Supervised Fieldwork
A fieldwork type requiring a minimum of 2,000 hours (BCBA) or 1,300 hours (BCaBA) completed over an extended period with lower monthly intensity requirements. This is one of two fieldwork type options alongside concentrated fieldwork.
Definition
Supervised fieldwork is one of two fieldwork types you can choose when pursuing BCBA or BCaBA certification. It is the more traditional path, requiring a higher total number of hours but allowing for a lower monthly intensity and a more gradual pace. BCBA candidates pursuing supervised fieldwork need 2,000 total hours, while BCaBA candidates need 1,300.
Do not confuse the fieldwork type "supervised fieldwork" with "supervised hours" or "supervision sessions." The name refers to the overall fieldwork track you are on, not the act of being supervised. Within supervised fieldwork, you will have both independent hours and supervised hours, and you still need to meet a minimum supervision percentage of 5%.
Most candidates choose supervised fieldwork because it is more flexible. The lower supervision percentage requirement (5% vs. 10% for concentrated) and the standard monthly hour cap give you room to balance fieldwork with coursework, employment, and personal commitments. The trade-off is that you need more total hours, which typically means a longer fieldwork period. For many candidates, this is the right fit for a part-time practicum or a position where full-time clinical hours are not available.
Why This Matters
Choosing between supervised and concentrated fieldwork affects your total hour requirement, monthly caps, and how long the fieldwork period takes. Most candidates pursue supervised fieldwork because it allows for a more gradual pace.
Examples
- A BCBA candidate completing 2,000 hours over 18-24 months while working part-time
- A BCaBA candidate accumulating 1,300 hours across multiple practicum sites
How ABA Fieldwork Tracker handles this
ABA Fieldwork Tracker automatically categorizes your hours and tracks your breakdown in real time. You will always know exactly where you stand across every hour type for your specific certification pathway.
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