Ohio
Ohio requires Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst (COBA) certification instituted in 2013 under Ohio Revised Code Title 47, Chapter 4783. Administered by Ohio Board of Psychology. BCBA certification is one accepted pathway - holders submit verification from BACB. Alternative pathway requires master's degree plus 270 hours coursework plus 1,500 hours supervised experience. All applicants must complete Ohio jurisprudence workshop and pass exam on Ohio laws/rules.
Quick Reference
Licensing Board
Ohio Board of Psychology
License Verification
Online verification available
BACB Certification
Check specific requirements
Available License Types
Detailed Requirements
BCBA pathway: Education verified through BACB. Alternative pathway: Master's or doctoral degree in behavior analysis, psychology, counseling, social work, education, or related field from accredited institution. 270 classroom hours required covering ethical conduct (45 hrs), behavior analysis concepts (45 hrs), measurement/data analysis (25 hrs), experimental design (20 hrs), and applied categories (135+ hrs).
BCBA pathway: Experience verified through BACB. Alternative pathway: Minimum 1,500 hours supervised experience in applied behavior analysis. Three professional reference letters required.
BCBA pathway: BACB exam completion verified through certification. All applicants: Must complete Ohio jurisprudence workshop (up to 4 hours) AND pass written examination on Ohio laws and regulations governing behavior analytic practice.
Biennial renewal, expires August 31 of even-numbered years. $150 renewal fee. Must maintain valid BACB certification or equivalent. Follow BACB CE requirements: 32 CEUs every 2 years (including 4 ethics, 3 supervision for supervisors).
Initial COBA: $135. Reciprocal licensee: $125. Biennial renewal: $150.
BCBA certification is one of three pathways to COBA. BCBA holders submit written verification from BACB to meet Ohio requirements. Must maintain BACB certification for renewal. CE requirements follow BACB standards.
Ohio jurisprudence workshop and exam required for ALL applicants (including BCBA holders) - covers Ohio laws and regulations. Half-day workshop format. Only COBA holders can practice behavior analysis in Ohio except in exempt settings. Three pathways: BCBA certification, reciprocity from another state, or equivalent education/experience plus psychometrically valid exam. Ohio uses eLicense system for online license management.
COBA instituted 2013 under Ohio Revised Code Title 47, Chapter 4783. January 2025: School psychology licenses transferred from State Board of Education to State Board of Psychology.
Additional Information
Ohio's COBA (Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst) is unique among state certifications. Even BCBA holders must complete Ohio's half-day jurisprudence workshop and pass exam on state laws - this is mandatory for all applicants. Affordable initial fee of $135, $150 biennial renewal. August 31 even-year renewal cycle aligns with psychologist renewals. Three pathways to certification accommodate various backgrounds.
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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference purposes. Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the official Ohio Board of Psychology. Last updated: Jan 20, 2026.