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 North Carolina
- A BCBA without a North Carolina license may still practice under a licensed psychologist's supervision; a licensee of this board needs no psychologist supervision.
- The State Bureau of Investigation takes paper fingerprint cards from out-of-state applicants, and results average five to six weeks.
- The board says behavior analysts cannot form a PLLC under North Carolina law.
Does North Carolina license behavior analysts?
North Carolina licenses behavior analysts who are at least 18, passed the BCBA exam and hold active BCBA certification; the board also accepts QABA's QBA. Applicants mail a fingerprint card for a state criminal history check, complete an online background check and supply two character references.
- Licenses behavior analysts
- Licensed Behavior Analyst
- Licensure law enacted 2021
Citation: N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 90-731 to 90-746 (Ch. 90, Art. 43); 21 NCAC 05
Can a BCBA licensed in another state get a North Carolina license by endorsement?
The board licenses by reciprocity a behavior analyst or assistant actively licensed in a state with comparable requirements that also offers reciprocity to North Carolina licensees. Applicants send proof of current license and certification, ethical compliance and a criminal history check.
- Endorsement or reciprocity route
Citation: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-741
Does North Carolina have a state law exam or requirement?
No state exam. The law requires a passing score on the BACB exam at the matching level.
- No state law exam
Does North Carolina require fingerprints?
- Fingerprint background check
Does North Carolina license assistant behavior analysts?
BCaBAs (or QASP-S holders) are licensed as assistant behavior analysts and must show an ongoing supervision arrangement with a licensed behavior analyst that meets the certifier's rules, both when applying and at every renewal.
- Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst
Do behavior technicians need a North Carolina credential?
Behavior technicians are exempt while delivering ABA under the extended authority and direction of a licensed behavior analyst, assistant or other qualified licensed professional. They do not design assessments or intervention plans.
- No technician credential
Can an out-of-state behavior analyst practice in North Carolina temporarily?
A behavior analyst who lives and practices in another state and is licensed or certified there may apply for a temporary license covering a limited, defined period of service the board approves. The application fee is capped at $100.
- Temporary practice allowed
Citation: N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 90-740, 90-743
How often does a North Carolina behavior analyst license renew?
Licenses renew every two years from the date the renewal is approved. Renewal requires the $200 fee and proof of active BACB or QABA certification, which counts as proof of continuing education.
- Renews every 2 years
Licensing in North Carolina?
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.