, while finding ways to balance my work, as I learn a new lifestyle. I hope the message from all of this is one of inspiration—that no matter how bad things may seem, it’s important not to let the events around you, define you. Take control of the things you can, adapt, and persevere through the adversity. Because this is what we ask of our clients each day.

For more from our Spotlight on Diversity in ABA series, read “An Interview with Angela Parker.”

Tag: ABA Careers