If you’re dedicated to achieving a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) certification, you’re on the right track to a fulfilling career.
This certification supports both children and the parents of children with
autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other special needs through the application of Applied Behavior Analysis
(ABA) Therapy. An evidence-based behavior therapy, ABA helps children develop new skills and reduce problematic behaviors by analyzing and adjusting environmental factors.
As a candidate working toward attaining your certification, you must accumulate a specified number of supervised fieldwork or practicum hours where you apply ABA principles in practical settings under a qualified supervisor who provides oversight and guidance.
To help you advance your career path toward certification, we’ve compiled a handy quick-start guide to BCBA/BCaBA supervision that outlines the updated guidelines for 2023.
Overview of BCBA and BCaBA Credentials
To become a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), the highest level of certification in ABA, you must hold at least a master’s degree, complete specific coursework in behavior analysis, accumulate supervised experience hours, and pass the BCBA certification exam. BCBAs are qualified to design and oversee behavior analysis programs, conduct assessments, and provide behavior intervention services.
The BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst) certification is an intermediate level of certification in ABA, which requires a bachelor’s degree, coursework in behavior analysis, supervised experience hours, and passing the BCaBA certification exam. BCaBAs work under the supervision of a BCBA, assisting in the implementation and assessment of behavior analysis programs.
Requirements for BCBA/BCaBA Supervision
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) regularly updates the supervision hours and requirements for obtaining and maintaining BCBA and BCaBA certifications. Consult the
BACB website, which contains a download of the current edition of either the BCBA/BCaBA handbook to stay informed on the most recent eligibility requirements.
These BCBA and BCaBA supervision hours ensure that candidates have the necessary knowledge, skills, and competence to provide effective ABA services. Understanding the specific requirements for supervision keeps your progress aligned with certification standards.
2023 BCBA Supervision Requirements
You must complete 2,000 hours of Supervised Independent Fieldwork in behavior analysis under the guidance of a qualified supervisor. Each supervisory period lasts two weeks, during which you should accumulate a portion of your total hours. To count experience hours within the supervisory period, you must be supervised for a minimum of 5% of the total hours spent in Supervised Independent Fieldwork. There is also a concentrated version of fieldwork at 10% direct supervision at 1500 hours.
2023 BCaBA Supervision Requirements
You will need 1,000 hours of Supervised Independent Fieldwork in behavior analysis. The same supervisory period of two weeks applies, with the 5% supervision requirement.
Step-by-Step Guide to BCBA or BCaBA Supervision
Supervision provides a transformative process on the path towards becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). Adequate and appropriate supervision enables individuals to develop the competencies and skills to provide high-quality behavior-analytic services.
If you aspire to earn either of these certifications, we’ve broken down the supervision process into manageable phases to help you successfully navigate this certification requirement.
Find a Suitable Supervisor
Seek out a qualified supervisor who holds
BACB certification. Consult professional networks, such as the
BACB Certificant Registry, educational institutions, or certification boards, to find potential supervisors.
Interview Potential Supervisors
Your supervisor will play a pivotal role in your development as a behavior analyst. Conduct interviews or seek professional recommendations to establish that your supervisor holds the appropriate certification and has relevant experience. Before committing, gauge whether their teaching style aligns with your professional goals to ensure they’re a good fit for your learning needs and career aspirations.
Familiarize Yourself with the BACB Guidelines
Prepare before you begin by thoroughly reviewing the BACB guidelines and supervision requirements. Pay close attention to the number of supervised fieldwork hours needed, frequency and duration of supervision meetings, and specific documentation and forms required.
Develop a Supervision Plan
Collaborate with your supervisor to establish clear, achievable goals and objectives for your supervision experience and the areas you aim to improve.
A well-structured plan should include goals that align with the BACB task list. Utilize this task list as a roadmap to guide your learning and skill development to ensure you acquire the essential competencies required for certification.
Establish a Schedule
Setting a regular schedule for supervision meetings and fieldwork hours allows you to meet your experience requirements within the designated timeframe.
Use these sessions as an opportunity to discuss cases, analyze behavior analytic principles, troubleshoot challenges, and receive valuable feedback. Actively engage in these meetings by sharing your experiences, questions, and concerns.
Familiarize Yourself With The Types Of Activity Hours
| Type of Activity |
Definition |
Details |
| Restricted |
An activity that involves the delivery of therapeutic and instructional procedures directly to clients. |
These activities are optional and must not make up more than a certain percentage of your fieldwork hours. See the BCBA or BCaBA Handbook for details. |
| Unrestricted |
An activity that best exemplifies the work of a behavior analyst who oversees and develops programs and systems for others to implement. |
These activities are required and must make up a certain percentage (or more) of your fieldwork hours. See the BCBA or BCaBA Handbook for details. |
Track Progress
Maintain detailed records of your supervised fieldwork hours, supervision sessions, and any additional professional development activities. Use the specific forms, templates, and formats the BACB requires for documenting your experience.
Practice Self-Reflection and Seek Feedback
Don’t be discouraged by challenges that may arise during your fieldwork. Your supervisor is there to provide guidance and support. If you encounter difficulties, communicate openly with your supervisor to find solutions and make necessary adjustments.
Resources for Aspiring BCBAs and BCaBAs
To help you pursue your supervision requirements, take advantage of the information provided by the following resources.
Take the Next Step with Path 2 Potential
If you’re passionate about making a difference, we invite you to explore our website to discover how Path 2 Potential can help. As a leading provider of ABA Therapy services, Path 2 Potential is dedicated to improving the lives of children with autism and other developmental disorders. Learn more about our
online BCBA and BCaBA supervision programs. Also, find out how enrolling your child in our comprehensive
ABA Therapy services can create a brighter future for your family.
