Pennsylvania Licensure Requirements
Master's Degree
No Examination Requirement
1 Year of Experience
3 Hours of Continuing Education (for initial license)
$75.00 Initial Fee
$75.00 Renewal Fee
An individual who designs, implements or evaluates a behavior modification intervention component of a treatment plan, including those based on applied behavioral analysis, to produce socially significant improvements in human behavior or to prevent loss of attained skill or function, through skill acquisition and the reduction of problematic behavior.
Degree Requirement:
Master's Degree
An applicant must hold a master's or higher degree from a Board-approved, accredited college or university , including a major course of study in at least one of the following: (1) School, clinical, developmental or counseling psychology. (2) Special education. (3) Social work. (4) Speech therapy. (5) Occupational therapy. (6) Professional counseling. (7) Behavioral analysis.(8) Nursing. (9) Another related field.
Examination Requirement:
No Examination Required
Experience:
1 Year
An applicant for licensure as a behavior specialist shall have at least 1 year of experience involving functional behavior assessments of individuals under 21 years of age, including the development and implementation of behavioral supports or treatment plans. 1,000 hours of in-person clinical experience with individuals with behavioral challenges or at least 1,000 hours of experience in a related field with individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
Additionally, applicants must complete 90 hours of evidence-based coursework as listed:
- 3 hours of professional ethics
- 16 hours of assessment coursework or training
- 8 hours of crisis intervention
- 5 hours of family collaboration
- 18 hours of autism-specific coursework/training
- 16 hours of instructional strategies and best practices
- 8 hours of co-morbidity and medications
- 16 hours of addressing specific skill deficits training
Continuing Education:
3 Hours (for initial licensure)
Applicants must complete 3 hours of Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting for initial licensure.
2 Hours (for renewal of license)
As a condition of biennial renewal, a behavior specialist must complete 2 hours of Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting requirements.
Initial Licensing Fee:
$75.00
Licensure Renewal Fee:
$75.00
Licensure by Endorsement under Section 27 of the Medical Practice Act:
The Board will grant a license without restriction to an applicant who does not meet the standard license requirements if the applicant has achieved cumulative qualifications that are endorsed by the Board as being equivalent to the standard requirements for the license.
Licensure by Act 41:
Act 41 promotes licensure portability for out-of-state professionals seeking to work in Pennsylvania. Act 41 authorizes all licensing boards and commissions within the Commonwealth to endorse licenses issued by other states, territories, and jurisdictions, provided the applicant meets certain criteria. Specifically, an applicant must:
- Hold a current, active license in good standing in another jurisdiction whose licensing requirements are substantially equivalent to or exceed Pennsylvania’s.
- Have no disciplinary action or criminal convictions.
- Have been actively engaged in the licensed practice of the profession for at least two of the last five years.
- Demonstrate competence, as determined by the Board; this may include education, continuing education, or other standards set by the Board.
- Meet any other administrative requirements such as fees.