How to Become an RBT: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a rewarding career path for those passionate about applied behavior analysis (ABA) and helping individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental disabilities. As an entry-level certification offered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), the RBT credential equips individuals to work under the supervision of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs). This comprehensive guide outlines the step-by-step process to become an RBT, focusing on key requirements such as the RBT training program, eligibility criteria, and exam preparation. Whether you’re new to the field or transitioning from another career, this guide will help you navigate the journey to becoming a certified RBT.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

Before embarking on the path to becoming an RBT, you must meet the BACB’s minimum eligibility criteria. These ensure candidates have the foundational qualifications to pursue the certification:

  • Age: Be at least 18 years old by the time you apply for certification.
  • Education: Hold a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g., GED). No higher education degree is required, making the RBT certification accessible to a wide range of candidates.
  • Background Check: Complete a criminal background check within 180 days of submitting your RBT certification application. The BACB requires a clean record, though minor infractions may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Action Items:

  • Verify your age and education status with official documentation (e.g., driver’s license, diploma).
  • Contact your local authorities or a third-party provider to initiate a background check, ensuring results will be available when you apply.

Step 2: Complete a 40-Hour RBT Training Program

The cornerstone of RBT preparation is completing a 40-hour RBT training program that adheres to the BACB’s RBT Task List (2nd Edition). This training covers the core competencies needed to perform RBT duties, such as data collection, implementing behavior intervention plans, and adhering to ethical standards.

Key Features of the RBT Training Program

  • Content: The training must cover all areas of the RBT Task List, including measurement, assessment, skill acquisition, behavior reduction, documentation, and professional conduct. It also includes training on the BACB’s RBT Ethics Code (2.0).
  • Duration: The 40 hours must be completed within a 180-day period, and no single training session can exceed 8 hours per day.
  • Format: Training can be completed online, in-person, or in a hybrid format, depending on the provider. Online programs are popular for their flexibility, while in-person options may offer hands-on practice.
  • Provider: The program must be delivered by a BACB-approved provider or under the supervision of a BCBA. Reputable providers include the Autism Partnership Foundation (free online course), Relias Academy, and Behavior University.
  • Restrictions: The training cannot begin until you have your high school diploma, and it must be completed before taking the RBT Competency Assessment.

Tips for Choosing a Training Program

  • Cost: Prices range from free (e.g., Autism Partnership Foundation) to $100–$300 for paid programs. Some employers cover training costs as part of onboarding.
  • Reviews: Research provider reviews on platforms like Indeed or Reddit to ensure quality and relevance.
  • Accessibility: Choose a program that fits your schedule, especially if balancing work or other commitments.
  • Certification of Completion: Ensure the provider issues a certificate, which you’ll need for your BACB application.

Action Items:

  • Research and enroll in a BACB-approved 40-hour RBT training program.
  • Schedule your training to complete the 40 hours within 180 days.
  • Save your completion certificate for submission with your RBT application.

Step 3: Complete the RBT Competency Assessment

After finishing the 40-hour training, you must pass the RBT Competency Assessment, which evaluates your ability to perform RBT tasks in real-world scenarios. This assessment is conducted by a BCBA or BCaBA and can take place in-person, via video conferencing, or with a live client or simulated scenarios.

Components of the Competency Assessment

  • Tasks Assessed: Based on the RBT Task List, the assessment covers skills like data collection (e.g., frequency, duration), implementing teaching procedures (e.g., discrete trial training), and following behavior intervention plans.
  • Format: Includes direct observation (performing tasks with a client or role-playing) and a written or oral component (e.g., answering questions about ABA principles).
  • Supervision: Must be conducted by a BCBA or BCaBA who has completed the BACB’s 8-hour supervision training.
  • Timing: Must be completed within 90 days of starting the assessment process and after finishing the 40-hour training.

Preparation Tips

  • Work with a Supervisor: Collaborate with your BCBA supervisor to practice tasks listed in the RBT Competency Assessment Checklist (available on the BACB website).
  • Hands-On Experience: Gain practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or employment at an ABA clinic to build confidence in applying skills.
  • Review Feedback: Use feedback from practice sessions to address weaknesses before the official assessment.

