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The RBT

Author: Capella Partnered with CARD

what's covered
This lesson will explore the guidelines of the RBT by defining and discussing the following:
  1. RBT Requirements
  2. RBT Next Steps

1. RBT Requirements

A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a paraprofessional certification specific to working in ABA. Individuals who are RBTs implement behavior analytic services and are supervised by an RBT Supervisor or RBT Requirement Coordinator. RBTs work with Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs).

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation established to meet professional credentialing needs for RBTs, BCaBAs, BCBAs, and BCBA-Ds (doctoral level).

To apply to sit for the RBT exam, you must meet the following five requirements.

Requirement Description
Age 18 years of age or older
Education Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent
Ethics Successful completion of a background check
Training Completion of 40-hour training in the six content areas from the RBT Task List
Competency Assessment Once you complete the 40-hour training, you must demonstrate that you are able to perform tasks specified in the RBT Initial Competency Assessment (this will be overseen by a BCBA).

hint
Evidence of all items will be submitted with your application, to be verified by the BACB.

You will need to identify either an RBT Supervisor or RBT Requirements Coordinator who will confirm your age, completion of the background check, and their willingness to provide ongoing supervision.

Once you meet the requirements, you will submit the RBT application. Once it is approved, you can then sit for the RBT certification examination.

Please check Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) for complete eligibility requirements.


2. RBT Next Steps

Once you have completed this 40-hour training, there are still some steps that you will need to take in order to apply to sit for the RBT exam.

You will need to complete the Initial Competency Assessment after you have completed the 40-hour training. This will be overseen by a BCBA and must be completed no sooner than 90 days before submitting payment for the RBT certification application.

To apply for RBT certification, you must do all of the following:

  1. Create a BACB account and set up your profile at https://gateway.bacb.com/Account/Login.aspx.
  2. Complete the certification application (if you meet all of the eligibility requirements). This step involves
    1. Uploading required documents (certificate for completing the 40-hour RBT training, RBT Initial Competency Assessment, transcript or diploma verifying high school diploma or equivalent)
    2. Identifying RBT Supervisor or RBT Requirements Coordinator (who will complete their portion of your application). You can search the Certificant Registry on the BACB website for a supervisor in your area.
    3. Paying for application
    4. Agreeing to certification processing agreement including attestation that you will adhere to the RBT Ethics Code and Self-reporting Requirements
  3. If you receive approval, you will then schedule the exam with Pearson VUE.
There are some fees associated with the application and exam:
  • Certification application processing fee (to the BACB): $50
  • Exam appointment fee (to Pearson VUE): $45
When you go to sit for the exam, make sure you do the following:
  • Arrive early! Give yourself at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
  • Make sure you have two forms of ID with your name that matches the name on the application.
  • You cannot bring any personal items in with you – no cell phone, food, drinks, study materials, backpacks, purses, etc. The testing center will have a place to store your items, but it is recommended that you leave as much at home as possible.
  • You can leave the testing area to get a drink, snack, or use the restroom, but you will be fingerprinted when you leave and when you return to the testing area. You will not be able to access electronic devices or notes.
  • You cannot ask questions about the exam or discuss any of the exam material during or after the exam.
  • Dress comfortably and wear layers as it might be hot or cold at the testing site.
  • You cannot bring guests or children with you to the testing center.
Best of luck on your exam!

summary
In this lesson, you learned that a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a paraprofessional certification specific to working in ABA. Individuals who are RBTs implement behavior analytic services and are supervised by an RBT Supervisor or RBT Requirement Coordinator; RBTs work with Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs). The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) meets professional credentialing needs for RBTs, BCaBAs, BCBAs, and BCBA-Ds (doctoral level). You reviewed the RBT requirements, noting the five requirements that must be met to apply to sit for the RBT exam, including age, education, ethics, training, and competency assessment. You also reviewed RBT next steps to apply for RBT certification, as well as the fees associated with the application and exam, and some tips to prepare for taking the exam.