Verified October 9, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What BCBAs miss in Hawaii
- Unlicensed technicians in Hawaii must hold the BACB RBT credential to fall under the exemption, which is stricter than most states.
- Psychologists and their supervisees may practice ABA without this license if they do not call themselves behavior analysts.
- People delivering ABA in Medicaid 1915(c) home and community-based waiver programs are exempt.
Does Hawaii license behavior analysts?
Hawaii licenses behavior analysts directly through the DCCA director, with no board. A license goes to someone who passed the BCBA exam and keeps active BCBA or BCBA-D status. Practicing ABA or using the title "behavior analyst" without a license carries fines of up to $1,000 a day.
- Licenses behavior analysts
- Licensed Behavior Analyst
- Licensure law enacted 2015
Citation: HRS ch. 465D
Can a BCBA licensed in another state get a Hawaii license by endorsement?
A behavior analyst with a current, unencumbered license in a state whose requirements are equivalent to or higher than Hawaii's may be licensed by endorsement. Verification forms go to the endorsing state and every state where the applicant has been licensed.
- Endorsement or reciprocity route
Citation: HRS § 465D-9
Does Hawaii have a state law exam or requirement?
No state exam. Applicants show they passed the BCBA exam and hold active certification, with a BACB verification letter sent to the program.
- No state law exam
Does Hawaii license assistant behavior analysts?
No assistant license. A BCaBA who practices under the direction of a licensed behavior analyst and follows current BACB supervision and ethics requirements is exempt.
- No assistant credential
Do behavior technicians need a Hawaii credential?
No state credential, but the exemption for people who directly implement ABA applies only to those holding the BACB's RBT credential and working under a licensed behavior analyst or licensed psychologist.
- No technician credential
How often does a Hawaii behavior analyst license renew?
All licenses renew by December 31 of odd-numbered years; the active renewal fee for 2026-2027 was $220. A forfeited license can be restored within one year, after which the person must reapply as a new applicant.
- Renews every 2 years
Licensing in Hawaii?
For a license, we prepare the complete application, request your verifications and BACB documentation, and track it to a decision; you review, sign and submit. License by endorsement is $599 for a BCBA.