RBT Certification Eligibility Requirements

A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) works directly with individuals to address behavior concerns and assist in implementing effective interventions. 

If you are interested in becoming an RBT, you’ll need to meet several certification eligibility requirements. Then, you can apply to work alongside Pediatric Therapeutic Services (PTS) and advance your school-based behavioral health career. 

Eligibility Requirements for RBT Certification

An RBT is a paraprofessional certification in behavior analysis, allowing you to provide behavioral health services under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). 

To earn your certification, you must apply to and pass an RBT exam. However, before you can apply for the exam, there are a few eligibility requirements you must meet:

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma 
• Pass background check
• Complete 40 hours of training 
• Complete RBT competency assessment

Make sure you have the right documents on hand when applying for your certification. This will include proof of your age, education, a passed criminal background check within the last 180 days, your completed 40-hour training, and your completed competency assessment.

Pass the RBT Certification Examination 

Once you meet the eligibility requirements and successfully apply for the examination, it’ll be time to prepare for test day. 

In the time leading up to your exam, you can review the materials from your training, study guides, and task lists. This can help you know what to expect on the exam and feel confident. Remember to eat a balanced meal beforehand and get plenty of rest! 

You can expect the RBT examination to have 85 multiple-choice questions, which you will have 90 minutes to complete. Ten of the 85 questions will be unscored. 

If you do not pass the exam on the first try, you’ll have eight attempts within the 12-month exam approval period. If you need more than eight attempts, you’ll need to wait until your 12-month approval period ends and then reapply. 

Continue Behavioral Health Education 

You will be expected to maintain your credentials to continue providing behavioral health services. Along with supervision by a BCBA or a BCaBA, you will need to complete a Renewal Competency Assessment annually. This ensures that you adhere to the ethics and best practices of behavior analytics.

For many behavioral health professionals, an RBT certification is a great place to begin their pathway to becoming a BCBA or a BCaBA. With real-world experience, you can begin to accrue the required supervised fieldwork hours you’ll need to become a BCBA or a BCaBA. 

While not all your hours will count as supervised fieldwork, this is a great way to continue your professional development and ensure that the individuals you work with receive the services they need. 

Apply as a School-Based RBT Alongside PTS 

With the right eligibility requirements, you can receive your certification and begin developing your profession in the behavioral health field. At PTS, we place the RBTs who engage with us in our partnering school districts, so they may advance their school-based career. 

If you are interested in a school-based RBT position, apply to work alongside PTS today!