Utah started licensing applied behavior analysts in 2015, and the path to licensure closely mirrors BCBA® certification. You’ll need a master’s degree with BACB-approved coursework, at least 1,500 hours of supervised fieldwork, and a passing score on the national exam. The state uses the Department of Occupations and Professional Licensing (DOPL) to manage applications.
Utah is an interesting state for behavior analysts. It reports higher-than-average autism prevalence compared to national estimates, enacted an autism insurance reform in 2014 that expanded access to ABA therapy, and has a job market growing well above the national average. If you’re considering a career in ABA in Utah, demand is real, and the path to licensure is well-defined.
Here’s a clear breakdown of every step, plus salary data and what to expect on the ground.
Utah ABA Licensing Overview
Utah enacted the Behavior Analyst Licensing Act in 2015, adding ABA licensing to Title 58 of the Utah Code. The Department of Occupations and Professional Licensing (DOPL) handles all applications and renewals, while the Behavioral Health Board sets qualifications and develops rules.
The structure covers two main roles: Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) and Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst (LABA). A 2024 legislative amendment to Title 58 introduced two additional roles, Behavioral Health Technicians and Behavioral Health Coaches, which are still being defined under DOPL rule-making. Applicants interested in those roles should monitor the DOPL website for finalized requirements.
BACB Certification and Utah Licensure
You don’t technically have to earn your BCBA® before applying for a Utah license, but the requirements are so closely aligned that it makes strong practical sense to pursue both simultaneously. It’s also the smart move for portability if you ever want to practice in another state.
Utah doesn’t offer temporary or reciprocal licensure, but it does allow licensure by endorsement for qualified applicants who hold an active license in another state.
Behavioral Health Technician Certification
Under the rules being established for the Behavioral Health Technician credential, applicants are expected to hold an associate degree or a one-year academic certificate from a regionally accredited program in counseling, psychology, social or behavioral sciences, education and human development, or human and social services. Because these rules are still being finalized, check the DOPL website for the most current requirements.
Worth noting: despite the similar name, Utah’s BHT requirements are substantially higher than those for the BACB’s RBT® (Registered Behavior Technician). Earning an RBT® may be a starting point, but it won’t fully satisfy Utah’s requirements on its own.
Step 1: Earn a Graduate Degree
Utah requires a master’s or doctoral degree in a field related to behavior analysis for LBA applicants. Qualifying degree fields include education, human services, engineering, medicine, and other behavior-related areas. For the LABA credential, a bachelor’s degree in one of these fields is sufficient.
Whatever degree you pursue, the coursework is what really matters. Your program must include content on behavior analysis approved by the BACB. The clearest path is choosing a program that holds ABAI accreditation or follows a BACB-verified course sequence. These programs are designed to meet all the content requirements you’ll need for both licensure and BCBA® certification.
If your master’s degree is in a different field, you can still qualify by completing a post-graduate certificate from a program with a BACB-verified course sequence. That’s a solid option for career changers who already hold an advanced degree.
Today, many students earn their ABA master’s online, opening a much wider range of accredited programs without the need to relocate. It also makes it easier to keep working while completing your coursework. For step-by-step guidance on the BCBA® credentialing process, see our full BCBA certification guide.
Step 2: Complete Supervised Experience
Before you can apply for licensure, you’ll need to log fieldwork hours under the supervision of a qualified behavior analyst. Utah requires 1,500 hours of supervised fieldwork for LBA applicants (1,000 hours for LABA applicants), completed within a five-year window. Where Utah’s statute defers to BACB standards, the BACB experience requirements will govern.
The BACB recognizes two types of experience: concentrated supervised fieldwork (with more intensive, frequent supervisor contact) and supervised fieldwork (2,000 hours with less frequent contact). Completing concentrated fieldwork at 1,500 hours satisfies both the state requirement and the BCBA® certification standard at the same time.
You can also combine both types to reach your total, and hours can be accumulated during your degree program and after graduation. The key is tracking your hours carefully and working with a supervisor who meets both BACB and DOPL qualifications.
Step 3: Pass the BCBA® Exam
Once your education and fieldwork requirements are in order, the next step is the National Behavior Analyst Exam, administered by the BACB through Pearson VUE testing centers. Utah requires a passing score on the BCBA® examination as determined by the BACB.
