ABAT® Supervision Requirements

Our Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) supervision requirement supports our mission to ensure best practice across QABA’s three-tiered model. ABATs provide services under the ongoing supervision of mid-tier and higher certificants. This close supervision provides both oversight for clients and serves to help ABATs expand their skills under the tutelage of experienced practitioners.

Supervision must be documented using the QABA supervision log and verification forms located on the QABA website. Supervision must be validated and completed by a qualified supervisor and is the responsibility of the ABAT to maintain documentation.

Valid Supervisors include:

  • QBA
  • QASP-S
  • Certified Behavior Analyst from an accredited certifying body (must have completed 8 hours of supervisory coursework)
  • Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst from an accredited certifying body (must have completed 8 hours of supervisory coursework)
  • An individual licensed or certified in another health profession, including behavior analysis, and is within the scope of the competency of their license/certificate.

Supervision Hours

Each ABAT is required to meet with his or her supervisor for 5% of the time they provide behavior analytic services every 3-month period. Supervision may be done remotely, using a HIPAA compliant video conferencing program; however, one session must be one-to-one in person or live (remotely) for a minimum of 1 hour. 50% of supervision hours may occur in a group setting.

Supervision Activity

Supervisors communicate performance expectations and evaluate ABATs for overall performance. The supervisor must determine which activities qualify for fieldwork hours and if they reflect QABA standards. Through observation and modeling, they provide ongoing behavioral skills training and continual performance feedback. Supervisors model best practice in all aspects of the ABA field, including technical, professional performance and ethical behavior. Supervisors record data and monitor daily progress of ABATs’ adherence to and delivery of client behavior therapy plans.

Supervision activities may include:

  • Professional communication and skills to work as part of an interdisciplinary team
  • Receiving supervision and feedback
  • Data collection
  • Attending planning meetings regarding the behavior analytic program for their clients
  • Implementing behavior intervention plan designed by a supervisor
  • Providing behavioral health services under supervision
  • Observing, shadowing, role play
  • Delivering client performance feedback to supervisors
  • 1:1 Direct care services

Supervisor Eligibility Requirements

 Supervisors must complete QABA’s required supervisory coursework before providing supervision of ABATs. All supervisors must possess current credentials and fulfilled the requirements as outlined in the candidate handbooks on the QABA website.