RBT Certification Eligibility Requirements  

A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) works directly with both children and adults 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.  

What Are the RBT Certification Eligibility Requirements?  

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 includes 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.  

RBT Certification Timeline  

For many aspiring RBTs, the certification process can typically be completed in 1 to 2 months, depending on the training program and scheduling availability. Here’s an estimate of what you can expect in terms of timeline:   

• Meet the Eligibility Requirements – Gather required documentation (1-2 weeks).  

• Complete the 40-Hour Training Program – Online or in-person training (1-4 weeks).  

• Pass the Competency Assessment – Supervised assessment to demonstrate your skills (1 week).  

• Submit Your Application – Apply through the BACB (1-2 weeks for approval).  

• Pass the RBT Certification Exam – Once approved, schedule and pass your exam (varies based on availability).  

Remember, the certification timeline looks different for everyone. It’s important to go at your own pace and take the time you need to feel prepared, especially ahead of the certification exam.   

How to Pass the RBT Certification Exam: Study Tips  

An important part of your RBT certification process is the final exam, and with the right study strategies, you can feel ready and prepared to succeed. Start by reviewing the materials from your 40-hour training program, focusing on key concepts like measurement and data collection, skill acquisition, and behavior reduction strategies. Study guides and practice exams can also help you identify areas that need improvement and get you comfortable with the test format.  

It may be helpful to create a study schedule to keep yourself on track, breaking your study sessions into manageable blocks of time. On your test day, make sure to get a good night’s sleep and eat a balanced meal to stay focused. Managing your time wisely during the exam will help you answer all the questions within the 90-minute window.  

The RBT exam consists of 85 multiple-choice questions, with 10 unscored questions included for research purposes. If you don’t pass on your first try, you’ll have up to eight attempts within a 12-month approval period to retake the exam.  

Professional Growth Pathway: From RBT to BCBA/BCaBA  

An RBT certification is an excellent first step toward advancing in the field of behavioral health. With real-world experience, you can begin accruing the supervised fieldwork hours required to become a BCBA or BCaBA.  

• BCaBA: Requires a bachelor’s degree and supervised fieldwork hours.  

• BCBA: Requires a master’s degree and additional supervised fieldwork.  

While not all hours as an RBT will count toward these credentials, the experience you gain will help prepare you for future roles. Starting as an RBT allows you to build foundational skills and take the next step toward long-term professional growth.  

Benefits of Becoming a School-Based RBT  

RBT-certified professionals will have the opportunity to work with BCBA across numerous environments, including a classroom. Working as a school-based RBT offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives while gaining valuable hands-on experience. You’ll work in a collaborative environment alongside teachers, school staff, and behavioral health professionals, which provides a strong support system as you develop your skills.   

School-based RBT positions also offer consistent hours and the stability of working in an educational setting. At PTS, we provide the mentorship and resources you need to thrive in your role and advance your career.  

Career Opportunities with Pediatric Therapeutic Services  

Part of the school-based opportunities we offer at PTS includes placing dedicated RBTs in partnering school districts where they can make a difference in the lives of students. By working with PTS, you’ll gain access to professional development opportunities, mentorship from experienced BCBAs, and a strong support network to help you succeed.   

Our school-based roles allow you to apply your skills in real-world settings, receive mentorship from other professionals, and advance your career in behavioral health. If you’re passionate about supporting students and growing in the field, PTS is here to partner with you on your career path.  

Apply as a School-Based RBT with PTS  

With the right eligibility requirements, you can receive your RBT certification and begin developing your profession in the behavioral health field. As a school-based RBT, you can create a solid professional foundation while supporting students’ social-emotional, academic, and behavioral success.   

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!