Becoming a licensed behavior analyst in Maryland takes four key steps: earn a master’s degree from a BACB-approved program, complete 1,500 to 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, pass the BCBA® exam, then apply for your LBA license through the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. Maryland’s licensure requirements essentially mirror the BCBA® certification process, making the path more streamlined than in many other states.
Maryland began licensing applied behavior analysts in 2015, after the state legislature passed a law in 2014 placing the profession under the existing Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. The board is part of the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and also oversees professional counselors and licensed marriage therapists.
What makes Maryland’s setup worth understanding is how closely it ties licensure to BACB certification. The state didn’t invent a separate licensing exam or create an additional layer of requirements. If you earn your BCBA®, you’ve essentially already met Maryland’s core licensure criteria. Here’s how it all fits together.
Steps to Becoming a Licensed ABA in Maryland
The legislature cited three main reasons for establishing licensing requirements for ABAs in Maryland: consumer protection, provider protection, and recognition of the discipline for professional and billing purposes.
The requirements for licensure are deliberately tied to BACB certification, so they’re more straightforward than in many states. You need a current BCBA® certification (including the BCBA-D designation if applicable) from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, a master’s degree or higher from a BACB-approved behavior analysis program, and a clean criminal background check.
Maryland does not currently offer licenses to assistant applied behavior analysts (BCaBAs).
Your Path to Maryland LBA Licensure at a Glance
| Step | What You’ll Do | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Master’s Degree | Complete a BACB-approved graduate program in behavior analysis | ~2 years |
| 2. Supervised Fieldwork | Accumulate 1,500–2,000 hours under a BCBA® supervisor (can overlap with grad school) | Concurrent or post-grad |
| 3. BCBA® Exam | Pass the 175-question national certification exam through Pearson VUE | After fieldwork complete |
| 4. LBA Application | Submit application, background check, transcripts, and references to the Maryland Board | 60–90 day processing |
Step 1: Earn at Least a Master’s Degree in Behavior Analysis
The base requirement for ABA licensure in Maryland is BCBA® certification through the BACB. Most candidates pursue the standard BCBA® credential, which requires a master’s degree. The BCBA-D is a designation — not a separate certification — available to those who go on to demonstrate additional doctoral-level requirements after first earning the BCBA®. Either path grants the same level of practice privileges in Maryland.
Maryland’s Title 17 explicitly requires that applicants hold a master’s degree or higher from a BACB-approved behavior analysis program. In practice, that means programs accredited by the Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) or the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA), or programs with coursework that meets the BACB’s Course Content Allocation requirements.
One thing worth confirming with any program you’re considering: ABAI is phasing out the Verified Course Sequence (VCS) system by the end of 2025. After that transition, accepted coursework will need to come through attestation or accreditation rather than VCS approval. Our guide to ABAI-accredited master’s in ABA programs is a good place to start comparing options.
Many students today choose online master’s programs because they can continue working while completing their degree. Online programs also give you more options than limiting yourself to Maryland-based schools alone.
Step 2: Complete a Period of Supervised Fieldwork
Before you can sit for the BCBA® exam, you need to complete supervised experience. This can happen during your graduate program, as a post-graduate fieldwork placement, or a combination of both — and starting during grad school can meaningfully shorten your overall timeline. Our ABA practicum and fieldwork guide breaks down what to expect in each setting.
The total experience requirement comes in two tracks:
- 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork (10% of hours supervised, six supervisor contacts per month)
- 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork (5% of hours supervised, four supervisor contacts per month)
You can combine both types as long as your total comes out to over 1,500 hours. The supervision must be provided by a current BCBA® holder, who will attest to your completed hours and evaluate your performance across areas, including timeliness, professionalism, self-analysis, sensitivity to non-behavioral professionals, and skills acquisition.
Most of this fieldwork happens in real-world treatment environments — working clinics, schools, or practices — where you’ll conduct assessments, design behavior analysis programs, and oversee implementation under a licensed ABA’s supervision.
Step 3: Pass the BCBA® Exam
After completing your master’s degree and supervised experience, you can sit for the National Behavior Analyst Exam from the BACB. This is the same exam required for BCBA® certification nationally, and passing it is the final step toward both national certification and Maryland licensure.
The exam is administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers across the country. In Maryland specifically, there are sites in Baltimore, Bethesda, and Columbia. You can also take the exam at sites in neighboring Delaware, Virginia, or Washington, D.C. — there’s no restriction on location.
To register, you’ll submit documentation through the BACB’s online system verifying that you’ve completed the required education and experience. The exam itself is a 175-question, multiple-choice test covering Behaviorism and Philosophical Foundations, Concepts and Principles, Measurement and Data, Behavioral Assessment, Behavior-Change Procedures, and Personnel Supervision. You’ll have four hours to complete it.
Step 4: Apply for Licensure with the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists
Once you’ve earned your BCBA® certification, you can apply for your Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) credential via the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. The application form is available directly from the Board’s website.
Before submitting, you’ll need to complete a criminal background check. Somewhat unusually for Maryland, this background check must be submitted before your LBA application, not after.
Application processing typically takes 60 to 90 days. The application fee is $200; if accepted, there’s an additional $200 licensing fee. You’ll also need to include official transcripts from your qualifying master’s program, verification of your BCBA® certification, and at least three professional references — employers, supervisors, or colleagues with a professional license or certification, with at least one being a current BCBA®.
