Where Did the VCSs Go?
5 Myths About Coursework Verification After the Sunset
Author: Kristin Myers-Kemp, PhD, BCBA-D
The Verified Course Sequence (VCS) system officially sunset at the end of 2025. For years, the VCS label offered a simple reassurance: If you enrolled in a program with that designation, your coursework met the BACB®’s Pathway 2 standards.
Now that the label is gone, many students are unsure about what this change means. Some are worried their coursework won’t count, while others think they need to switch to accredited programs right away. Let’s cut through the confusion by examining five common myths about life after the VCS sunset.
Myth 1: My coursework no longer counts.
Reality: Your coursework still counts. Programs can and do continue designing curricula to meet Pathway 2 requirements. The difference is that instead of programs being “pre-verified” through the VCS label, your program representative now submits an attestation confirming that your coursework meets the standards.
Myth 2: Accreditation is required now.
Reality: Accreditation is not required until 2032. Between now and then, Pathway 2 with attestation remains a valid route. Some programs may pursue accreditation earlier, but the lack of accreditation right now does not prevent you from qualifying for the exam.
Myth 3: I'm in trouble if my program wasn’t VCS before.
Reality: Not necessarily. Programs with the VCS label had the benefit of being verified, but any program can align its courses with Pathway 2 requirements. The most important thing is whether your program’s curriculum matches the BACB coursework standards. If you’re unsure, ask your program directly:
Does the curriculum align with Pathway 2 requirements?
Will the program representative provide attestation when I graduate?
Myth 4: I should delay enrolling until accreditation is required.
Reality: Waiting until 2032 is unnecessary and may slow down your career. If your goal is to qualify for the exam before then, completing Pathway 2 coursework with attestation is sufficient. Accreditation is a future requirement, not a current barrier.
Myth 5: The sunset means fewer options for students.
Reality: The sunset didn’t shrink your options; it simply changed the verification process. Programs can still offer coursework that meets BACB standards, and many continue to do so transparently. Instead of relying on the VCS label, students now look to their programs for confirmation and attestation. The pathways remain open, just under a different system.
Bottom Line
So, where did the VCSs go? They went away as a label, but the quality pathways to certification remain in place. The only things that have changed are the label and the steps programs must take when you apply for certification. Coursework that aligns with Pathway 2 still qualifies; your program representative provides the necessary attestation, and accreditation is not required until 2032. The loss of the VCS label is not a cause for concern. Your path, specifically Pathway 2, to certification is secure.
Author’s Note: This text was developed with the aid of an AI writing assistant. The author is responsible for the content.
