The July 1, 2026 BACB CE Change, Explained

Short version: starting July 1, 2026, the BACB's updated ACE Provider Handbook requires participation monitoring on self-paced (asynchronous) continuing education — a minimum of 3 knowledge-assessment questions per CEU. That is the whole change. It is not a video mandate, and it does not change how many CEUs you owe.

What is actually changing

This is a rule about how ACE Providers build their self-paced courses — not a new obligation on you as a certificant. Your recertification math is unchanged: BCBAs and BCBA-Ds still complete 32 CEUs per 2-year cycle; BCaBAs still complete 20 CEUs. (See our credential reference for the ethics and supervision breakdown.)

Formats that still count

Any asynchronous format remains valid as long as it includes at least 3 knowledge questions per CEU:

Recorded/video CE
Article- and reading-based CE that includes the required knowledge checks
Journal clubs and podcasts that include the required knowledge checks (at least 3 questions per CEU)

What no longer counts on its own

A bare "read an article, answer one question" course that does not meet the ≥3 questions-per-CEU participation-monitoring standard. The fix is the questions, not the medium.

What this means for you

Nothing you've already earned is at risk. Completed CEUs remain valid.
Going forward, choose CE that meets the standard. Look for courses with built-in knowledge checks.
Your cycle totals are the same. The deadline is your normal recertification date — there is no special "July 1 deadline" for certificants.

Where Special Learning stands

Special Learning's self-paced CE courses for BCBAs and BCaBAs already gate the completion certificate behind an 80%-pass knowledge quiz — roughly 10 questions per course, with a full audit trail. That is well above the new minimum of 3 knowledge questions per CEU.

Browse the CE Library for Behavior Analysts

Special Learning is an approved BACB ACE Provider (ACE Provider #OP-14-2437). Authorization as a BACB Authorized Continuing Education (ACE) Provider does not imply endorsement or approval of any specific CE event's content by the BACB. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) does not sponsor, approve, or endorse Special Learning, the materials, information, or sessions described here. This page summarizes the BACB ACE Provider Handbook (effective July 1, 2026) for general informational purposes; always confirm current requirements directly with the BACB at bacb.com. Special Learning has served 32,000+ customers in over 140+ countries since 2010.

This resource was prepared with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy against Special Learning's verified credentialing canon.