- 2,000 supervised or 1,500 concentrated hours.
- Each period: 20 to 160 hours, 5% or 7.5% supervision, 60 or 90 minutes of observation.
- At least 50% of supervision must be individual.
- At least 60% of all hours must be unrestricted.
What are the fieldwork rules?
| Supervised | Concentrated | |
|---|---|---|
| Total hours | 2,000 | 1,500 |
| Supervision per period | 5% of hours | 7.5% of hours |
| Hours per period | 20 to 160 | 20 to 160 |
| Observation with client | 60 min cumulative | 90 min cumulative |
| Individual supervision | At least 50% | At least 50% |
| Unrestricted activities | At least 60% of total | At least 60% of total |
Source: BACB 2027 BCBA requirements.1
What are restricted and unrestricted activities?
- Restricted: delivering therapy directly by following an existing protocol, like running programs with a client.
- Unrestricted: the analyst's work, such as conducting assessments, writing and revising plans, graphing and analyzing data, training caregivers and staff, and researching interventions.
Many trainees fall short on unrestricted hours. Plan for them from the start.
How should I track my hours?
- Log hours daily, split into restricted and unrestricted.
- Record supervision contacts, whether each was individual or group, and observation minutes.
- Complete the monthly verification form with your supervisor every period.1
- Keep copies in two places.
What makes supervision work well?
Research on BCBA supervision highlights clear expectations, a written contract, regular feedback, and addressing problems early.3 Ask for a supervision plan with goals tied to the Test Content Outline.
What can I do this week?
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Read next: How do I find a BCBA supervisor?
