A Registered Behavior Technician is a paraprofessional who implements behavior-analytic services.

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Introduction

A registered behavior technician (RBT) is a paraprofessional who has completed a course of study and examinations administered by the behavior analysis Certification Board (BACB) and who has met all other eligibility requirements for certification as an RBT.

The RBT is a frontline worker who provides behavior analytic services. The RBT follows specific instructions and procedures, implemented by a Behavior Analyst to deliver interventions to individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, or other social, emotional, and/or behavior disorders.

What is an RBT?

An RBT is a Registered Behavior Technician. They have completed a certification process that ensures they have the necessary skills to provide high-quality behavior analysis services. RBTs work under the supervision of a BCBA to implement behavior plans and collect data.

The Role of an RBT

A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a paraprofessional who implements behavior-analytic services. An RBT is a certified paraprofessional who has completed a Board Certified Assistant behavior analyst (BCaBA) approved training program and has passed the national Examination for the Certificate of Competence in Behavior Analysis (Exam for the Certification of Competence in Behavior Analysis, or ‘Exam’).

Behavior-analytic services are defined by the behavior-analytic literature as the application of the science of behavior to problems faced by individuals and communities (Bailey, Drijvers, Neely, & Wolf, 2016; Foxx & Franklin, 1997). The term “behavior analyst” is used to describe a professional who practices behavior analysis. A “registered behavior technician” is a paraprofessional certification in the United States granted by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB).

The title “Registered Behavior Technician” or “RBT” was established to promote consistency in paraprofessionals delivering behavior-analytic services across settings and practitioners. The RBT credential is portable across states and employers. Individuals with the RBT credential are able to work under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior analyst.

The Responsibilities of an RBT

A registered behavior technician (RBT®) is a paraprofessional who practices under the close, ongoing supervision of a BCBA, BCaBA, or FL-CBA. The RBT is primarily responsible for the direct implementation of behavior-analytic services. The RBT credential was established by BACB in January 2014.

An RBT may provide child-centered and/or family-centered services in school, clinic, institutional, home, or community settings for individuals with developmental disabilities or other behavioral challenges. In addition to certification, all RBTs must meet continuing education (CE) requirements to maintain their credential.

RBTs do not require certification to practice in any state; however, some employers prefer or require certification. To learn more about how you can become an RBT, please visit the Getting Started page. If you are already an RBT and would like to renew your credential, please visit the Renewing Your Certification page.”

How to Become an RBT

An RBT is a credentialed professional who implements behavior-analytic interventions. The RBT credential is awarded by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Requirements for becoming an RBT include completing a bachelor’s degree, completing a minimum of 40 hours of training, passing the RBT exam, and being supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

The Requirements to Become an RBT

In order to become an RBT, candidates must complete the following steps:

1.Complete a course on the evidence-based principles of behavior analysis.
2.Pass a competency assessment administered by a qualified supervisor.
3.Submit an application to the Behavior Analysis Certification Board™ (BACB).
4.Fulfill continuing education requirements every two years.

Candidates who complete these steps and meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the BACB will be able to use the RBT credential.

The Process of Becoming an RBT

The first step to becoming an RBT is completing a behavior technician training program that covers the RBT Task List. This training must be at least 20 hours, and cover all of the core topics in behavior analysis. After you have completed a behavior technician training program, you will need to pass the RBT exam.

Once you have passed the RBT exam, you will need to apply for credentialing with the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB). The BACB is the credentialing board for behavior analysts, and they oversee the process for becoming an RBT. The application process includes submitting proof of passing the RBT exam, as well as documentation of your experience working with clients.

After you have applied for credentialing and been approved by the BACB, you will be able to use the title “Registered Behavior Technician” and use the initials “RBT” after your name. You will also be able to work as aBehavior Technician in any setting that employs them, including schools, private clinics, in-home ABA therapy services, and more.

Conclusion

A registered behavior technician (RBT) is a technician who has completed a specific training program in behavior analysis and has passed a national examination administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. An RBT works under the supervision of a certified behavior analyst and is responsible for implementing behavior-analytic interventions.

The demand for RBTs has grown rapidly in recent years as the science of behavior analysis has been increasingly applied to treating a variety of challenges, including autism spectrum disorder intellectual disabilities, and substance abuse.