How to Become a School BCBA

A step-by-step pathway from coursework to portfolio—tailored to district expectations, IEP compliance, and MTSS/PBIS alignment.

Step-by-Step Pathway

  1. Coursework: Complete BACB-required graduate coursework. Add electives in special education law, classroom management, and school systems.
  2. Supervised Experience: Secure hours in K–12 settings. Prioritize FBAs, BIPs, IEP meetings, staff coaching, and MTSS integration.
  3. Certification: Sit for the BCBA exam. Build fluency with real school scenarios.
  4. School Competencies: Learn IEP writing (90–100% mastery), progress monitoring, crisis procedures, and data workflows.
  5. Portfolio: Assemble artifacts: 90‑day plan, BIP sample, coaching cycle, IEP goal set, and data dashboard.
  6. Applications: Use district keywords (FBA/BIP, MTSS, PBIS, progress monitoring, fidelity). Attach your one‑pager and artifact links.
  7. Interview: Lead with systems. Show how you implement supports that teachers can sustain.

Essential Artifacts

  • IEP goal set validated with the Goal Quality Checker.
  • BIP with clear function, replacement behavior, and classroom-feasible strategies.
  • Coaching cycle plan with fidelity criteria and timelines.
  • Progress monitoring template with charted examples.

Tools to Accelerate

Timeline Planner (Typical)

  • Months 0–6: Coursework + initial school practicum.
  • Months 6–12: Advanced school hours + portfolio building.
  • Months 12–15: Exam prep, artifact refinement, and applications.