How to Pass the RBT Registered Behavior Technician Certification Exam

Are you passionate about helping individuals with developmental and behavioral disorders? If so, becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and earning your RBT certification could be right for you.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how to become a Registered Behavior Technician and pass the RBT certification exam with flying colors.

So get your pencils ready—here’s what you need to know.

What does a Registered Behavior Technician do?

An RBT is a paraprofessional who works with individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral disorders.

RBTs work under the close supervision of a behavior analyst to help improve patients’ quality of life by:

• Developing educational plans to help patients with communication, living, and social skills;

• Implementation of behavioral analytic services, including collecting and recording data on treatment outcomes;

• Teaching patients language and communication skills;

• Providing support and training to families and caregivers; and

• Understanding how to reduce/avoid behaviors while seeking to understand their origin.

Registered Behavior Technicians often work in special education classrooms, clinical settings, or homes, offering support to families.

What are the eligibility requirements to apply for the RBT certification?

Before beginning the certification process, make sure you meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Must be 18 years old

• Must have high school-level education or equivalent

• Must pass a background check

• Must complete a 40-hour RBT training program, such as the course offered by MedCerts

• Must take and pass the initial competency assessment.

• Completion of RBT application with the BACB

Once you have completed these requirements, you can apply to take the RBT certification exam.

What is the RBT certification exam?

To earn your RBT certification, you must pass the RBT exam.

Passing the exam and earning your RBT certification will allow you to conduct one-on-one sessions with patients and provide behavior analytic services under the supervision of a licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) issues this exam and certification. The BACB is an accredited nonprofit corporation that serves as the credentialing body for behavior analyst certification. This certification allows you to obtain state licensure as an RBT.

What’s on the RBT Task List (2nd edition)?

To help you prepare for the exam, the BACB provides a Task List that includes the primary tasks that are likely to be performed by behavior technicians with clients. The Task List is organized into six primary content areas: Measurement, Assessment, Skill Acquisition, Behavior Reduction, Documentation and Reporting, Professional Conduct, and Scope of Practice.

Measurement

• A-1 Prepare for data collection.

• A-2 Implement continuous measurement procedures (e.g., frequency, duration).

• A-3 Implement discontinuous measurement procedures (e.g., partial & whole interval, momentary time sampling).

Assessment

• B-1 Conduct preference assessments.

• B-2 Assist with individualized assessment procedures (e.g., curriculum-based, developmental, social skills).

• B-3 Assist with functional assessment procedures.

Skill Acquisition

• C-1 Identify the essential components of a written skill acquisition plan.

• C-2 Prepare for the session as required by the skill acquisition plan.

• C-3 Use contingencies of reinforcement (e.g., conditioned/unconditioned reinforcement, continuous/intermittent schedules).

Behavior Reduction

• D-1 Identify essential components of a written behavior reduction plan.

• D-2 Describe common functions of behavior.

• D-3 Implement interventions based on modification of antecedents such as motivating operations and discriminative stimuli.

Documentation and Reporting

• E-1 Effectively communicate with a supervisor in an ongoing manner.

• E-2 Actively seek clinical direction from supervisor in a timely manner.

• E-3 Report other variables that might affect the patient in a timely manner

Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice

• F-1 Describe the BACB’s RBT supervision requirements and the role of RBTs in the service-delivery system.

• F-2 Respond appropriately to feedback and maintain or improve performance accordingly.

• F-3 Communicate with stakeholders (e.g., family, caregivers, other professionals) as authorized.

You can find BACB’s complete RBT Task List here.

Preparing for your RBT certification exam: Online RBT Prep Course

Through the MedCerts RBT certification exam prep program, you’ll learn about the documentation, protocol rules, and regulations that must be adhered to according to the BACB guidelines and HIPAA regulations. In addition, our Behavior Technician Specialist certification program sets you up to begin your career with the skills to thrive and earn your credentials as an RBT.

Enrolling in the program is fast and easy.

MedCerts RBT program is entirely online and can be completed in as little as 12 weeks.

You’ll benefit from the support of our knowledgeable instructors, who will answer questions and provide guidance throughout your RBT certification journey. To get started, all you need is the following:

• High school diploma or GED;

• Web browser with internet connection; and

• Course payment and registration.

Tuition is affordable for all (and includes all materials).

With the option to pay in full, break down payments, or utilize government grant funding, the MedCerts Tuition Advantage makes access to programming more accessible than ever. Your tuition includes:

• Expert-led video-based training;

• Competency assessments; and

• National certification exam fee.

Built-in support for clinical requirements.

The BACB requires you to complete 40 hours of training before receiving your RBT credential. This training program is based on the Registered Behavior Technician Task List (2nd edition) and is designed to meet the 40-hour training requirement for RBT credentials.

RBT Certification Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to maintain your RBT certification?

You will need to maintain your RBT certification throughout your career. This includes ongoing supervision, adherence to the RBT Ethics Code, and annual RBT renewal.

How long after the exam do you have to apply to become an RBT?

Within 90 days of passing your initial competency assessment, you must apply to become an RBT. During this process, you’ll register with the BACB, complete an application, and pay an application fee. When your application is approved, you may schedule your RBT certification examination.

How much does the RBT exam cost?

As a MedCerts student, your exam cost is covered for you as part of your tuition. Otherwise, the fee for the exam is $45.

How do you sign up for the RBT exam?

To register for the RBT exam, you must first create a BACB account. Once your account is created, you can log in to the RBT portal and complete the RBT application process. Once your application is approved, you can schedule your RBT certification examination.

Where do I take my RBT exam?

The RBT exam is administered by Pearson VUE at authorized testing centers located in the United States and Canada. You can find a list of testing centers on the RBT website.

What jobs am I eligible for once I’m RBT certified?

Once RBT certified, you will be eligible for a variety of jobs related to behavior analysis. Examples include working in residential facilities, educational settings, and home-based settings. RBTs may also work in healthcare facilities or with private agencies providing services related to behavior analysis.

Become a Registered Behavior Technician Today

Now that you understand the ins and outs of the certification process, you’ll be ready to take the next steps toward a rewarding career as an RBT.

MedCerts offers a comprehensive occupational readiness program that will help you approach the RBT Exam with confidence. Explore our Registered Behavior Technician Certification Course today.