--- title: Help! I need Unrestricted Hours for BCBA Fieldwork Supervision description: What ARE unrestricted hours? What counts as an unrestricted activity? Need ideas for unrestricted hours in BCBA supervision? We can help! Let's dive in. image: https://www.sidekicklearning.net/hubfs/pexels-rfstudio-3059749.jpg --- [![Sidekick Learning](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/hubfs/Full%20logo-1.png)](https://www.sidekicklearning.net) - [PLATFORM](https://www.sidekicklearning.net) ## [Our Platform Everything in one platform for one predictable price. ](https://www.sidekicklearning.net) ### [Supervision Curriculum Comprehensive, competency-based learning with direct access for your trainees. ](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/aba-supervision-curriculum) ### [CEUs & PDUs Our growing library of ACE approved CEUs and PDUs focus on practical, actionable topics.](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/continuing-education) ### [Exam Prep](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/exam) With built-in study tools and competency-tracking, trainees will be ready for the Big Exam.  ### [40-Hour RBT Training](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/rbt) Save time and empower your technicians with high quality training ### 8-Hour Supervision Training 9.5 CEUs, actionable templates, and guidance from seasoned supervisors to set the foundation for your new supervisors.  ### Role-Based Competency Tracking Track competency development across your organization, visualize your staff skills across the organization, and upskill your staff. - [ABOUT](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/about) - RESOURCES ## Resources We love sharing knowledge and resources with our community.  ### [In the Field: The ABA Podcast Discussions focused on training, supervision, and learning in ABA.](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/podcast) ### [Blog Stay up-to-date with ideas, tips, and announcements.](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog) ### [Unrestricted Hours Guide Download our free resource with over 75 unrestricted hours ideas. ](https://www.academy.sidekicklearning.net/courses/30-unrestricted-hours-ideas-download) ### [Free CEUs Free supervision CEUs with downloadable resources for application.](https://www.academy.sidekicklearning.net/collections/free?page=2) ### [Knowledge Base Learn how to use our platform and receive support. ](https://doc.clickup.com/9014009552/d/h/8cmdqpg-32954/29e6b6f934769c2) ### [6th Edition Crosswalk A guide to the updates and changes in the 6th Edition.](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/6th-edition-crosswalk) [Book a Demo](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/demo) [Log In](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/login) ABA Supervision # Help! I need Unrestricted Hours for BCBA Fieldwork Supervision What ARE unrestricted hours? What counts as an unrestricted activity? Need ideas for unrestricted hours in BCBA supervision? We can help! Let's dive in. [Sidekick Learning](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog/author/sidekick-learning) Jan 25, 2024 ---       ![](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/c70a05_1a9094c7ca774cf5a9c12594e7bbb4e0~mv2.jpg)  # What are Unrestricted Hours? So you're a trainee looking to maximize your unrestricted hours or a supervisor looking to help your trainee maximize their time. First, what ARE unrestricted hours? Per the BACB, unrestricted hours are "Activities that are unrestricted are those that are most likely to be performed by a BCBA" (BACB Handbook, 2022, p. 15). But, what does that mean?! Let's dive in. ## How many unrestricted hours do I need? Per the changes to BCBA Eligibility Requirements that began on January 1st, 2021, AT LEAST 60% of BCBA fieldwork hours must be unrestricted.   ###### It's important to note that the 60 % requirement: 1. is a MINIMUM requirement, not an exact requirement. So, you could count 70%, 80%, or even 100% of your hours as "unrestricted". 2. is for the ENTIRE duration of supervision, NOT per monthly supervisory period. So, in theory, you could have 100% of your hours be "restricted" for months, then have all of your hours be "unrestricted". But, we wouldn't recommend this. It is best to balance your restricted and unrestricted activities as you go. 3. is designed to prepare you for the job duties of a BCBA. The minimum was introduced to ensure that trainees did not go through all of their BCBA supervision only operating as an RBT. Unrestricted hours are an opportunity to prepare you for the job you will have AFTER supervision is finished!   ## What counts as unrestricted hours? Unrestricted hours are NOT determined based on whether you are 1:1 with a client, they are determined by the nature of the job you are doing. If you are simply delivering a plan, instruction, or procedures based on what someone else designed, this is RESTRICTED because you are not engaging in analysis. If you are engaging in behavior analytic skills that require you to design materials, plans, interventions, goals, or training, you are likely engaging in unrestricted hours. If you are observing, collecting data, analyzing, collaborating with stakeholders on behavior change, researching the literature for a client's program, or training others, you are likely engaging in unrestricted hours!   #### I still need help! Sometimes the nature of our jobs makes it difficult to identify or create opportunities for unrestricted hours. Our BCBA [supervision curriculum](https://www.academy.sidekicklearning.net/bundles/supervision-sidekick-supervisor-bundle) has tons of structured activities to help you maximize unrestricted time, either as a trainee or supervisor. You'll also get access to our communities where you can chat with other supervisors or trainees about ideas.  Want to start small? check out our free resource, [30 Unrestricted Hours Ideas](https://www.academy.sidekicklearning.net/courses/30-unrestricted-hours-ideas-download). Remember, you've got this! [ABA Supervision](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog/tag/aba-supervision) ## Similar posts ABA Supervision ### [Everything You Need to Know About BCBA® Supervised Fieldwork Hours](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-bcba-supervised-fieldwork-hours) Get a clear breakdown of BCBA supervised fieldwork requirements: hour types, monthly limits, restricted vs. unrestricted activities, and supervision... Sidekick Learning Apr 23, 2025 ABA Supervision ### [What Counts (and Doesn’t Count) Toward BCBA® Fieldwork Hours](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog/what-counts-and-doesnt-count-toward-bcba-fieldwork-hours) Understand what counts toward BCBA® fieldwork hours. Learn about acceptable, restricted, and invalid activities, and how to track hours that meet... Sidekick Learning May 19, 2025 ABA Supervision ### [Who Can Supervise BCBA® Fieldwork? (And How to Choose the Right One)](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog/who-can-supervise-bcba-fieldwork-and-how-to-choose-the-right-one) Not all BCBAs can supervise your fieldwork hours. Learn who qualifies, what training they need, and how to choose the right BCBA fieldwork supervisor. Sidekick Learning Apr 23, 2025 ### Be the first to know Stay on top of the latest updates, announcements, and blog posts.  [![Join Our List](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/24110518/interactive-184460741888.png)](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIsPXSRxcdL2z7cD8qQsVGTV6Ingi89LaP2oHSwHrtHXVEPesuP6MKPBaaDyEd%2Fx%2BPB6DM9ZRjVz%2FYksifIoFPIgZBbIwYHQbTZRFhlT84bEJV4WYj%2F%2Bg9EeSzh1JvjNjXXKOdjUymJCBhj%2FfsSM8Ht%2FBl030vGIFclLRObB4i2wrLVsEDPyjNjU4X2Z9LvmO9GH8GKlBtd8lr7B1tkv%2B4TkXOCwj%2FK0v5u&webInteractiveContentId=184460741888&portalId=24110518) [![Your partner in progress (4) (2)-1](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/hubfs/Your%20partner%20in%20progress%20(4)%20(2)-1.png)](https://www.sidekicklearning.net) We help you elevate the quality of your supervision, all while saving you time and stress.  --- Sidekick Learning, LLC admin@sidekicklearning.net Charlottesville, VA --- Disclaimer: BCBA®, BACB® \[or any other BACB® trademark used\] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®. All information and products are for educational purposes only.  ---   ### Product - [Supervision Curriculum](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/aba-supervision-curriculum) - [Continuing Education](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/continuing-education) - [Pricing](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/pricing) ### Resources - [Email Newsletter](https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/1034829/142425167221491430/share) - [Blog](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog) - [Free CEUs & Resources](https://www.academy.sidekicklearning.net/collections/free) - [Podcast](https://inthefieldtheabapodcast.buzzsprout.com/) ### Company - [About](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/about) - [Contact Us](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/contact-us) - [Knowledge Base](https://sidekicklearninghelpdesk.notion.site/b38c57aac836417684b9ecd455032067?v=f310a573cf1241df87ec0e0badc7db03) © 2024 Sidekick Learning, LLC All rights reserved [Privacy Policy](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/privacy-policy)       [Terms and Conditions](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/terms-and-conditions) [Powered by Atlas - a B2B SaaS HubSpot theme](https://www.kalungi.com/atlas-hubspot-theme-for-b2b-saas-software) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Sidekick Learning", "url" : "https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog/author/sidekick-learning" }, "dateModified" : "2025-02-20T01:03:01.023Z", "datePublished" : "2024-01-25T17:57:26.000Z", "headline" : "Help! I need Unrestricted Hours for BCBA Fieldwork Supervision", "image" : [ "https://www.sidekicklearning.net/hubfs/pexels-rfstudio-3059749.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog/post/help-i-need-unrestricted-hours-for-bcba-fieldwork-supervision", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.sidekicklearning.net/hubfs/Your%20partner%20in%20progress%20(4)%20(2)-1.png" }, "name" : "Sidekick Learning" } } ```