The demand for registered behavior technicians (RBTs) has surged in recent years as these professionals play a crucial role in supporting challenging behaviors. If you’re wondering how to get RBT certification, you’re at the right place.
This guide will provide all the details and requirements to become a certified behavior technician. Let’s find out the step-by-step process to get RBT certification quickly.
What is a registered behavior technician?
Registered behavior technicians (RBTs) are paraprofessionals who implement applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment plans for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other behavior challenges. The ABA treatment plans are designed by experienced Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).
What is the role of an RBT?
The RBTs are certified behavior health technicians who directly implement behavior intervention plans (BIP) under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). Because the RBTs work one-on-one with clients, they are bound to follow ethical practices and maintain professional boundaries.
What is RBT certification?
An RBT certification is a nationally recognized paraprofessional certification awarded by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) to individuals who have met specific training, assessment, and examination requirements in applied behavior analysis (ABA).
The certification signifies that the holder is qualified to implement behavior intervention plans under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).
This certification ensures that RBTs have no criminal background, adhere to ethical guidelines, and possess the necessary skills to support individuals with behavioral challenges effectively.
How to get RBT certification?
The salaries of certified RBTs are pretty decent across all the states of the USA. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in behavioral health, you need to get a certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). However, you need to complete several tasks before applying for RBT certification.
The step-by-step process for getting RBT certification is written below. However, you should meet BACB requirements before applying. Here are the eligibility and requirements for RBT certifications:
Eligibility and requirements for RBT certification
- You must be 18 years old.
- You must hold a high school diploma or the equivalent.
- You must pass a criminal background check.
Process of getting RBT certification
You can proceed further if you meet all the BACB requirements for RBT certification. Here are step-by-step processes to get an RBT certification:
Step 1: Register an account on the BACB portal
The first step is registering an account on the BACB portal and correctly filling in all your personal details. Go to this official link and click on Create an account. After filling in all the details, upload the required documents.
Step 2: Complete a 40-hour RBT training course
All RBT applicants must complete the 40-hour training course under a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA).
The training should be based on the RBT Task List (2nd edition) and include at least three hours in ethics and professional conduct, which can be conducted in-person or online and can be didactic (lecture-based) or experiential.
The training can be conducted in a single course or multiple units, which adds up to 40 hours. Also, you must complete the training within 180 days but not less than 5 days.
Step 3: Pass the competency assessment with BCBA
After completing the 40-hour training course, you must submit your RBT certification application on the BACB portal. The next step is to undergo an initial RBT Competency Assessment overseen by a qualified BACB certificant who meets the supervision requirements. You must complete the RBT Competency Assessment within 90 days of applying.
Step 4: Pass the RBT exam
After completing the RBT Competency Assessment, you can schedule your RBT exam at Pearson VUE. It’s a computer-based exam containing 85 multiple-choice questions, but only 75 will be counted in the final score. The remaining 10 questions are pre-tested for future examinations.
You get 90 minutes to answer all the questions and score at least 80% to pass the exam. The RBT certification exam covers six content areas of the RBT task list:
- Measurement – 12 questions
- Assessment – 6 questions
- Skill Acquisition – 24 questions
- Behavior Reduction – 12 questions
- Documentation and Reporting – 10 questions
- Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice – 11 questions
After qualifying for this exam, you’ll get your RBT certification from the BACB and be qualified to work as a certified registered behavior technician. We have created various practice exams that help you prepare for the RBT exam. A failed candidate can reschedule your exam after 7 days of failed attempts.
Wrapping Up
Becoming a registered behavior technician is an excellent career option for people who are passionate about helping others, enjoy working with individuals with behavioral challenges, and seek a rewarding career in the behavioral health field. The salary of certified behavior technicians is also good across the country. So, start your preparation today to get RBT certification from BACB.