Action Items:

  • Identify a qualified BCBA or BCaBA to administer the assessment.
  • Schedule and prepare for the assessment, ensuring you can demonstrate all required tasks.
  • Obtain documentation of successful completion, signed by your supervisor, for your BACB application.

1. You are working with a 7-year-old client named Mason who engages in tantrums when asked to clean up his toys. The tantrums include crying, kicking, and screaming. His BCBA has developed a behavior intervention plan (BIP) that requires you to provide reinforcement only when Mason complies with clean-up demands. One afternoon, Mason throws a tantrum but quickly stops and begins to clean up. What is the correct response?

 

 
 
 
 

2. A child throws a tantrum after you remove a toy. You ignore the tantrum and continue with the session. Over several days, tantrums decrease. What behavioral principle is this?

 

 
 
 
 

3. You’re using a momentary time sampling method. The client is supposed to be sitting at the table. At the end of a 10-second interval, he is standing. How do you score this?

 

 
 
 
 

4. Your client, who is 4 years old and minimally verbal, begins to scream loudly during your session. The BCBA asks you to collect data on the duration of screaming. What tool would be most appropriate?

 

 
 
 
 

5. A client has a skill acquisition plan (SAP) goal of increasing independent tooth brushing. You are instructed to use forward chaining. On the first trial, the client brushes his teeth after you complete the first step for him. What do you do next?

 
 
 
 

6. During a parent training meeting, the parent asks if they can use spanking to stop aggressive behavior. What is the most appropriate response as an RBT?

 

 
 
 
 

7. During a group session, another RBT begins to gossip about a client’s behavior in front of parents. What should you do?

 

 
 
 
 

8. A client’s program includes mand training. You hold up a favorite snack and the client says, “Cookie!” What should you do?

 

 
 
 
 

9. A BCBA instructs you to implement a new protocol involving differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA). The target is to reduce hand-biting by reinforcing using a chewy toy. What do you reinforce?

 

 
 
 
 

10. You’ve been asked to collect interval data on a high-frequency behavior. Which interval method gives the most accurate estimate of overestimation?

 

 
 
 
 

11. Your client consistently responds correctly when you use a specific prompt. What should you do next?

 

 
 
 
 

12. You’re collecting permanent product data on a sorting task. What should you measure?

 

 
 
 
 

13. You’re asked to use momentary time sampling to observe on-task behavior. What does this mean?

 

 
 
 
 

14. The BCBA introduces a shaping procedure to help a client learn to say “ball.” Initially, the client is reinforced for saying “ba.” Later, only for “bal.” What principle is being used?

 

 
 
 
 

15. A client begins to engage in self-injurious behavior (SIB). What is the first thing you should do?

 

 
 
 
 

16. You have a new client and are observing their baseline behavior. What should you avoid doing during this observation?

 

 
 
 
 

17. Which of the following would be considered dual relationships?

 

 
 
 
 

18. You’ve been asked to record partial interval data on aggression. During a 10-minute observation divided into 30-second intervals, the client hits twice in one interval and not at all in the others. How many intervals should be marked with aggression?

 

 
 
 
 

19. You are implementing a token economy. The client earns tokens for completing tasks and can exchange them for a reward. During one session, the child tries to take extra tokens from the token board. What is the best response?

 

 
 
 
 

20. A 5-year-old client is working on increasing joint attention. During play, the client looks at you, then back at a toy he wants. What should you do?

 

 
 
 
 

21. Your client claps loudly and repeatedly when excited. This behavior doesn’t interfere with learning. What should you do?

 

 
 
 
 

22. During session, your client’s sibling keeps interrupting and trying to get your attention. What should you do?

 

 
 
 
 

23. You are working on teaching shoe-tying. The client can perform steps 1-3 independently, but struggles with the final knot. What chaining technique is being used?

 

 
 
 
 

24. Your client screams for candy. You prompt them to use a picture card to request instead. Over time, they use the card independently. What procedure are you using?

 

 
 
 
 

25. You are taking baseline data on a new skill. What should you do?

 

 
 
 
 

26. Your client frequently flops to the floor during transitions between rooms. The BCBA suggests using least-to-most prompting. As the RBT, how should you apply this?

 

 
 
 
 

27. A client’s parent asks you to work on toilet training during your next session. You haven’t received any updates about this from your BCBA. What is the appropriate response?

