Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is not listed on BACB's state licensure list - it does NOT have dedicated behavior analyst licensure law. However, the state offers Behavior Specialist licensure under the State Board of Medicine. This license has broader eligibility criteria than typical BA licenses and doesn't require BCBA certification (though BCBA holders can use their certification to satisfy many requirements). The Behavior Specialist license is typically needed for ABA services reimbursement for individuals under 21.
Quick Reference
Licensing Board
Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine (Behavior Specialist program)
License Verification
Online verification available
BACB Certification
Check specific requirements
Available License Types
Detailed Requirements
Behavior Specialist: Master's degree from accredited institution in school/clinical/developmental/counseling psychology, special education, social work, speech therapy, occupational therapy, professional counseling, behavioral analysis, nursing, or related field. BCBA holders can use their degree to satisfy this requirement.
Behavior Specialist: Minimum 1 year functional behavior assessment experience with individuals under 21. Plus 1,000 hours in-person experience with individuals with behavioral challenges OR 1,000 hours in related field with ASD individuals. Plus 90 hours evidence-based training (ethics 3hr, assessment 16hr, crisis intervention 8hr, family 5hr, autism 18hr, instructional 16hr, comorbidity/meds 8hr, skill deficits 16hr).
No examination required for Behavior Specialist license.
Biennial renewal. $75 renewal fee. Continuing education: 2 hours child abuse recognition and reporting per renewal cycle.
Behavior Specialist Initial License: $75. Biennial Renewal: $75.
BCBA certification is NOT required for Behavior Specialist license. However, BCBA-D or BCBA certification can be used to satisfy many requirements including verification of master's degree and transcript. Pennsylvania is not listed on BACB's state licensure map - no dedicated BA licensure law exists.
Pennsylvania's Behavior Specialist license is unique - NOT the same as behavior analyst licensure. Broader eligibility (multiple related fields qualify). Focus on services for individuals under 21. Initial licensure requires 3 hours child abuse recognition training. Act 41 permits endorsement of out-of-state licensees. Very low fees ($75 initial and renewal). No exam required.
Behavior Specialist licensure established under PA Code Title 49, Chapter 18, Subchapter I. Act 41 added license portability provisions for out-of-state licensees.
Additional Information
Pennsylvania is notably ABSENT from BACB's list of states with behavior analyst licensure laws. Instead, the state offers 'Behavior Specialist' licensure through the Board of Medicine - a different credential with broader eligibility. BCBA is accepted but not required. Very affordable: only $75 initial and $75 biennial renewal. Unique requirements include 90 hours of specific evidence-based training covering autism, crisis intervention, and assessment. Child abuse recognition training mandatory.
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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference purposes. Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the official Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine (Behavior Specialist program). Last updated: Jan 20, 2026.