How Long Does It Take to Become an ABA Therapist? A Step-by-Step Guide

Making the decision to become an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist opens the door to a rewarding career helping individuals with autism and other developmental challenges lead fuller, more independent lives. However, one of the most common questions aspiring ABA professionals ask is about the time commitment involved in pursuing this career path.

The truth is, becoming a qualified ABA therapist isn’t a quick journey – it typically takes between 4-7 years of dedicated study and practical experience, depending on your chosen path and career goals. Becoming an ABA therapist requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for helping individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). But don’t let this timeline discourage you. The field of ABA therapy offers multiple entry points and career levels, each with its own educational and certification requirements.

What is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis represents the gold standard in evidence-based interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental conditions. But it’s much more than just autism therapy. ABA principles are successfully applied across various settings, from early intervention programs to adult services, and from educational environments to rehabilitation centers.

How Long Does It Take To Become an ABA Therapist

A. Entry-Level Positions (0-2 Years)

For aspiring ABA therapists looking to enter the ABA field quickly, becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is the fastest route. This position allows individuals to begin working with clients while gaining hands-on experience under the supervision of a BCBA.

Step 1: Meeting Initial Requirements (1-2 Weeks)

To qualify as an RBT, applicants must:

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Pass a background check
• Obtain basic healthcare certifications (CPR, First Aid)
• Be at least 18 years old

Step 2: Completing RBT Training (1-2 Months)

• Complete a 40-hour training program (online or in-person)
• Learn ABA principles, ethics, and intervention strategies
• Pass a competency assessment (supervised practical evaluation)
• Prepare for and take the RBT certification exam

Step 3: Gaining Initial Work Experience (3-12 Months)

Once certified, RBTs begin working with clients under BCBA supervision, typically performing tasks such as:

• Implementing behavior intervention plans
• Collecting data on client progress
• Learning collaboration skills by working with families, teachers, and other professionals

Estimated time to complete this phase: Six months to two years, depending on work hours and experience.

B. Bachelor’s Degree Phase (4 Years)

A bachelor’s degree is required for those who want to advance beyond the RBT level and pursue certification as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) or continue toward a master’s degree for BCBA certification.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Degree

Common majors for those pursuing a career in ABA include:

• Psychology
• Special Education
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Child Development
• Human Services
• Education

Understanding human behavior is essential for applying ABA therapy effectively, and degree programs in psychology, education, and related fields provide this foundational knowledge.

Step 2: How to Maximize the Bachelor’s Degree Experience

To improve career prospects, students should:

• Join professional ABA organizations
• Attend ABA conferences to network and stay updated on industry trends
• Participate in research projects related to behavior analysis
• Seek mentorship opportunities from professionals in the field
• Gain practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or employment at:
  • University research labs
  • ABA therapy clinics
  • School districts
  • Community organizations

Master’s Degree Phase (2-3 Years)

For those aiming to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), obtaining a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), psychology, or a related field is essential. This phase builds advanced knowledge of behavior assessment, intervention strategies, and research methods, preparing individuals for certification and independent practice.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Master’s Program

To qualify for BCBA certification, a master’s program must:

• Be accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) or include a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
• Cover essential coursework in behavior assessment, ethics, and intervention strategies.

Master’s degrees that align with BCBA certification include:

• Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Master’s in Psychology with an ABA concentration
• Master’s in Education with a focus on Behavioral Studies

Step 2: Study Options & Completion Timelines

Factors that affect completion time:

• Program intensity – Some schools offer accelerated options allowing students to finish in 18-24 months.
• Course load per semester – Taking more credits per term reduces overall time.
• Fieldwork integration – Some programs allow students to complete supervised experience alongside coursework, expediting the process.

Step 3: Gaining Practical Experience (Supervised Fieldwork – 1.5 to 2 Years)

To qualify for the BCBA certification exam, candidates must complete supervised fieldwork hours under the guidance of a licensed BCBA. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requires one of the following:

Finding Fieldwork Opportunities:

• Many graduate programs assist students in securing fieldwork through partnerships.
• Candidates can gain experience in ABA clinics, schools, hospitals, or home-based therapy programs.
• Some ABA employers offer paid fieldwork positions, allowing candidates to earn while gaining supervised experience.
• Aspiring therapists can also shadow or volunteer with experienced BCBAs to enhance their skills.