 

 
 
 
 

28. You’re asked to take partial interval data on hand-flapping. The interval is 10 seconds. The behavior happens once in a few intervals. How do you score it?

 

 
 
 
 

29. You are working with a 9-year-old client who begins to elope (run away) during academic tasks. The BCBA implements a BIP involving differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO). What should you reinforce?

 

 
 
 
 

30. Your client, Emma, exhibits aggression when denied access to the iPad. The BCBA has created a BIP that includes extinction for aggression. During your session, Emma throws the iPad when it’s taken away. What should you do?

 

 
 
 
 

31. You’re using a least-to-most prompting hierarchy. The client fails to respond after your instruction. What do you do next?

 

 
 
 
 

32. A BCBA asks you to collect latency data. During the session, you present the instruction “Touch your nose,” and it takes the client 5 seconds to respond. What is 5 seconds in this case?

 

 
 
 
 

33. Your client begins showing new challenging behaviors not listed in the BIP. What should you do?

 

 
 
 
 

34. You are teaching a child to use a communication device to request water. The child begins to cry and reach for the cup instead. What do you do?

 

 
 
 
 

35. You’ve been asked to record frequency of hand slapping. During a 1-hour session, you count 36 hand slaps. How should this be reported?

 

 
 
 
 

36. You arrive at a home session and find the child asleep. What should you do?

 

 
 
 
 

37. You’re teaching handwashing using backward chaining. Which step do you prompt first?

 

 
 
 
 

38. Which is NOT an ethical responsibility of an RBT?

 

 
 
 
 

39. You’re working with a non-verbal 6-year-old named Lucas. His BCBA has instructed you to collect frequency data on head-hitting. During your 2-hour session, Lucas hit his head 14 times. How should you report this?

 

 
 
 
 

40. What is the main role of an RBT?

 
 
 
 

41. You are using intermittent reinforcement after the client has already mastered a skill. What is the benefit of this?

 

 
 
 
 

42. A client has a history of escape-maintained behavior during math activities. What’s one way to prevent the behavior?

 

 
 
 
 

43. Which prompting strategy is best when teaching a completely new skill?

 

 
 
 
 

44. You’re using discrete trial training (DTT) to teach color identification. You say, “Touch red,” and the child correctly touches the red square. What is the correct immediate next step?

 

 
 
 
 

45. During a session, your client Ava begins to show signs of distress (e.g., pacing, hand flapping, and repetitive questioning). This behavior typically occurs when the session transitions from playtime to a structured task. What proactive strategy could you implement based on her BIP?

 
 
 
 

46. What does task analysis involve?

 

 
 
 
 

47. During snack time, your client spills their drink and begins to cry. You rush over and clean the spill while comforting them. What possible behavior principle are you accidentally reinforcing?

 

 
 
 
 

48. Which of the following is a continuous measurement procedure?

 

 
 
 
 

49. Your client screams when given a demand. You withhold reinforcement and the screaming intensifies temporarily before reducing. This is an example of:

 

 
 
 
 

50. If you forget to record data for a session, what should you do?

 

 
 
 
 


Step 4: Apply for RBT Certification

Once you’ve completed the training and competency assessment, submit your RBT certification application through your BACB account on the BACB website (www.bacb.com).

Application Requirements

  • Documentation:
    • Proof of completion of the 40-hour RBT training program (certificate).
    • RBT Competency Assessment completion form, signed by your BCBA/BCaBA supervisor.
    • Criminal background check results (within 180 days).
  • Fees: $50 application fee (non-refundable), payable to the BACB.
  • Verification: Ensure all documentation is accurate, as errors can delay approval.

Application Process

  • Create or log in to your BACB account.
  • Complete the RBT certification application form, uploading all required documents.
  • Pay the $50 fee and submit the application for review.

The BACB typically processes applications within 2–4 weeks. Upon approval, you’ll receive instructions to schedule your RBT exam with Pearson VUE.

Action Items:

  • Create a BACB account and gather all required documents.
  • Submit your application and monitor your BACB account for approval status.

Step 5: Pass the RBT Exam

The final step to becoming an RBT is passing the RBT exam, a computer-based, multiple-choice test administered at Pearson VUE testing centers.

