Becoming a BCBA in West Virginia doesn’t require a state license, but BCBA certification through the BACB is the recognized standard and it’s required for insurance reimbursement. The path includes a master’s degree, 1,500 to 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, and passing the BCBA exam.
West Virginia is one of roughly a dozen states that rely on national BACB certification rather than a separate state license to oversee behavior analysts. A 2012 Sunrise Report, commissioned in response to an application by the Board Certified Behavior Analysts of West Virginia, concluded that BACB oversight provided adequate protection for state residents.
That said, BCBA certification carries real weight here. West Virginia’s autism insurance reform law, enacted in 2011, requires that ABA services be delivered by BCBA-certified providers in order to qualify for insurance reimbursement. And the state’s Medicaid program covers ABA for children between 18 months and 20 years with a primary autism diagnosis made before age eight. If you want to practice and get paid for it, BCBA certification isn’t optional.
Earning a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis
A master’s degree in behavior analysis — or a master’s in psychology or education with a concentration in behavior analysis — has become the minimum educational standard for practicing as a full-authority applied behavior analyst, regardless of whether you’re in a licensed or unlicensed state.
Meeting BACB Graduate Program Requirements
To qualify for BCBA certification, your graduate degree must satisfy the BACB’s educational standards. The clearest path is earning a degree accredited by the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) or verified/recognized by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).
You can also qualify by completing a master’s degree in a relevant field alongside the following graduate-level 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
The ABAI maintained a directory of Verified Course Sequence (VCS) programs that confirmed these requirements, but as of December 31, 2025, the VCS system has been discontinued. Starting in 2026, your university must provide documentation confirming you’ve met the BACB course requirements through a course-by-course review.
If you completed coursework outside a VCS, your department chair, dean, or BCBA-certified VCS Coordinator must complete a Non-Verified Course Content Attestation for the BACB.
Completing Supervised Fieldwork Experience
To sit for the BCBA exam, you’ll need to log between 1,500 and 2,000 hours of BACB-approved supervised fieldwork. The exact number depends on the intensity of supervision you receive — higher supervision ratios mean fewer required hours.
You can complete fieldwork as part of your graduate program’s practicum requirement or independently from your degree. Many online ABA programs actively help students find and secure placements near where they live.
ABA Providers in West Virginia
Just some of the West Virginia providers where you may be able to complete your fieldwork include:
- Above and Beyond: ABA Therapy for Autism and More, Kenova
- Augusta Levy Learning Center, Wheeling
- Autism Services Center, Huntington
- Bright Futures Learning Services, Hurricane
- Diversified Assessment and Therapy Services, Kenova
- The West Virginia Autism Training Center, Huntington
- WHOLE Families WV, Morgantown
West Virginia’s ABA sector has grown considerably in recent years. Here’s a look at a few centers that reflect that growth.
Mountain State ABA, Martinsburg
Mountain State ABA was founded in 2017 in direct response to the growing need for ABA services in the state. They provide early intervention services for children with autism spectrum disorders, with programs focused on skills acquisition, challenging behaviors, parent and caregiver training, and assessment and program planning.
Key Learning Autism Center, Morgantown
Opened in 2019, Key Learning Autism Center was specifically designed to deliver ABA therapy to children diagnosed with autism. The center features themed treatment rooms, a playroom, and a kitchen. They offer center-based services for children ages 2 to 8, with half-day and full-day programs available two to five days per week.
Autism Services Center, Huntington
Founded in 1979, Autism Services Center is a nonprofit behavioral health organization serving residents of Cabell, Wayne, Lincoln, Mason, and Putnam counties. They provide a comprehensive range of services, including ABA, residential homes staffed 24/7, and community education programs covering everything from ABA principles to functional behavior assessments.
Passing the BCBA Exam
Once you’ve satisfied the education and experience requirements, you’ll apply through the BACB to sit for the BCBA exam. After the BACB approves your application, you’ll receive instructions for registering with Pearson VUE, which administers the exam at testing sites throughout the country.
West Virginia has testing centers in Morgantown and Charleston. Additional sites are available in nearby Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, and Kentucky if those locations are more convenient.
For detailed, step-by-step instructions on the BCBA credentialing process, see our complete BCBA certification guide.
