The requirements, the timeline, and the July 2026 change — plainly explained. Work backward from your renewal date and stop scrambling at the end of each cycle.
We'll email you a one-page printable version and a heads-up before key 2026 deadlines — including the July participation-monitoring change. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Starting July 1, 2026, BACB ACE providers must build active responding into self-paced online CE: you answer knowledge-check questions as the course runs — at least three per CEU — not just click through to the end. It is a real participation requirement, not passive logging.
What this means for you: self-paced online CE still counts toward your 32 CEUs when it carries active responding (at least three learner-answered knowledge checks per CEU). Your CEU total, your cycle, and the validity of CE you have already earned do not change. The one setup that no longer counts on its own is a solo ‘read an article, then take a quiz’ course as a standalone CE event; journal clubs, podcasts, and reading inside a monitored course still count when they include active responding. Special Learning’s self-paced CE is built this way: you answer knowledge checks throughout each course, with an 80% pass requirement to earn your certificate.
Dejah Worthen, a school BCBA, put it plainly after buying a Special Learning CE bundle: "This CEU very helpful, with lots of useful information. If you are a school BCBA you should purchase this CEU bundle, it's worth it."
The CEUs are a compliance gate. The knowledge is the thing. If you're completing CE just to check the box, you'll pass the audit and forget the content. If you're choosing CE that applies to the clients in front of you this week — that's what changes your practice.
When choosing your remaining CE, ask: does this course speak to the population I actually work with? If the answer is no, you're buying hours, not knowledge.
Each Special Learning CE Bundle gives you 32 CEUs for your 2-year cycle — including the 4 ethics CEUs you need — on your schedule, with an AI Course Companion on every course. Choose the bundle built for the population you actually work with:
$6.22 per CEU · 32 CEUs incl. 4 ethics CEUs · 12 months access · BACB ACE #OP-14-2437
The families and caregivers of the autistic individuals in your caseload are often learning in isolation. Special Learning offers free, research-based guides and resources built for parents, caregivers, and educators — the same quality your CE is built on.
If you know a parent who would benefit, send them here: store.special-learning.com — free resources available, no account required.
Special Learning, Inc. · 445 E. Illinois, Suite 6702, Chicago, IL 60611
This guide reflects BACB-published requirements as of June 2026. Always verify current requirements at bacb.com before your renewal submission.