BACB Task List
The official document published by the BACB that outlines the skills and competencies required for certification. The task list defines what unrestricted and restricted activities include and is updated periodically (most recently in 2027).
Definition
The BACB Task List is the official document that outlines the professional skills and competencies required for behavior analyst certification. It serves as the foundation for what counts as an unrestricted versus restricted activity during your fieldwork, what content appears on the certification exam, and what your training program is expected to cover. The task list is updated periodically to reflect advances in the field and changes in professional practice standards.
The two most relevant editions are the 5th edition task list, which underpins the pre-2027 (2022) standards, and the 6th edition task list, which defines the 2027+ standards. When the BACB publishes a new task list, it does not just change exam content — it can alter which fieldwork activities fall into the unrestricted and restricted categories, modify supervision requirements, and introduce new compliance rules. The transition between editions is one of the most disruptive events in a fieldwork candidate's experience.
Understanding the task list relevant to your pathway helps you make better decisions about how you spend your fieldwork time. If you know which competencies are emphasized, you can seek out experiences that build those skills while simultaneously logging the right type of hours. Your supervisor can also use the task list to structure your supervision around the competency areas where you need the most development.
Why This Matters
The task list is the foundation of what counts as unrestricted vs. restricted activities. When the BACB publishes a new task list, it can change which activities fall into each category.
Examples
- The 5th edition task list (2022 standards) defines the current activity categories
- The 6th edition task list (2027 standards) introduces updated competency areas
How ABA Fieldwork Tracker handles this
ABA Fieldwork Tracker supports every BACB certification pathway. Select yours during setup and every compliance rule, hour threshold, and requirement is configured automatically. No manual lookup required.
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