RBT requirements in Iowa

The rules that affect RBTs

• Iowa has no state credential for behavior technicians.
• Iowa Code 154D.4 exempts paraprofessional technicians who deliver ABA services under the extended authority and direction of a licensed behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst.
• Exempt technicians may not represent themselves as behavior analysts or assistant behavior analysts.
• Technicians must use a title indicating nonprofessional status, such as "assistant behavior analyst technician", "behavior technician", "tutor" or "line therapist".
• Behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts are licensed by the Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals (Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing).

BACB requirements apply everywhere

Whatever the state adds, RBT certification itself is the same in every state: the 40-hour training, the Initial Competency Assessment, the BACB exam, and ongoing supervision of at least 5% of your service hours each month. In Iowa, your supervising BCBA must also hold the state license. Your employer and the programs that pay for services, such as Medicaid or insurers, can have their own requirements too. See how to become an RBT.