Applying for State Licensure
West Virginia does not require a separate state license to practice as an applied behavior analyst. BCBA certification through the BACB is the recognized credential here. That said, you’ll want to stay current on any legislative changes — states occasionally revisit this question as the field grows.
What BCBA certification does unlock in West Virginia is insurance eligibility. All health insurance plans in the state are required to cover ABA for autism spectrum disorder for children ages 18 months to 18 years. The maximum benefit is $30,000 per individual for three consecutive years from the date treatment begins, followed by a cap of $2,000 per month through age 18.
BCBA certification also qualifies your services for coverage under the state’s Medicaid program for children with autism, which covers eligible beneficiaries from 18 months to 20 years.
Salary and Job Outlook for Behavior Analysts in West Virginia
West Virginia’s demand for ABA professionals continues to grow, and that’s showing up in the data. According to May 2024 figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 1,970 substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors employed in West Virginia — the broader BLS category that includes ABA and BCBA professionals — with a mean annual wage of $52,210.
The statewide salary range tells a more complete story: entry-level positions start around $32,000 (10th percentile), while mid-career professionals typically earn between $38,770 and $62,790 (25th to 75th percentile). Experienced practitioners at the top of the field earn $77,260 or more annually (90th percentile). Keep in mind that ABA and BCBA professionals often earn on the higher end of this range compared to the broader counselor category.
Salary figures vary by metro area. Here’s how West Virginia’s largest markets compare as of May 2024:
| Metro Area | Median Salary | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV | $48,110 | $66,710 | $81,370 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $47,120 | $59,900 | $74,900 |
| Morgantown, WV | $45,790 | $60,360 | $71,840 |
| Northern WV (nonmetro) | $46,550 | $63,710 | $73,480 |
| Southern WV (nonmetro) | $46,340 | $53,570 | $71,320 |
The job outlook is strong. West Virginia is projected to add 380 behavior analyst and counselor positions between 2022 and 2032 — a growth rate of 23.6%, which significantly outpaces most industries. That translates to roughly 190 average annual job openings across the state, accounting for both new positions and those opened by professionals leaving the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does West Virginia require a state license for behavior analysts?
No. West Virginia doesn’t require applied behavior analysts to hold a state license. The state relies on BACB certification as the recognized professional standard. But BCBA certification is effectively required for insurance reimbursement and is the universal expectation among employers.
What’s the difference between BCBA, BCaBA, and RBT credentials?
These are three levels of BACB certification. The BCBA is a full-authority behavior analyst who can design and oversee ABA programs. The BCaBA is a board-certified assistant behavior analyst who works under BCBA supervision. The RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) is a paraprofessional who implements therapy under the supervision of a BCBA or BCaBA.
How long does it take to become a BCBA in West Virginia?
Most people complete the process in three to five years. A master’s program typically takes two years, followed by the supervised fieldwork period. Fieldwork can overlap with your degree if your program includes a practicum, which can shorten the overall timeline.
Does West Virginia Medicaid cover ABA therapy?
Yes. West Virginia Medicaid covers ABA services for children between the ages of 18 months and 20 years who have a primary diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder made before their eighth birthday. Services must be provided by a BCBA-certified professional to qualify.
What ABA graduate programs are available for students in West Virginia?
West Virginia University offers BCBA-track graduate programming in Morgantown. Many students in the state also pursue online ABA master’s programs from ABAI-recognized or APBA-accredited universities — a practical option given the state’s rural geography.
Key Takeaways
- No state license required — West Virginia relies on BACB certification rather than a separate state licensing system, but BCBA certification is the de facto standard for employment and insurance eligibility.
- BCBA certification unlocks insurance coverage — West Virginia law requires BCBA-certified providers for ABA services to be covered under the state’s autism insurance reform laws and Medicaid program.
- Education requires a master’s degree — A master’s in behavior analysis or a closely related field, combined with BACB-approved coursework, is the minimum requirement for BCBA eligibility.
- Fieldwork is 1,500 to 2,000 hours — Supervised experience must meet BACB standards; many WV programs help students find local placements.
- Mean annual salary is $52,210 statewide, with a median of $46,710 — With projected 23.6% job growth through 2032, the field offers strong career stability in West Virginia.
Ready to take the next step? Explore ABA master’s programs that meet BACB coursework requirements and offer fieldwork placement support — so you’re set up for success from day one.
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.