How to Choose the Right BCBA Supervisor: Top Qualities and Warning Signs| Essential Tips for Finding a BCBA Supervisor Who Sets You Up for Success
Red flags BCBA supervision, successful BCBA supervision, qualities of a good BCBA supervisor.
So, you're on your journey to becoming a BCBA, and let me just tell you—those 2,000 fieldwork hours?
They are crucial!
Not to mention those DANG-important unrestricted hours.
And no, DANG is NOT the word I wanted to use.. lol
But listen, the experience you gain during this time is everything. And a lot of it comes down to choosing the right BCBA supervisor.
Not just any supervisor—the one that fits YOU.
Now, I have gone through my fair share of BCBA supervisors throughout my journey to becoming a BCBA.
And let me tell you, they weren't all winners. Some were a hot mess, while others were okay-ish.
But there was definitely a difference between “okay” and “perfect for me.”
I’m not saying you need the best, most amazing BCBA supervisor on the planet, but you definitely need one that works well with your learning style and goals.
Why Picking the Right Supervisor Matters
A BCBA supervisor is supposed to be your guide, your mentor and your safety net.
They’re there to help you gain the experience you need—like conducting different types of assessments, writing behavior plans, and, of course, preparing for the big BCBA exam.
But not every supervisor is cut out for this job, and if you’re not careful, you might end up with someone who’s more of a roadblock than a resource.
“A good supervisor not only guides but challenges their supervisee to think critically and expand their skills.” – Dr. Jon Bailey, PhD, BCBA-D, Co-Author of 'Ethics for Behavior Analysts' 2016.
So, how do you know you’re picking the right BCBA supervisor?
Let’s talk about some major red flags, what to look for, and a few tips on how to ensure your supervision experience is worth every second of those 2,000 hours.
Red Flags 🚩 to Watch Out For
Red Flag #1 - The Arrogant Know-It-All
You know the type.
They think they know it all, they never ask for feedback, and they certainly don’t believe they could learn anything from you.
These supervisors often forget that supervision is a two-way street.
You don’t need someone who thinks they’re above the process.
What you need is someone willing to teach, guide, and admit when they’re wrong. A little humility goes a long way in a good supervisor.
Red Flag #2 - Poor Communication
If your supervisor is always vague, takes days to respond to emails or texts, or leaves you feeling unsure about expectations, that’s a huge red flag.
Supervision is a partnership, and if you can't communicate effectively, it will end up being a waste of your time and theirs.
Trust me, you don’t want to be left hanging with questions when you’re trying to learn something new!
“Clear communication is the foundation of any successful supervision relationship. Without it, progress stalls, and misunderstandings grow.” – Dr. Jane Howard, BCBA-D
Red Flag #3 - Unethical Behavior
This should be a given, but it needs to be said.
If a BCBA supervisor is engaging in unethical practices, RUN—don’t walk—the other way.
That’s not someone you want teaching you how to be a professional. You deserve better than that, and so do your future clients.
“Ethics are not optional in our field; they are the guiding principles that protect clients and ensure quality services. Supervisees need mentors who model this in their daily practice.” – Dr. Mary Jane Weiss, PhD, BCBA-D, Endicott College
Red Flag #4 - Using You as Lighten their Load
Look, being a supervisee doesn’t mean you’re there to do their work for them, especially not without proper training.
If a supervisor is giving you tasks but hasn’t trained you to mastery on them, that’s a big problem.
They’re supposed to guide you through the learning process, not throw you into the deep end with no floaties.
Supervision should be a learning experience, not a burden.
Red Flag #5 - Poor Documentation Skills
Listen, if your supervisor doesn’t have their documentation game on point, it can be a disaster for you, especially in case of an audit.
Everything needs to be documented properly and kept up to date, so you don’t end up losing hours or, worse, having to start over.
Don’t ignore this red flag—it’s a big deal.
Good Qualities to Look For 🌟
Honestly, the good qualities are the opposite of the red flags.
You want a BCBA who’s humble, communicates well, is consistent, and understands their role as a BCBA mentor—not just a boss/"just trying to make extra money on the side" mindset.
They should model best practices and be someone you can genuinely learn from.
How to Know You’re Picking the Right BCBA Supervisor
Interview Them and Ask Questions
Yep, you should be interviewing them too!
Ask about the supervision contract, how they support their supervisees, how they handle conflict, and how they approach ethical dilemmas.
Make sure you understand their teaching style and that it aligns with how you like to learn.
Tip #2 Talk to Multiple BCBAs
Don’t settle on the first person you talk to.
If possible, interview a few BCBAs before making your decision.
I interviewed four before going back to a BCBA I had worked with at a previous job.
I simply asked, and he said yes!
Don’t be afraid to explore your options. AND Network!
Tip #3 Ask for a Template of Unrestricted
Activities
Your supervisor should have a list of activities you can do to hit those 1,200 unrestricted hours.
If they don’t, that’s a red flag in itself.
And while I’ve got some free templates on my site, your supervisor should also be ready to provide you with one.
Tip #4 Understand Their Documentation Style
Documentation is a big part of the job, and it’s crucial to know how your BCBA supervisor approaches it.
Are they organized?
Do they have a clear system for tracking hours and progress?
It’s worth knowing upfront so you’re not caught off guard later.
Tip #5 Make Sure They’re Competent in Your Focus Area
Are you interested in working with kids?
Adults?
Organizational behavior management?
Make sure your BCBA supervisor has experience in your area of interest. It’s going to make your learning experience much more valuable and tailored to your career goals.
Final Thoughts
Look, choosing a BCBA supervisor is no small decision.
These 2,000 hours are going to shape your career as a behavior analyst, so you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of them.
If you spot any of these red flags, it might be time to look for someone else.
And if you find someone with the qualities you’re looking for, lock them in and make the most of the journey.
After all, you’re the one putting in the work, and you deserve a supervisor who’s just as invested in your success as you are.
Nice chatting with you—take care of yourself, and I mean it! 😊
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