The RBT Initial Competency Assessment
After the 40-hour training, you must show a qualified assessor that you can actually do the work. The 2026 Initial Competency Assessment has 19 tasks; three of the teaching and behavior-reduction tasks must be demonstrated with a real client.
The 19 tasks
Every task must be completed. Tasks 1 to 12 and task 14 are shown with a client or in a role-play (another person acting as the client). Tasks 13 and 15 can also be done by interview, and tasks 16 to 19 are interview only. Three of tasks 6 to 14 must be done with a client.
| Task | What you demonstrate | Section | Exam task |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Continuous measurement (e.g., frequency, duration, latency, IRT) | Measurement | A.1 |
| 2 | Discontinuous measurement (partial and whole interval, momentary time sampling) | Measurement | A.2 |
| 3 | Entering data and updating graphs | Measurement | A.4 |
| 4 | Preference assessments | Assessment | B.1 |
| 5 | Collecting ABC data | Assessment | B.3 |
| 6 | Discrete-trial teaching | Skill acquisition and behavior reduction | C.3 |
| 7 | Naturalistic teaching (e.g., incidental teaching) | Skill acquisition and behavior reduction | C.4 |
| 8 | Task analyzed chaining | Skill acquisition and behavior reduction | C.5 |
| 9 | Shaping | Skill acquisition and behavior reduction | C.10 |
| 10 | Discrimination training | Skill acquisition and behavior reduction | C.6 |
| 11 | Prompt and prompt fading procedures | Skill acquisition and behavior reduction | C.7 |
| 12 | Token systems | Skill acquisition and behavior reduction | C.11 |
| 13 | Crisis/emergency procedures according to protocol (role-play, client or interview) | Skill acquisition and behavior reduction | D.7 |
| 14 | One of: antecedent interventions, differential reinforcement, or extinction | Skill acquisition and behavior reduction | D.3 |
| 15 | Objective session notes (client, role-play or interview) | Professionalism and requirements | E.4 |
| 16 | Examples of maintaining client dignity (interview) | Professionalism and requirements | F.1 |
| 17 | Examples of maintaining professional boundaries (interview) | Professionalism and requirements | F.7 |
| 18 | Describing BACB supervision standards for RBTs (interview) | Professionalism and requirements | F.3 |
| 19 | A situation in which you would seek clinical direction (interview) | Professionalism and requirements | E.2 |
The exam-task column is our mapping to the closest task in the RBT Test Content Outline, to help you study; it isn't part of the BACB form.
How it's run
- With a client: the assessor watches you perform the task with a client who receives behavior-analytic services.
- Role-play: another person plays the client. This is allowed when doing the task with a client isn't possible.
- Interview: a live conversation, in person or online, in which you describe the concept with examples and non-examples. Questions can be tailored to your clients and workplace.
The assessment can take one or several sessions, in person, live online, or through videos recorded specifically for it. If you don't show competence on a task, the assessor can give corrective feedback and assess it again on another day, as many times as needed. Feedback can't be given during the final assessment of a task. The assessor initials each task and marks the method used, and the Responsible Assessor signs the attestation when all 19 are done. Only the BACB form is accepted.
Who can assess you
- The Responsible Assessor is a BCaBA or BCBA who has completed the 8-hour supervision training, and is employed at (or contracted with) the same organization as you and the client.
- Assistant assessors hold an active RBT certification or higher and have shown proficiency through direct observation.
- No assessor may be related to, subordinate to, or employed by you. The person who delivered your 40-hour training can also be your assessor.
- If a BCaBA or RBT is assessing, their own supervisor must also be employed by or contracted with the organization where the client receives services.
Timing
The assessment must be completed after the 40-hour training and no more than 90 days before you submit your certification application. Plan it close to the date you'll apply. The timeline calculator shows your deadline.
Preparing for it
The assessment and the exam test the same skills from different sides: the assessment checks that you can do them, the exam that you understand them well enough to apply them to new situations. Practise each task's procedure with your trainer or supervisor, and use the task study pages linked above to make sure you can explain what you're doing and why.
Sources
- BACB, RBT Initial Competency Assessment Packet, effective January 1, 2026
- BACB, Registered Behavior Technician Handbook (updated 06/2026)
Checked October 27, 2026. The BACB updates its requirements from time to time; your BACB portal account and the current RBT Handbook are the final word.