How to become an RBT

A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a paraprofessional certified in behavior analysis by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). RBTs carry out behavior-analytic services under the close, ongoing supervision of a BCBA or BCaBA, who is responsible for their work. The certification was designed for people who already work, or are about to work, at an organization where a BCBA or BCaBA provides services, and most applicants apply after being hired.

1. Check that you're eligible

You must be at least 18 when you apply, have at least a high school-level education or the equivalent, and pass a criminal background check and an abuse registry check. You must also live where the BACB accepts applications: the United States, or Canada outside Ontario. Residents of Australia can apply until January 1, 2027. See RBT requirements for the details of each rule.

2. Create your BACB account

Create a BACB portal account yourself, with your full legal name exactly as it appears on your government ID. If the names don't match, you won't be allowed to take the exam. Use a personal email address, not a work one, because reminders and password resets go there and you may change employers. Don't let anyone else manage the account, and don't create a second one.

3. Complete the 40-hour training

The training must meet the BACB's 2026 requirements and take at least 5 and at most 180 days, counting the start and end dates. Employers, universities and online programs offer it; the BACB doesn't provide training or recommend providers. Check that the certificate carries the 2026 statement. Training completed under the old requirements doesn't count, and there's no bridge course. See the 40-hour training, and compare providers' results in the BACB's pass rates by training provider.

4. Pass the Initial Competency Assessment

After the training, a BCBA or BCaBA (with RBT or higher assistants) watches you perform 19 tasks, from data collection and preference assessments to discrete-trial teaching, prompting and writing session notes. Three of the skill-acquisition and behavior-reduction tasks must be done with a real client. It must be finished no more than 90 days before you submit your application. See the competency assessment.

5. Apply and pay

In your BACB account, start an RBT Certification Application and upload three documents: the attestation form (signed by a BACB certificant who confirms your age, education and checks), your 40-hour training certificate and your completed competency assessment. Pay the $65 fee. Allow two weeks for processing. Applications stay active for 90 days; if you haven't met every requirement by then, you reapply and pay again. See the application.

6. Schedule and pass the exam

Once approved, you get an email with instructions to book through Pearson VUE, which charges $45 per appointment. You have one year from approval to take the exam, and up to 8 attempts in that year. The exam has 85 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes, in English, at a Pearson VUE test center. You get a pass or fail result at the center. See the exam format and how to study.

7. Get added by your supervisor

When you pass, the BACB emails your certificate letter (with your certification number and expiration date) within about 24 hours, and you appear on the BACB Certificant Registry. Your certification starts as inactive: you can't practice or call yourself an RBT until your RBT Supervisor or RBT Requirements Coordinator adds you as a supervisee in their BACB account. From then on you must be supervised for at least 5% of your service hours each month. See supervision requirements.

What it costs

• BACB certification application: $65 (nonrefundable).
• Pearson VUE exam appointment: $45 each time you take the exam.
• Rescheduling within 30 days of the exam: $27 or $32; no changes within 48 hours.
• Recertification every two years from 2026: $50.

Veterans who qualify for the GI Bill can be reimbursed for BACB exam fees by the Department of Veterans Affairs, whether or not they pass. Training, background checks and the competency assessment are often arranged by employers; their cost depends on the provider. All the fees are in RBT exam costs.

Plan your dates

The checks, the attestation, the competency assessment and the application each have their own time limit. Enter your dates in the RBT application timeline calculator to see every deadline at once.

Common questions

How long does it take to become an RBT?

The 40-hour training takes at least 5 days. After the competency assessment and checks, allow about two weeks for the BACB to process the application, then book the exam. The rest depends mostly on how quickly you can schedule the competency assessment and an exam appointment.

How much does it cost to become an RBT?

The BACB application fee is $65 and each Pearson VUE exam appointment is $45. Training, background checks and the competency assessment are often provided or paid for by employers, but costs vary.

Do I need a degree to become an RBT?

No. You need at least a high school-level education or the equivalent, and you must be at least 18 when you apply.