Certifynd ABA

Montana

Mandatory Licensing

Montana requires mandatory state licensure for behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts through the Board of Psychologists. Must hold current BACB certification (BCBA for BA, BCaBA for ABA). Background check required. Must attest to abiding by BACB Professional and Ethical Compliance Code.

Quick Reference

Licensing Status
Mandatory
Primary License Type
Behavior Analyst (BA)
Education Required
Master's Degree (via BACB)
Estimated Cost
$450 initial + $600 annual
Renewal Cycle
Annual (Nov-Dec)
BACB Required
Yes
Online Verification
Available
Important Deadline:December 31 annually

Licensing Board

Montana Board of Psychologists (Department of Labor & Industry)

License Verification

Online verification available

BACB Certification

BACB certification required

Available License Types

Behavior Analyst (BA)
Assistant Behavior Analyst (ABA)

Detailed Requirements

Education Requirements

BA: Must hold master's degree meeting BACB requirements in behavior analysis or related field. ABA: Must hold bachelor's degree meeting BACB requirements.

Must meet BACB supervised fieldwork requirements: 1,500-2,000 hours for BCBA, depending on supervision level.

Must pass BACB certification examination (BCBA for BA, BCaBA for ABA). No additional state exam required.

Annual renewal November 1 - December 31. CE Requirements: 20 credits per calendar year, including 1 hour ethics and 1 hour suicide prevention. Late renewal window: 45 days after Dec 31 (until Feb 14). License becomes 'expired' and cannot be renewed if more than 45 days late.

Behavior Analyst: $450. Assistant Behavior Analyst: $250. BA Supervision Fee: $25 per behavior technician, student intern, or assistant behavior analyst supervised.

BACB certification (BCBA for BA, BCaBA for ABA) is required for state licensure. Must attest to abiding by BACB Professional and Ethical Compliance Code.

Montana has ANNUAL renewal (not biennial) with notably high fees: $600/year for BA, $200/year for ABA. 100% late fee penalty ($1,200 total if late for BA). Supervision fee of $25 per person supervised. Montana offers expedited licensing for military members and spouses (60-day provisional license available). MSU Billings offers VCS program.

CE cycle changed to odd-numbered years with new requirements: 2 hours ethics and 1 hour suicide prevention. VCS system ending December 31, 2025 - course-by-course verification required starting 2026.

Additional Information

Montana has some of the highest behavior analyst fees in the nation: $450 application, $600 annual renewal for Behavior Analysts. The 100% late fee penalty means paying $1,200 if renewed late. Unique supervision fee of $25 per person supervised. Military-friendly state offering expedited licensing. Annual renewal cycle (Nov 1 - Dec 31) is uncommon.

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference purposes. Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the official Montana Board of Psychologists (Department of Labor & Industry). Last updated: Jan 20, 2026.