RBT Certification and Role

RBT Certification Requirements

  • To qualify for the RBT exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:
    • Be at least 18 years of age.
    • Have completed a high school education or its equivalent.
    • Pass a criminal background check and an abuse registry check.
    • Complete 40 hours of training.
    • Complete an RBT individual competency assessment.

RBT Certification Application Process

  • After meeting eligibility requirements:
    • Submit an RBT certification application on the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) website: www.bacb.com.
    • Upload:
      • High school diploma or equivalent transcript.
      • Forty-hour training certificate.
      • Initial competency assessment.
    • Find requirements and instructions on the BACB website.

RBT Certification Renewal

  • Renewal is required annually.
  • Renewal requirements:
    • Receive ongoing supervision when providing services.
      • RBTs cannot practice independently.
      • Must work under a BCBA, BCaBA, or RBT requirements coordinator.
    • Follow the RBT code of ethics. A copy of this code can be found at www.bacb.com.
    • 45 days before certification expires:
      • Complete a renewal competency assessment with your supervisor.
      • The assessment is to ensure you don't need a refresher on any of your RBT skills.
    • Complete the renewal application on the BACB website.

Role of the RBT

  • RBTs are ABA professionals who provide direct therapy services to clients.
  • Responsibilities under the supervision of a behavior analyst:
    • Work on each client's skill acquisition and behavior reduction goals.
    • Collect data on their observations.
    • Collaborate with other technicians on the client's team and the client's BCBA.
      • Provide observations and make suggestions, as appropriate.
    • Communicate professionally and supportively with client caregivers, keeping the ethical code and the client's best interest in mind.

Seeking Support

  • RBTs should seek support from their BCBA when needed.
    • It is not the RBT's responsibility to know all the answers.
    • The BCBA can help with questions about:
      • Treatment rationale.
      • Scheduling.
      • Billing.

Scope of Practice for RBTs

  • RBTs can:
    • Implement ABA therapy programs.
    • Take data.
    • Be collaborative and cooperative team members.
  • RBTs cannot:
    • Make treatment adjustments, such as:
      • Changing goals.
      • Changing how programs are run.
      • Changing how data is taken.
    • These tasks are reserved for BCBAs or BCaBAs, due to their advanced training and responsibility for client progress and outcomes.
  • When in doubt, ask your behavior analyst whether something is within your scope.