How To Get My RBT Certification

Getting your RBT certification is a fairly simple process that can help you secure a great and flexible job.

• Do you enjoy working with kids?
• Are you looking for a rewarding career focused on positively impacting people’s lives?
• Interested in position where the job is dynamic and interesting?
• Do you want a job that is flexible, great pay, and high in demand?

Many people spend hours and hours deciding on a career to delve into. Constantly looking for the right fit can be stressful and overwhelming. Thinking about college/degree is expensive and a lot of long hard work. Look no further than becoming a Registered Behavioral Therapist.

• The RBT certification is nationally recognized, which means its valid in all 50 states (it can also be valid in Canada!)
• You don’t need a college degree, just pass the board certification.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain your RBT certification.

There are 3 things you need to know before establishing your eligibility

1. Training cannot begin until you are 18 years old.
2. You will need access to your high school diploma or a GED. A copy must be provided upon applying for certification.
3. Within 180 days of your application, a criminal background check will be performed by the board of directors.

Once established, you can start the process of undergoing training.

• Sign up for the 40-hour training course. The course is done online and there are options that are free of charge. The course will review behavior skills training, social skills instruction, teaching with games, and teaching systems and routines.
• Your training will teach you how to go through the BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board) task list, which is a list of steps and practices that’s used when working with clients. You will be tested on this task list during the exam
• Next will be a 3-hour ethics course. The course will guide you through the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code of the BACB. You will have to answer questions from this course during the exam.
• Once complete, you will need to find a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) to do a competency assessment. You will be given a series of tasks to do with a patient during a live session, on which you will be evaluated.
• Upon the completion of the assessment, you will receive a copy of the assessment form. Keep it safe. You will need it when you submit your application.
• You have 90 days after you complete the assessment to sign up for the RBT exam. You have now completed the 40-hour training course and the competency assessment, which leads you to the last part which is applying for the exam.
• First, you must create an account through BACB’s online portal. You will need an email address and password to set one up.
• Next, scan and upload your certificate and assessment results. You will need all three documents- certification of completing assessment, certificate of completed treatments, and your high school diploma/GED.
• You will have to name the instructor or individual who performed the assessment. Enter their information on the application. They will have to fill out a form confirming you passed the course and assessment.
• There will be a $50 fee for you application.
• If denied, you will have 30 days to appeal. It takes 2 weeks to receive a response. If rejected, you can apply here for an appeal.You have now completed step 3 of the RBT Process.

Step 4 is a 4-step process

1. Sign up to take the exam. You will receive an email with instructions on how to do so. The exam is given by Pearson VUE, can find the closest testing center and get approval through their website. (They have very helpful tips to ensure you are all ready for your exam).
2. Pay the $45 exam fee
3. Bring 2 forms of ID to the exam. Try to show up 15 minutes early so you can check in on time. You can now also take the exam online. Pearson VUE will be able to guide you on locations and where you can take the exam.
4. You will have 90 minutes to complete the exam with 75 questions, plus 10 ungraded ones.

You may start using your RBT certification as soon as you receive your certificate from the BACB and have a qualified RBT Supervisor and/or RBT Requirements Coordinator on record with the BACB.

Failing the exam:

1. You may retake the RBT examination for a maximum of 8 total attempts within a 12-month period following your initial examination approval.
2. An Examination Retake Application will be available online via your BACB account within 48 hours of each failed examination attempt.
3. You will receive an examination authorization email within 48 hours of submitting the Examination Retake Application, which will provide further instructions on how to schedule a new examination appointment.
4. A fee is not currently required to submit a retake application; however, you must wait 7 days to retake the examination following your previous attempt.

Renewing your RBT Certification:

1. Your certification must be renewed once a year.
2. You will have to undergo a competency assessment.
3. Once passed, your certificate is renewed.

The process is very straight forward and easy to obtain. Make sure you are aware of the requirements to ensure your certification stays active. For any more details, please refer to the RBT handbook on the BACB website.

If you are unsure of the process or need any help, please do not hesitate to contact our office and we will more than glad to guide you through the process.