Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®)?
The Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®) is a paraprofessional who practices under the close, ongoing supervision of a BCBA, BCaBA, or FL-CBA. The RBT® is primarily responsible for the direct implementation of behavior-analytic services. The RBT does not design intervention or assessment plans. It is the responsibility of the RBT® supervisor to determine which tasks an RBT may perform as a function of his or her training, experience, and competence. The BACB certificant supervising the RBT® is responsible for the work performed by the RBT® on the cases they are overseeing.
This RBT® course is a 40-hour, online, video-based training with modules designed to help you prepare to sit for the RBT Exam offered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). This training program is based on the RBT Task List-2nd Edition. This program is offered independent of the BACB.
Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®) eligibility requirements:
The RBT® credential requires applicants to meet minimum age and education standards, obtain 40 hours of acceptable training, successfully complete a Competency Assessment, and a criminal background check then pass the RBT Exam.
When are you actually registered?:
Completing the 40-hour online training DOES NOT make you a “Registered Behavior Technician.” After receiving your 40-hour Course Completion Certificate, you are required to find a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to perform an initial Competency Assessment. The assessment is complete when the behavior technician candidate demonstrates knowledge in each item on the Task List as observed by the supervising BCBA.
Who should be a Registered Behavior Technician®?:
The RBT® training is for educators, parents or other professionals who would like to learn evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles and strategies for helping clients or family members with developmental behavior challenges. You must be 18 or older and a high school or equivalent graduate.
Practically anyone would benefit from being introduced to applied behavior analysis. You will find the skills transfer to all facets of life. However, becoming an RBT® would especially benefit:
- People who work directly with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Speech Pathologists and Occupation Therapists
- Direct care staff in residential settings such as group homes
- Hospital administrators and staff
- Nursing supervisors or special needs staff
- Home health aides
- Emergency response teams
- Case managers
- Hospice staff and supervisors
- Direct care staff
- Parents of developmentally challenged or experiencing challenging behavior
- Substitute teachers
- After-school activity staff
- Daycare staff and supervisors
- Anyone working with individuals displaying problem behavior.
Who are we?
OnlineRBTtraining.com is a private company and the creator or this 40-hour online RBT® training course.
What happens after I complete the 40-hour RBT® course?
The next step is to identify a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who would be willing to do an initial Competency Assessment. There is a cost for this assessment.
What if I have more questions about becoming an RBT®?
If you have specific questions about RBT® certification not covered here please contact the Behavior Analyst Certification Board at https://www.bacb.com/contact-us/
How can becoming an RBT help my career?
The RBT® training covers a variety of topics that are necessary for an individual to pursue a career as a Behavior Technician, working directly with individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders or other developmental disabilities. An RBT® does not work independently but practices under the close, ongoing supervision of a BCBA, BCaBA, or FL-CBA.
What you will learn?
This training course teaches evidence-based behavior intervention techniques and strategies for individuals including but not limited to: Data Measurement, Assessment, Skill Acquisition, Behavior Reduction, Documentation and Reporting, Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice. The training will cover all of the tasks and subtasks in the RBT Task List and the ethics requirements that have been designated as being relevant for behavior technicians.
How long is the Training?
The training is at least 40 hours long and can be viewed and completed at your own pace on any Internet accessible personal computer or mobile device.
How long do I have to complete the training?
The RBT training must be completed within 180 days (6 months) of the date you purchase the online training course. The training course should not be completed in less than five (5) days.
How many of the 40 hours are live instruction?
None of these hours are live instruction. All 40 hours of this training are conducted online. Additional live training must be provided by your supervising BCBA during the Competency Assessment.
Suggested ways to complete a Competency Assessment
The BACB added the following to the initial Competency Assessment requirements:
The responsible Assessor, Assistant Assessor (s) and RBT ® applicant must be employed at (or have a contractual relationship with) the same organization. That organization must also be the entity providing services to the client involved in the assessment. If the responsible or assistant assessor is a BCaBA, their supervisor must also be employed at (or have a contractual relationship with) the same organization where the client is receiving services. This relationship requirement applies to the entire assessment and not just the portion including clients.
Here are some suggestions. To find a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for your initial competency assessment, consider these options:
- Search the BACB Directory: Visit the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Certificant Registry to search for BCBAs in your area. This directory allows you to filter by certification type and location.
- Contact Local ABA Service Providers: Research Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy organizations or clinics near you. Many employ BCBAs who may assist with your competency assessment.
- Check Help Wanted listings. Many organizations hire RBT ® candidates who completed the 40-hour training course and provide them with the Competency Assessment.
- Join Professional Groups: Connect with professionals in ABA-focused groups on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, or Reddit. These groups may have BCBAs willing to help RBT ® candidates.
- Check Local Listings: Use directories like Psychology Today or local business listings to identify BCBAs offering their services independently.
