If you earn CE after July 1, 2026, one question matters for every course: does it meet the BACB participation-monitoring standard?
This guide explains what compliant CE looks like under the July 2026 standard, how to verify a provider meets it, and what to do if you have CE from providers that have not updated their courses.
The BACB updated its continuing education standards effective July 1, 2026. The change applies to self-paced and asynchronous CE: providers must include at least 3 knowledge-check questions per CEU, integrated throughout the course — not just at the end.
This is called participation monitoring. The BACB requires it to confirm that learners are actively engaging with course content — not simply clicking through to a certificate.
The fastest check: does the course embed questions throughout the content, with at least 3 questions per CEU? Or does it only have a quiz at the very end?
A single final quiz does not meet the July 2026 participation-monitoring standard, even if it has many questions. The requirement is for knowledge checks integrated into the learning experience — at regular intervals as you move through the material.
The second check: is the provider a current BACB ACE (Authorized Continuing Education) Provider? CE from non-ACE providers does not count toward BCBA recertification regardless of content quality. Verify ACE status at BACB.com.
If all three are yes, the CE is compliant with the July 2026 standard.
Some providers are still updating their libraries to meet the July 2026 standard. Here is what to consider:
Does the July 2026 change require live sessions instead of recorded video?
No. The July 2026 BACB standard is about participation monitoring, not a ban on recorded or asynchronous formats. Recorded videos can be compliant with the standard if they include at least 3 embedded knowledge-check questions per CEU integrated throughout the course.
When does the July 2026 standard apply?
July 1, 2026. CE earned after that date must meet the participation-monitoring standard to count toward BCBA recertification.
Does the July 2026 change affect how many CEUs I need?
No. The total remains 32 CEUs per 2-year cycle, including 4 Ethics CEUs and 3 Supervision CEUs for BCBAs who supervised. The change is in how CE is delivered, not how many hours are required.
Can I use CE from before July 2026 toward my renewal?
CE earned before July 1, 2026 from a BACB ACE Provider under the standards in effect at that time is generally still eligible for your current cycle. Confirm specifics with BACB for your individual situation.
What is a BACB ACE Provider?
BACB ACE Providers are organizations authorized by the BACB to offer CE that counts toward BCBA recertification. Authorization as an ACE Provider does not imply endorsement or approval of the ACE event content by the BACB. Verify a provider's ACE status at BACB.com.
Special Learning is a BACB ACE Provider (#OP-14-2437). Every course in the CE Library includes embedded knowledge checks throughout — at least 3 per CEU — and covers your full 32-CEU cycle for $199/yr.
Explore the CE Library →ACE Non-Endorsement: Special Learning is a BACB ACE Provider (#OP-14-2437). Authorization as an ACE Provider does not imply endorsement or approval of the ACE event content by the BACB. BACB ACE Provider status does not imply BACB endorsement of specific course content, individual courses, products, or services of ACE providers.
AI Disclosure: This content was designed with AI assistance and reviewed by Special Learning for accuracy. It is intended for informational purposes only. For questions specific to your recertification cycle, consult your BACB account portal or contact BACB directly.