What's the Difference Between Supervised and Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork for BCBAs®?

What's the Difference Between Supervised and Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork for BCBAs®?

Understanding the two paths to certification and which is right for you.

If you're planning your BCBA® fieldwork, one of the first decisions you'll make is whether to pursue Supervised Fieldwork or Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork. While they both lead to the same certification, the structure, intensity, and requirements are different.

In this post, we’ll break down the differences, benefits, and how to decide which option is the best fit for your goals.

🌍 The Basics: Fieldwork Types at a Glance

📁 Note: You can combine both types, but only one type can be used per calendar month.

🤔 Key Differences Explained

1. Total Hours Required

• Supervised Fieldwork = 2,000 hours total
• Concentrated Supervised = 1,500 hours total

Concentrated fieldwork allows you to qualify with 500 fewer hours, but it comes with more supervision per hour.

2. Intensity of Supervision

• Supervised Fieldwork requires 5% of your hours to be supervised each month
• Concentrated Supervised doubles that to 10%

This means more frequent feedback, more 1:1 support, and more observation opportunities—great for fast-tracking growth.

3. Monthly Supervision Contacts

• 4 contacts/month for Supervised
• 6 contacts/month for Concentrated

Each month must also include at least 1 client observation and 50% individual (not group) supervision.

4. Minimum Duration

Even if you log hours quickly, you must complete fieldwork over a minimum number of months:

• 12 months for Supervised
• 9 months for Concentrated

This ensures your experience is spread out and developmentally meaningful.

🤝 Which Fieldwork Type Is Right for You?

Choose Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork if you:

• Can commit to more frequent supervision
• Have a highly engaged supervisor or support team
• Want to finish in fewer total hours
• Thrive with high feedback and structure

Choose Supervised Fieldwork if you:

• Need more flexibility in your schedule or setting
• Are balancing other obligations (work, school, family)
• Prefer a steadier pace of supervision
• Have less access to direct contacts with supervisors

💡 Pro Tips for Success

• Track your hours monthly to ensure you're meeting percentage and contact requirements
• Be clear on your goals make sure you know which type you are aiming for each month so you can be sure that you meet the requirements for that type
• Clarify expectations with your supervisor(s) before choosing a type

📥 Free Resource: Unrestricted Hours Guide

Want ideas to maximize your unrestricted hours?
Download our free Guide to Unrestricted Hours: 75+ Unrestricted Activity Ideas → 

Copyright notice:
This content references materials from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). Board Certified Behavior Analyst® Handbook (2025). For the most current information, visit www.bacb.com.