A career in behavioral health can allow you to make a positive impact on the lives of others. If that sounds like something you may be interested in, you may want to consider becoming a registered behavior technician (RBT). But what’s an RBT, and what does the work entail? Read on to learn more.
What is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT®)?
A registered behavior technician is a professional who works in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. An RBT typically works under the supervision of another behavioral health professional like a Behavioral Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
What Does an RBT Do?
An RBT primarily works with children to improve behavior. RBTs usually assist children with learning difficulties, communication difficulties, and problematic behaviors. They use applied behavior analysis skills to achieve successful outcomes like helping children adopt socially accepted behaviors.
However, while RBTs mainly work with children, they may also work with teenagers and adults. Overall, the work of an RBT is to promote positive behavior in individuals.
Eligibility Requirements
The position of RBT is an entry-level position with a few requirements. To acquire the RBT certification, you must:
- Be at least 18 years or older
- Have a high school diploma.
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Complete 40 hours of training.
- Pass the RBT exam.
Once you’ve fulfilled these requirements, you won’t be certified yet. You’ll also need to complete an initial competency assessment test before you can get certified. A BCBA usually oversees competency assessment tests. You’ll get certified once the BCBA ascertains that you’re knowledgeable on each item on the test’s Task List.
RBT Task List
As an RBT, you’ll need to be competent in general RBT principles, particularly those listed on the RBT Task List. The principles are:
- Measurement
- Assessment
- Skill Acquisition
- Behavior Reduction
- Documentation and Reporting
- Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice
- How to Take the RBT Exam and Get Certified
First, you’ll need to complete the 40-hour RBT training. The training equips you with everything you need to know about how RBTs work with other ABA professionals. A BCBA must supervise the training. You’ll earn a certificate of completion after finishing the training.
Next, you’ll need to create an RBT account on the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) website to upload your certificate of completion. Once you’ve done this, you’ll need to schedule your competency assessment.
After you pass the competency assessment test, you’ll need an RBT supervisor to help you complete your application. If it’s approved, you’ll be eligible to sit the RBT certification exam.
As of 2021, you’ll need to pay the following fees to sit the exam:
- An application fee of $50, paid to the BACB.
- An exam fee of $45, paid to the examining body – Pearson VUE.
The online exam is a one-and-a-half-hour multiple-choice exam mainly based on the RBT Task List, and it consists of 75 questions.
Who Should Be an RBT?
You should become an RBT if you’re an educator, parent, or health professional who would like to learn Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) techniques to help individuals with behavior challenges. However, applied behavior analysis skills can benefit anyone, especially if you work or live with someone with behavioral challenges.
How Can Becoming an RBT Help My Career?
Becoming an RBT can help you acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to work more effectively with people with developmental challenges like autism and other behavioral challenges. If you want to become an RBT, a good first step would be to visit sites like AppliedBehaviorAnalysisEdu.org.
