RBT…What is it?

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a credential offered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) that ensures the knowledge and understanding of an individual who is utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practices in their profession. A behavior technician may be trained on aspects of ABA based on what that company does, but do they truly understand the foundational skills and core tasks that is bound by a certification board and is backed by evidence-based information, allowing them to be registered and credentialed?

Based on the BACB, there are specific requirements that must be met prior to an individual becoming a Registered Behavior Technician. First, they must receive 40 hours of training from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) that covers all aspects of the Task List, which outlines the important duties that may be performed by a RBT. This 40-hour training must also devote at least three hours to ethics and professional conduct based on the BACB’s Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts, which outlines 10 different sections to ensure ethical professionalism for all who are certified by the BACB. Next, the candidate must complete a Competency Assessment where they are tested on specific areas from the task list in an in-person evaluation or role-play situation by a supervising BCBA or BCaBA. Other requirements that must also be submitted and approved by the BACB include: the candidate passing a current background check, being over the age of 18 years old, and having at least a high school diploma. Once all criteria has been submitted and approved, the candidate can sign up to take the RBT exam through a Pearson Testing site. For more information about the RBT exam, click here.

Passing an exam isn’t the last stop though!  Once an individual has passed the exam and is officially a Registered Behavior Technician, they will continue to be supervised by a BCBA, or BCaBA, to ensure their growth and competency, in the field of behavior analysis, to maintain their certification.  They will also have another competency evaluation and submission to complete their RBT Renewal annually.

Cornerstone Autism Center understands the importance of quality therapy, and wants to ensure that from the very beginning of our therapists’ journey as ABA Therapists, that they are learning behavior analytic and evidence-based information.  Our training, and quality assurance department, provides all incoming therapists with a 40-hour training to encompass everything from the Task List, Ethical Codes, and our Cornerstone clients.  Our hands-on, and innovative training, incorporates several different teaching methods for a variety of different learning styles including:  role playing, shadowing, modeling, watching videos, and many more, to ensure all therapists’ understanding and competency of behavior analytic services, prior to working 1:1 with a client.  After the initial training process, our training coordinators, quality assurance managers, and clinical coordinators continue to provide assistance and feedback to the ABA Therapists, to perfect their knowledge and therapy, as they prepare to become an RBT.

The importance to having all our therapists become a Registered Behavior Technician is vast!  Having credentialed individuals working with our clients, not only ensures treatment fidelity and validity, but also gives peace of mind to our parents and families.  All families can trust and have confidence in knowing that their children are in the best hands, are trained properly, and are certified by the BACB.  This allows us to help these children grow in incredible ways!

Becoming an RBT is more than just a credential; It’s a life style.  It allows you to maximize those who struggle, embrace those who love, and fulfill those who serve!

Interested in changing the lives of children, their families, and your own? Apply now and join our team!

Last updated by Morgan McClellan at December 12, 2018.