Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a growing field with multiple professional roles, each with its own certification level, education requirements, and responsibilities. If you’re exploring a career in ABA, it’s important to understand the differences between the three most common credentials: BCBA, BCaBA, and RBT.

This guide compares BCBA vs BCaBA vs RBT so you can decide which path fits your goals and where to begin.

🧠 What Is a BCBA?

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a master’s-level clinician who designs, supervises, and evaluates ABA treatment plans. They lead teams of therapists and ensure ethical, effective care.

Education required:

• Master’s degree (ABA, psychology, education, or related field)

• BACB-approved course sequence

• 1,500–2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork

• Must pass the BCBA certification exam

• Licensure may be required (state-dependent)

What BCBAs do:

• Conduct behavior assessments (FBA, VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, etc.)

• Create treatment plans and behavior intervention plans (BIPs)

• Supervise BCaBAs and RBTs

• Handle parent training and insurance documentation

• Ensure clinical compliance and billing accuracy

💡 See our post: How to Become a BCBA

📘 What Is a BCaBA?

A Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) is a bachelor’s level ABA professional who works under the supervision of a BCBA. They can provide some clinical oversight and assist in treatment plan implementation.

Education required:

• Bachelor’s degree

• BACB-approved undergraduate ABA coursework

• 1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork

• Must pass the BCaBA certification exam

What BCaBAs do:

• Assist in writing behavior plans

• Oversee RBTs under BCBA supervision

• Collect and interpret data

• Support progress monitoring and documentation

💡 BCaBA is a great stepping-stone toward BCBA certification.

👩‍🏫 What Is an RBT?

A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a paraprofessional who delivers direct ABA services to clients under the supervision of a BCBA or BCaBA.

Education required:

• High school diploma or GED

• 40-hour RBT training program

• Pass the RBT Competency Assessment and the RBT exam

• Ongoing supervision by a BCBA or a BCaBA

What RBTs do:

• Implement behavior interventions and skill-building tasks

• Collect session data

• Report progress to supervisors

• Work 1:1 with clients (children or adults)

💡 RBTs are the frontline of care — perfect for gaining experience while pursuing BCaBA or BCBA credentials.

📊 Comparison Chart: BCBA vs BCaBA vs RBT

*Salaries vary by location, experience, and setting.

🧭 Which ABA Career Path Is Right for You?

Ask yourself:

• ✅ Do I want to work directly with clients now or supervise later?

• ✅ Do I plan to pursue a graduate degree?

• ✅ Am I ready for certification exams and fieldwork hours?

You might start as an RBT, move up to BCaBA, and eventually become a BCBA — a common progression in the ABA field.

🤝 How Taylor Prime Solutions Supports ABA Professionals

Whether you’re an RBT just starting or a BCBA building your practice, Taylor Prime Solutions is here to support you.

We help ABA professionals with:

• Insurance billing and credentialing

• Documentation and session note compliance

• Authorization management

• SOPs and onboarding support for small clinics

• Billing solutions that grow with your career

Call us today at 844-TAYLOR-9 (844-829-5679)
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