The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) has announced sweeping updates to the Authorized Continuing Education (ACE) Provider Requirements, effective July 1, 2026. These updates aim to improve the consistency, accountability, and professional integrity of CE opportunities for behavior analysts.
If you offer BACB CEUs or are planning to apply as an ACE Provider, now is the time to prepare. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and how to stay ahead.
Key Changes to Know
1. New Coordinator Qualifications
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ACE Coordinators must hold an active BCBA certification for at least five years.
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This ensures coordinators have sufficient field experience to oversee content accuracy and ethics.
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Current ACE Providers may continue under their existing coordinator until their next renewal or coordinator change.
2. Legal Entity Requirement for Organizational Providers
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ACE Organizations must now operate as legally recognized entities (LLCs, corporations, universities, or nonprofits).
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This improves recordkeeping, accountability, and transparency in CEU operations.
3. Stricter Instructor Standards
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Instructors must demonstrate expertise in the topic area—such as published research, teaching experience, or advanced clinical practice.
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Co-presenters may assist but must be supervised by a qualified instructor.
4. Prohibited Activities
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Passive or non-instructional CE (e.g., reading an article followed by a quiz) will no longer qualify for CE credit.
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All events must include structured instruction, engagement, and learning objectives.
5. Updated Terminology
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The ACE Provider Directory will be renamed the ACE Provider Verification Registry, offering more accurate verification for participants.
What’s Effective Now vs. July 1, 2026
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Certain expectations, like content alignment and accurate recordkeeping, apply immediately.
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Coordinator qualifications and organizational status requirements take effect July 1, 2026.
What ACE Providers Should Do Now
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Review your organization’s structure — Ensure it meets the new legal entity requirement.
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Evaluate your coordinator’s credentials — Prepare a transition plan if needed.
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Vet your instructors — Collect documentation of expertise and relevant credentials.
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Audit your content — Confirm all CE events are instructional, interactive, and measurable.
Final Thoughts
These changes represent a positive shift toward professionalism and quality within the behavior analysis community. By preparing now, ACE Providers can ensure compliance, maintain trust with participants, and continue delivering meaningful, evidence-based continuing education.