Breakdown of Requirements for BCBA Supervision

So, you have been working in ABA for a while and you love helping people! You’ve realized that you love ABA and you want to make it your career. You think, How do I become a BCBA? As you begin to look into it you find the information on the BACB website. But…Why is it 70 pages long?! I just want to know how what I need to do to get certified!
 
Here is a simple breakdown:
 

Education

  • ABA Graduate Degree

OR

  • Any Graduate Degree + 315 Hours of ABA Coursework

Fieldwork

Supervised Fieldwork

  • 2000 Hours

  • 5% Supervised

Concentrated Fieldwork

  • 1500 Hours

  • 10% Supervised

Exam

Submit:

  • Application 

  • Fee

  • Official transcripts

  • Final Verification Form

After approval you will be able to sit for the exam

Beginning Supervision

1. Enroll in a degree program or ABA Coursework

  • You may begin supervision after attending the first day

 
Links
ABAI Acreditation Board
Verified Course Sequence Directory
*See the BACB Handbook for other qualifying supervisors and examples of the supervision contract
2. Find a qualified supervisor
  • Active BCBA with no disciplinary sanction
  • Has completed the 8-hour supervision course and meets ongoing CEU requirements
  • Has at least 1 year of experience (or they are receiving monthly consultation from a qualified supervisor)
3. Sign a supervision contract with your supervisor
 

Supervised Fieldwork

2000 Hours (100 Supervised)

 

Monthly Requirements

  • Work between 20 & 130 hours
  • 5% of these hours must be supervised (1-6.5 hours)
  • Meet with your supervisor 4 times (A minimum of 15 minutes each)
  • Be observed with a client at least once
  • Update your documentation system
  • You and you supervisor will sign a Monthly Fieldwork Verification form

Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork

1500 Hours (150 Supervised)

 

Monthly Requirements

  • Work between 20 & 130 hours
  • 10% of these hours must be supervised (2-13 hours)
  • Meet with your supervisor 6 times (A minimum of 15 minutes each)
  • Be observed with a client at least once
  • Update your documentation system
  • You and you supervisor will sign a Monthly Fieldwork Verification form

Other Considerations

Unrestricted Hours

60% of your overall hours must be unrestricted activities

Supervised Fieldwork= 1200 hours

Concentrated= 900

Group Supervision

Group supervision is permitted, but not required

Your monthly amount of group supervision must be 50% or less of your total supervision hours

This is a summary of the requirements detailed by the BACB. Please refer to the BACB’s Website and the BACB Handbook to review the complete document.
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