The BCBA Shortage in 2026: Why It Is Harder to Find ABA Therapy (And What Parents Can Do)

If you have been on a waitlist for ABA therapy, or have struggled to find a provider accepting new patients, you are not alone. The United States is facing a significant shortage of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) — the licensed professionals who supervise and design ABA therapy programs. In 2026, new data shows that shortage is getting worse, not better.

Here is what is driving the BCBA shortage, what it means for families seeking ABA therapy, and what you can do right now to find care for your child.

The BCBA Workforce Gap: By the Numbers

The scale of the BCBA shortage is significant and well-documented:

• In 2025, employers posted 132,307 job openings requiring BCBA certification — but only 83,586 Board Certified Behavior Analysts hold active credentials in the entire United States.
• Of those, only an estimated 30,000 BCBAs work in direct clinical roles, while experts estimate 100,000 are needed to meet current demand.
• 46% of U.S. counties have no BCBA presence at all, leaving nearly half the country without access to locally available ABA supervision.
• 49 out of 50 states fall below established benchmarks for adequate ABA provider supply.

These numbers paint a clear picture: demand for BCBAs is far outpacing supply, and the gap is not closing quickly enough to meet the needs of families today.

BCBA Exam Pass Rates Hit Historic Lows in 2025

One of the most troubling developments in the ABA workforce is a sharp and sustained decline in BCBA certification exam pass rates — a warning sign that the pipeline of new therapists is not keeping up with demand.

According to data from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB):

• The first-time BCBA exam pass rate dropped from 66% in 2020 to just 51% in 2025 — essentially a coin flip for new candidates taking the exam for the first time.
• Retake pass rates fell even more sharply, from 31% to 23% over the same period.
• Meanwhile, the number of first-time test-takers grew by 51%, from 6,583 to 9,955 candidates per year.

More people are attempting BCBA certification than ever before — but fewer are succeeding. This means the annual output of newly certified BCBAs is not meeting the field's need, even as training program enrollment grows.

What Is Causing the Decline in Pass Rates?

Industry leaders and researchers have identified several contributing factors:

Rapid Expansion Without Quality Controls

The surge in demand for BCBAs led to a rapid proliferation of university and online training programs. Many expanded quickly to meet enrollment demand without fully aligning their curriculum to updated BACB exam standards. As Michelle Hascall of Cortica Autism Care put it: "I think as a field, we are not doing a great job of preparing people to be BCBAs."

Inconsistent Fieldwork Supervision

Before sitting for the BCBA exam, candidates must complete supervised fieldwork hours. The quality of this supervision varies widely. Candidates who lack access to experienced, knowledgeable supervisors may not develop the clinical reasoning skills the exam demands.

Geographic Imbalance in Training Quality

The top 10 BCBA training programs produce roughly half of all first-time test-takers — and many large programs have below-average pass rates. Candidates who enter programs based on geography or cost rather than quality outcomes face a higher risk of not passing.

What Is the Field Doing About It?

The BACB has announced a significant structural reform: beginning in 2032, a single master's degree pathway through accredited third-party programs will be required for BCBA certification. This aims to establish consistent quality standards across all training programs and improve the preparation of future BCBAs.

While this reform is promising for long-term quality, it will not solve today's shortage. Families need help finding care now.

What the BCBA Shortage Means for Families

For families seeking ABA therapy for a child with autism, the BCBA shortage has real and immediate consequences:

Longer Wait Times

Without enough BCBAs to supervise therapy programs, ABA clinics can only serve a limited number of families at a time. Waitlists of 3 to 6 months — or longer — have become common in many metro areas, and rural families often wait even longer.

Geographic Gaps in Access

With 46% of U.S. counties having no local BCBA, many families — particularly in rural or lower-income areas — must choose between traveling long distances for in-person therapy, pursuing telehealth options, or going without services entirely.

Increased Reliance on Less Experienced Staff

Many clinics have increased their use of Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) — paraprofessionals who deliver direct therapy under BCBA supervision. RBTs are a vital part of the ABA care team, but when BCBA supervision ratios are stretched thin, the quality of oversight can suffer.

Higher Costs for Private Pay Families

As demand for BCBA services outpaces supply, market rates for privately-paid ABA therapy have increased in many areas, placing additional financial pressure on families without comprehensive insurance coverage.

How to Find a BCBA in Your Area

Despite the shortage, thousands of qualified BCBAs across the country are accepting new patients right now. Here is how to improve your chances of finding care for your child:

Search a Comprehensive Provider Directory

The most effective first step is to search broadly. ABA Navigator's provider directory lists ABA therapy providers across all 50 states, searchable by location, insurance accepted, and services offered. Many providers who do not advertise widely are listed in our directory and actively taking new patients.

Consider Telehealth ABA Services

Several ABA therapy providers now offer telehealth-based services, which can help families in areas with few local BCBAs. While telehealth is not appropriate for all children or all aspects of ABA programming, it has proven effective for parent training, behavior consultation, and some direct therapy formats.

Ask About Group or Hybrid Models

Some clinics offer group-based ABA therapy or hybrid models that blend individual and group sessions. These models can provide meaningful therapy while allowing each BCBA to serve a larger number of families.

Get on Multiple Waitlists Simultaneously

If a clinic you prefer has a waitlist, get on it — and get on waitlists at two or three other providers at the same time. As soon as an opening comes up anywhere, you will be positioned to start services quickly.

Contact Your State Autism Society

State-level autism advocacy organizations maintain updated lists of providers with current openings and can connect families with regional resources, including grants and funding assistance for therapy costs.

Looking Ahead: Will the BCBA Shortage Improve?

The honest answer is: slowly. Demand for ABA therapy is growing as autism prevalence increases and insurance mandates expand access. The BACB's 2032 training reforms should improve the quality of BCBAs entering the field, but will not dramatically accelerate the pipeline in the near term.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 17% employment growth for behavioral health roles through 2034 — roughly five times the national average. This continued demand signal should attract more workers to the BCBA career path over time.

For families seeking care today, the most important thing is to use every available resource — and not to give up. The right provider is out there.

Find ABA Therapy Providers Near You

Finding a qualified ABA therapy provider in 2026 requires knowing where to look. ABA Navigator's provider directory is the most comprehensive resource for families, with ABA therapy providers searchable by location, insurance accepted, and services offered.

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