ABA licensure in Alabama: who needs a license, how to get one and how to keep it
The short answer
Alabama requires a license to practice behavior analysis unless an exemption applies. The state licenses behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts and requires current BACB certification for both. Registered Behavior Technicians do not need an Alabama license.
What the law says
Confirm with the Alabama Department of Mental Health before you rely on this.
Alabama's behavior analyst law is Chapter 5A of Title 34 of the Code of Alabama 1975. In 2026 the Legislature passed Act 2026-144 (Senate Bill 113). The Legislative Services Agency's fiscal note says the act "converts the current Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensing Board, under the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH), to the Alabama Behavior Analyst Advisory Council". The act gives the Department of Mental Health the regulatory authority over licensed behavior analysts and licensed assistant behavior analysts, and says the old board's rules stay in effect:
"All administrative rules of the former Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensing Board existing on the effective date of the act adding this amendatory language, which reference this chapter, unless in conflict with existing law, shall remain in effect as rules of the Alabama Behavior Analyst Advisory Council until amended or repealed by the department."
The licensing duty and the title protection are in Section 34-5A-2, as amended:
"The unlicensed practice of behavior analysis is prohibited in this state, unless exempted in subsection (c)."
"No individual shall hold himself or herself out to be a licensed behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst unless he or she satisfies the applicable requirements of this chapter."
The exemptions in Section 34-5A-2(c) include "An individual authorized to practice psychology within the state". The same subsection also lists:
"An applied behavior analysis direct contact technician, or family member implementing a behavior analysis plan within the home or other environment in which the individual is located, who acts under the extended authority and direction of a licensed behavior analyst or a licensed assistant behavior analyst."
Rule 580-5-30B-.02 lists additional exemptions with conditions. Exempt people "cannot call themselves a licensed behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst". Other licensed or certified professionals must not represent themselves as behavior analysts; their services must fall within their authorized scope and match their education, training and experience. This includes certified teachers performing their mandated responsibilities in a school system recognized by the Alabama Department of Education. The student exemption covers specified study or practicum activities supervised directly by an Alabama-licensed behavior analyst or an instructor in a course sequence approved by the certifying entity. The rule also exempts "An unlicensed individual pursuing experience in behavior analysis consistent with the experience requirements of the certifying entity", if an Alabama-licensed behavior analyst supervises that experience.
For practice without a license, the rules (580-5-30B-.03) say the board may "Impose a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000)", "Issue a cease and desist order", and "Petition the circuit court of the county where the act occurred to enforce the cease and desist order and collect the assessed fine."
Source: ADMH, Alabama Behavior Analyst Advisory Council; Act 2026-144 (SB113, enrolled), Alabama Legislature; Fiscal note for SB113; Alabama Administrative Code 580-5-30B.
How to get licensed
ADMH's page says: "Before you can become licensed, you need to have an active certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). This certification requires a college degree, specific coursework, supervision, and successful completion of the certification exam."
The statute (Section 34-5A-4) says a licensed behavior analyst applicant must "maintain active status as a national board certified behavior analyst, as recognized by the certifying entity, following passage of the national board certified behavior analyst examination." The rules say an application "may be submitted after the applicant is certified" by the BACB. A behavior analyst application includes a completed application, proof of BACB certification, the application review fee and licensure fee, a background check application, two sets of fingerprint cards and the background check fee. A behavior analyst licensed in another state may apply for reciprocity under Section 34-5A-6. Source: ADMH, Alabama Behavior Analyst Advisory Council; Act 2026-144 (SB113, enrolled); Alabama Administrative Code 580-5-30B-.06.
Assistants, RBTs and technicians
Alabama licenses assistant behavior analysts. An assistant behavior analyst applicant must, under Section 34-5A-4(3), "Maintain active status as a national board certified assistant behavior analyst, as recognized by the certifying entity", and "Provide proof of ongoing supervision by a licensed behavior analyst who is a current national board certified behavior analyst in a manner consistent with the requirements of the certifying entity for supervision of national board certified assistant behavior analysts." ADMH's page links a Proof of Supervision Form for these applicants.
Registered Behavior Technicians do not need a state license. ADMH's page says: "A license is not required for Registered Behavior Technicians." The statute's exemption for "An applied behavior analysis direct contact technician" working under the extended authority and direction of a licensed behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst is quoted above.
Source: Act 2026-144 (SB113, enrolled); ADMH, Alabama Behavior Analyst Advisory Council.
Renewal and state-required training
Section 34-5A-7(a) sets a two-year cycle:
"A license shall be granted for a period of two years and shall expire on December 31 in the second year. Before the expiration of a license, the license may be renewed upon submission of an application for renewal, including proof of continued certification by the certifying entity and payment of the renewal fee imposed by the department."
ADMH's page explains: "all licenses expire on December 31 of the year following the year when issued." Under the rules, a license that has not been renewed within two years after it expires "may not be renewed, restored, or reissued", and the person may apply for a new license only by meeting all the requirements for a new one.
Section 34-5A-7(a) requires a renewal application, proof of continued certification and payment of the renewal fee. That provision does not specify a state continuing education hour total.
Source: Act 2026-144 (SB113, enrolled); ADMH, Alabama Behavior Analyst Advisory Council; Alabama Administrative Code 580-5-30B-.07.
Training the staff you supervise
If you run a program in Alabama and need new technicians or aides trained in the basics, this is what our Intro to ABA Level 1 course covers.
The Intro to ABA Level 1 course teaches methods and techniques of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for parents and caregivers, teachers, paraprofessionals and behavior technicians who work with a child every day. Topics include what autism is, what ABA is, pairing, errorless teaching and prompting, and active student responding. Complete the course and pass its 40-question final exam with a score of at least 80%. Completing this course earns a Special Learning certificate of completion. That certificate is not a continuing education (CE) certificate. It is basic training in ABA methods for daily practice, not a professional credential. It is not the 40-hour training required for the RBT credential. We do not claim Alabama state approval or continuing education credit for this course.
Two ways to start
- For one person: try the first two sessions free for 7 days; account creation is required, with no payment information requested. The full course costs $199, paid once, with no subscription or recurring charge. Activate your license code within 90 days of purchase; the published completion window is 10 weeks after activation. You may request a later start date, no later than three months after purchase. Start the free sessions
- For your team: tell us how many people need training and when, and we will send a quote; each participant who completes the course and passes its 40-question final exam with a score of at least 80% earns an individual certificate of completion. Ask for a team quote
Last reviewed: October 30, 2026.