NEW BACB ACE Requirements Explained: What CEU Providers Must Know for 2026

The BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board) has just released a lot of changes to the Authorized Continuing Education (ACE) Provider Requirements, set to go into full effect by July 1, 2026. If you are an ACE Provider, ACE Coordinator, or organization offering CEUs, this article breaks down what’s changing, why, and how you can prepare - with a free downloadable compliance checklist included.

Why the ACE Requirements Are Changing

With the rapid growth of the field, the BACB is raising the bar for continuing education quality and oversight. These changes aim to:

• Increase consistency across CE events

• Raise the rigor and credibility of CEU providers

• Protect certificants from low-quality or non-compliant offerings

• Improve transparency and accountability for organizations

These updates are split between immediate changes and those effective July 1, 2026 [BACB, 2025].

[BACB, 2025]

To help you navigate these changes, here's a simple, editable checklist for tracking and implementing each new requirement. You can make a copy and use this with your team or during renewal preparation.

FREE Resource: CEU Checklist [Updated August 2025]

New Guidelines for RBT PD

ACE Providers offering professional development to RBTs must follow the new RBT PD guidelines

🔗 RBT PD Guidelines PDF

Next Steps for ACE Providers

1. Review the Updated ACE Handbook (effective July 1, 2026)

2. Compare your policies and procedures against the new requirements.

3. Meet legal entity status before your next renewal (if not already incorporated).

4. Vet all instructors against the new qualification and expertise standards.

5. Update internal forms and applications using the new attestation and employment relationship formats.

Want to Build and Sell Your Own CEU Events?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the new ACE requirements - or you’re ready to finally launch your own CEU offerings - join me for the upcoming CEU Builder Workshop!

[Next Live Workshop: October 6th]

2-hour comprehensive training | Updated to include 2025-2026 BACB standards

In this hands-on session, you’ll learn:

• How to design CEU content that meets BACB standards

• How to document and track attendance like a pro

• What you need to be compliant as an ACE Provider

• Smart strategies for launching, pricing, and selling CEUs online

Bonus: Your ticket includes access to all future updated trainings on this topic - no need to repurchase every time we host again.

[Click here to reserve your spot now!]

If you’re ready to turn your expertise into a high-impact CEU offering, this is where you start. Let’s build it right - and build it to last.

Resources & Links

• ACE Provider Handbook (2026)

• ACE Provider Verification Registry

• Upcoming Changes to ACE Provider Requirements

Disclaimer:
This blog post and accompanying resources are provided for informational and educational purposes only to support BACB ACE Providers in understanding recent updates. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, all requirements, interpretations, and guidelines are subject to change by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). We strongly recommend that all providers refer directly to the official BACB website and monitor for updates, including future revisions to the ACE Provider Handbook, applications, and guidance documents.