What changed for RBTs in 2026

The exam

Exams now follow the RBT Test Content Outline (3rd ed.), which replaced the RBT Task List (2nd ed.). It has 43 tasks in 6 content areas, built from a job task analysis of entry-level behavior technician work, and the exam has 75 scored and 10 unscored questions. The BACB sets a new passing score whenever the exam content changes significantly, such as with a new outline. See the task list and the exam format.

The 40-hour training

• A new curriculum, the RBT 2026 40-Hour Training Requirements and Curriculum Outline, with eight sections and minimum hours for each.
• Trainers must be active BCBAs or BCaBAs who have completed the 8-hour supervision training; assistants hold RBT certification or higher.
• A new required statement on the certificate: "This training program is designed to meet the 2026 training eligibility requirement for RBT certification. The training is offered independent of the BACB."
• Old trainings don't carry over, and there's no bridge course.

See the 40-hour training.

The competency assessment

A revised RBT Initial Competency Assessment with small changes to content and assessment options. It has 19 tasks. Assistant assessors must hold RBT certification or higher. It must still be done after the training and within 90 days before you apply. See the competency assessment.

Recertification

• Recertification every two years instead of every year.
• 12 professional development units per cycle instead of a competency assessment each time.
• A $50 recertification fee from January 1, 2026.
• RBTs recertifying in 2026 do the Recertification Competency Assessment one last time; from 2027 the form used to return from inactive status is called the RBT Reentry Competency Assessment, with the same content.

See recertification.

If your application straddled the change

• An application approved before January 1, 2026 stays valid for its 12 months: you can take the exam up to 8 times in that period without meeting the new requirements.
• If your approval expired, or your certification lapses, on or after January 1, 2026, you need the new training and the current competency assessment before reapplying.
• A training whose certificate carries the new 2026 statement doesn't need repeating, but you still need the current competency assessment.

Also new in 2026 and 2027

• The United Kingdom was removed from the BACB's jurisdiction (January 2026 handbook).
• Australian residents can no longer apply for BACB certification from January 1, 2027; current certificants there can keep their certification.
• Ontario residents can no longer apply for RBT certification.