For full turn on as a switch (saturation) typically the base current should be at least 1/10 of the maximum collector current.

By "maximum collector current," do you mean the absolute max specified in the datasheet or the maximum in the circuit being designed?

Thanks in advance.

 

By "maximum collector current," do you mean the absolute max specified in the datasheet or the maximum in the circuit being designed?

It's the maximum (peak) current it will see in your circuit.