A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) provides direct therapy under the guidance of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). However, RBTs must receive ongoing supervision to maintain high-quality services and professional growth.
This guide covers all the necessary information about the supervision requirements of an RBT and exam-relevant details. If you’re an RBT, you should be well informed about the supervision requirements of an RBT to maintain your certification.
Why Is Supervision Important for an RBT?
Supervision is not just a BACB requirement—it ensures that RBTs:
- Deliver high-quality therapy and implement behavior plans correctly.
- Continuously improve their skills and effectiveness.
- Follow ethical guidelines and best practices in ABA therapy.
- Stay updated with new techniques in applied behavior analysis.
Supervision plays a major role in professional accountability and growth, helping RBTs refine their knowledge under expert guidance.
BACB Supervision Requirements for RBTs
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) sets clear RBT supervision guidelines. These include frequency, supervisor qualifications, supervision formats, and documentation requirements.
Minimum Supervision Hours
An RBT must receive supervision for at least 5% of the total hours spent providing ABA services each month.
Example: If an RBT works 80 hours per month, they must receive at least 4 hours of supervision.
Types of Supervision Sessions
Supervision can be conducted in two formats:
- Individual Supervision: One-on-one meetings with the supervisor.
- Group Supervision: Supervision with multiple RBTs present (not exceeding 10 RBTs).
Note: At least one monthly supervision session must be individual (1:1).
Who Can Supervise an RBT?
RBTs must be supervised by a qualified professional, including:
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)
- BCBA-D (Doctoral-level BCBA)
Activities During Supervision
During supervision, RBTs engage in:
- Reviewing client progress
- Role-playing scenarios
- Direct feedback on ABA techniques
- Discussing ethical concerns
- Implementing behavior intervention strategies
Supervision should not be just an administrative meeting; it must include active skill-building and performance monitoring.
Real-Life Example of RBT Supervision
Sarah, an RBT, works 100 hours per month providing ABA therapy to children with autism.
Her BCBA supervisor, Dr. Miller, ensures that she receives at least 5% supervision (i.e., 5 hours per month).
In their supervision sessions, Dr. Miller:
- Observe Sarah during therapy sessions.
- Provides feedback on her prompting techniques.
- Conducts a role-play exercise on handling aggressive behaviors.
- Discusses ethical challenges, like what to do if a parent requests services beyond approval.
What happens if I don’t meet my supervision requirement?
If you fail to meet the 5% supervision rule, your RBT certification may become inactive, and you may be required to reapply.
Can I receive more than 5% supervision?
Yes! Many RBTs receive additional supervision to refine their skills. While 5% is the minimum requirement, more supervision can enhance professional development.
How many RBTs can a BCBA supervise?
There is no specific limit set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) on the number of RBTs a BCBA can supervise. However, the BCBA must ensure that all RBTs receive proper supervision and meet BACB guidelines.