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BACB Transition Hub · Reviewed October 26, 2026 · Last checked against BACB: October 1, 2026

2027 BACB changes: which rules apply to me?

BCBA and BCaBA fieldwork rules change on January 1, 2027. Answer two questions to see which set you apply under and exactly what's different.

Transition checker

Which credential are you applying for?
When will you submit your application?

Pick a timing or date. If you can't apply before December 31, 2026, plan on the 2027 rules.

Track my fieldwork under these rules Log a supervision session

BCBA: before vs. after January 1, 2027

RequirementApplication before Jan 1, 2027Application Jan 1, 2027 or later
Monthly maximum20–130 hours per month20–160 hours per supervisory period
Supervision %Supervised 5% · Concentrated 10%Supervised 5% · Concentrated 7.5%
Total hours2,000 supervised / 1,500 concentrated2,000 supervised / 1,500 concentrated
ObservationAt least 1 observation with a client each month60 min (supervised) / 90 min (concentrated), cumulative
Contacts4 per month (supervised) / 6 (concentrated)Not stated in the 2027 summary — confirm in the BACB handbook
Individual supervisionAt least 50% of supervised hoursAt least 50% of supervised hours
FormsCurrent Monthly and Final Fieldwork Verification Forms2027 Monthly and Final Fieldwork Verification Forms (individual supervisor, or multiple supervisors at one organization)
Fieldwork pathwayCurrent eligibility options in the BCBA HandbookPathway 1 (APBA- or ABAI-accredited/recognized degree) or Pathway 2 (master's + behavior-analytic coursework; Pathway 2 ends in 2032)

2027 figures are from the BACB's official 2027 BCBA Requirements summary. The BACB is the final authority — check its handbook before acting.

What to do now

Applying before Jan 1

  • Finish hours and get final verification forms signed early
  • Submit well before December 31, 2026
  • Keep every monthly form for seven years

Applying Jan 1 or later

  • Switch to the 2027 monthly forms when your supervisor is ready
  • Track observation minutes, not just one observation
  • Use up to 160 hours a month if your supervision keeps pace

Mid-fieldwork & not sure

  • Assume 2027 rules unless you can apply by Dec 31
  • Ask your supervisor which forms they're using
  • Check the BACB transition guidance for accrued hours

People also ask

Which rules apply if I started fieldwork in 2025 but apply in 2027?

The BACB ties the requirements to when you submit your application. If you apply on or after January 1, 2027, you apply under the 2027 requirements. Check how hours you have already accrued are treated in the BACB's transition guidance and handbook.

What is the new monthly fieldwork maximum in 2027?

The 2027 requirements allow a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 160 fieldwork hours per supervisory period, up from 130 under the current rules.

Does concentrated supervised fieldwork change in 2027?

For BCBA applicants, concentrated supervision drops from 10% to 7.5% of fieldwork hours. For BCaBA applicants it stays at 10%, but the concentrated total falls to 800 hours.

What observation is required from 2027?

At least 60 minutes (cumulative) of observation with a client per supervisory period for supervised fieldwork, and 90 minutes for concentrated fieldwork.

Which forms do I use from 2027?

Applicants on or after January 1, 2027 use the 2027 Monthly and Final Fieldwork Verification Forms — one version for an individual supervisor and one for multiple supervisors at one organization.

Official BACB sources

We re-read these BACB pages every week until February 2027 and every month after that. Last checked: October 1, 2026. When a page changes, a person confirms the new rule before anything here is updated. Values marked "confirm in handbook" are not yet stated by the BACB.

Related: BCaBA fieldwork requirements · Supervision percentage calculator