---
title: "Your BCBA Isn't a New Jersey License"
author: Liat Sacks
date: 2026-11-12
updated: 2026-11-12
url: https://pairaba.com/blog-posts/new-jersey-bcba-license-ddd-may-2027.html
publisher: Pair ABA
summary: "New Jersey says BCBA certification isn't a license. DDD-funded behavior work needs an NJ LBA after May 6, 2027. What to ask your employer now."
---

# Your BCBA Isn't a New Jersey License

By Liat Sacks, Founder, Pair ABA · November 12, 2026

Plenty of BCBAs think the four letters are the whole deal. In New Jersey, the state just said, in writing: nope.

On Oct 27, New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities sent a bulletin to its providers.

The headline: certification from the BACB does not replace, and is not the same as, a state license.

**Who does this affect?**

This change applies to professionals providing behavioral support services through the state's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), which primarily serves adults with developmental disabilities.

Since the state's licensing law went into effect, many of these professionals have been allowed to continue working under a temporary exemption from licensing requirements.

Once the exemption expires on May 6, 2027, certain behavioral support responsibilities will need to be handled by a New Jersey Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) or someone who qualifies for another exemption.

According to the state's bulletin, those responsibilities include:

- Conducting functional behavior assessments (FBAs)
- Developing or updating behavior support plans
- Evaluating whether a behavior support plan is effective
- Making clinical decisions based on client data

And the deadline isn't flexible. New Jersey has stated that it cannot extend the temporary exemption because the expiration date is established by state law.

**Why it matters for your job**

The bulletin tells providers to check every staff member's license now. It warns that missing the deadline can mean paying back claims or not being able to bill for the service.

**Questions to ask your employer**

- **Will I need a New Jersey LBA license to continue in my current role?**
- **Will the company help with the licensing process?**
- **What happens if my license isn't approved by May 6, 2027?**

Our matchmakers can help you find a role that fits. Message us at u/PairABA.

*News recap only, not legal or licensing advice.*

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Source: https://pairaba.com/blog-posts/new-jersey-bcba-license-ddd-may-2027.html · The Pair Post, Pair ABA (https://pairaba.com/)