One of the most common questions from BCBA candidates is: How do I log my BCBA fieldwork hours correctly? The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) has strict requirements for documenting supervised experience, and any errors could delay your certification or disqualify your hours entirely.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to log BCBA fieldwork hours the right way — with accuracy, compliance, and confidence.

📋 BACB Fieldwork Logging Requirements (At a Glance)

Before we dive in, here’s a quick reminder of the two types of fieldwork:

Both types must be logged accurately using the BACB Fieldwork Tracker.

🧾 Step-by-Step: How to Log BCBA Fieldwork Hours

1. 🧠 Understand What Counts as Fieldwork

Only the following activities count as “restricted” or “unrestricted” fieldwork:

✅ Restricted Activities (Direct Implementation)

• Working directly with clients, implementing skill acquisition or behavior reduction procedures

✅ Unrestricted Activities (Supervisor-Level Work)

• Conducting assessments

• Analyzing data

• Writing behavior plans

• Parent training

• Supervising RBTs

• Attending treatment team meetings

💡 At least 60% of your hours must be unrestricted.

2. ⏳ Track Time In / Time Out

For every work session, log:

• The exact date

• Start and end times

• Whether it was restricted or unrestricted

• The total number of supervised hours that week

• The activity description for documentation

Use the BACB Fieldwork Tracker spreadsheet to log this in real-time.

3. 🧑‍🏫 Log Supervision Sessions Separately

Supervision must be:

• Individual (1:1) or small group (max 10 trainees)

• Conducted by a certified BCBA in good standing

• Focused on feedback, ethics, and skill-building

• Documented with duration, format, topics covered, and BCBA signature

💡 At least 50% of your supervision must be individual.

4. ✍️ Use Descriptions that match the Task List

In your tracker, always label activities in ways that align with the BACB’s 5th Edition Task List, such as:

• “Conducted Functional Behavior Assessment (F-7)”

• “Developed Skill Acquisition Plan (C-3)”

• “Supervised RBT and reviewed data collection (I-1, I-2)”

• “Attended team meeting for client transition plan (G-2)”

This adds clarity and protects you during audits.

5. 📝 Sign and Save Monthly Documentation

At the end of each month:

• Review the total hours with your supervisor

• Ensure the required % of supervision is met

• Get the monthly verification form signed

• Store a digital or hard copy in your professional records

🛡 You must retain these records for 7 years in case of BACB audits.

⚠️ Common Logging Mistakes to Avoid

• Logging hours without matching documentation

• Exceeding weekly limits (more than 130 hours total per month)

• Failing to distinguish between restricted vs unrestricted hours

• Not receiving feedback during supervision sessions

• Inconsistent or vague activity descriptions

• Logging group supervision for over 10 trainees at once

🤝 We Understand How to Log BCBA Fieldwork And Support BCBA Candidates

At Taylor Prime Solutions, we help BCBA candidates stay organized and confident throughout the certification journey. We provide:

• ✅ Fieldwork Tracker Templates

• ✅ Documentation SOPs for clinics and candidates

• ✅ Templates for activity descriptions and supervision notes

• ✅ Practice tools for billing, note-taking, and compliance

• ✅ Referrals to qualified BCBA supervisors (if needed)

📞 Call us today at 844-TAYLOR-9 (844-829-5679)
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