Behavior Analysts

Apply for a Behavior Analyst Assistant License

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Who Must Be Licensed

Starting September 1, 2018, the following professionals will need to be licensed in Texas:

  • Persons who use the title “licensed behavior analyst” or “licensed assistant behavior analyst”
  • Persons who use the title “behavior analyst” unless exempt by law
  • Persons who engage in the practice of applied behavior analysis unless exempt by law

Beginning September 1, 2018, you may not practice applied behavior analysis or use the title “Licensed Behavior Analyst” or “Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst” in Texas unless you qualify for, and hold, the appropriate license.

Education Requirements

You must meet the educational requirements of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst to apply for the Texas issued Assistant Behavior Analyst license.

You do not need to submit proof of meeting the educational requirements to TDLR. When we verify your current certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, we will accept that as proof that you have met the education requirements. In some circumstances, TDLR may request an official copy of your college transcripts or other information related to your education and training.

Board Certification

To qualify for licensure as an assistant behavior analyst, a person must:

Application and Fee

Once the Behavior Analyst Certification Board requirements have been met, you may apply for the state issued license.

Submit a completed application form (Apply Online or see Assistant Behavior Analyst License Application Form PDF) along with the fee of $110.

Licenses are valid for two years from the date of issuance.

Once your license application has been approved by TDLR, you may print an online license verification and start working while you wait for your license certificate to arrive by mail.

Examination

The examination for licensure is the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Examination, administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

There is no Texas exam to get a license. When we verify your current certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, we will accept that as proof that you have passed the required board examination. TDLR may request a copy of your examination score report, if necessary.

Exemptions from Licensing

The following individuals are not required under the law to obtain a behavior analyst license:

  • College or university students, interns, and fellows, under the following conditions:
    • the activity or service is part of a defined behavior analysis program of study, course, practicum, internship, or postdoctoral fellowship;
    • the activity or service is directly supervised by a licensed behavior analyst or an instructor in a course sequence approved by the certifying entity; and
    • the person is designated as a "student," "intern," "fellow," or "trainee
  • Paraprofessionals, if the applied behavior analysis services are provided under the extended authority and direction of a licensed behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst, including:
    • Applied behavior analysis technicians
    • Behavior technicians
    • Tutors
    • Front-line therapists
  • Unlicensed persons pursuing supervised experience in applied behavior analysis if the supervised experience is consistent with the requirements of the certifying entity and commission rules
  • Family members and guardians implementing a behavior analysis treatment plan for a recipient under the extended authority and direction of a licensed behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst

Texas law exempts the following professions from needing a license if they meet all requirements:

  • Licensed psychologists, if the applied behavior analysis services provided are within the scope of the licensed psychologist’s education, training, and competence
  • Other licensed professionals, if the applied behavior analysis services provided are within the scope of the licensed person’s education, training, and competence
  • Teacher or school employee of a private or public school who provide applied behavior analysis services if the teacher or employee is performing duties within the scope of the teacher’s or employee’s employment
  • Out of state behavior analysts providing temporary services for no more than 20 days per calendar year

Disciplinary Actions

Your certification must be current and in good standing with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board before your Texas license can be issued. If you are subject to or have received a disciplinary action by the certification board, you may be ineligible to hold a Texas license.

License holders must notify the department within 30 days of any initiation of disciplinary action by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

Criminal History Background Check

All applicants must pass a criminal history background check as a condition of licensure.

Having a criminal conviction does not necessarily disqualify you from licensure. Texas allows you to have your criminal history evaluated before submitting your application and non-refundable fees. Please see Guidelines for License Applicants with Criminal Convictions for further information.