To become a BCBA in Colorado, you’ll need a master’s degree in behavior analysis or a related field, 1,500 to 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, and a passing score on the BCBA exam. Colorado doesn’t require state licensure for behavior analysts, so BACB certification is your primary credential. Demand for qualified professionals is growing fast.
Applied behavior analysis is the study of behavior and how learning happens. But it’s also about action. Using that knowledge to apply techniques that bring about meaningful, lasting behavioral change is what BCBAs do every day. The work involves identifying, measuring, and analyzing behavior while designing and implementing the intervention strategies that make a real difference in people’s lives.
While ABA is used across many populations and conditions, autism represents the primary domain of practice in Colorado. That’s driven in large part by the state’s strong insurance mandate laws, which have expanded access to ABA services and significantly increased demand for qualified behavior analysts.
How to Become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in Colorado
The clearest path to entering this profession, and the one that aligns with employer expectations and insurance requirements, is earning the BCBA credential through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). To qualify, you’ll need to meet education and experience requirements and pass the BCBA exam.
Step 1: Earn a Graduate Degree
To qualify for BCBA certification, you’ll need a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis or a related field from an APBA-accredited program, or an ABAI-accredited or recognized behavior analysis program.
You can also meet the educational requirements by earning a qualifying master’s degree and completing at least 315 hours of graduate coursework in behavior analysis:
- BACB Ethics Code and Code-Enforcement System; Professionalism: 45 hours
- Philosophical Underpinnings; Concepts and Principles: 90 hours
- Measurement, Data Display and Interpretation; Experimental Design: 45 hours
- Behavior Assessment: 45 hours
- Behavior-Change Procedures; Selecting and Implementing Interventions: 60 hours
- Personnel Supervision and Management: 60 hours
If you don’t complete an ABAI-accredited or APBA-accredited program, you’ll need to verify completed coursework through a Non-Verified Course Content Attestation. Note that the ABAI’s Verified Course Sequence (VCS) system ended on December 31, 2025, so this attestation process now applies to all students taking the non-accredited coursework path.
Step 2: Complete Supervised Experience
You’ll also need to complete between 1,500 and 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork requirements under a qualified BCBA, a licensed psychologist certified in behavioral and cognitive psychology, or an ABAI-verified instructor. The total hours depend on the type of experience:
- Supervised independent fieldwork requires 5% supervision time
- Concentrated supervised fieldwork requires 10% supervision time
You can start accruing hours as soon as you begin qualified graduate-level coursework, and most accredited programs include a practicum where you can complete most or all of your fieldwork before graduation. During your supervisory period, you’ll work on observation and data collection, training staff and caregivers, conducting assessments, meeting with clients, data graphing and analysis, and writing and revising programs.
Some Colorado ABA providers where you may be able to complete your practicum include:
- ABA Enhanced Respite Care, Glenwood Springs
- ABA Behavioral Services, Eagle
- Art of Behavior, Louisville
- Autism Behavior Associates, Inc., Pueblo, Denver, Colorado Springs
- Autism Concepts Incorporated (ACI) Learning Centers, Colorado Springs
- Autism Home Support Services, Denver
- Behavior Frontiers, Denver
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD), Aurora
- Imagine! Behavioral Health Services, Lafayette
Step 3: Pass the BCBA Exam
Once you’ve met the education and experience requirements, you’ll apply to the BACB for authorization to take the exam. The BCBA exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions across these content areas:
- Behaviorism and Philosophical Foundations: 5%
- Concepts and Principles: 14%
- Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation: 12%
- Experimental Design: 7%
- Ethical and Professional Issues: 13%
- Behavior Assessment: 13%
- Behavior-Change Procedures: 14%
- Selecting and Implementing Interventions: 11%
- Personnel Supervision and Management: 11%
The exam is administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers throughout Colorado, including locations in the Denver metro area, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Pueblo, and other cities. Visit Pearson VUE’s website for current locations and availability.
