Future BCBAs deserve more than just collecting hours.
Launchpad is a structured pathway into the profession – combining tuition support, paid fieldwork, clinical mentorship, and fully covered exam preparation within a clinician-led organization. Most programs make you wait until you pass to see any real support. We don’t. From your final semester through your first six months as a certified BCBA, Launchpad is built to help you arrive confident, not just credentialed.
Everything You Need for the Final Stage of BCBA Certification
Completing your BCBA certification requirements is demanding enough. Launchpad provides structured supervision, paid fieldwork opportunities, and professional support to help you finish strong and prepare for your transition into a BCBA career.
Structured BCBA Supervision
Receive guidance from qualified Butterfly Effects supervisors throughout your final fieldwork experience, with hours tracked, documented, reviewed, and signed off to support your progress toward certification.
Paid Fieldwork Opportunities
Complete qualifying restricted and unrestricted fieldwork activities while gaining practical experience in a supportive clinical environment designed for candidates nearing BCBA certification.
Launch Your BCBA Career
Move from student to clinician with support designed for the final stage of your professional journey and future opportunities within Butterfly Effects after certification.
“We built Launchpad because the final stretch to certification is the hardest part, and it is exactly when most companies leave candidates on their own. We do the opposite. We pay for your fieldwork, supervise it properly, cover your exam costs, and stay invested in your first year as a clinician. Most companies wait until you pass. We don’t.”
Steve Woolf, PhD, BCBA-D
President, Butterfly Effects
President, Butterfly Effects
Why Future BCBAs Choose Butterfly Effects
20+ Years of Clinical Excellence
Supporting children and families through ABA services since 2005.
Clinician-Led Organization
Led by experienced BCBAs committed to professional development and ethical care.
Structured Supervision & Mentorship
Guided support designed to help you build confidence before certification.
Launchpad Residency Program
Continue receiving mentorship, onboarding support, and reduced caseloads during your transition into independent BCBA practice.
Paid Fieldwork & Exam Support
Complete qualifying fieldwork as a paid employee while receiving exam preparation resources and certification support.
Long-Term BCBA Career Path
Launch your BCBA career with opportunities for continued growth, leadership development, and advancement within Butterfly Effects.
As You Prepare for the Exam
We pay for everything you need to pass.
A typical candidate spends $2,000+ out of pocket preparing for the BCBA exam.
At Butterfly Effects, you pay $0.
Launchpad Covers:
- Test preparation materials
- BDS (Behavior Development Solutions) modules
- BCBA exam fees
- BACB certification fees
Support Beyond Certification
Passing the exam is the start, not the finish. Your first six months as a BCBA are structured to help you build clinical confidence — not just survive a caseload.
Retention Bonus After One Year
Launchpad participants who remain with Butterfly Effects through their first year as a BCBA are eligible for a retention bonus, rewarding long-term commitment and professional development.
Your First Six Months as a BCBA
Your transition into independent practice includes a reduced caseload, one-on-one mentorship from a senior BCBA, structured onboarding through the Launchpad Residency, and student loan repayment support designed to help you build confidence during your first year.
Do You Qualify?
Launchpad is built for candidates in the final semester of an accredited ABA graduate or post-graduate program who are approaching BCBA exam eligibility.
- Enrolled in an accredited ABA master’s or post-graduate program
- Nearing completion of required BACB fieldwork hours
- Within ~6 months of BCBA exam eligibility
- In good standing, with no recent disciplinary action
What Happens Next?
- Complete the form below.
- Our team will review your eligibility.
- We’ll discuss Launchpad availability in your area.
- Qualified candidates may be invited to interview.
Apply to Launchpad
Connect with our Professional Development team to find out if you qualify and start your Launchpad plan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an RBT to participate?
No. Many Launchpad participants begin as Registered Behavior Technicians, but current RBT status is not required. You need to be enrolled in a qualifying ABA graduate program and within approximately six months of completing your BCBA certification requirements. Launchpad participants become paid Butterfly Effects employees during their fieldwork.
When should I apply?
Launchpad is designed for candidates who are within approximately six months of completing their BCBA certification requirements. If you’re approaching graduation and preparing for certification, now is the right time to start the conversation.
Is fieldwork paid?
Yes. Launchpad participants are paid employees of Butterfly Effects, and approved fieldwork hours, both restricted and unrestricted, are compensated. Butterfly Effects also covers your test preparation materials, exam fees, and BACB certification fees. Specific compensation details are discussed during your first conversation with our team.
How is supervision provided?
Participants receive supervision from qualified Butterfly Effects supervisors while completing their fieldwork requirements. Hours are tracked, documented, and reviewed in accordance with BACB requirements, with support designed to help participants successfully complete the certification process.
What happens if I don’t pass on the first try?
You stay in the program. Participants who do not pass on their first attempt continue receiving supervision, study support, and structured preparation for their next attempt, and Butterfly Effects covers the cost of one exam retake. Your eligibility and program benefits do not change while you prepare to retest.
What happens after I become certified?
After certification, participants transition into the Launchpad Residency, which includes a reduced caseload, mentorship from an experienced BCBA, structured onboarding, and additional professional development support during the transition to independent practice.
Which states currently have openings?
Availability is based on current hiring needs and supervision capacity in each market, which change throughout the year. Tell us where you plan to work in the application form and we will discuss current openings in your preferred state during your first conversation.
Program Disclaimer
Student loan repayment support and retention bonuses are subject to eligibility, program terms, and approval.