Effective July 1, 2026, the BACB updated its Authorized Continuing Education (ACE) provider standards. The change adds a participation monitoring requirement to asynchronous (self-paced) CE courses. This is a structural requirement on how courses are built — not a restriction on which formats are allowed.
Asynchronous (self-paced) CE courses must include at least 3 knowledge-check questions per 1.0 CEU, with learners required to respond before receiving credit for that unit.
That's it. The format, topic, and delivery method of the course are unchanged — only the structural inclusion of knowledge checks.
What is participation monitoring?
Participation monitoring is the mechanism by which an ACE provider confirms that a learner is actively engaging with CE content — not just logging time. Prior to July 2026, a learner could complete some self-paced CE formats passively. The July 2026 update closes that gap.
Under the new standard, "participation" is defined structurally: a course must require the learner to respond to knowledge-check questions as part of completing each CEU. The learner can't simply fast-forward or mark a video complete — they have to engage.
The 3-questions-per-CEU rule
The specific threshold is at least 3 knowledge-check questions per 1.0 CEU, with responses required to complete the course. This applies to self-paced, asynchronous formats. A 2.0 CEU self-paced course would need at least 6 knowledge-check questions to meet the standard.
Any question format where the learner must select or submit a response — multiple choice, true/false, short answer, reflection prompts requiring a response — qualifies. The standard is about requiring a response, not about grading it.
What formats still qualify?
All existing CE formats remain eligible after July 2026. The change applies only to how asynchronous (self-paced) courses are structured — it does not eliminate any category of CE.
Must include ≥3 knowledge-check questions per CEU with required responses. Most structured course platforms meet this.
Article-based CE with a required quiz has always included learner responses — typically meets the standard if ≥3 questions per CEU.
A recorded session accessed asynchronously qualifies if it includes ≥3 knowledge-check questions per CEU with required responses built in.
Journal clubs typically involve active discussion and response. Verify your specific format with the provider.
The participation monitoring requirement is specific to asynchronous formats. Live events remain governed by existing synchronous CE standards.
A podcast-based CE course qualifies if it includes at least 3 knowledge-check questions per CEU with required responses as part of completing the course.
What this is NOT
There has been some confusion about the scope of the July 2026 change. To be clear:
- It is not a video mandate. The BACB has not required video CE. Self-study, article-based, and text-only CE formats remain eligible.
- It is not a ban on passive formats. No CE format is "banned." All formats are eligible if the provider includes the required knowledge checks.
- It is not a change to your renewal deadline. Your BCBA, BCaBA, or RBT renewal date, cycle length, and CEU count are unchanged. The July 2026 update is a provider-side structural requirement.
- It is not an "active responding" requirement in the behavioral sense. The term "active responding" appears in some coverage of this update but is not the BACB's language. The BACB's requirement is "participation monitoring" — which means knowledge-check questions with required responses, not a specific behavioral teaching format.
What to ask your CE provider
When choosing self-paced CE after July 1, 2026, ask each provider two questions before purchasing.
- Do your self-paced courses include at least 3 knowledge-check questions per 1.0 CEU, with learner responses required to complete the course? A clear yes with specifics is what you want. "We have quizzes" without the per-CEU threshold is not sufficient.
- What is your BACB ACE authorization number? Verify it at bacb.com. Current ACE status is required for CE to count toward BACB renewal.
Related resources in this cluster
BACB July 2026 CE provider update: what the participation monitoring standard means
Does Special Learning meet the BACB July 2026 provider standard?
Will my CEUs count after July 1, 2026? A practical checklist
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Important: This article explains the BACB's July 2026 ACE provider standard update in plain language for informational purposes. Special Learning is an independent ACE provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by the BACB beyond its ACE designation. Authorization as a BACB ACE Provider does not imply endorsement of any specific CE content by the BACB. For authoritative requirements, refer to bacb.com and the BACB's published ACE Program Standards. BACB ACE Provider #OP-14-2437.
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