Model BCBA Tuition Reimbursement Policy
Introduction
In recent years, service organizations have routinely reported difficulties in hiring Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®). This development is unsurprising as recent data on the demand for BCBAs suggest greater demand than supply. Many organizations have established internal programs to support employees who are pursuing the education and supervised fieldwork required to apply for BCBA certification. These programs often include reimbursement for university tuition and related educational expenses.
When structured to meet applicable requirements, tuition assistance policies can also provide meaningful federal tax advantages for both organizations and employees in the United States. For example, an employer may be eligible for a federal tax deduction of up to $5,250 per employee per year for qualifying tuition assistance. Correspondingly, employees may receive up to $5,250 annually in employer-provided tuition reimbursement on a tax-free basis under federal law.
The purpose of this document is to present a model tuition benefit policy to assist organizations in developing or refining a tuition reimbursement program for staff pursuing education toward BCBA certification. If an organization already operates a system for providing supervision to BCBA trainees on staff, there may be value in combining that policy with a tuition reimbursement policy. The model policy in this document includes sample language that may be adapted for direct use. Throughout the document, commentary is provided to highlight key considerations and offer guidance on specific policy elements.
Use and Enforceability Disclaimer
Please note that this model policy is provided for general informational purposes only and should be customized for each organization’s specific needs. Organizational leaders implementing policies based on the model provided are solely responsible for ensuring their compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and associated policies.
