# How do I supervise RBTs well?

> The BACB minimums, a supervision structure that builds skills, behavioral skills training, and feedback that lands.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/supervising-rbts
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** RBTs must be supervised for at least 5% of their service hours each calendar month, with two face-to-face contacts, at least one individual. Good supervision goes beyond the minimum: set clear expectations, train with behavioral skills training (instructions, modeling, rehearsal and feedback), check procedural integrity, and give specific, timely feedback.

**Key takeaways**
- Minimum: **5% of service hours** per month, **2 face-to-face contacts**, **1 individual**.
- Train with **behavioral skills training**: instructions, modeling, rehearsal, feedback.
- **Check procedural integrity** before changing a plan.
- Give **specific, timely, kind** feedback.

## What are the BACB requirements?

RBTs must be supervised for at least **5%** of the hours they spend providing behavior-analytic services in each calendar month, including **two face-to-face contacts**, at least one of which is **individual**.[1]

| RBT service hours this month | Minimum supervision |
| --- | --- |
| 60 | 3 hours |
| 100 | 5 hours |
| 130 | 6.5 hours |

## How should I structure supervision?

- **Set expectations** in writing: goals, schedule, how feedback works.
- **Observe in session** regularly, with a short checklist for key procedures.
- **Meet one-on-one** to review data, practice skills and plan.
- **Track growth** against a competency list.

## How do I train a new skill?

Behavioral skills training is one of the most effective ways to train staff:[2]

1. **Describe** the skill and why it matters
2. **Give written steps**
3. **Model** the skill
4. **Have the RBT rehearse** it
5. **Give feedback**, and repeat until they meet a set criterion

**Train on the real materials.** Practicing with the same visual supports, token boards and data sheets used in session makes skills transfer faster.

## How do I give feedback that helps?

**Try:**
- Specific praise first: what they did well and why
- One or two targets at a time
- Showing, not just telling
- Asking what support they need

**Skip:**
- Long lists of corrections
- Feedback days after the session
- Supervision that's only signing notes

Research on supervision also recommends spotting barriers early, like unclear expectations or scheduling problems, and addressing them directly.[3]

**Supervision affects retention.** RBTs who feel supported are more likely to stay. Good supervision is also a retention strategy.

## What can I do this week?

- [ ] Calculate each RBT's 5% for this month
- [ ] Pick one skill to train with BST
- [ ] Create a short procedural integrity checklist

Read next: [How do I run caregiver training that sticks?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/caregiver-training-aba)

## Common questions

### How do I calculate 5% supervision?

Multiply the RBT's service hours for the calendar month by 0.05. For example, 100 hours of services means at least 5 hours of supervision that month.

### Can RBT supervision be done in a group?

Group contacts can count, but at least one of the two required face-to-face contacts each month must be individual.

### What's procedural integrity?

How accurately a procedure is carried out as written. Checking it helps you tell whether a lack of progress is about the plan or how it's being delivered.

## Sources

1. Behavior Analyst Certification Board: Guidance for meeting RBT requirements during the 2026 transition (supervision). https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/RBT-2026-Requirements_250723-a.pdf
2. Parsons MB, Rollyson JH, Reid DH. Evidence-based staff training: a guide for practitioners. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03391819
3. Sellers TP, LeBlanc LA, Valentino AL. Recommendations for detecting and addressing barriers to successful supervision. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-016-0142-z

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.