Step 4: Apply for BCBA Certification
After passing the exam, you’ll complete your BCBA certification application through the BACB. Your BACB certification is your primary professional credential in Colorado. Depending on your scope of practice, you may also be required to register as an Unlicensed Psychotherapist with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). It’s what employers and insurance providers look for when hiring and credentialing ABA professionals in the state.
Click here for detailed step-by-step instructions on the BCBA® credentialing process.
Why Colorado Doesn’t Regulate Applied Behavior Analysts
Colorado is among a minority of states that do not currently license behavior analysts at the state level. That decision came out of a 2020 Sunrise Review conducted by the Colorado Office of Policy, Research, and Regulatory Reform (COPRRR) within the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). For context on how Colorado’s approach compares to other states, our state-by-state licensing guide covers the full picture.
The Colorado Association for Behavior Analysis submitted a sunrise application recommending regulation. After reviewing the evidence, however, COPRRR found no indication that unregulated practices were harming Colorado consumers and determined that the regulatory threshold hadn’t been met.
The review clarified one important point: ABA falls under Colorado’s legal definition of psychotherapy. Behavior analysts who practice under that definition must register as Unlicensed Psychotherapists. Those who don’t practice under that definition aren’t required to be regulated.
What this means in practice is that BACB certification remains the standard employers and insurers expect, even without a state license. Colorado’s insurance mandate laws specify that BCBA-certified providers meet the qualifications for ABA reimbursement, so the credential carries real weight regardless of the regulatory landscape.
Colorado’s Autism Insurance Landscape
Colorado has built one of the strongest autism insurance coverage frameworks in the country, and it’s had a direct impact on the ABA profession here.
It started with Senate Bill 09-244, enacted in 2009 and effective in 2010, which required insurers in the state to cover ABA as a treatment for autism spectrum disorder. That bill also defined the qualifications ABA providers had to meet to be eligible for reimbursement. Covered providers included those holding the BCBA credential with a qualifying master’s degree or higher, as well as other pathways.
In 2015, Governor Hickenlooper signed Senate Bill 15-015, which went further by eliminating all dollar and visit limits on coverage for autism-related health expenses. The bill clarified autism as a mental health condition, entitling it to the protections of state and federal mental health parity law. Children with autism in Colorado can no longer be denied medically necessary ABA treatment based on insurance caps or visit restrictions.
That expansion drove a meaningful increase in access to ABA services and strengthened demand for qualified behavior analysts across the state. More kids getting treatment means more providers are needed to deliver it.
ABA Providers in Colorado
The growth in autism insurance coverage has produced a strong network of ABA providers across Colorado. Here are a few of the leading organizations in the state.
Behavior Services of the Rockies (BSOTR) in Lafayette is a group of BCBA-certified practitioners delivering behavior supports focused on inclusion, independence, and quality of life through evidence-based treatment, consultation, and teaching. BSOTR works with both adults and children, including early intervention and school-based services.
Alpine Autism Center in Colorado Springs is a private, nonprofit facility that provides individualized ABA therapy using evidence-based, data-driven methods. Their staff holds varied backgrounds in early childhood education, special education, and psychology, and they cover motor, language, academic, behavioral, social, and daily living skills. The Center also offers home therapy and consultation services for families and schools.
Northstar Achievements in Colorado Springs and Monument provides research-based behavior analytic services to children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Their Early Intervention Program covers language, motor skills, social skills, executive functioning, and adaptive skills, using a range of ABA principles, including discrete-trials training, incidental training, and verbal behavior.
Program details and service offerings are subject to change. Visit each provider’s website for current information.
Salary and Career Outlook for ABA Professionals in Colorado
Colorado is a strong market for behavior analysts, with growing demand and competitive salaries across most of the state. Here’s a look at what the numbers show.
According to May 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Colorado employed 13,670 professionals in the substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors category. This broader BLS classification includes ABA and BCBA professionals. The statewide median salary was $59,190, with a mean of $66,280. Entry-level positions start around $40,570, while experienced professionals at the top of the pay scale earn $98,030 or more. BCBAs typically earn toward the higher end of these figures.