Testing centers may include locations such as Bountiful, Salt Lake City, Draper, Ogden, and St. George. Availability can change, so confirm current test center options when you register. You’ll need to sign up with the BACB online before scheduling and submit documentation verifying your degree and supervised experience.
The exam covers the full scope of ABA practice, and most candidates find it helpful to complete exam prep alongside their final year of fieldwork when the content is freshest.
Step 4: Apply for State Licensure with DOPL
With your BCBA® in hand, applying for your Utah LBA license is straightforward. Download the application from the DOPL website, submit your BACB certification documentation, complete the background questionnaire, and pay the application fee at the time of filing. The fee is non-refundable. BCBA® certification generally satisfies most documentation requirements for your state application.
If you’re applying without BCBA® certification, you’ll need to submit official transcripts, documentation of your supervised experience, and your exam results from the National Behavior Analyst Exam separately.
License Renewal
Utah LBA and LABA licenses expire on September 30 of even-numbered years. The renewal fee applies to both credentials. Don’t wait for a renewal notice from DOPL — you’re responsible for filing on time regardless of whether you receive one.
Continuing education requirements are established by DOPL rule. Review the current rule at the DOPL website to confirm what’s required for your renewal cycle. The Utah Association for Behavior Analysis is also a strong resource for tracking regulatory updates and finding approved CEU opportunities.
ABA Salaries and Career Outlook in Utah
Utah is one of the stronger states for ABA career growth right now. Employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors (SOC 21-1018, the BLS category that includes ABA and BCBA professionals) is projected to grow 56.1% from 2022 to 2032. That’s more than triple the national average. The field is expected to add over 2,120 positions in Utah alone, with around 610 job openings annually.
As of May 2024, Utah employed approximately 4,720 professionals in this category. The statewide median annual salary was $65,920, with the top 25% earning $94,630 or more and the top 10% earning $111,470 or more. Entry-level professionals start around $34,560 annually (10th percentile), with the 25th percentile at $42,210.
In the Salt Lake City metro area, where much of the state’s ABA workforce is concentrated, the median salary is $67,540. Entry-level professionals in Salt Lake City start around $37,120 (10th percentile), while top earners (90th percentile) reach $107,150.
Keep in mind that BCBA-certified professionals typically earn on the higher end of these figures. The BLS data covers a broad occupational category, and experienced BCBAs with specialized clinical skills often command salaries above the state median.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Utah offer reciprocal licensing for ABAs?
No. Utah doesn’t provide temporary or reciprocal licensure for ABAs. If you hold an active license in another state, you may be eligible to apply for licensure by endorsement, which streamlines the process without requiring you to start from scratch.
How long does it take to become a licensed behavior analyst in Utah?
Most candidates complete the process in three to four years. A master’s degree typically takes two years, and fieldwork hours are usually accumulated during and immediately after graduate school. Exam prep and state application processing add a few additional months.
Is BCBA® certification required for Utah LBA licensure?
It’s not a hard requirement, but the qualifications are nearly identical. BCBA® certification generally satisfies most of the documentation requirements for your state application, so pursuing both simultaneously is the standard approach.
What’s the difference between an LBA and a LABA in Utah?
The LBA (Licensed Behavior Analyst) credential requires a master’s or doctoral degree, while the LABA (Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst) requires a bachelor’s degree. LABAs typically work under the supervision of a licensed LBA.
What are the newest credential changes in Utah?
A 2024 legislative amendment to Title 58 introduced the Behavioral Health Technician and Behavioral Health Coach credentials. Both roles are still being defined under the DOPL rule-making. Check the DOPL website for the most current requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Utah has licensed applied behavior analysts since 2015 under Title 58, with DOPL managing all applications through the Behavioral Health Board.
- The LBA credential requires a master’s degree with BACB-approved coursework, 1,500 hours of supervised fieldwork, and a passing score on the BCBA® exam as determined by the BACB.
- Pursuing BCBA® certification alongside state licensure is the standard approach and the most practical path for career portability.
- Utah’s job market is projected to grow 56.1% from 2022 to 2032, one of the strongest growth rates in the country, with around 610 annual openings.
- Statewide median salary is $65,920 (May 2024 BLS data, SOC 21-1018), with the Salt Lake City metro at $67,540. BCBA-credentialed professionals typically earn above these figures.
Ready to take the next step? Explore graduate ABA programs that meet BACB coursework requirements and support your path to licensure in Utah.
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.