Unrestricted Hours Aren't Just a Requirement—They're How You Become a Great BCBA

So many ABA trainees treat unrestricted hours like filler, something to squeeze in to hit that 60% requirement. But here's the truth:

Unrestricted tasks are where the real growth happens.

Unlike restricted hours where you're delivering direct services, unrestricted time is where you build your clinical thinking, decision-making, and judgment—the exact skills you'll use as a BCBA.

Why These Hours Matter

• You learn to think, not just do. Logging behavior data is foundational—but interpreting that data? That's where clinical decision-making begins. Unrestricted hours help you see the bigger picture.‍
• You step into leadership. From drafting treatment plans to engaging in ethical discussions, these hours give you space to collaborate, communicate, and take initiative like the BCBA you're becoming.
• ‍You grow clinical confidence. The more time you spend applying what you've learned to real-world situations, the more naturally your professional judgment and voice will develop.

Examples of Strong Unrestricted Tasks

• Graphing and analyzing client data trends (e.g., identifying treatment effects, proposing data-based modifications)
• Writing or reviewing behavior intervention plans (BIPs) (with supervisor guidance and client-specific application)  
• Drafting treatment goals or objectives tied to assessment results (e.g., based on PEAK, ABLLS-R, AFLS, or caregiver interviews)
• Conducting literature reviews to inform programming (e.g., finding research on toilet training, mand training, etc.)
• Parent training prep and follow-up (e.g., developing a parent training goal, reviewing caregiver feedback, modifying strategies)
• Collaborating in team meetings or interdisciplinary case reviews (e.g., contributing behavior analytic recommendations)
• Role-playing or planning ethical decision-making scenarios (e.g., supervision boundaries, dual relationships, RBT conflicts)

What Not to Do

Logging hours without your supervisor's guidance is risky. The BACB expects unrestricted hours to be supervised and relevant. Random tasks ≠ compliance. And you could lose credit for those hours.

Final Word

You only get one shot at fieldwork. Make every hour count. Unrestricted hours aren't a checkbox—they're your rehearsal for real-world clinical practice.