--- title: What Counts (and Doesn’t Count) Toward BCBA® Fieldwork Hours description: Understand what counts toward BCBA® fieldwork hours. Learn about acceptable, restricted, and invalid activities, and how to track hours that meet BACB® standards. image: https://www.sidekicklearning.net/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(1).png --- [![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 # What Counts (and Doesn’t 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 BACB® standards. [Sidekick Learning](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog/author/sidekick-learning) May 19, 2025 --- ## **What Counts (and Doesn’t Count) Toward BCBA® Fieldwork Hours** *Make sure your time is valid, meaningful, and compliant.* If you’re pursuing BCBA® certification, understanding what activities actually count toward your fieldwork is essential. Logging hours is more than clocking in. Logging hours is about gaining real clinical experience that prepares you for independent practice. In this post, we’ll break down the types of activities that **count**, **count with limits**, and **don’t count at all**, based on BACB® fieldwork standards. These are just how *we* interpret the guidelines. Always, always, always consult directly with your [supervisor](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog/who-can-supervise-bcba-fieldwork-and-how-to-choose-the-right-one) and the BACB® handbook. --- #### **🔢 Acceptable (Unrestricted) Activities** [Unrestricted activities](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog/post/help-i-need-unrestricted-hours-for-bcba-fieldwork-supervision) must make up **at least 60%** of your total fieldwork hours. These are tasks that a BCBA® typically performs, including: - Conducting assessments (e.g., functional behavior assessments, skills assessments) - Writing or revising behavior intervention plans (BIPs) - Analyzing behavior data and adjusting treatment - Training caregivers, RBTs, or team members - Supervising implementation of behavior programs - Writing reports, treatment plans, or progress summaries - Attending team meetings where behavior-analytic input is given ✅ *Rule of thumb: if it requires analysis, planning, or decision-making, it likely qualifies as unrestricted. If it’s something a BCBA would do AND is behavior analytic in nature, it likely counts as unrestricted.*  --- #### **🔹 Shadowing: When It Counts (and When It Doesn’t)** Shadowing **can count** toward fieldwork hours—**only if** it includes: - Active participation (e.g., note-taking, contributing to treatment ideas) - Real-time or post-session supervision and feedback - Documentation as part of supervision contacts ✅ Example: You shadow a BCBA® conducting an FBA and discuss it with your supervisor afterward—you may count that time. ❌ Shadowing likely does **not count** if you’re simply observing with no supervision, data collection, or involvement. --- #### **🔸 Restricted Activities (The 40% Rule)** Restricted activities can make up **no more than 40%** of your total hours. These generally involve direct implementation of procedures. Examples include: - Running discrete trial teaching (DTT) - Leading natural environment teaching (NET) - Taking data on client behavior **without analyzing it** - Prompting, reinforcing, and managing behavior plans **without modification** These are still important experiences, but they must be **balanced with** [**unrestricted work**](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog/post/help-i-need-unrestricted-hours-for-bcba-fieldwork-supervision) to meet BACB® requirements. --- #### **❌ Unacceptable Activities (Do Not Count)** Some tasks are clearly outside the scope of acceptable fieldwork. These **do not count toward your BCBA® hours**: - Scheduling or administrative work - Babysitting, childcare, or companionship - Passive observation with no involvement or feedback - Commuting or drive time between clients - Crisis management or CPR trainings - Hours completed before coursework or without a signed contract 🚫 *If you have questions, ask your supervisor.* --- #### **🌐 Real-Life Supervision Scenarios** Here are a few examples of how this looks in the field: **✅ Counts (Unrestricted):** - You co-lead an FBA and write a draft of the BIP under your supervisor’s guidance - You train two technicians on how to implement a new reinforcement procedure - You graph client data and present findings in a team meeting **⚠️ Limited Count (Restricted):** - You implement a token economy in session and take data, but don’t analyze or modify anything **❌ Does NOT Count:** - You shadow another therapist and don’t take notes, contribute, or debrief - You spend an afternoon organizing files or materials ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdUiQYutbYIhK-mCYKyBdY8uFP2tnGBatYrRz5H8GOQWZNnVrm9I7S2wJPC7ZsXxliy04oue8LeLaae2qGtOKEJuQNTd7qXmCQfQEEq-i1aOy1QtDJmvsYPVkgzEqm2cfpYFFhj?key=t6wtIpOeeIBoyognS9aR-oHd) --- #### **📥 Free Resource: Unrestricted Hours Guide** Want ideas to maximize your unrestricted hours? **Download our free**[**Guide to Unrestricted Hours: 75+ Unrestricted Activity Ideas**](https://www.academy.sidekicklearning.net/courses/30-unrestricted-hours-ideas-download) **→**  ---   **Copyright notice:**This content references materials from the *Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). Board Certified Behavior Analyst® Handbook (2025).***Copyright © 2025, BACB®. All rights reserved.**For the most current information, visit[www.bacb.com](https://www.bacb.com/). [ABA Supervision](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog/tag/aba-supervision) ## Similar posts ABA Supervision ### [Help! I need Unrestricted Hours for BCBA Fieldwork Supervision](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog/post/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... Sidekick Learning Jan 25, 2024 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 ABA Supervision ### [What's the Difference Between Supervised and Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork for BCBAs®?](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog/whats-the-difference-between-supervised-and-concentrated-supervised-fieldwork-for-bcbas) Learn the key differences between Supervised and Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork for BCBAs®, including hour requirements, supervision intensity,... 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