North Carolina
North Carolina established behavior analyst licensure in May 2021 (SB103) with the board beginning to accept applications in July 2023. Applicants must hold current BCBA/QBA certification (for LBA) or BCaBA/QASP-S certification (for LaBA). Criminal background check required. Biennial renewal with proof of active certification serving as CE verification.
Quick Reference
Licensing Board
North Carolina Behavior Analyst Licensure Board (NCBALB)
License Verification
Online verification available
BACB Certification
BACB certification required
Available License Types
Detailed Requirements
Education requirements satisfied through BACB or QBA certification pathways. BCBA requires master's degree in behavior analysis, psychology, or related field. BCaBA requires bachelor's degree.
Experience requirements satisfied through BACB or QBA certification. Supervised fieldwork completed as part of national certification process.
No separate state exam. Must pass BACB certification examination (BCBA or BCaBA) or QBA equivalent.
Biennial (2-year) renewal. $200 renewal fee for both LBA and LaBA. Must maintain active BACB/QBA certification - proof of current certification serves as CE verification. LaBA must also submit current supervision contract/agreement with supervising LBA. Renewal link available 60 days before expiration.
LBA: $250 application + $14 background check = $264 initial. LaBA: $200 application + $14 background check = $214 initial. Both: $200 biennial renewal.
BACB certification (BCBA/BCaBA) is required for licensure. Alternative: QBA or QASP-S from Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board. Proof of active certification required for initial application and all renewals. Certification status serves as verification of continuing education completion.
North Carolina was previously unique - until 2021, it was the ONLY state requiring BCBAs to practice under Licensed Psychologist supervision. Board established May 2021 (SB103, Gov. Cooper), applications began July 2023. Criminal background check via Castle Branch (code 'VN90'). Two character reference statements required. Public notice statement required. LaBA must maintain supervision agreement with LBA. Board also accepts QBA/QASP-S credentials (alternative to BACB).
May 2021: Governor Roy Cooper signed Behavior Analyst Licensure Bill (SB103) establishing NCBALB - first independent behavior analyst board in NC. July 2023: Board began accepting license applications. March 2024: NC Medicaid updated supervision requirements for BCBAs.
Additional Information
North Carolina's licensure journey is notable: for over a decade, it was the ONLY state requiring BCBAs to work under Licensed Psychologist supervision. After years of advocacy, SB103 passed in May 2021, creating the independent NCBALB. Board accepts QBA/QASP-S credentials as alternative to BACB - one of few states offering this option. Background checks use Castle Branch system (code 'VN90'). Simple CE approach: maintaining national certification satisfies state CE requirements.
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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference purposes. Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the official North Carolina Behavior Analyst Licensure Board (NCBALB). Last updated: Jan 20, 2026.