Reference
BCBA Fieldwork FAQ
Can I count RBT hours toward BCBA fieldwork?
It depends on the activity. You cannot count general direct therapy hours as unrestricted fieldwork simply because you hold an RBT certification. If you are conducting direct therapy (a restricted activity), it can count toward your 40% restricted cap, provided your supervisor has agreed to oversee it as part of your BCBA fieldwork and it aligns with your supervision contract. RBT supervision does not automatically count as BCBA fieldwork supervision.
What happens if my supervisor leaves my organization?
When a supervisor leaves, your supervision contract with them ends. You must complete a Final Fieldwork Verification Form (F-FVF) for the hours accrued under their supervision. To continue accruing hours, you must establish a new supervision contract with a new qualified supervisor. Hours accrued without an active supervision contract are invalid.
Can I complete my fieldwork online?
Yes, provided the fieldwork meets all BACB requirements. Your supervisor can observe you and meet with you via synchronous video (e.g., Zoom). However, the activities must be legitimate, client-focused behavior-analytic tasks. You must still have a formal relationship with the client and the organization where services are delivered.
What if I exceed 130 hours in a single month?
Currently, the BACB caps fieldwork at 130 hours per month. Any hours worked beyond 130 cannot be counted toward your total. If your documentation shows more than 130 hours, you must decrease your independent hours until the total is 130 or less. Beginning January 1, 2027, this cap increases to 160 hours per month.
What happens if I miss the M-FVF signature deadline?
The M-FVF must be signed by the last day of the calendar month following the month in which the hours were accrued. If you miss this deadline by even one day, all hours accrued during that month are invalidated and cannot be counted toward your certification. The BACB makes no exceptions to this rule.
Can I mix Supervised and Concentrated Fieldwork?
Yes. If you mix fieldwork types, you must complete a separate M-FVF for each type. To determine your progress toward the 2,000-hour requirement, multiply your Concentrated hours by 1.33 and add them to your Supervised hours.
Do I need a consulting supervisor?
If your supervisor has been a BCBA for less than one year, the BACB requires them to receive monthly consultation from a qualified consulting supervisor. While you do not directly need a consulting supervisor, it is your responsibility to ensure your supervisor is qualified to oversee your fieldwork.
Is observation required every month?
Yes. Currently, your supervisor must observe you with a client at least once per supervisory period (calendar month). If you fail to record an observation, all hours for that month are invalid. Starting January 1, 2027, this requirement changes to a cumulative 60 minutes (Standard) or 90 minutes (Concentrated) per month.
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