If you’re a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or on your way to becoming one, supervision is a key part of your career journey. It’s not just a formality—it’s what ensures you’re practicing ethically, building strong skills, and providing high-quality care to the individuals you serve.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the RBT supervision requirements in 2025, what they mean for you, and how to stay compliant while making the most of your supervision experience.
Why Is Supervision Important for RBTs?
Think of supervision as on-the-job coaching. As an RBT, you’re not working independently—you’re always under the guidance of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).
This ensures that:
- You’re delivering ABA services correctly.
- Ethical standards are being met.
- You’re continuing to grow and learn in the field.
Supervision isn’t just a requirement—it’s your support system.
Step 1: Understand the Monthly Supervision Hours
According to the BACB’s 2025 guidelines, you must receive supervision for:
- At least 5% of the total hours you provide ABA services each month.
- If you work 80 hours in a month, then at least 4 of those hours must be supervised.
Tip – This percentage-based rule means your supervision hours adjust depending on how much you work.
Step 2: Know the Types of Supervision
There are two main ways supervision is delivered:
- Individual Supervision
- One-on-one meetings between you and your supervisor.
- Can include direct observation, role-play, or feedback.
- Group Supervision
- Small groups (usually 2–10 RBTs) meet with a supervisor.
- Used for training, reviewing cases, or discussing ABA concepts.
⚖️ Both formats count, but at least one of your monthly supervision sessions must be individual.
Step 3: Direct vs. Indirect Supervision
Supervision can include both direct and indirect activities.
- Direct supervision: Your supervisor observes you working with a client, either in person or via video.
- Indirect supervision: Time spent reviewing data, discussing ethics, or planning programs with your supervisor.
A healthy mix of both is expected so that your skills grow in practice and in understanding.
Step 4: Documentation Matters
Supervision hours must be carefully documented each month. Typically, this involves:
- A supervision form signed by both you and your supervisor.
- Records of how many hours were supervised, what was covered, and whether it was group or individual.
🚨 Without proper documentation, you risk being non-compliant—even if the supervision actually took place.
Step 5: Who Can Supervise an RBT?
Your supervisor must be:
- A BCBA or BCaBA in good standing, OR
- A qualified RBT Supervisor or Requirements Coordinator who meets BACB criteria.
They also need ongoing supervision training themselves, so you can be confident they’re prepared to guide you effectively.
Step 6: Staying Compliant and Avoiding Common Mistakes
Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Not tracking hours → Always keep your own log in case records are ever audited.
- Missing a month → Even one missed month of proper supervision can cause certification issues.
- Not clarifying roles → Make sure you and your supervisor are on the same page about expectations.
Remember: Your certification is only valid if supervision is consistent and documented.
Step 7: Make the Most of Supervision
Don’t treat supervision like a box to check—it’s your chance to learn from experienced professionals. To get the most out of it:
- Ask questions about cases and ABA techniques.
- Request feedback on your session notes and data collection.
- Share challenges you’re facing and brainstorm solutions.
- Use the time to grow not just as a technician, but as a future leader in ABA.
Final Thoughts
Supervision is more than just a requirement—it’s the foundation of your success as an RBT. By understanding the rules for 2025, tracking your hours, and actively engaging with your supervisor, you’ll not only stay compliant with the BACB but also become more confident and effective in your role.
So, keep your forms signed, your questions ready, and your learning mindset open. Supervision is your built-in support system—use it to your advantage!