Just last week, I got a call from a former colleague who's ready to switch gears and dive into the world of ABA. It got me thinking about that unique mix of excitement and overwhelm that comes with starting something completely new—especially when it’s something as structured and impactful as fieldwork supervision in ABA.
Let’s be real for a second: there’s a ton of information out there about getting started with fieldwork supervision, and for good reason! These standards exist to keep the quality of care high, ensuring that behavior analysis remains the transformative (and, let’s face it, kind of magical) science we know it to be.
But hey, just because there’s a lot to learn doesn’t mean the process has to feel daunting. So, here’s a straightforward guide for anyone considering a career in ABA and beginning their journey toward BCBA or BCaBA certification.
1. Education: The First Step
If you’re aiming to become a BCaBA, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree. For the BCBA path, a master’s degree is required. But don’t worry if you’ve already got your degree! The next step is to complete verified coursework specific to behavior analysis. To find a Verified Course Sequence Program that is right for you, check out the Association for Behavior Analysis International’s (ABAI) Verified Course Sequence Directory.
2. Get Experience—And Make Sure You Love the Work
After deciding to pursue this path and setting up your education plan, the next crucial step is gaining hands-on experience in the field, if you haven’t already. Practical experience isn’t just required—it’s a way to test the waters. What if you invest time and money into this path and realize it’s not the right fit? While those of us in the field think ABA is one of the most rewarding careers out there, it’s not for everyone, and that’s okay!
Another reason you need to be working in the field is to begin collecting your fieldwork hours. These are the hands-on hours where you receive supervision and mentorship (spoiler alert: that’s where Evolve Behavior comes in!).
3. Do Your Homework: The BACB Handbook
Reading the BACB BCBA Handbook is a must. And if you’re pursuing BCaBA certification, there’s a separate one just for you. Yes, your supervisor should know all the requirements, but it’s equally your responsibility. After all, this is your chosen field, and being informed is part of being a professional.
4. Steps to Get Started:
Here’s a quick recap:
Decide on your career path.
Enroll in the necessary education program.
Find a job that aligns with your fieldwork requirements (you don’t have to be an RBT—many trainees work in educational settings or related fields).
Once you’ve started your coursework and have a fieldwork setting, it’s time to dive into fieldwork supervision.
5. Finding the Right Supervisor
You might be lucky enough to have an on-site supervisor who’s fully available to guide you through every step. But often, on-site supervisors are juggling a lot—supporting families, mentoring RBTs, and keeping client progress on track. If that’s the case, don’t worry! You can add a remote supervisor to your team. In fact, having a combination of on-site and remote supervision can be a game changer.
We’ve even put together a guide on how to find the right remote supervisor for your needs. The more perspectives and mentors you have, the better! Think of it like growing a mentor tree instead of just collecting supervisors like Pokémon. It’s about expanding your network, learning from different experiences, and setting yourself up for success in this field.
6. Understanding the Different Supervision Models
Not all supervision experiences are created equal, and understanding the available models can help you make the right choice for your fieldwork supervision. The two primary options are Supervised Fieldwork and Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork. Supervised Fieldwork requires more hours but less intense supervision, while Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork involves fewer hours with more frequent supervision. Both models require working under a qualified BCBA supervisor, but each has its own demands in terms of time and structure. Choosing the right model depends on your individual goals, schedule, and preferred level of support.
7. Quality over Quantity in Supervision
One common misconception is that supervision is just about hitting those required hours. But it’s so much more than that. The quality of the supervision matters more than the quantity. You want to ensure that your supervision sessions are rich in feedback, skill development, and opportunities for discussion. Make sure your supervisor is someone who genuinely invests in your growth and tailors the experience to your needs.The truth is, once you’re a BCBA, employers expect you to step into that role with confidence and minimal guidance.
8. Document Everything
While this might seem like a no-brainer, documentation is key in this process. Accurately tracking your fieldwork hours, supervision meetings, and experience activities is crucial—not just for meeting the BACB’s requirements but for reflecting on your growth. The BACB has very specific requirements on how hours need to be documented (e.g., which activities count and which don’t), so understanding this early on will save you a lot of headaches later.
9. Self-Care During Fieldwork
The transition into ABA and fieldwork can be intense, so we remind trainees to prioritize work-life balance and set healthy boundaries. Burnout is a real concern in this field, especially when balancing coursework, work, and supervision. We encourage future BCBAs to make self-care a priority as they embark on this journey.
10. Staying Current with Ethical Guidelines
Ethics play a significant role in ABA practice, and the BACB’s Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts is a living document that gets updated. Part of your responsibility as a trainee (and later as a professional) is staying up to date on any changes to these guidelines. We emphasize to our trainees how critical it is to incorporate these ethical standards into everyday practice and how they should be central in supervision discussions.
Starting something new is always a bit of a leap, but with the right resources and a clear plan, you’ll be on your way to making a difference in the world of behavior analysis in no time. Good luck—you’ve got this!
