Since January 1, 2025, the BACB allows only one certification at a time. After you pass the BCBA exam, any RBT or BCaBA certification you hold expires after 180 days or on its own expiration date, whichever comes first. State licenses and payer records built on the old credential need to move to your BCBA within that window.
Congratulations, and start a 180-day clock. Under the BACB's Multiple Certifications Policy, effective January 1, 2025, certificants "may only hold one BACB certification at a time." The BCBA Handbook (updated 06/2026) spells out the timing: "once you pass the BCBA examination, any other BACB certification you hold will expire after 180 days or on its expiration date, whichever comes first."
So a new BCBA who was an RBT or a BCaBA keeps that lower credential for at most 180 days. After that, only the BCBA remains.
Why does the BACB end the lower credential?
The BACB treats the levels as nested. A BCBA "may also function in the role of a BCaBA or RBT," so the lower certification is not needed to do that work. The 180 days exist for a practical reason the handbook names: to let the new BCBA keep the old credential "while they are waiting for their new certification to be recognized by relevant stakeholders." That means employers, payers and state boards.
If the lower credential reaches its own recertification date inside those 180 days, the handbook says you may submit a recertification application to keep it for the rest of the period. Otherwise it simply ends on the earlier date.
Which state credentials can the change affect?
Any state credential that rests on the lower BACB certification. Texas is a clear example. A Texas licensed assistant behavior analyst must be "currently certified by the certifying entity as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst" (or hold an equivalent certification), and a licensed behavior analyst must be currently certified as a BCBA (Tex. Occ. Code 506.253 and 506.254). Once the BCaBA certification ends, the basis for the assistant license is gone, and the new BCBA should hold a Texas behavior analyst license instead before practicing as one.
The same logic applies in the other states that license assistants (31, per the BACB) and, for technicians, in states that credential them. A state technician credential, such as Washington's certified behavior technician, is not the same as a BACB RBT and has its own rules, so check how the state treats your new status (RBT registration by state).
The BCBA Handbook is direct about the next step: "If you reside in a US state where behavior analysts are licensed, you should immediately contact your state licensure board to determine whether or how you should submit an application for licensure before practicing with your new BACB certification."
What should you do in the 180 days?
- Write down the date you passed. Add 180 days, and compare it with your current RBT or BCaBA recertification date. The earlier one is your real deadline.
- Confirm the new credential is visible. The handbook says new BCBAs appear in the BACB Certificant Registry within 48 hours of passing, and the certificate arrives by mail in 4 to 6 weeks. You can print a verification report from your BACB portal account once certified.
- Apply for the state license. If you live or practice in a licensing state, apply for the behavior analyst license there. See why certification is not a license.
- Close out the old state credential. If you held a state assistant license, ask the board how it handles the transition, so an old license does not lapse on paper with an open question attached.
- Update employers and payers. Payer enrollment and agency records built on your RBT or BCaBA status need to change to your BCBA status and new license.
- Check your supervision role. To supervise BCBA fieldwork during your first year, the BACB requires a newly certified BCBA to receive monthly consultation from a qualified consulting supervisor.
Does the same rule apply to a BCaBA who becomes a BCBA?
Yes. The BCaBA Handbook uses the same language: "When a certificant obtains a higher-level certification, their lower-level certification will expire after 180 days." For a BCaBA, the state side is usually the bigger task, because 31 states license assistants and many tie that license to current BCaBA certification. See which states license assistant behavior analysts.
How can we help with the transition?
Our New BCBA Credential Transition, $199 one-time, maps the state and payer records tied to your old credential, sets your 180-day and recertification dates, and lists what each board needs from you. If you need the new license prepared, a Full State License Application for a BCBA is $749 per state. We prepare and track; you review, sign and submit. See pricing or the state license index.
Common questions
- How long does my RBT last after I pass the BCBA exam?
- Up to 180 days, or until its own expiration date if that comes first. The BACB's Multiple Certifications Policy took effect January 1, 2025.
- Can I recertify my RBT during the 180 days?
- Yes, if it reaches its recertification date inside the 180-day period. The BACB lets you submit a recertification application to keep it for the rest of the period while stakeholders recognize your new certification.
- Do I need a new state license after becoming a BCBA?
- If you live or practice in a licensing state, yes. The BCBA Handbook tells new BCBAs to contact their state licensure board before practicing with the new certification.
- What happens to my Texas assistant license when my BCaBA ends?
- A Texas licensed assistant behavior analyst must hold current BCaBA or equivalent certification, so the basis for that license ends with the BCaBA. You would need the Texas behavior analyst license to practice as a BCBA.
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