Preparing for the 2027 BACB Fieldwork Requirements: Ripley Is Ready
By the Ripley Fieldwork Tracker team · Published May 22, 2025 · Reviewed July 20, 2026 · 3 min read
Ripley supports tracking under the 2027 BCBA fieldwork requirements. Trainees can select the applicable requirements, monitor the 20–160 monthly range, track 5% standard or 7.5% concentrated supervision, record observation minutes, and generate the applicable pre-filled verification form PDF.
The rules take effect for people applying for BCBA certification on or after January 1, 2027. Your application date matters, so confirm the correct framework with the BACB and your supervisor.
The fieldwork changes Ripley tracks
The 2027 requirements retain 2,000 hours for Supervised Fieldwork and 1,500 for Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork. The major monthly changes include:
| Requirement | Before 2027 | 2027 applications |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fieldwork range | 20–130 hours | 20–160 hours |
| Standard supervision | 5% | 5% |
| Concentrated supervision | 10% | 7.5% |
| Client observation | At least one observation | 60 standard or 90 concentrated cumulative minutes |
| Eligibility pathways | Four pathways may apply | Two pathways |
At least 60% of total BCBA fieldwork still needs to be unrestricted, and at least half of supervised hours must be individual.
How to select the right rules in Ripley
Choose requirements based on the framework that will govern your application. Do not switch simply because a 2027 setting produces a larger monthly cap or lower concentrated supervision percentage.
Before changing settings:
- Estimate when you will meet degree, coursework, and fieldwork requirements.
- Review the BACB transition guidance.
- Confirm the plan with your program and qualified supervisor.
- Keep earlier records and forms in the version under which they were completed.
The 2027 requirements comparison explains the application-date rule in more detail.
Observation minutes need intentional tracking
The 2027 framework measures observation cumulatively. Supervised Fieldwork needs 60 minutes per supervisory period, while Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork needs 90 minutes. These minutes involve the supervisor observing the trainee working with a client.
Record observation time separately from other supervision. A meeting about a client is not automatically an observation of you with the client. Review the activity with your supervisor before treating it as qualifying observation time.
Use the correct verification forms
The BACB publishes separate 2027 Monthly and Final Fieldwork Verification Forms. Match the form to the supervision arrangement and applicable requirements. Ripley can create a pre-filled PDF from your logged totals, but both parties remain responsible for reviewing the information, completing signatures, and retaining the signed form.
See the Monthly Verification Form guide for form selection and deadlines.
What supervisors should review before 2027
Supervisors should confirm that contracts, observation schedules, individual supervision, documentation systems, and form workflows match the requirements that will apply to each trainee. A trainee applying in 2026 and another applying in 2027 may need different monthly checks.
Run a sample month before the transition. Confirm that logged totals, supervision percentages, observation minutes, organizations, and forms all reconcile.
A transition checklist
- Confirm the expected application date.
- Download the current handbook and transition guidance.
- Review the eligibility pathway with the training program.
- Confirm fieldwork settings with the supervisor.
- Track observation minutes explicitly.
- Use the correct monthly and final forms.
- Export and retain supporting records.
Ripley is independent and is not affiliated with the BACB. Software can monitor entered data, but it cannot determine individual eligibility or whether an activity qualifies.