If you’re a parent of an autistic child in Arizona, understanding how our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) stay credentialed and legally practicing is key to ensuring your child receives high-quality, ethical care.
Finding the right support for your child can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing trusted professionals. One of the key members of your child’s care team at Shine Bright is a BCBA, an expert in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA); our proven and widely respected approach to helping children with autism to thrive.
Rest assured, our BCBAs must meet strict standards to practice. They’re nationally certified through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and licensed by the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners. This means they’ve completed advanced education, passed rigorous exams, and continue to stay up to date through ongoing professional development. To support this, Shine Bright utilizes a cloud-based credentialing platform that uses automation and primary source verification to track and update provider information in real-time. So, when your child is working with one of our BCBAs, you can feel confident knowing they’re qualified and legally approved to provide care.
What Is a BCBA?
A BCBA is a professional certified by the BACB. To earn this credential, individuals must complete a master’s degree in behavior analysis or a related field, undergo supervised experience and pass a national exam. Once certified, BCBAs are equipped to assess behavior and supervise ABA therapy teams.
Arizona’s Licensing Requirements
In Arizona, BCBAs must also be licensed by the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners to legally practice. This means that even if someone holds a national BCBA certification, they cannot provide services in Arizona without a state license, unless they’re registered through Arizona’s Telehealth Registry for remote services.
To get licensed, applicants need to:
- Hold a current BCBA certification from the BACB
- Submit a detailed application to the Arizona Board
- Pass a background check and pay applicable fees
Staying Up-to-Date and Continuing Education
Once licensed, BCBAs must complete continuing education to maintain both their BACB certification and Arizona license. This includes:
- 32 hours of continuing education every two years, with specific hours dedicated to ethics and supervision
- Staying informed about changes in ABA best practices, state regulations, and emerging research
Many BCBAs attend conferences and workshops to fulfill these requirements and stay current with the evolving needs of autistic children and their families.
Why This All Matters
At Shine Bright, we know that choosing an ABA provider is a big decision, and we’re here to make it easier. Our licensed BCBAs aren’t just certified on paper; they meet Arizona’s highest standards for ethics and training. That means your child is receiving care that’s not only effective but safe and backed by real expertise.
We take credentialing seriously because your child’s well-being matters. Our team stays up to date with state guidelines and best practices, so you can feel confident every step of the way. As a parent, you’re your child’s strongest advocate, and we’re proud to be your partner. Whether you’re just beginning ABA therapy or looking for a better fit, Shine Bright is here to support your family with trusted professionals and a personalized approach.