How to Become an RBT: Certification Process and Career Path

The field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is rapidly growing, and with it, the demand for Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) has surged. RBTs play a vital role in supporting individuals, particularly children with autism, in achieving their developmental goals.Becoming an RBT is an attractive career option for many due to its meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and the relatively straightforward certification process.In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to becoming an RBT, explore the certification process, and highlight potential career paths in the field of ABA.

What Is an RBT?

An RBT is a paraprofessional in behavior analysis who works directly with clients, usually under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). RBTs implement behavior-analytic services as part of a client’s treatment plan, collecting data and providing one-on-one therapy to help individuals reach their goals.Most commonly, RBTs work with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) but may also serve individuals with other developmental or behavioral challenges.While RBTs do not design or modify treatment plans (that’s the role of a BCBA), they are essential in the hands-on delivery of ABA therapy. Their duties might include teaching communication skills, social skills, self-care tasks, and reducing maladaptive behaviors.

Why Become an RBT?

There are several compelling reasons to pursue a career as an RBT. Firstly, this role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on individuals' lives. Working as an RBT allows you to help clients develop essential skills that significantly improve their quality of life.Secondly, the demand for RBTs is high, particularly in the U.S., where the prevalence of autism diagnoses is growing. As more children are diagnosed with ASD, more ABA services are required to support their development, creating a growing job market for trained professionals.Lastly, the RBT certification process is accessible compared to other roles within the ABA field, such as becoming a BCBA. The process to become an RBT is quicker and less costly, making it an attractive entry point for those interested in behavior analysis.

RBT Certification Requirements

To become an RBT, you must meet specific requirements set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). The BACB is the governing body that establishes standards for behavior analysis certifications, including RBTs. The requirements to earn your RBT credential include:

1. Age and Education: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or its equivalent. While a college degree is not required, some employers may prefer candidates with some postsecondary education or experience in related fields.
2. Background Check: All prospective RBTs must pass a criminal background check. This requirement ensures that those working with vulnerable populations, such as children with autism, are safe and trustworthy. Depending on the state or country, the specifics of the background check may vary, but it generally includes a check for any criminal history or charges.
3. RBT Training: The BACB requires that you complete a 40-hour RBT training course. This course can be done online or in person and must cover all the areas of behavior analysis deemed essential for RBTs, as outlined by the BACB's RBT Task List. These areas include ethical guidelines, behavior measurement, skill acquisition, behavior reduction, documentation and reporting, and professional conduct.The 40-hour course can be completed at your own pace, but it must be finished within 180 days from when you start. Many people complete the course in about a month if they study full-time, but part-time learners may take longer. The training will typically involve videos, readings, quizzes, and other interactive materials.
4. Competency Assessment: After completing your 40-hour training, you must undergo a competency assessment administered by a BCBA or BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst). This assessment involves both knowledge-based questions and hands-on demonstrations of the skills you learned during your training.During the assessment, you’ll be expected to demonstrate how to implement various ABA techniques, collect data, and adhere to ethical guidelines. Your assessor will evaluate your ability to apply the principles of ABA in real-world scenarios.
5. RBT Exam: The final step in the certification process is passing the RBT exam. This exam is administered by the BACB and consists of 85 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 75 questions are scored, and 10 are not (these are trial questions used to develop future exams). The exam covers all of the topics listed on the BACB's RBT Task List.You’ll have 90 minutes to complete the exam, and it is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers. The exam costs $50 to take, and many online resources, practice exams, and study guides can help you prepare. It’s essential to review the key concepts from your training and practice answering questions under timed conditions to ensure you’re ready for the exam.

What Does the RBT Exam Cover?

The RBT exam tests your knowledge and application of ABA principles. Specifically, it focuses on the following five main areas:

1. Measurement: Understanding how to collect, record, and analyze data on client behavior.
2. Assessment: Knowledge of conducting preference assessments and skill assessments.
3. Skill Acquisition: Implementing programs to teach new skills to clients, including communication, social skills, and daily living activities.
4. Behavior Reduction: Utilizing strategies to reduce challenging behaviors while teaching alternative skills.
5. Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice: Ensuring ethical behavior, maintaining professional boundaries, and knowing the limits of your practice as an RBT.

Each section of the exam represents a vital component of your daily duties as an RBT. The ability to accurately collect data, implement skill acquisition programs, and manage behaviors is at the heart of what RBTs do.

Career Path and Opportunities

Once certified, RBTs have a wide range of career opportunities, primarily working in settings such as schools, private clinics, in-home ABA therapy programs, and even hospital environments. Typically, RBTs work with children diagnosed with autism or other developmental disabilities, implementing individualized treatment plans under the guidance of a BCBA.Here are some potential career paths for an RBT:

1. In-Home ABA Therapist: Many RBTs work in clients’ homes, providing one-on-one therapy in the child’s natural environment. In-home therapy is beneficial as it allows for direct observation and intervention in real-life settings, such as during mealtime or playtime.
2. School-Based RBT: Some RBTs work in schools, supporting students with developmental or behavioral challenges. This role involves collaborating with teachers and school staff to ensure the student receives appropriate support within the academic environment.
3. ABA Clinic: RBTs may work in dedicated ABA clinics, where they provide therapy to children in structured settings. This role often includes implementing a variety of skill-building activities and behavior intervention strategies under the supervision of a BCBA.
4. Specialization in Certain Populations: While most RBTs work with individuals with autism, some choose to specialize in working with adults with developmental disabilities, individuals with mental health challenges, or other specific populations.
5. Supervisory or Educational Roles: With experience, RBTs may move into supervisory roles, helping to train new RBTs or even working toward higher certifications like the BCaBA or BCBA.
6. Research and Development: Some RBTs contribute to the growing body of research in behavior analysis by assisting in clinical trials or research studies focused on ABA therapy.

Advancing Your Career: Becoming a RBT

For those interested in furthering their career, becoming an RBT is just the beginning. Many RBTs choose to pursue further education and training to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). To become a BCBA, you must complete a graduate program in behavior analysis, obtain supervised fieldwork hours, and pass the BCBA certification exam.Becoming a BCBA opens up more career opportunities, including the ability to design and oversee ABA programs, work in research or academic roles, and pursue leadership positions within clinics or therapy centers.

The Role of Double Care ABA in Your Career Journey

At Double Care ABA Therapy, we understand the value of highly trained RBTs and the vital role they play in delivering effective ABA services. Our team is dedicated to empowering both our clients and our staff by fostering growth, providing supervision, and offering opportunities for career development. Whether you're just starting out as an RBT or looking to advance in the field, Double Care ABA Therapy offers a supportive environment where you can thrive.Through our in-home ABA therapy services, highly trained BCBAs work closely with RBTs to deliver personalized treatment plans that make a real difference in the lives of families. Join our team and become part of a community that’s transforming lives through compassion, dedication, and excellence in ABA therapy.