What is an Registered Behavior Technician/ RBT?

 Registered Behavior Technicians play a vital role at Progress Therapy Center by working directly with clients to carry out individualized care plans. These positions offer flexible scheduling, making them ideal for those seeking adaptable work hours. Starting out as a Behavior Technician is an excellent entry point into the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). At Progress Therapy Center, we’re committed to supporting your growth—whether your goal is to earn your Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential or advance toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).

How to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

Steps to take to become an RBT

1: Meet Eligibility Requirements

  • Age: Must be at least 18 years old
  • Education: Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Background check: Must pass a criminal background check and abuse registry check conducted within 180 days before applying.
  • Obtain CPR Certification 

2: Complete the 40-Hour RBT Training

  • Must be completed through a BACB-approved training program
  • Can be taken online or in-person
  • Covers topics like:
    • Measurement
    • Assessment
    • Skill acquisition
    • Behavior reduction
    • Documentation and reporting
    • Professional conduct
  • Must be completed within 180 days (6 months)

3: Pass the RBT Competency Assessment

  • Conducted in person (or via secure live video) by a qualified BACB certificant (usually a BCBA or BCaBA)
  • Involves demonstrating specific behavior-analytic skills
  • Must be completed after the 40-hour training

4: Submit Application to the BACB

  • Apply through the BACB Gateway (https://www.bacb.com)
  • Upload:
    • Certificate of completed 40-hour training
    • Completed Competency Assessment
    • Background check documentation
  • Pay the application fee

5: Schedule and Pass the RBT Exam

  • Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email to schedule the exam through Pearson VUE
  • The exam is:
    • 85 multiple-choice questions (75 scored, 10 unscored)
    • Time: 90 minutes
    • Content based on the RBT Task List (2nd ed.

6: Maintain Certification

  • Supervision: Must work under close supervision of a BCBA/BCaBA
  • Renewal: Every year
    • Complete a renewal Competency Assessment
    • Submit renewal application and fee
  • Ongoing supervision is required for continued practice as an RBT

Optional: Training Providers

Here are some popular RBT training providers:

  • Relias
  • Florida Tech
  • CentralReach
  • Autism Partnership Foundation (offers free training)


Registered Behavior Technician Application



What is a BCBA/ Board Certified Behavior Analyst?

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) are highly trained professionals with a master’s degree who are certified to oversee and guide the work of Behavior Technicians (BTs), Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), and others involved in care, such as Behavioral Interventionists. They are responsible for designing individualized treatment plans and staying informed on the most effective strategies and tools for delivering personalized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. A diverse team of BCBAs helps ensure that clients from all backgrounds receive the support they need, regardless of the complexity of their challenges.

How to become a BCBA/ Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Steps to become a BCBA

1. Earn a Relevant Bachelor's Degree

  • Required? Yes, as a prerequisite for your graduate education.
  • Field of Study: Psychology, education, social work, or a related field (but any field technically works if you meet later requirements).

2. Earn a Master’s Degree

  • Required? Yes.
  • Program Must Be: Accredited by the BACB ORInclude a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
  • Common Degrees: Master’s in ABA, psychology, education, or special education.

3. Complete Supervised Fieldwork

  • Types of Fieldwork (as of 2022): Supervised Fieldwork: 2,000 hours with 5% supervision Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork: 1,500 hours with 10% supervision
  • Supervision: Must be provided by a qualified BCBA.

4. Apply for the BCBA Exam

  • Submit your: Transcripts (showing VCS or equivalent coursework) Proof of supervised experience Application fee

5. Pass the BCBA Certification Exam

  • Format: Computer-based test (multiple-choice)
  • Content Areas:Behavior assessment Intervention Measurement and data analysis Ethical and professional conduct

6. Maintain Certification

  • Renew Every 2 Years
  • Complete Continuing Education Units (CEUs), including ethics and supervision hours.

BCBA Application