How much the RBT exam and certification cost
Getting certified costs $110 in BACB and Pearson VUE fees if you pass on the first attempt: $65 for the application and $45 for the exam appointment. Here is every fee in the RBT Handbook.
Getting certified
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Certification application | $65 | BACB |
| Exam appointment (each attempt) | $45 | Pearson VUE, plus any local sales tax |
| Retake application | $0 | No fee at present; each new appointment is $45 |
| Reschedule or cancel 31 days or more before | $0 | Pearson VUE |
| Reschedule or cancel 30 to 5 days before | $27 | Pearson VUE |
| Reschedule or cancel 5 days to 48 hours before | $32 | Pearson VUE |
| Within 48 hours, late arrival or no-show | $45 | No changes allowed: the appointment fee is lost |
The 40-hour training, the background and abuse registry checks and the competency assessment aren't BACB fees: their cost depends on the provider, and employers often cover them.
Keeping the certification
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Recertification (every 2 years from 2026) | $50 |
| Late fee (during the 30-day reinstatement period) | $50 |
| Voluntary inactive status | $25 |
| Return from voluntary inactive status | $25 |
| Active duty or reserve status | $0 |
| Written verification of your certification (for others to request) | $25 |
| Insufficient funds or returned check | $45 |
Good to know
- BACB fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable; US currency only.
- Veterans who qualify for the GI Bill can be reimbursed for BACB exam fees by the VA, whether or not they pass.
- If your application isn't completed within its 90-day active period, you pay the $65 again with a new application.
- You can print your own verification report free from your BACB account while your certification is active.
Each failed attempt costs another $45 appointment, so it's worth being ready the first time: our mock exams show where you stand in each content area.
Sources
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.