BCBA® Supervision Hours and Requirements 2023
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the crucial aspects of BCBA® supervision and its significance in your journey toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®). In this post, we'll delve into the latest BCBA® supervision hours and requirements as of 2023, equipping you with the most up-to-date information you need to successfully navigate your training period.
Before we dive in, grasping the complexities of BCBA® supervision is key to advancing your skills and professionalism in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Important to note that a BCBA® is required to do 2,000 Supervised Fieldwork hours. We'll discuss the intricacies of how to go about obtaining those hours, Supervised vs. Concentraded, and everything else you need to know.
Latest BCBA® Supervision Requirements
BACB® supervision is a required component of becoming a BCBA®. It is crucial to the development of a behavior analyst as it ensures that the analyst is competent and adheres to the high standards of practice set by the BACB®. Supervision provides a platform for the trainee to learn, apply, and refine their skills under the guidance of an experienced BCBA®. It also ensures that the services provided by the trainee are effective and ethical.
A great supervisor (or supervisors) is reported by many to be the most important aspect of them developing their skill sets as a behavior analyst and thus being successful with their clients and in their professional career.
How Many Supervision Hours Are Required For BCBA®s?
The number of supervision hours required for BCBAs depends on the type of fieldwork the trainee chooses to undertake: Concentrated Fieldwork or Supervised Fieldwork.
In Concentrated Fieldwork, the trainee must complete 1500 hours of fieldwork, with at least 10% of those hours being supervised. This means that a minimum of 150 hours of supervision is required. The advantage of Concentrated Fieldwork is that it allows the trainee to complete their fieldwork in a shorter period of time overall. However, it requires more time with your supervisor, which may come with costs in the form of monetary costs of paying your supervisor or just the time your supervisor provides overall.
On the other hand and as stated above, Supervised Fieldwork requires the trainee to complete 2000 hours of fieldwork, with at least 5% of those hours being supervised. This equates to a minimum of 100 hours of supervision. Although Supervised Fieldwork requires more hours overall, it provides the trainee with a longer period of time to develop and refine their skills but less overall time with their supervisor directly.
Regardless of the type of fieldwork, the trainee must receive supervision at least once every two weeks, and in each month in which supervision is received, the trainee must be supervised for at least half of the supervision requirement for that month. There are other important requirements in the BCBA® Handbook, which should be your go-to reference after finishing this article.
How Do I Obtain BCBA® Supervision Hours?
Obtaining BCBA® supervision hours involves finding a qualified BCBA® supervisor who can oversee your fieldwork. This supervisor could be a faculty member in a university, a BCBA® at a clinic or school, or a private BCBA® who offers supervision services. The supervisor must observe your work with clients, provide feedback, and meet with you regularly to discuss your progress. There are specific requirements that they must meet in the BCBA® Handbook and you can verify their status at www.bacb.com to ensure they are up-to-date on the supervision requirements of the BACB®.
It's important to note that the supervisor and the trainee must have a written contract that outlines the responsibilities of each party, the objectives of the supervision, and the procedures for evaluating the trainee's performance.
Remote vs In-Person Supervision
Remote supervision involves the use of technology, such as video conferencing, to conduct supervision sessions. This method allows for flexibility in scheduling and can be a great option for trainees who do not have local access to a BCBA® supervisor. In contrast, in-person supervision involves face-to-face meetings between the supervisor and the trainee. This method allows for direct observation of the trainee's work with clients and can provide opportunities for immediate feedback and hands-on learning. Both remote and in-person have requirements of observing you work hands-on and you can learn more details about them in the BCBA® Handbook.
Finding Remote BCBA® Supervision
Finding remote BCBA® supervision can be as simple as conducting an online search. Many BCBA®s offer remote supervision services and advertise these services on their websites or on professional networking sites. It's also a good idea to reach out to local BCBA®s or BCBA® organizations to see if they offer remote supervision or can recommend someone who does. When choosing a remote supervisor, it's important to ensure that they are qualified to provide supervision and that they have experience with the type of work you will be doing.
Finding In-Person BCBA® Supervision
Finding in-person BCBA® supervision may involve reaching out to local BCBA®s, BCBA® organizations, or behavior analysis clinics. Universities that offer behavior analysis programs may also have faculty members who are BCBAs and can provide supervision. It's important to find a supervisor who is not only qualified but also a good fit for your learning style and professional goals such as the type of clients or settings you wish to work within.
Where Can I Get the Most Affordable BCBA® Supervision?
The cost of BCBA® supervision can vary widely depending on the supervisor and the region. Some supervisors offer reduced rates for group supervision or for trainees who are working in underserved areas. Universities that offer behavior analysis programs may also provide supervision as part of their program, which may be a more affordable option. It's important to discuss fees upfront and to consider the cost of supervision when budgeting for your training and obtaining your BCBA®.
How Do I Track My BCBA® Supervision Hours?
Tracking your BCBA® supervision hours is crucial for ensuring that you meet the BACB®'s supervision requirements. The BACB® has a dedicated webpage that has all of your answers to this question once you finish this article.
The form requires information about the supervisor and the supervisee, the type of supervision (individual or group), the type of fieldwork (Concentrated or Supervised), and the number of hours of fieldwork and supervision for each supervision period. The form must be signed by both the supervisor and the supervisee.
It's a good idea to keep a backup of your supervision forms and to regularly check that you are on track to meet the supervision requirements. Remember, it's your responsibility to ensure that your supervision hours are accurately recorded and meet the BACB®'s requirements.
What Are Unrestricted vs Restricted Activities For BCBA Hours?
The BACB® distinguishes between unrestricted and restricted activities for BCBA® hours. Unrestricted activities are those that are most likely to be performed independently and involve flexible application of behavior analytic skills, such as conducting assessments, writing behavior plans, researching relevant clinical research, and analyzing data.
Restricted activities, on the other hand, are those that include working directly with clients, such as implementing behavior plans. Ultimately the BCBA® Handbook and your supervisor will be the ones answering specific questions about what qualifies for unrestricted or unrestricted hours.
The BACB® requires that at least 50% of your fieldwork hours come from unrestricted activities. This requirement ensures that you gain experience in a variety of behavior analytic skills and are prepared to work independently as a BCBA®. These are often the more difficult hours to obtain, as most behavior analytic services are billed when directly working with clients (i.e., restricted hours). Getting a role in the field that allows you to be on the clock and obtain your unrestricted hours is difficult, and may come at the cost of stipulations from your employer such as continuing to work with them for a period of time due to the cost incurred of you obtaining your hours while the company cannot continue to bill your time spent on unrestricted activities.
In conclusion, BCBA® supervision is a crucial component of becoming a BCBA®. It ensures that trainees develop the necessary skills to provide effective and ethical behavior-analytic services. By understanding the BCBA® supervision requirements and tracking your supervision hours accurately, you can ensure that you are on the right path to becoming a BCBA®.
Suggested reading: BCBA® Handbook
