Vermont made ABA licensure official in 2015, and the path is clearer than you might think. If you hold BCBA® or BCaBA® certification from the BACB, Vermont will grant you a license by endorsement — no separate state exam required. The process runs through the state’s Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) and starts with a $115 application fee.
Vermont was ahead of the curve on ABA. Back in 2012, the state passed Act 158, which required insurance plans to cover ABA therapy for children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder through age 21. That mandate set no annual or lifetime benefit caps, which gave practicing behavior analysts real room to work.
Three years later, in 2015, Act 38 established full professional licensure for behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts. Today, Vermont licenses both levels under Title 26, Chapter 95, and the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) handles everything from applications to renewals. Here’s what the path looks like from start to finish.
Earning a Master’s or Higher Degree in Behavior Analysis
Vermont requires a doctoral or master’s degree from a program accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board, or from a program approved by the Director of the OPR.
In theory, Director-approved programs should also include schools accredited by the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA), a newer accrediting body recognized by BACB after Vermont’s original law was written. The catch is that these Director-approved institutions aren’t published anywhere, so if your program isn’t ABAI-accredited, you’ll need to petition the OPR directly for a review.
Most students pursue master’s programs in applied behavior analysis, psychology, or education. Some schools also offer Verified Course Sequences (VCS) as part of non-degree programs for those who already hold a graduate degree but need the specific ABA coursework to qualify for the BACB exam.
One thing worth knowing: starting at the end of 2025, VCS Coordinator review becomes your only option if you didn’t attend an ABAI- or APBA-accredited program, or one recognized under the ABAI tiered education model. The window for other pathways is closing.
Vermont doesn’t have many ABA graduate programs within its borders, which is why most students here choose accredited online programs. Online options let you complete coursework on your own schedule, avoid relocation costs, and still satisfy Vermont’s requirements when the program carries proper accreditation.
Standards for BCaBA® candidates are similar but apply to undergraduate-level programs. A master’s degree is not required at the assistant level.
Gaining Supervised Practice Experience
Vermont requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of approved, hands-on supervised experience in applied behavior analysis, completed over the course of at least one year. Seventy-five of those hours must involve direct one-on-one contact with your supervisor.
Your fieldwork will typically take place in a clinical or educational setting. Expect to be involved in work like:
- Conducting assessments of patients
- Designing individualized behavior analysis programs
- Supervising and providing oversight for behavior modification plans
If you’re pursuing BCBA® certification through the BACB (which most candidates are), the experience requirement goes slightly further. BACB calls for either 2,000 hours of standard supervised fieldwork or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork. BCaBA® candidates need 1,300 or 1,000 hours, respectively, depending on which path they choose.
The supervision structure differs between the two tracks as well. In the concentrated path, 10% of your monthly hours must be spent in supervision, with at least six supervisor contacts per month. The standard path requires 5% of hours in supervision and at least four contacts per month. Your supervisor must hold an active BCBA® credential and will complete a formal evaluation of your performance.
Passing the National Behavior Analyst Exam
Vermont’s licensure law requires you to pass a comprehensive exam based on the BACB’s own certification tests. In practice, that means the BCBA® or BCaBA® examination.
Each exam runs four hours and includes 175 multiple-choice questions covering nine content areas. The content maps closely to the BCBA/BCaBA coursework requirements and the experience you’ve accumulated, so if you’ve completed your program and logged your hours, you’re in a solid position to pass.
The BCBA® exam is administered by Pearson VUE and offered at testing centers across the country. Burlington is Vermont’s only in-state test site, though you can also test at centers in neighboring states like New Hampshire, New York, or Massachusetts if that’s more convenient. You’ll register online through the BACB and submit documentation confirming your educational and experience requirements before you’re allowed to sit.
Applying for Vermont Licensure with the OPR
Vermont’s application process is handled online through the Vermont Secretary of State’s website. The non-refundable application fee is $115.
If you already hold a BCBA® or BCaBA® credential, the process is short. You’ll provide verification of your BACB certification along with your contact information, and that’s essentially it. The BCBA® credential satisfies the education, experience, and exam requirements all at once.
If you don’t yet hold BACB certification, you’ll need to submit official transcripts from your graduate program, documentation from your supervisor confirming you’ve completed the required 1,500 hours, and proof that you’ve passed the behavior analysis exam.
If you’re already licensed in another state in good standing, you can apply by endorsement, though you’ll still need a BCBA® or BCaBA® credential. The one exception: if you’ve held that out-of-state license for more than three years, you may qualify for fast-track endorsement, which skips the credential check and comes with provisional licensing for up to 90 days while OPR verifies your license.
License Renewal Requirements
Vermont ABA licenses run on a two-year term. Both ABA (Applied Behavior Analyst) and AABA (Associate Applied Behavior Analyst) licenses renew on July 31st of every even-numbered year. Renewal costs $275 and can be completed online through the OPR’s website.
