Texas
Texas requires state licensure through TDLR for behavior analysts. Applicants must hold BCBA/BCBA-D certification from BACB or equivalent from QABA. No state exam required. Biennial renewal with $165 fee for LBA. Criminal background check required. Human trafficking prevention training mandatory for renewal. CE requirements follow certification board standards.
Quick Reference
Licensing Board
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) - Behavior Analysts Program
License Verification
Online verification available
BACB Certification
Check specific requirements
Available License Types
Detailed Requirements
LBA: BCBA or BCBA-D certification (master's or doctoral degree pathway). Alternative: Qualified Behavior Analyst from QABA. Assistant: BCaBA or QASP-S certification.
Experience verified through BACB or QABA certification. BCBA requires minimum 1,500 hours supervised experience.
No Texas state exam. Must pass BACB (BCBA/BCaBA) or QABA certification exam.
Biennial renewal. LBA: $165. Assistant: $110. Must maintain current BACB or QABA certification. Human trafficking prevention course (HHSC-approved) required for renewal. CE requirements verified through certification board status. Email reminders sent 60 days before expiration, postal reminders 30 days before.
LBA Initial: $165. Assistant Initial: $110. Late renewal (90 days or less): 1.5x fee. Late renewal (90+ days): 2x fee. Duplicate license: $25.
BACB certification (BCBA/BCBA-D for LBA, BCaBA for assistant) required. Alternative: QABA certification (QBA or QASP-S) accepted since December 2024. TDLR verifies certification status directly with boards for CE compliance.
Texas accepts QABA certification (as of Dec 2024) as alternative to BACB - important flexibility. Human trafficking prevention training required for renewal. Criminal history evaluation available BEFORE applying (allows you to check eligibility before paying fees). Exemptions exist for students under supervision, paraprofessionals under licensed analysts, licensed psychologists, and teachers. Print online verification immediately while waiting for certificate. Contact: (512) 463-6599, (800) 803-9202 in-state.
December 2024: Commission approved QABA (Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board) as certifying entity for licensure. October 2022: Revised fees, license names, and endorsement changes.
Additional Information
Texas is notable for accepting QABA certification as alternative to BACB (approved December 2024) - provides pathway diversity. Human trafficking prevention training is mandatory for renewal - unique state requirement. Criminal history can be evaluated BEFORE applying to avoid non-refundable fee loss. Can print online license verification immediately upon approval. Reasonable fees: $165 initial and renewal for LBA. Exemptions for students and paraprofessionals under supervision.
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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference purposes. Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the official Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) - Behavior Analysts Program. Last updated: Jan 20, 2026.