Your certification application determines which fieldwork requirements you must meet. Starting fieldwork before January 2027 does not automatically preserve eligibility under the older requirements. The BACB recommends preparing for both sets when your application timing is uncertain. See the BCBA transition guide and BCaBA transition guide.
What changes in 2027?
The following summarizes fieldwork requirements for certification applicants. It does not describe ongoing supervision of already-certified BCaBAs or RBTs.
| Requirement | BCBA supervised / concentrated | BCaBA supervised / concentrated |
|---|---|---|
| Total qualifying hours | 2,000 / 1,500 | 1,300 / 800 |
| Monthly supervision percentage | 5% / 7.5% | 5% / 10% |
| Monthly fieldwork range | 20–160 hours | 20–160 hours |
| Monthly observation with a client | 60 / 90 cumulative minutes | 60 / 90 cumulative minutes |
| Minimum individual share of supervision | 50% | 50% |
| Minimum unrestricted share of total fieldwork | 60% | 40% |
Sources: 2027 BCBA requirements, 2027 BCaBA requirements. BCBA total requirements remain 2,000 or 1,500 hours; they do not increase to 2,200. BCaBA concentrated fieldwork changes from 1,000 to 800 hours. Review the relevant handbook for the additional conditions that determine whether hours qualify.
Keep historical records intact
Keep actual minutes, dates, observation counts and durations, supervision details, contracts, and original signed forms. An observation count alone cannot establish the new duration requirement. Hours that satisfied one set of requirements may need further evidence before they can be used under the other.
When timing is uncertain, the BACB recommends maintaining documentation for both versions and completing the corresponding monthly and final forms with your supervisor. Both parties must retain fieldwork documentation for at least seven years. See the BCBA transition guidance.
Using SupervisionHub during the transition
The current application evaluates supported fieldwork using its pre-2027 rules. A versioned 2027 evaluation and form workflow is being prepared; this article does not mean that workflow is available yet. Keep the required official forms and supporting evidence with your supervisor while planning your application.