Mastering BCBA Fieldwork Hours Tracking: A Comprehensive Guide
- Ashleigh
- Jul 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 4
Overwhelmed by the thought of tracking BCBA fieldwork hours? You're not alone.
Beginning fieldwork hours is an exciting step toward earning BCBA certification. However, with strict requirements from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), it's crucial that trainees and supervisors understand how to track hours to maintain compliance. This article explores documentation requirements and digital platforms that can simplify the process.
Understanding BCBA Fieldwork Requirements
First things first, let’s review the fieldwork requirements. To earn certification as a BCBA, you must complete supervised fieldwork hours. This is your chance to learn how to be an effective behavior analyst through hands-on experiences.
2025 Fieldwork Requirements
Aspiring candidates must complete a minimum of 1,500 fieldwork hours. They can choose between the standard supervised fieldwork route or the concentrated fieldwork route. The concentrated route requires fewer hours, but a higher percentage of those hours must be supervised. Candidates can also split the months, allowing for some concentrated periods that work best for them and their BCBA.
The current fieldwork requirements as of 2025 include:
Supervised Fieldwork Route | Concentrated Fieldwork Route | |
Total Required Hours | 2,000 | 1,500 |
% of Hours Supervised per Month | 5% | 10% |
# of Monthly Contacts with Supervisor | 4 | 6 |
# of Monthly Client Observations | 1 | 1 |
Minimum & Maximum number of hours trainee can accrue per month | 20-130 | 20-130 |
2027 Fieldwork Requirements
Fieldwork requirements are changing in 2027. See the grid below for the new requirements.
Supervised Fieldwork Route | Concentrated Fieldwork Route | |
Total Required Hours | 2,000 | 1,500 |
% of Hours Supervised per Month | 5% | 7.5% |
# of Monthly Contacts with Supervisor | 4 | 6 |
Monthly Client Observations | 60 minutes (cumulative) | 90 minutes (cumulative) |
Minimum & Maximum number of hours trainee can accrue per month | 20-160 | 20-160 |
Related: Understanding BCBA Fieldwork Hours
The Unique Fieldwork Documentation System
Trainees must track all of their fieldwork hours in a unique tracking system. The BACB does not require trainees to use any specific tracker, allowing for flexibility. To ensure compliance with BACB requirements, their documentation system should include tracking the following information for each entry:
Date
Start time
End time
Setting
Activity Category (restricted or unrestricted)
Fieldwork type (concentrated or supervised)
Supervision type (individual or group)
Supervisor’s name
Summary of activity (brief overview of tasks completed, supervision activities, discussions, etc.)
Some trainees use Excel or Google Sheets to track their hours. Others prefer websites that offer fieldwork trackers (see below for more on that).
Fieldwork Verification Forms
In addition to the unique documentation tracker, trainees must complete fieldwork verification forms, including:
Monthly Fieldwork Verification Forms (M-FVFs)
Monthly Fieldwork Verification Forms must be completed every month for the hours the trainee accrued in the prior month. M-FVFs must be signed by the last day of the month for the hours accrued in the previous month. If it is not signed by the supervisor and supervisee by the deadline, the trainee will forfeit all the hours accrued that month. The BACB does not allow backdating of M-FVFs.
Final Fieldwork Verification Forms (F-FVFs)
Upon completion of a supervisory experience, whether or not the trainee accrued the full number of fieldwork hours, an F-FVF needs to be signed for the hours accrued with that supervisor. When you're ready to submit your exam application, you'll submit all F-FVFs you've obtained during your fieldwork experience.
Websites for BCBA Fieldwork Tracking
There are a few different websites that offer BCBA fieldwork trackers, including:
These platforms help aspiring analysts stay organized and compliant with the BACB’s fieldwork requirements, eliminating the need to worry about spreadsheet formulas or manual calculations. They offer features like automated hour calculations, supervision tracking, documentation storage, visual progress dashboards, and compliance monitoring.
Staying on Track
When you begin your fieldwork experience, establish a plan for documenting your hours. Waiting too long to track your hours increases the risk of errors and missed deadlines.
Here are a few tips to help you stay on track:
Log hours at least weekly to ensure accuracy and avoid falling behind.
Complete your M-FVF at the beginning of the month to allow plenty of time for obtaining your supervisor's signature.
Set calendar reminders to get your M-FVF signed before the deadline.
Regularly review your hour totals and supervision percentages. Ask your supervisor to review your tracker with you periodically to catch any errors early and confirm that you're on track to meet the BACB requirements.
How to Track Ongoing RBT Supervision Hours and Fieldwork Hours
RBTs must track RBT® supervision hours and fieldwork hours separately. Many of their hours may overlap. For example, an RBT working 2 hours in a direct care role with their supervisor may be able to count those hours toward both BCBA supervision and RBT ongoing supervision. However, they should maintain two separate documentation systems.
ABA Resource Center has a (free) RBT® Supervision Tracker.
Final Thoughts
Tracking your fieldwork hours can feel overwhelming at first. Lean on your supervisor for support. They're there to guide you through the process. Staying organized and proactive will not only help you meet BACB requirements and avoid rejected exam applications or failed audits, but also prepare you for the responsibilities of becoming a BCBA.
In conclusion, mastering the art of tracking BCBA fieldwork hours is essential for your success. With the right tools and strategies, you can navigate this process with confidence.
