Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Health and Legal Requirements

The absence of any conviction for a felony or any communicable or contagious disease, which would prevent the student from teaching or performing other certified services, must be attested to. Students should apply for state criminal clearance immediately following admission to any of the state credential or license programs.

Department Interview

A pre-admission interview and writing test are to be scheduled when possible with at least two faculty members in the Department of School Psychology and Counseling who will evaluate the applicant's expressiveness, commitment, values, cultural affirmation, and professional attitudes. When admission is granted without a prior interview, an appointment must be made with the department chair during the first few weeks of residence before program approval. Continuation in the program is contingent upon a satisfactory rating by the interviewers.

Graduate Record Examination

In addition, a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required. A student’s acceptance into the Ed.S. program, or advancement into the Ed.S. program from the M.A. in Counseling program (provisionally or regularly), depends the following scores: the GPA, GRE, departmental interview, and writing sample.

1. A passing score on the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) is required before any practicum, field practice, or internship hours can be collected.


2. Application for field practice six weeks prior to placement.


3. A certificate of clearance is needed from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), which involves a fingerprint clearance. In addition, a TB clearance must be obtained as well. Again, all necessary clearances are required before gathering practicum, field practice, or internship hours in either a school setting or a community counseling agency setting.


4. The Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers (PRAXIS)-­‐Specialty Area for School Psychology is required as an exit examination. An unsatisfactory score will necessitate re-­‐taking the Praxis until a minimum passing score is obtained. If after several tries, this is not possible, a student may be granted permission to take a departmental comprehensive examination. A satisfactory score report for the PRAXIS must be received by the University at least four weeks prior to graduation or the issuance of a diploma. Early registration for the test is essential.


5. An acceptable showcase portfolio is required, also for the exit exam.


6. Application to the School of Education Credential Office (sgallego@lasierra.edu) for a denomination or state credential, if eligible.


7. Students must procure appropriate internship placement(s). For the PPS, students must be supervised by a credentialed school psychologist whereas for the BCBA, students must be certified by a credentialed behavioral analyst. Other requirements apply—please consult with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) and the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) for more information.