Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Training Notes

RBT Credential Training

Introduction

This module provides details about the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential.
The information presented is effective as of October 2019, but is subject to change.
It's crucial to review the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) website for the most current RBT requirements.

Overview of Topics

Purpose and format of the RBT training series.
The Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) and its credentials.
Requirements to become and maintain the RBT credential.
Roles and responsibilities of an RBT.
The RBT task list.
Roles of the supervisor and requirements coordinator.

Purpose of the Training

The primary goal is to provide the 40 hours of training needed for RBT certification.
This training is just one of the eligibility requirements.
The training covers all content areas on the RBT task list.
Content includes applied behavior analysis, behavior analytic strategies, and ethical behavior.
The training is divided into short modules, each focusing on a specific topic.
Each module has videos and quizzes/tests for information retention and exam preparation.

The Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB)

The BACB oversees all credentials in the field of behavior analysis.
The BACB sets eligibility and maintenance requirements for each credential.
The BACB provides guidelines for practitioners, including scope of practice and a code of conduct.
It is important to review this information on the BACB website.

BACB Credentials

Board Certified Behavior Analyst Doctoral (BCBA-D)
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).

Board Certified Behavior Analyst Doctoral (BCBA-D)

Requires a doctorate in a related field.
Must already be a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Requires a master's degree in a related field.
Specific coursework in applied behavior analysis.
Supervision and training hours are required.
Passing grade on the BCBA exam.
BCBAs can practice independently and supervise candidates.

Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)

Requires a bachelor's degree.
Specific coursework in applied behavior analysis.
Supervision and training hours are required.
Passing grade on the BCaBA exam.
BCaBAs cannot practice independently and must be supervised by a BCBA or BCBA-D.
BCaBAs may supervise RBTs.

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

This training focuses on the RBT credential.

RBT Eligibility Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
Minimum of a high school education or equivalent.
Successful criminal background check.
Completion of a 40-hour RBT training program within 180 days of starting.
Pass the initial competency assessment by a responsible assessor. The assessor can delegate parts to an assistant. Assistant assessors must demonstrate proficiency through direct observation of the material.
Passing grade on the RBT examination.

RBT Competency Assessment

Renewal requires demonstrating competency on tasks via a renewal competency assessment.
Involves an interview and direct observation components.

RBT Examination

Formal examination proctored by Pearson at testing centers.
Consists of 85 questions.
One and a half hours (90 minutes) are given for completion.

Role of the RBT

RBTs are direct service providers working directly with clients or students.
RBTs implement strategies and procedures designed by their supervisor based on applied behavior analysis.
They may work with a variety of clients, including those with autism, developmental disabilities, mental health issues, and geriatric populations.

Work Environments

RBTs may work in homes, schools, residential facilities, or workspaces operated by their organization.

Supervision

RBTs practice under the ongoing supervision and training of a BCBA or BCaBA.

Professional Boundaries

Maintaining appropriate boundaries is crucial (professional topics only).
Sharing minimal personal details and focusing on assigned work is important.
Seek feedback from supervisors on acceptable behavior.

RBT Task List

The BACB provides a task list outlining core skills and tasks expected of an RBT.
While not exhaustive, RBTs should be prepared to perform all activities on the list.
The complete RBT task list is available on the BACB website.

RBT Task List Categories

Measurement
Assessment
Skill Acquisition
Behavior Reduction
Documentation and Reporting
Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice

Measurement

Data collection and graphing.
Collecting data on specific skills and behaviors.
Preparing for data collection.
Using supervisor-specified data collection methods.
Graphing data to show client progress.
Tasks may include organizing materials such as data sheets, timers, writing utensils, and electronic devices.

Assessment

Conduct different assessments to determine client progress and preferences.
Completing assessments during sessions.
Assisting with more in-depth assessments under supervision.

Skill Acquisition

Teaching new skills to clients or students.
Using various teaching strategies based on applied behavior analysis.
Teaching skills based on individual needs.
Examples: academic, self-care, vocational, leisure, daily living, and social skills.
Setting up teaching environments and organizing materials.

Behavior Reduction

Decreasing challenging or inappropriate behaviors.
Implementing behavior reduction strategies from behavior intervention plans.
Discussing challenging behaviors accurately and professionally.

Documentation and Reporting

Communicating and documenting session details.
Reporting any out-of-the-ordinary events.
Examples include changes in behavior or mood, injuries, major challenges, or information from caregivers (e.g., medication changes, relocation).
Complying with legal, regulatory, and workplace data collection requirements.

Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice

Understanding the RBT role and its limitations.
Receiving feedback professionally.
Seeking clinical direction from supervisors.
Working towards professional improvement.
Maintaining appropriate relationships.
Communicating effectively with clients, caregivers, supervisors, and coworkers.

Tasks RBTs Do Not Perform

RBTs do not design teaching procedures or behavior reduction plans.
RBTs should not make changes to procedures.
Complete only assigned tasks; supervisors determine when additional tasks can be taken on.

Role of the Supervisor

BCBAs, BCaBAs, or other licensed professionals assign tasks based on the RBT's training and experience.
Supervisors and RBTs must be employed by the same organization or have a contractual relationship.
Supervisors design and write skill acquisition and behavior reduction procedures.
Supervisors provide sufficient training on procedures.

Role of the Requirements Coordinator

Must be a BCBA-D or BCBA who has completed specific supervision requirements.
Ensures the RBT has a BCBA supervisor and that supervision requirements are being met.
RBTs must have a registered requirements coordinator for each place of employment.
The supervisor and requirements coordinator can be the same person.

Maintaining the RBT Credential

Complete the renewal competency assessment annually.
Submit a renewal application and fee to the BACB.
Maintain good standing with the BACB and adhere to conduct guidelines.
Have ongoing supervision by a BCBA, BCaBA, or other licensed professional.

Review

This training provides the 40 hours needed for RBT certification.
The BACB oversees behavior analysis credentials.
Credentials include BCBA-D, BCBA, BCaBA, and RBT.
RBT eligibility requirements include training and passing an exam.
The RBT task list is divided into categories.
RBTs do not design or change procedures.
RBTs must have a requirements coordinator and a supervisor, who may be the same person.
Annual steps are required to maintain the RBT credential.