Before the VCSs Go: Understanding the Future of Coursework Verification
If you’ve been keeping up with BACB® announcements, you may have heard that the Verified Course Sequence (VCS) system is sunsetting at the end of 2025. This has raised many questions among students, both those currently enrolled and those thinking about applying to graduate programs in behavior analysis.
One of the most common worries is, “If my program isn’t accredited, will my coursework still count?”
The short answer is, “Yes, your coursework likely still counts.” Let’s break down what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and what it means for you as a student.
The End of the VCS System
For years, many programs have been designated as a Verified Course Sequence (VCS). This meant a program’s coursework had already been reviewed and met Pathway 2 coursework requirements. This label reassured students that: if you enrolled in a VCS, you knew your coursework would qualify you for certification.
That convenience will end in December 2025, when the VCS system officially sunsets. After that, programs will no longer carry the “VCS” label.
What Happens After 2025?
Even without the VCS system, students can still meet coursework requirements through Pathway 2. Here’s how it works:
Programs can continue offering coursework that meets BACB standards.
Instead of being pre-verified, a program representative will submit an attestation of the coursework on behalf of the student at the program's conclusion.
This attestation confirms that the student’s coursework aligns with BACB coursework standards.
In other words, the coursework still counts; the documentation process just looks different.
Do Programs Have to Be Accredited Now?
One of the biggest misunderstandings is the idea that programs must be accredited to count. That is not true until 2032.
Between 2026 and 2031: Students can still qualify via Pathway 2 coursework, with the program representative submitting the attestation. Accreditation is not required.
After 2032: The BACB will require accreditation for university programs offering certification-qualifying coursework. Those applying for the exam after January 1, 2032, must graduate from an accredited program.
A summary of recent and upcoming changes to BACB requirements can be found on the BACB Website.
Accreditation is a very long process with additional requirements for both programs and students. For example, accredited programs must require a capstone or similar project. This is a significant change for many programs and their students. The accreditation transition is still years away, so students in or completing programs before 2032 do not need to worry about accreditation immediately.
What This Means for Students
If you’re in a program now, or planning to start one soon, here’s what you can be confident about:
You will still receive coursework that qualifies you to sit for the certification exam, as long as your program meets Pathway 2 requirements.
Even without the “VCS” label after 2025, programs remain responsible for ensuring your coursework meets BACB standards.
Accreditation will not be required until 2032, so you don’t need to panic if your program isn’t accredited yet.
In short, while the name “VCS” is disappearing, the pathway to certification through university coursework (Pathway 2) remains viable.
Bottom Line
The sunset of the VCS system in 2026 does not mean your coursework “won’t count.” It simply changes the process by which coursework is verified. Until 2032, programs can still qualify you under Pathway 2, and your program representative will provide the required attestation.
Accreditation will eventually be the standard, but that’s years away. In the meantime, students should focus on choosing programs that meet BACB coursework requirements and commit themselves to learning the material thoroughly.
So, where did the VCSs go? They’re going away as a label, but the quality training pathways they represented are still very much in place.
So don’t panic, VCSs may be going away in name, but your pathway to certification is still very much in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I graduate after 2025?
If you finish your program after 2025 your program must provide an attestation confirming that your completed coursework meets BACB standards. You’re covered as long as your program is aligned with Pathway 2 requirements.
How do I know if my program still meets the standards?
Programs that have historically been VCS are already aligned with BACB standards, and many will continue to follow those requirements even after the VCS label goes away. If you’re unsure, ask your program directly:
Does your curriculum align with the BACB Pathway 2 coursework requirements?
Will the program representative provide attestation upon graduation?
Does this mean accreditation is pointless until 2032?
Not at all. Some programs may choose to pursue accreditation earlier, but it is not a requirement until 2032. The absence of accreditation should not deter you from enrolling in or completing a program before then.
Should I delay enrolling until programs are accredited?
No. Waiting for accreditation is unnecessary if you plan to graduate and apply for certification before 2032. If your goal is to become certified, you should focus instead on ensuring your program offers the required coursework and provides the necessary attestation at graduation.
Author’s Note: This text was developed with the aid of an AI writing assistant. The author is responsible for the content.
