rbt F.3 Supervision Requirements

By RBThub February 23, 2026

Imagine your RBT certification is like a cell phone battery. It drains every month.

To recharge it, you need two things: Time (5% of your hours) and Contact (2 meetings). If you hit 0% supervision, your certification turns off, and you cannot legally work.

Executive Summary

This video outlines the critical requirements for maintaining your RBT status. You cannot work independently; you must practice under the supervision of a BCBA or BCaBA. The video details the roles of the RBT Supervisor (your clinical boss) and the Requirements Coordinator (the person ensuring paperwork compliance).

⏱️ Video Timeline

00:04
Supervision Roles
BCBAs and BCaBAs are responsible for client outcomes. They oversee your implementation of the plan.
01:03
Why Supervise?
To ensure client safety, treatment fidelity (doing it right), and to develop your skills as a professional.
01:59
The RBT Requirements Coordinator
In large organizations, this person tracks all RBTs to ensure everyone is meeting their 5% minimum.
02:46
Qualified Supervisors
Not just anyone can supervise you. They must be certified (BCBA/BCaBA) and have completed specific supervision training.

🔑 Key Insights

The 5% Rule: You must be supervised for 5% of the hours you provide therapy. (100 hours worked = 5 hours supervision).
Two Contacts: You must meet face-to-face (or video) at least 2 times per month.
Observation: At least 1 of your meetings must include the supervisor watching you work with a client.
No Supervision = No Work: If you do not have a supervisor on record with the BACB, you cannot bill for services.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does group supervision count?
A: Yes, but limited. Only one of your two required contacts can be in a small group. You must have at least one individual meeting.
Q: What happens if I work 0 hours in a month?
A: If you provide 0 hours of ABA services, you need 0 hours of supervision (5% of 0 is 0). However, you must maintain your certification status annually.

1. The "Supervision Battery"

Keep your battery charged to stay compliant.
5% of Hours 2 Contacts (1 Individual) (1 Observation) ✅ RBT ACTIVE

2. Calculating Your Hours

The Math: Total Therapy Hours x 0.05 = Required Supervision Hours.
Example

Scenario: You worked 80 hours this month providing ABA therapy.
Calculation: 80 x 0.05 = 4.
Result: You need 4 hours of supervision this month.
(Note: If you only get 3 hours, you are non-compliant and could lose your certification).

📝 Knowledge Check

Do the math.

Q1: An RBT works 20 hours in November. How many hours of supervision do they need?

Answer: 1 Hour.
20 hours x 0.05 (5%) = 1 hour.

Q2: Can both of your monthly supervision meetings be in a group setting?

Answer: No.
At least one of the two contacts must be one-on-one (Individual).
▶

Ethics Quiz

Mock Exam

Test your knowledge on 5% Hours and Supervision Rules.

Start Practice Test

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