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Joshua Baker, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA (NV)

This page is created to answer your questions about the Verified Course Sequence (VCS) at UNLV. The VCS program is approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

Currently UNLV has the 4th and 5th edition task list approved. The 4th edition task list will soon be retired and the 5th edition task list course work will begin in the Summer of 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I am confused with all of the acronyms.

Me too.  Here are some basics.

Terms/acronyms

BCaBA – Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst

BCBA – Board Certified Behavior Analyst

RBT – Registered Behavior Technician

VCS – Verified Course Sequence

BACB – Behavior Analyst Certification Board

ABAI – Association for Behavior Analysis International

What is the current 4th edition course work prefixes? 

ESP 712 (Summer Session 2

ESP 762 (Summer Session 3)

ESP 715 (Summer session 1)

ESP 735 (Fall)

ESP 739 (Spring)

ESP 751 (Spring)

What are the 5th edition task list courses? 

1. ESP 712 (summer session 2)

2. ESP 713 (Spring)

3. ESP 715 (summer session 1)

4. ESP 735 (Fall)

5. ESP 739 (Spring)

6. ESP 751 (Spring)

7. ESP 753 (Fall)

8. ESP 762 (Summer session 2)

Are there other required courses in the Special Education M.Ed. Program?

Yes all students will also take

  1. ESP 701
  2. ESP 722
  3. EPY 702
  4. There is room for one elective to meet the 36 hour credit requirement.

I already have my masters. Do I need to get another masters degree?

No. You can apply as a non-degree seeking student and complete the VCS courses.

Where can I find the 5th edition VCS matrix? 

https://www.abainternational.org/vcs/directory/course-sequence-information.aspx?csid=2d40ede7-b921-ea11-8136-000c29a8e632&pid=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&cl=&moi=

Why is the masters degree a M.Ed. In special education? 

The ABA VCS coursework is housed in the special education department at UNLV. Within our programs there are a number of emphasis. If you are interested in ABA than you will obtain a M.Ed. in special education with an emphasis in ABA.

Will the course work allow me to set for the BCBA exam.

The coursework at UNLV is approved through ABAI. You will need to also meet the supervision requirements set by the BACB.com

I have a lot of questions about the profession and the field of behavior analysis. Where should I start?

www.BACB.com and www.abainternational.org

Does UNLV have partnerships with agencies or someone that can help me with my hours?

At the current time we do not. There are a number of agencies in Las Vegas and we try to continue to update our complete provider list to give to students who may be interested.

Does UNLV give the BCBA? Will I get it after I graduate?

No. UNLV provides the degree and/or the coursework that is required to sit for the BCBA exam. You will still need to earn supervision hours and pass the BCBA exam for certification.

What do I need to do to get my BCBA?

  • A master’s degree and the required 5th edition coursework OR
  • A master’s degree from an ABAI-accredited master’s or doctoral program PLUS
  • The required supervision hours PLUS
  • Sit for, and pass, the BCBA exam

Eligibility Requirements: https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/BCBA-2022EligibilityRequirements_201119-2.pdf

Do I have to get another Masters if I already have one?

No. The 5th edition requirements will accept any graduate degree. However, you may need to take the behavior-analytic coursework if your degree does not qualify as an ABAI-Accredited degree.

Eligibility Requirements: https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/BCBA-2022EligibilityRequirements_201119-2.pdf

Do I have to be a Registered Behavior Tech (RBT) before being a BCBA?

No. A RBT is not required for BCBA certification. As long as you have the required degree and coursework, and are able to earn your supervision hours, you can sit for the BCBA exam without ever becoming a RBT.

Are there other careers for a BCBA outside of the field of autism.

Yes. There are a variety of needs and careers for BCBAs. Check the career center at ABAI for examples. https://www.abainternational.org/career-central.aspx


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