How Do You Get Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Certified?

A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) plays a crucial role in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). If you’re one, you’ll work under the direct supervision of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).

As an RBT, you’ll work with people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and similar developmental disabilities, kids and adults alike. You’ll implement tailored behavior intervention plans (BIPs) that BCBAs create for them.

Why become an RBT in the first place? First, RBTs are in high demand because of the increased demand for ABA services. Second, RBTs earn well with $54,406 per year in estimated total pay, on average. Third, RBTs have a positive impact on clients and their families.

So, if you want to do good in your career and do good to others, consider becoming an RBT. Here, you’ll learn how to get RBT certified via our step-by-step guide.

Related:

What Is an RBT and Why Is It Important?

Being an RBT isn’t easy, but it’s a rewarding job in many ways. The primary roles and responsibilities of an RBT include:

Follow the specific strategies outlined in every client’s BIP.
Collect and record data, such as client behavior, progress, and unusual incidents.
Promote skill acquisition and development including daily life, social, and self-care skills.
Take part in ongoing supervision to maintain your certification and improve your skills.
Maintain professional and ethical standards (e.g., BACB RBT Ethics Code).

Again, RBTs must work under the direct and ongoing supervision of BCBAs and/or BCaBAs.

RBTs are in high demand in schools, clinics, and home-based ABA therapy programs. More children are being diagnosed with ASD and other developmental delays – and at younger ages, too. This contributes to the increasing demand for ABA-certified professionals, including RBTs.

The RBT credential is also valuable as an entry-level ABA certification. You can use it as a stepping stone for more advanced roles, such as a BCaBA.

Eligibility Requirements for RBT Certification

If you’re wondering how to get RBT certified, know the basic eligibility requirements. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) awards the RBT credential.

Here are the minimum RBT certification requirements that you must meet first:

Must be at least 18 years old
Have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent (e.g., GED)
Pass a criminal background check
Adhere to the RBT Ethics Code

Meeting these eligibility criteria means you’re ready to take the next steps.

Step 1: Complete the 40-Hour RBT Training

The first major step toward Registered Behavior Technician certification is the 40-hour training. Candidates gain the core competencies that RBTs must have for certification.

The 40-hour training aligns with the RBT Task List (2nd or 3rd edition). Candidates learn the fundamental principles and practices of applied behavior analysis. The training prepares them for real-world applications in schools, clinics, and homes.

Candidates must complete the training program within 180 days. The training includes hands-on activities as well as discussions and quizzes.

There are three approved formats available, too, which candidates can choose from:

In-person programs offer traditional classroom-style, instructor-led training.
Online programs feature live or recorded sessions for more flexibility and access.
Self-paced programs allow learners to complete the program at their own pace.

The training covers core competencies, including:

Measurement
Assessment
Skill acquisition
Behavior reduction
Documentation and reporting
Professional conduct and scope of practice

Check out these popular RBT training programs.

Florida Tech
Institute for Applied Behavioral Analysis
Relias Learning
CentralReach’s CR Institute
ABA Rocks

The cost of training varies widely (i.e., $100 to $500). Ask about free training from your employer, if possible.

Step 2: Pass the RBT Competency Assessment

The RBT training and competency assessment come hand-in-hand. The training prepares candidates for success in the competency assessment.

In the competency assessment, you must showcase your core RBT competencies. A qualified BCBA or BCaBA conducts it based on standardized metrics. Once the competency assessment is completed, the BCBA or BCaBA signs off on your assessment.

The competency assessment may take place in either of the following:

Simulated scenarios where your peer or supervisor acts as a client, and you’re the RBT
Live client sessions with an actual client but under a BCBA or BCaBA’s direct supervision

The core of competencies in the 40-hour training is in the competency assessment, too. These include ethical issues and task-based components.

The competency assessment is among the most challenging in the behavior technician certification process. But you can pass it if you prepare well for it. Here are useful tips to prepare and pass it.

Review your training materials.
Practice your hands-on skills and rehearse tasks.
Use checklists to track your progress.
Ask relevant questions during the competency assessment.
Stay calm during the process. Be professional in your approach.

Trust in your intensive training, but avoid being too confident, either.

Step 3: Submit Your RBT Certification Application

Of the RBT application steps, submitting your certification application can seem the easiest. But it isn’t because even simple errors can result in delays, even application rejections. So, pay attention to detail and review your application form before submitting it.

The BACB application process for aspiring RBTs involves these steps.

Go to the BACB Portal.
Create your account if you don’t have one yet.
Complete your profile with your personal and contact information.
Navigate to the RBT Application Section and click on the “RBT” tab.
Select “Apply for RBT Certification”.
Fill out the online application form.
Upload the required documents. Check for accuracy and completeness.
Pay the application fee.

The BACB will then review your application. You’ll receive an email if it has been approved or if there are issues.

The required documents include:

40-hour training certificate
Signed RBT competency assessment form
Criminal background check documentation
Government-issued ID and contact information

The current application fee is $50 (non-refundable). The BACB usually reviews applications within two weeks but it varies.

Step 4: Schedule and Pass the RBT Exam

The RBT training and exam also come hand-in-hand, as is the case with the competency assessment. Passing it is the last step in gaining certified behavior technician credentials.

Candidates take the RBT certification exam at Pearson VUE testing centers. You’ll receive an official authorization-to-test email once your application is approved. The email also contains specific instructions for scheduling your exam.

You can choose a testing location, date, and time, too, based on your preference. But it will also depend on availability.

The RBT exam contains 85 multiple-choice questions and has a 90-minute completion time. There are 75 scored questions and 10 unscored pilot items. As with the competency assessment, the questions are based on the current RBT Task List.

If you’re wondering how to pass the RBT exam, keep these study tips in mind:

Review the task list. Schedule a specific study session for each section.
Use flashcards and other active studying techniques.
Take practice tests as many times as possible.
Watch ABA tutorials.
Study with your peers, such as study groups.

Again, preparation is key to success.

After Certification: What Happens Next?

The RBT credential is an entry-level ABA certification. You must maintain it and take it to the next step if you want.

Here are important things to remember when you’ve already earned the RBT credential.

Meet ongoing supervision requirements. At least 5% of your total hours spent delivering ABA services every month must be supervised.
Maintain your RBT status through annual renewal and continued adherence to the ethics code.
Work toward career progression. You can become a BCaBA or BCBA upon completing its eligibility requirements.
Seek career opportunities in diverse places. Schools, autism centers, and behavioral health agencies are popular.

Indeed, being an RBT isn’t the end of the road. You must explore what lies beyond it.

Costs and Time Commitment

The RBT credential is the most accessible in the ABA field, cost-wise. The approximate costs for training, assessment, application, and exam are as follows:

40-Hour training course: $100–$500
Competency assessment: $75–$150
Background check: $20–$75
Application fee: $50
RBT Exam Fee: $45

You’ll spend $290-$820 on the process alone. Add your transportation and incidental costs, too.

But you won’t spend a long time earning the RBT credential. You’ll spend about 1-3 months from training to certification.

If the cost is a concern, explore affordable programs. You can also ask your employer for free or subsidized training.

Conclusion

The RBT certification process offers a structured and straightforward path to enter the ABA field. Meet the eligibility requirements, complete the 40-hour training program, and pass the competency assessment. Then, submit your certification application and pass the exam.

Of course, it’s easier said than done. But it’s a worthy goal to pursue, considering the benefits that come with being an RBT. You’ll find high demand for RBTs, great salaries, and good career growth.

And if you’re passionate about working with children and adults with disabilities, be an RBT. Take the first step today and see where it leads.