So you’re an rbt who wants to become a bcba…this is for you.
Oh hey there! :)
We're a team of passionate BCBAs spread across the United States, dedicated to supporting ABA professionals at all stages of their behavior analysis careers. Today, we want to take a moment to dive into a topic that's close to many of our hearts: supervised fieldwork for BCBA or BCaBA certification, especially for those of you who started as Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs).
So, let's get started by highlighting some of the frequently asked questions the BACB shared about accruing supervised fieldwork as an RBT on your path to becoming a BCBA or BCaBA.
1. Can I accrue supervised fieldwork while I’m an RBT? Absolutely! You can accrue supervised fieldwork as an RBT, but you need to meet both the maintenance requirements for your RBT certification and the supervised fieldwork requirements for BCBA or BCaBA certification. These requirements can be found in the handbooks on the BACB’s website.
2. Are the requirements for ongoing RBT supervision and supervised fieldwork the same? Nope. They aren’t. There are differences in the requirements per supervisory period, which are outlined in the handbooks on the BACB’s website. These differences include the percentage of hours supervised per month, real-time face-to-face contacts per month, and individual supervision meetings per month.
3. Can I count the hours I spend delivering behavior-analytic services as an RBT toward supervised fieldwork? Yes, you can, but there are things to consider. Most of the time, RBTs engage in restricted activities, which involve direct interaction with clients. These hours should make up no more than 40% of your fieldwork hours for BCBA certification and no more than 60% for BCaBA certification. Remember to discuss your professional goals with your supervisor to find the right balance between restricted and unrestricted activities.
4. Can I count the hours I spend receiving supervision as an RBT toward supervised fieldwork? Yes, you can count some of them, but not all. The activities and topics covered in supervised fieldwork meetings are typically more advanced than those in ongoing RBT supervision. Collaborate with your supervisor to choose activities and topics that align with the supervised fieldwork requirements.
5. Can I document supervised fieldwork in the same way that I document ongoing supervision as an RBT? No, you can't. While the documentation systems may be similar, the requirements are different. You'll need to keep a summary of each supervision activity for supervised fieldwork, and it's essential to identify topics and activities before each session.
6. Can my RBT Supervisor also provide supervised fieldwork? Yes, they can, but they must meet the specialized requirements outlined in the BCBA Handbook. Make sure your supervisor is not only qualified on paper but also aligned with your professional development goals.
7. Which ethics code do I follow? As an RBT, you follow the RBT Ethics Code (2.0). During your coursework and supervised fieldwork, you'll become familiar with the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts. Work closely with your supervisor to understand which code applies to your role at any given time.
Supervised fieldwork is a crucial part of your journey toward becoming a BCBA or BCaBA and we hope this recap was helpful! Enjoy this period of guided practice and close supervision, as it sets the foundation for your future role as a behavior analyst.
If you're looking for more guidance, be sure to explore these resources which can be found on the BACB’s website:
BCBA and BCaBA Handbook: These handbooks provide in-depth information on how to become certified and stay certified.
Fieldwork Checklist and Tip Sheet: A useful checklist that guides you through the steps before, during, and after your fieldwork.
Commonly Asked Questions about BACB Supervised Fieldwork Requirements: Additional information about the fieldwork experience and requirements.
Documenting Fieldwork: Helpful Answers to Your FAQs: A valuable resource for understanding the documentation process.
We're here to support you every step of the way on your behavior analysis journey. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance. Good luck!!! You’ve got this!!!