Salaries vary meaningfully by region. Boulder stands out as the highest-paying metro in the state, with a median income of $77,720 and top earners earning up to $141,200. Fort Collins-Loveland and the Northwest Colorado nonmetro area are also strong, with medians of $68,550 and $71,700, respectively—Denver’s median tracks close to the state figure at $59,100.
Here’s how Colorado’s major regions compare:
| Area | Employment | Median Salary | Mean Salary | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder | 920 | $77,720 | $85,330 | $141,200 |
| Northwest CO nonmetro | 280 | $71,700 | $78,570 | $114,460 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland | 1,310 | $68,550 | $71,390 | $102,980 |
| Southwest CO nonmetro | 550 | $62,770 | $64,650 | $88,870 |
| Eastern/Southern CO nonmetro | 300 | $60,760 | $65,430 | $87,990 |
| Pueblo | 770 | $59,180 | $61,470 | $85,230 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial | 6,670 | $59,100 | $66,000 | $98,810 |
| Colorado Springs | 2,240 | $50,020 | $58,840 | $89,490 |
On the job growth side, Colorado’s outlook is strong. According to current BLS projections, employment in this field is projected to grow 27.9% in Colorado from 2022 to 2032 — well above the national projection of 17% for the same period. That growth translates to roughly 1,840 average annual job openings in Colorado. Nationally, the field is expected to add around 81,000 positions between 2024 and 2034.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Colorado require a state license for behavior analysts?
No. Colorado is among a minority of states that do not currently license behavior analysts at the state level. A 2020 Sunrise Review by COPRRR found no evidence of consumer harm from unregulated practice. BACB certification remains the standard credential employers and insurance providers across the state expect. Note that behavior analysts who practice under the legal definition of psychotherapy in Colorado must register as Unlicensed Psychotherapists with DORA.
What degree do I need to become a BCBA in Colorado?
You’ll need a master’s degree or higher in behavior analysis or a related field. Your program must be ABAI-accredited or APBA-accredited, or you’ll need to complete at least 315 hours of qualifying graduate coursework and submit a Non-Verified Course Content Attestation to verify your completed training.
How long does it take to become a BCBA in Colorado?
Most people complete the full process in two to three years. That includes a master’s program (typically two years) plus the supervised fieldwork requirement of 1,500 to 2,000 hours. Many accredited programs include a practicum that lets you complete fieldwork while still enrolled, which helps keep the overall timeline shorter.
What is the median salary for behavior analysts in Colorado?
According to May 2024 BLS data, the statewide median salary for the counselor category, which includes ABA professionals, was $59,190. Salaries vary significantly by region — Boulder reported a median of $77,720, while Fort Collins-Loveland reported a median of $68,550. BCBAs typically earn on the higher end of BLS figures for this broader category.
Is there strong job growth for BCBAs in Colorado?
Yes. According to current BLS projections, employment in this field is projected to grow 27.9% in Colorado from 2022 to 2032, well above the national projection of 17%. That works out to roughly 1,840 average annual job openings in the state.
Key Takeaways
- No state license required — Colorado doesn’t require state licensure for behavior analysts, but BACB certification is the standard credential employers and insurers expect. Depending on the scope of practice, registration as an Unlicensed Psychotherapist with DORA may also apply.
- Three core requirements — To earn your BCBA, you’ll need a qualifying master’s degree, 1,500 to 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, and a passing score on the BCBA exam.
- Strong insurance mandate — Colorado’s SB15-015 eliminated all dollar and visit limits on autism coverage, significantly expanding demand for qualified ABA professionals across the state.
- Competitive salaries — The statewide median for the BLS category that includes ABA professionals was $59,190 as of May 2024, with experienced professionals earning $98,030 or more. BCBAs typically earn toward the higher end of the pay scale.
- Above-average job growth — Colorado’s projected growth of 27.9% through 2032 is nearly double the national average, making it one of the stronger states for ABA career prospects.
Ready to take the next step in your ABA career? Explore graduate programs in Colorado and across the country to find the right fit for your goals.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Note: ABA/BCBA roles are included in this broader BLS category, and actual salaries for these professionals are frequently higher. ABA salaries can vary based on experience, location, and setting. Data accessed February 2026.