Vermont’s continuing education requirements for ABA licensees are unusually minimal. The only current mandate is completion of one or more CE credits on systematic oppression and anti-oppressive practice, which applies because ABAs fall under the state’s broader mental health professional category.
To maintain your BACB certification separately, you’ll still need to complete 32 hours of CE every two years (20 hours for BCaBA® holders). The Vermont Association for Behavior Analysis (VtABA) is a good resource for staying current on any changes to state requirements, especially given ongoing federal-level shifts related to DEI-related education mandates.
ABA Salary and Career Outlook in Vermont
If you’re weighing an ABA career in Vermont, the salary and job growth picture is encouraging. The state’s strong insurance coverage laws, combined with steady demand for autism services, make Vermont a solid market for practicing behavior analysts.
According to May 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Vermont earn a median annual salary of $60,410. Entry-level professionals (10th percentile) typically start around $45,960, while mid-career practitioners at the 25th percentile earn approximately $52,890. Experienced professionals at the 75th percentile bring in $67,670, and those at the top of the field (90th percentile) earn $80,480 or more.
Keep in mind that BLS groups ABA and BCBA professionals into this broader counselor category. Board Certified Behavior Analysts often earn at the higher end of this range and beyond, particularly in clinical and supervisory roles.
Here’s how Vermont’s figures compare to the national picture:
| Percentile | Vermont | National |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $45,960 | $39,090 |
| 25th | $52,890 | $46,570 |
| Median (50th) | $60,410 | $59,190 |
| 75th | $67,670 | $74,430 |
| 90th | $80,480 | $98,210 |
On the job growth side, Vermont is projecting 20.5% growth in this field from 2022 to 2032, adding an estimated 250 positions and generating roughly 140 average annual job openings. That growth rate reflects sustained demand driven by expanding autism insurance coverage and ongoing behavioral health needs across the state.
ABA Programs and Providers in Vermont
Vermont is a small state, and the in-state options for ABA graduate programs are limited. Most students pursue accredited online master’s programs that meet ABAI or BACB standards. These programs allow you to complete coursework remotely while doing your supervised fieldwork hours locally in Vermont.
When evaluating programs, look for ABAI accreditation or a BACB-approved Verified Course Sequence. You’ll also want to confirm that the program offers practicum placement support and that faculty hold active BCBA credentials. Our step-by-step guide to BCBA® credentialing walks through exactly what you’ll need to prepare.
Once licensed, Vermont behavior analysts most commonly work in school settings, early intervention programs, autism treatment centers, and private practice. Burlington, Montpelier, and Rutland represent the largest employment hubs in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vermont require a separate state exam for ABA licensure?
No. Vermont’s licensure law requires passing an exam based on the BACB’s certification tests, so holding an active BCBA® or BCaBA® credential satisfies this requirement entirely. If you’re already BCBA-certified, you can apply by endorsement and skip any additional testing.
Can I practice ABA in Vermont while my application is pending?
Vermont offers provisional licensing for up to 90 days in fast-track endorsement situations, which applies to out-of-state licensees with three or more years in good standing. For standard applicants, check directly with the OPR about interim options while your application is under review.
How long does it take to become licensed as a behavior analyst in Vermont?
The timeline depends on how far along you are. Completing a master’s program typically takes two to three years, followed by at least one year of supervised fieldwork to accumulate the required 1,500 hours. After passing the BCBA® exam, the OPR application process itself is relatively quick for candidates who already hold BACB certification.
What are the continuing education requirements for ABA license renewal in Vermont?
Vermont currently requires only one CE credit focused on systematic oppression and anti-oppressive practice as a condition of license renewal. That said, your BACB certification requires 32 CE hours every two years (20 for BCaBA® holders), so most practitioners complete CE well above the state minimum regardless.
Can I transfer my ABA license from another state to Vermont?
Yes. Vermont accepts licensure by endorsement for practitioners licensed in another state in good standing. You’ll still need a current BCBA® or BCaBA® credential. If you’ve held your out-of-state license for more than three years, you may qualify for Vermont’s fast-track endorsement pathway.
Key Takeaways
- Vermont licenses two levels — Applied Behavior Analyst (ABA) and Associate Applied Behavior Analyst (AABA) — through the Office of Professional Regulation, with BCBA® or BCaBA® certification satisfying all major licensure requirements.
- A graduate degree is required — A master’s or doctoral degree from an ABAI-accredited program (or OPR-approved equivalent) is needed, along with a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised fieldwork.
- Burlington is the only in-state test site — The BCBA® exam is the standard licensure exam, administered by Pearson VUE. Neighboring states offer additional options if needed.
- Vermont’s median salary is $60,410 — According to May 2024 BLS data, with top earners (90th percentile) reaching $80,480 or more. Job growth is projected at 20.5% through 2032.
- Renewal is biennial and straightforward — Licenses renew July 31 of even years for $275, with currently only one CE credit required at the state level.
Ready to take the next step in your ABA career? Explore master’s programs that meet Vermont’s licensure requirements and connect with programs offering strong practicum placement support.
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.