Exam Details

  • Duration: 90 minutes.
  • Questions: 85 multiple-choice questions (75 scored, 10 unscored pilot questions), each with four answer choices.
  • Content: Based on the RBT Task List, covering measurement (16%), assessment (8%), skill acquisition (32%), behavior reduction (16%), documentation (13%), and professional conduct (15%).
  • Passing Score: Approximately 80% (60/75 scored questions), equivalent to a scaled score of 200/250.
  • Cost: $45 examination fee, payable to Pearson VUE per attempt.
  • Retake Policy: Up to 8 attempts within 12 months of application approval, with a 7-day waiting period between attempts.

Exam Preparation Strategies

  • Study the RBT Task List: Focus on the 2nd Edition Task List, available on the BACB website, to understand all tested competencies.
  • Review Key Concepts: Study ABA terminology, ethical guidelines (RBT Ethics Code 2.0), and scenario-based applications.
  • Leverage Resources: Use study guides, flashcards, and videos from sources like the ABA Exam Review YouTube Channel or Behavior University.
  • Time Management: Practice answering 85 questions in 90 minutes to build pacing skills.

Action Items:

  • Schedule your exam through Pearson VUE upon application approval.
  • Study consistently, focusing on weak areas identified in practice tests.
  • Arrive at the testing center with two forms of ID, prepared to complete the exam within 90 minutes.

Step 6: Maintain Your RBT Certification

After passing the exam, you’ll receive your RBT certification, allowing you to practice as an RBT under BCBA/BCaBA supervision. To maintain your certification, you must:

  • Renew Annually: Submit a renewal application to the BACB with a $35 fee and confirm adherence to the RBT Ethics Code.
  • Supervision Requirements: Receive ongoing supervision for at least 5% of your monthly client service hours from a BCBA/BCaBA, with at least two face-to-face contacts per month.
  • Complete a Competency Assessment Annually: Demonstrate continued proficiency in RBT tasks, conducted by a BCBA/BCaBA.
  • Adhere to Ethics: Follow the BACB’s RBT Ethics Code (2.0) to maintain professional standards.

Action Items:

  • Set reminders for annual renewal deadlines.
  • Maintain regular contact with your BCBA supervisor to meet supervision requirements.
  • Schedule and complete your annual competency assessment.

Additional Tips for Success

  • Gain Experience: Seek entry-level positions or volunteer opportunities in ABA clinics, schools, or home-based programs to build practical skills before and during training.
  • Network: Connect with BCBAs, RBTs, and ABA professionals through LinkedIn, local ABA organizations, or conferences to learn about job opportunities and best practices.
  • Employer Support: Some ABA agencies offer in-house RBT training, competency assessments, and exam fee reimbursement. Research employers like BlueSprig or Centria Autism for such benefits.
  • Career Advancement: Consider pursuing higher certifications (e.g., BCaBA or BCBA) after gaining experience as an RBT to expand your career opportunities.

Common Challenges and Solutions

  • Challenge: Finding affordable training.
    • Solution: Explore free options like the Autism Partnership Foundation’s 40-hour course or check if your employer offers subsidized training.
  • Challenge: Nervousness about the competency assessment.
    • Solution: Practice tasks with a BCBA mentor and request feedback to build confidence.
  • Challenge: Failing the RBT exam.
    • Solution: Review your score report to identify weak areas, focus study efforts on those topics, and retake the exam after the 7-day waiting period.

Why Become an RBT?

Becoming an RBT offers a fulfilling career with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on clients’ lives. RBTs work directly with individuals with ASD or other developmental disabilities, helping them develop skills, reduce challenging behaviors, and achieve greater independence. The role is in high demand, with job growth projected at 12% from 2020 to 2030 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), and offers flexible work settings, including schools, clinics, and homes. Additionally, the RBT certification serves as a stepping stone to advanced ABA certifications, providing a clear path for career growth.

Conclusion

Becoming a Registered Behavior Technician is a structured yet accessible process that involves meeting eligibility requirements, completing a 40-hour RBT training program, passing a competency assessment, applying for certification, and passing the RBT exam. With dedication and the right resources, aspiring RBTs can achieve certification and begin a rewarding career in applied behavior analysis. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the process, from training to certification maintenance, and make a positive difference in the lives of those you serve.

For more details, visit the BACB website (www.bacb.com) and review the RBT Handbook for comprehensive guidelines and resources.

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