Becoming an RBT: Breaking Down the Steps

Hi future RBTs®! If you’re reading this, you’re probably considering moving forward with the RBT® certification process. Congratulations! Now, what’s the next step? Well, in order to become a Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®), you must meet certain qualifications. We’ve broken down the steps for you below:

1. Have a High School Diploma or equivalent

2. Be at least 18 years old

3. Pass a criminal background check
This must be done within 180 days before submitting your RBT® application.

4. Complete a 40-hour RBT® Training
This 40-hour training covers everything in the RBT® Task List. They are conducted by a BCBA® or BCaBA®. There are many 40-hour trainings out there! Check with local ABA companies or do a simple online search! You may have to pay a fee for the course. If you are working with an ABA company already, talk to your supervisor and see what options are available to you.

5. Complete an RBT® Competency Assessment
This is a hands-on assessment, conducted by a BCBA® or BCaBA®, which tests your competency of the RBT® task list. It can only be completed after you’ve finished the 40-hour training and must be done no more than 90 days before you submit your application for the RBT® certification. Skills are assessed via interview, role play or with a client. However, there are some sections that require a client for completion. This assessment can be done in person, through video call, or through video uploads. It may take more than one observation to complete.

Looking for a BCBA® to complete the assessment? Look no further, because we can help you complete the assessment remotely! Contact us for more information.

6. Apply for RBT® Exam
Once you’ve completed your background check, your 40-hour training, and competency assessment, you are ready to apply for the RBT® exam. The application fee is $50. Please note that your competency assessment must be completed no more than 90 days before submitting your application.

7. Take the RBT Exam®
The RBT® exam is offered on a continual basis, meaning you don’t have to wait for a certain month to take it. However, if you don’t pass, you must wait 7 days before you can take it again. The exam appointment fee is $45. Once you pass the exam, you must renew your certificate annually. To renew, you must complete a new competency assessment (no more than 45 days before your expiration date), submit a renewal application to the BACB®, and pay the renewal fee ($35).

Happy preppin’!

Xo Behavior Prep

A. Behaviorism and Philosophical Foundations (8 questions)

A.1. Identify the goals of behavior analysis as a science (i.e., description, prediction, control).

A.2. Explain the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis (e.g., selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony, pragmatism).

A.3. Explain behavior from the perspective of radical behaviorism.

A.4. Distinguish among behaviorism, the experimental analysis of behavior, applied behavior analysis, and professional practice guided by the science of behavior analysis.

A.5. Identify and describe dimensions of applied behavior analysis.