Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires mandatory state licensure for behavior analysts (LABA) and assistant behavior analysts (LAABA). Governed by 262 CMR 10.00. Applications submitted through Health Professions Licensing Portal. BACB exam accepted as qualifying examination.
Quick Reference
Licensing Board
Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions (BRAMHHSP)
License Verification
Online verification available
BACB Certification
Check specific requirements
Available License Types
Detailed Requirements
LABA: Master's or doctoral degree from behavior analysis program accredited by ABAI or from related field with coursework meeting BACB requirements. LAABA: Bachelor's degree with appropriate coursework.
LABA: Minimum 1,500 hours supervised experience in behavior analysis covering assessment, intervention, and ethical conduct. LAABA: Minimum 1,000 hours supervised experience.
Must pass BACB certification examination (BCBA for LABA, BCaBA for LAABA). BRAMHHSP has adopted BACB exams as the qualifying examination for state licensure.
Biennial renewal by December 31 of odd-numbered years. CE Requirements: 30 hours per renewal cycle for LABA. Pro-rated for first renewal: 22.5 hours if licensed Jan-June of even year, 15 hours if licensed July-Dec of even year. CE must be from BACB ACE providers. Supervision and ethics hours required.
Application Fee: $117 (non-refundable). License Fee: $155. Biennial Renewal: $155. Late Renewal: $57 additional. Duplicate License: $17. Name Change: $27. Certified Statement: $15.
BACB certification exam (BCBA/BCaBA) is accepted as the qualifying examination. BACB ACE providers approved for continuing education. State does not require BACB certification itself, but exam passage is required.
Massachusetts uses a two-tier system (LABA/LAABA) similar to BACB's BCBA/BCaBA. Licenses expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years regardless of when issued. Pro-rated CE requirements for first renewal cycle. License verification required if holding license in another state. Applications through Health Professions Licensing Portal. MASSABA is the state professional organization.
As ABAI phases out VCS system on December 31, 2025, beginning in 2026 verification must occur through course-by-course review. Applications moved to Health Professions Licensing Portal (September 2022). Governed by M.G.L. c. 112, § 165.
Additional Information
Massachusetts offers both LABA (master's level) and LAABA (bachelor's level) licenses through BRAMHHSP. Notable: all licenses expire December 31 of odd years regardless of issue date, creating uniform renewal cycles. Pro-rated CE for first renewal. Low fees compared to many states: $272 initial, $155 biennial renewal. MASSABA (Massachusetts ABA) is the state professional org.
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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference purposes. Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the official Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions (BRAMHHSP). Last updated: Jan 20, 2026.