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For behavior technician supervisors

Practice recording duration

A short worked example helps a new technician measure elapsed time consistently.

A short, fictional exercise for a supervisor and new technician to discuss together. This does not replace required training, supervision, assessment or an individualized plan.

Define the interval first

For this fictional practice, the supervisor defines the event as a hand raised above shoulder height. Start timing when the hand rises above that height and stop when it falls below. Follow the written definition on a real assignment.

Calculate the duration

The event begins at 10:02:15 and ends at 10:04:30. How long did it last?

Show the calculation

From 10:02:15 to 10:04:15 is two minutes; another 15 seconds brings the end to 10:04:30. The duration is 2 minutes 15 seconds, or 135 seconds.

Debrief

  1. What marks the start and stop?
  2. What would you record if you missed the start or stop? Follow the supervisor’s procedure; do not guess the missing time.
  3. Where should the organization’s approved record be stored?

Timing practice is not an assessment or a direction to change a learner’s behavior.

Build an ABA foundation

Intro to ABA: Level 1 is introductory training for new staff: $199 paid once, with a free seven-day trial of the first two sessions. After activation, the published course gives 10 weeks to complete it. Complete the course and pass the final exam to earn a certificate of completion.

It is not a professional credential, a CE certificate, or the BACB 40-hour RBT training. Check the learner’s license dates and the requirements for their intended role.

See Intro to ABA: Level 1

Return to the supervisor onboarding guide

Reference for the broader technician knowledge areas: BACB RBT Test Content Outline (3rd ed.), checked November 3, 2026. This practice is not a BACB assessment or an official preparation resource.