Maryland doesn’t offer formal reciprocal or temporary licenses for ABAs already licensed in another state. That said, if you hold an active BCBA® certification and a license from another jurisdiction, including that documentation with your application can strengthen your case — the Board takes out-of-state credentials into account when evaluating qualifications. For a broader look at how other states handle reciprocity, see our state-by-state ABA licensing guide.
License Renewal for Behavior Analysts in Maryland
LBA licenses renew every two years, with renewals due by January 31 at a total cost of $301. You can file online through the state’s licensing portal, and the Board estimates processing takes five to ten days.
Renewal requires 40 continuing education hours over each two-year period (20 hours if you’ve held your license for less than two years). CE falls into two categories: Category A covers formally organized sessions such as courses and presentations, while Category B covers informal opportunities such as conference seminars, lectures, or in-house colloquia. No more than 10 CEUs can come from Category B in any given biennium. Excess CEUs can carry over to the next renewal period.
The Maryland Association for Behavior Analysis (MABA) is a reliable source for CE opportunities and updates to Maryland’s ABA licensing rules. As the state ABAI affiliate, it serves researchers, faculty, practitioners, and psychologists throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
ABA Salary and Career Outlook in Maryland
Maryland is a strong market for ABA professionals. The state’s proximity to Washington, D.C., and its high concentration of healthcare and human services employers keep demand steady — and that shows up in the salary data.
According to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median annual salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Maryland is $57,820. The mean annual wage is $68,830. At the top end, the 90th percentile earns $97,050 annually, while entry-level positions (10th percentile) start around $41,160. Keep in mind that ABA and BCBA® professionals typically earn on the higher end of this range — these BLS figures cover a broad counselor category that includes roles with lower pay floors. You can explore how Maryland compares to other states on our ABA salaries overview.
Here’s how Maryland’s metro areas break down. The median reflects the midpoint salary, the mean reflects the average across all earners, and the 90th percentile represents what top earners in each market are bringing in:
| Metro Area | Median Salary | Mean Salary | 90th Percentile (Top Earners) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC/VA/MD/WV) | $63,170 | $73,210 | $105,530 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson | $56,980 | $68,750 | $98,440 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg | $60,410 | $65,760 | $88,680 |
| Salisbury | $50,890 | $59,840 | $88,420 |
On the employment side, Maryland currently has approximately 8,180 people employed in this occupational category statewide. Job growth projections show an increase from 8,430 to 10,290 positions between 2022 and 2032 — a 22.1% growth rate that adds roughly 960 average annual job openings. That’s solid, sustained demand for a state of Maryland’s size.
ABA Providers in Maryland
Maryland has a well-developed ABA services infrastructure. Licensed behavior analysts work across a range of settings, including outpatient clinics, school districts, in-home therapy programs, residential facilities, and hospital-based programs. The D.C. metro area, in particular, has a high concentration of providers given the population density and the region’s strong insurance coverage for autism treatment.
Maryland law mandates that treatment for autism spectrum disorders be covered by insurance company plans, non-profit health service plans, individual insurance plans, and health maintenance organizations. This coverage applies to infants, children, and young adults up to age 19, and BCBA®s are eligible for reimbursement through the state’s Value Options program as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maryland accept out-of-state ABA licenses?
Maryland doesn’t offer formal reciprocal licensure for ABAs already licensed in another state. That said, holding an active BCBA® certification alongside an out-of-state license can strengthen your application — the Board considers out-of-state credentials during review. You’ll still need to complete Maryland’s standard application process. Our state-by-state ABA licensing guide has details on how other states handle reciprocity.
How long does it take to become a licensed behavior analyst in Maryland?
Plan for roughly three to four years total. A master’s program typically takes two years, and supervised fieldwork can begin during grad school — which can shorten your overall timeline. Once you’ve passed the BCBA® exam, Maryland’s application processing takes 60 to 90 days.
What’s the difference between a BCBA® and an LBA in Maryland?
The BCBA® is the national certification issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. The LBA (Licensed Behavior Analyst) is Maryland’s state license. You need the BCBA® to qualify for the LBA — they’re connected, but the LBA is what legally authorizes you to practice independently in Maryland.
Can BCaBAs get licensed in Maryland?
Not at this time. Maryland licensure is currently limited to full BCBA® certification holders. If you’re working at the BCaBA level and considering Maryland, continuing toward full BCBA® certification is the path forward before applying for state licensure.
How much does it cost to apply for an LBA license in Maryland?
The application fee is $200. If your application is accepted, there’s an additional $200 licensing fee, for a total of $400 to obtain your initial LBA. Renewal every two years costs $301.
Key Takeaways
- Licensure tracks directly with BCBA® certification — earn the national credential, and you’ve met Maryland’s core requirements for your LBA.
- Four steps to licensure — master’s degree from a BACB-approved program, 1,500 to 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork (which can begin during grad school), BCBA® exam, then the Maryland LBA application.
- No formal reciprocity — Maryland doesn’t offer it, but an active BCBA® plus out-of-state credentials can strengthen your application during Board review.
- Competitive salaries — Maryland’s statewide median is $57,820 (May 2024 BLS), with the D.C. metro area Maryland suburbs showing a higher median of $63,170 and top earners reaching $105,530.
- Strong job growth — 22.1% projected growth from 2022 to 2032, with roughly 960 average annual openings statewide.
- Renewal every two years — $301 fee, 40 CEUs required, due January 31. MABA is the key state professional resource.
Ready to take the next step? Explore master’s programs from ABAI-accredited schools that meet Maryland’s licensure requirements, and compare fieldwork placement support before you apply.
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.