Michigan requires more than a national certification to legally practice applied behavior analysis in this state. Here's exactly what's required, and how to check any provider's credentials yourself.
Two Separate Requirements, Both Mandatory
| Requirement | Issued By | What It Confirms |
|---|---|---|
| BCBA Certification | Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) — national | Graduate education, supervised fieldwork, passed national exam |
| Michigan State License | Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts (via LARA) | State-level legal authorization to practice in Michigan specifically |
Michigan has required state licensure for behavior analysts since January 2020, following legislation passed in 2016 and 2017 (Public Act 403 of 2016, among related statutes). This means BCBA certification alone is not sufficient to legally practice in Michigan — a practitioner also needs an active Michigan license, issued through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs' Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts.
What Michigan Licensure Requires
Michigan's licensing process, administered through LARA's Bureau of Professional Licensing, requires proof of current BACB certification submitted directly from the BACB to the state, a criminal background check, completion of implicit bias training and human trafficking awareness training (both state-mandated for health professionals), and renewal every four years, including maintained BACB certification in good standing.
How to Verify Any Provider's Credentials
| What to Check | Where to Check It |
|---|---|
| BCBA certification status | BACB's public certificant registry (bacb.com) |
| Michigan state license status | Michigan LARA license verification lookup (michigan.gov/lara) |
| Disciplinary history | Both the BACB and LARA maintain records of disciplinary action |
We encourage every family to verify these credentials directly, for us and for any provider you're considering — it takes only a few minutes and provides real, independent confirmation rather than relying on a provider's own claims.
What Happens Without Proper Licensure
Practicing applied behavior analysis in Michigan without the required state license is a violation of the Public Health Code. This isn't a minor technicality — it reflects the state's judgment that ABA services carry real clinical stakes for children and families, warranting the same regulatory oversight given to other licensed health professions.
Assistant Behavior Analysts and RBTs
Registered Behavior Technicians are certified by the BACB but are not independently licensed under Michigan's behavior analyst licensure statute — they work under a licensed BCBA's supervision, which is itself required and documented under Michigan licensing rules.
Our Commitment
Every clinician at Maple ABA Therapy providing services under the BCBA credential holds active, verifiable Michigan licensure alongside their national BACB certification. We're glad to provide license information directly upon request, in addition to the public verification tools listed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a BCBA certification the same as being licensed to practice in Michigan?
No — they're two separate, both-required credentials. National certification alone does not authorize practice in Michigan; state licensure is a separate legal requirement.
How often does a Michigan behavior analyst license need to be renewed?
Every four years, along with maintained good standing with the BACB and completion of state-required continuing education, including implicit bias and human trafficking awareness training.
What should I do if I can't verify a provider's license?
Ask them directly for their license number and BACB certification number, and verify both independently. A legitimate provider should have no hesitation providing this information.
Does licensure apply to RBTs too?
RBTs hold BACB certification but practice under a licensed BCBA's required supervision rather than independent state licensure — the supervising BCBA's licensure is what authorizes the overall service delivery.
References
- Michigan Public Health Code, Act 368 of 1978, Part 182 (Behavior Analysts) — MCL 333.18253
- Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) — national certification and public registry