Step 4: Preparing for the BCBA Exam

After completing coursework and fieldwork, candidates must pass the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam to become a certified ABA therapist. This rigorous test covers:

• Behavior assessment
• Intervention design
• Ethical considerations in ABA
• Research and data analysis

How to Prepare for the Exam:

• Enroll in BCBA exam prep courses
• Study using official BACB exam guides and practice tests
• Join BCBA study groups or mentorship programs
• Allocate several months for review and practice

Total Time to Complete This Phase

On average, this stage takes 2-3 years:

• Master’s coursework: 2 years (full-time) or 3+ years (part-time)
• Supervised fieldwork: 12-24 months (can overlap with coursework)
• BCBA exam preparation: Several months

Licensing, Career, and Salary Expectations

After completing the master’s degree, fieldwork, and passing the BCBA certification exam, the final step for becoming an ABA therapist involves obtaining state licensure (if required), finding employment, and understanding salary expectations.

How to Check State Licensure Requirements

• Visit the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) website for updated state-by-state licensing requirements.
• Contact state behavior analysis licensing boards for specific application processes.

Time to complete licensing: Licensing approval can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the state’s processing time.

Career Outlook and Job Opportunities

ABA therapy is a rapidly growing field, with demand for certified behavior analysts increasing due to the rising diagnosis rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental conditions.

Where Do ABA Therapists Work?

BCBAs and ABA therapists can work in a variety of settings, including:

Salary Expectations for ABA Therapists

Salary varies based on location, experience, certification level, and work setting.

Ways to Increase Earning Potential

• Specialize in high-demand ABA techniques (e.g., verbal behavior therapy, organizational behavior management)
• Gain additional certifications (e.g., BCBA-D for research and teaching)
• Open a private ABA practice
• Seek leadership roles (e.g., Clinical Director, Senior BCBA)

Common Challenges in the ABA Therapy Field

1. Completing 1,500-2,000 hours while balancing coursework can be challenging. Choose a program with built-in supervision, work at an ABA clinic, or find a paid fieldwork opportunity.
2. Heavy caseloads and client behaviors may lead to burnout. Set boundaries, take breaks, build a support network, and keep learning.
3. Managing aggression or resistance in clients requires positive reinforcement, collaboration with parents and teachers, and staying updated on ABA techniques.
4. Limited job opportunities? Consider telehealth, relocating to high-demand states, or specializing in early intervention.
5. Licensing and certification rules change frequently. Stay compliant by joining professional organizations, tracking deadlines, and checking state requirements.

Is a Career in ABA Therapy Right for You?

Becoming an ABA therapist is a rewarding career path that allows professionals to make a meaningful impact on individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, and behavioral challenges. The journey to becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) requires time, dedication, and education, but it also offers strong job growth, competitive salaries, and the ability to create lasting change in people’s lives.

Start your ABA therapy career with Apple ABA Care, where we provide the training, mentorship, and supervised fieldwork needed to help you succeed. Whether you’re pursuing RBT certification or working toward BCBA licensure, we offer flexible opportunities, professional development, and real-world experience to help you grow in the field. Visit Champions ABA to take the first step toward a rewarding career today!

FAQs

How long does it take to complete ABA?

The time to complete ABA training and certification depends on the level of certification. Becoming an RBT takes 1-2 months, while becoming a BCBA requires 6-8 years, including a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, supervised fieldwork, and certification.

What are the 7 requirements of ABA?

The seven key principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) include behavioral, applied, technological, conceptually systematic, analytic, effective, and generality. These principles guide ABA therapists in using scientific, data-driven, and ethical behavior intervention strategies to create meaningful changes.

Where do ABA therapists make the most money?

ABA therapists earn the highest salaries in states like California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Connecticut, where salaries for BCBAs range from $75,000 to over $100,000 per year. Salaries tend to be higher in states with a strong demand for ABA services and a higher cost of living.

How long does it take to see results from ABA therapy?

The effectiveness of ABA therapy varies depending on the individual, but many clients show progress within a few months, with significant improvements typically seen within 6 months to 2 years of consistent therapy. The duration and intensity of therapy sessions play a key role in achieving long-term success.

Is it hard to be an ABA therapist?

Being an ABA therapist can be challenging because it requires patience, adaptability, and emotional resilience, especially when working with individuals who have significant behavioral challenges. However, for those passionate about helping others, problem-solving, and behavioral science, it can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling career.