After months of studying, supervision hours, and sheer determination — you did it! You passed your BCBA exam! First of all, take a deep breath and celebrate this incredible achievement. Becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst is no small feat. You’ve put in the time, dedication, and heart — and now it’s time to take the next step in your professional journey.

But with that new certification comes a big question: “Now what?”

Maybe you’re sorting through job offers, interviewing with a few ABA providers, or simply trying to figure out what type of environment will help you grow as a new BCBA. With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming to determine which opportunity is the right fit.

If you're in the same boat—or just want a peek into what comes next. Here are a list of the must-do items as you enter this new world.

1. Take a Minute to Celebrate (Seriously.)

It sounds obvious, but so many of us immediately jump into “what’s next?” mode. This exam is notoriously tough, and you didn’t just luck into passing—you earned it. Whether your celebration looks like a quiet dinner, a weekend trip, or finally sleeping for eight consecutive hours… take the win. You deserve it.

2. Update Your Credentials Everywhere

Now that you’re officially board-certified, it’s time to make it official in all the right places:

• Add “BCBA” to your resume header
• Update LinkedIn and professional profiles
• Notify your supervisor(s) from fieldwork
• Request your BACB certificate
• Update your email signature (optional but exciting!)

It’s a small thing, but seeing those four letters after your name hits differently.

3. Start Exploring Where You Want to Work

The field is broad—way broader than what many student analysts realize. As a new BCBA, ask yourself:

What population do I want to serve?

• Early intervention
• School-age children
• Teens and young adults
• Adults
• ASD, ID/DD, or something more specialized

What work environment fits me best?

• In-home services
• Clinic-based
• Schools
• Residential programs
• Hybrid or telehealth

What job structure do I want?

• Salaried vs. hourly
• Supervision responsibilities
• Leadership or clinical track
• Assessment-heavy vs. treatment-heavy roles

You don’t need all the answers yet, but clarity makes the job search much easier.

4. Polish Your Resume (and Make It BCBA-Specific)

Your resume as a student analyst doesn’t look the same as your resume as a BCBA. Highlight:

• Experience designing interventions
• Assessment tools you've used (VB-MAPP, AFLS, FBA methods, etc.)
• Parent training experience
• Data analysis and graphing
• Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams
• Supervision experience (if any)

Tip: Frame experiences in terms of outcomes. For example:

“Implemented behavior intervention plans resulting in a 40% reduction in challenging behavior across three clients.”

5. Start Applying—Strategically, Not Randomly

Quality matters more than quantity. When reviewing job postings, pay attention to:

• Caseload size (HUGE indicator of burnout risk).
• Supervision and clinical support
• Professional development opportunities
• Ethical values
• Compensation structure
• Company culture

Red flags:

• Extremely large caseloads
• Very little mentorship
• Pressure to take on too many hours
• Vague job descriptions
• Unrealistic expectations for new BCBAs

6. Prepare for Interviews

Companies aren’t just interviewing you, you’re interviewing them too.

Questions they might ask you:

• “Describe your approach to FBAs.”
• “How do you support RBTs and maintain treatment fidelity?”
• “Tell me about a challenging case and how you handled it.”

Questions YOU should ask:

• “What is your average caseload size for BCBAs?”
• “Do you offer mentorship or onboarding for new BCBAs?”
• “What training opportunities are available?”
• “How are BCBAs involved in treatment planning and decision-making?”

Asking good questions shows confidence and protects you from landing in the wrong environment. Listening for key points during your interview will help you determine if the company will provide you a quality first experience, or lead you down the road to burnout. Here are a list of red flags to look out for, and a list of green flags that may indicate a good match.

Red Flags

• Sign-on bonuses with long commitments. If a company offers a large sign-on bonus but requires you to stay for more than a year to keep it, take pause. This often signals high turnover and retention challenges among BCBAs.
• Restrictive noncompete agreements. Be cautious of contracts that include a noncompete clause, especially if it covers a large radius around your home or extends beyond your employment period. This can limit your future career options within your local area.
• Unreasonable billable hour expectations. While productivity expectations are part of most BCBA roles, goals that seem excessive or unattainable can lead to burnout quickly. Ask about average weekly billable hours and what happens if targets aren’t met.
• Overwhelming caseloads. A manageable caseload for a BCBA is typically around 8–10 clients, depending on needs and intensity. Anything consistently higher may make it difficult to provide quality supervision and maintain work-life balance.
• “Always on call” culture. If the company expects you to be available outside of typical working hours without additional compensation, that’s a red flag. Boundaries and balance matter, especially in a helping profession.

Green Flags

• Comprehensive benefits package for RBTs.Look for organizations that value their employees through benefits like PTO, health insurance, paid holidays, and a 401(k) match. These perks show that the company invests in your long-term wellbeing.
• CEU and professional development support.Especially with the changes coming with the BACB requirements for RBTs, companies that reimburse for CEUs or provide ongoing training opportunities demonstrate a commitment to your growth as a clinician.
• Clearly defined roles and support staff. If a company has dedicated departments for scheduling, billing, and authorizations, that’s a great sign. It means you can focus more on clinical quality and less on administrative tasks.
• Competitive compensation. Do some research on standard pay for first-year BCBAs in your area. Offers that align with (or exceed) the local average are worth serious consideration.

5. Access to mentorship and collaboration. A supportive work environment includes strong mentorship, ideally from experienced BCBAs who remember what it’s like to be new. Ask about opportunities for supervision, peer collaboration, and case discussions.

7. Don’t Forget About Paperwork, Licensure, and Registration

Depending on your state, you may need:

• State licensure
• NPI number
• Medicaid enrollment
• Liability insurance

Some of these steps are quick, others take weeks, so start early.

8. Stay Connected and Keep Learning

Getting certified isn’t the end, it’s the beginning of a new and exciting phase of growth.Join professional groups, find mentors, attend conferences, and stay updated on research. Being a lifelong learner is one of the best ways to stay competent and keep loving this field.

Final Thoughts

Passing the BCBA exam is an incredible achievement, but it’s just one milestone in a much bigger journey. The transition from student analyst to BCBA can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a time filled with possibility.

Take your time exploring your options. Ask questions. Advocate for yourself. And remember that you’re stepping into a career that changes lives every. single. day.

At Mindcolor, we believe in creating environments where new BCBAs feel supported, mentored, and empowered to provide high-quality care — without sacrificing balance or growth. Whether you’re just beginning your search or already weighing offers, trust your gut, ask the right questions, and remember that the right fit will align with your values as a clinician and as a person.