How to Become an RBT: Step-by-Step Guide
If you are considering a career in ABA, the RBT is the entry point.
Here is exactly what it takes, how long it takes, and what it costs.
The 5 Steps
Meet the Education Requirement
You need a high school diploma or GED equivalent. That is it. No college degree, no prerequisite courses, no prior experience in ABA.
Complete a 40-Hour RBT Training Course
The BACB requires a 40-hour training course. Most courses are online and self-paced, so you can complete them around your schedule.
Pass a Background Check
The BACB requires a criminal background check as part of the application. Your employer may also require their own background check.
Complete the Competency Assessment
A qualified assessor must observe you working with a client and verify your competency. This is a practical assessment, not a written test. The BCBA uses the BACB's official competency assessment form.
Most people complete this through their employer. If you do not have an employer yet, some training providers offer competency assessment as part of their program.
Pass the RBT Exam
Register through the BACB, then schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. The exam is 85 multiple-choice questions. You have 90 minutes.
The exam is computer-based and available at Pearson VUE centers throughout the United States and internationally. Results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours.
Total Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 40-hour training course | $99 to $300 | Online, self-paced. |
| Background check | $50 to $100 | Required by BACB. Employer may cover this. |
| Competency assessment | $0 to $200 | Often included in employer onboarding. |
| BACB application fee | $65 | One-time application to the BACB. |
| RBT exam (Pearson VUE) | $45 | Computer-based at testing center. |
| Total | $259 to $710 | Many employers reimburse part or all. |
After You Are Certified: Maintaining Your RBT
Your next recertification on or after January 1, 2026 is the last one on the current requirements. Completing it starts your 2-year cycle — so if you recertify in 2026, your next one is in 2028, not 2027. Here is what you need to maintain it:
- Ongoing supervision from a BCBA (at least 5% of your direct service hours)
- A Recertification Competency Assessment, completed with your supervising BCBA, as your current recertification cycle requires — your BACB portal shows your own cycle and expiration date
- Recertification fee paid to the BACB - recertification fee ($50 — the Board's 2-year recertification application processing fee, in force since January 1, 2026)
- As of January 2026: 12 Professional Development Units (PDUs) per 2-year certification cycle. Learn about the PDU requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people complete the process in 1 to 3 months. The 40-hour course takes 1 to 4 weeks, the competency assessment adds 1 to 3 weeks, and exam scheduling adds 2 to 4 weeks.
No. You need a high school diploma or GED. The RBT is one of the most accessible credentials in behavioral health.
85 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes, at a Pearson VUE testing center.
RBTs implement behavior analysis treatment plans under BCBA supervision. Daily work includes running skill programs, collecting data, implementing behavior plans, and documenting session activities. You work in homes, schools, clinics, and community settings.
$15 to $28/hr depending on location, experience, and setting. National average is $20 to $22/hr. See our full RBT Salary Guide.
Yes. The career ladder is RBT (HS diploma) to BCaBA (bachelor's) to BCBA (master's) to BCBA-D (doctorate). Each credential increases your scope of practice and your salary. Many RBTs pursue their BCaBA or BCBA while working.
Ready to Start?
Complete your 40-hour training, then use Special Learning's resources for your ongoing career development.
Related: RBT Salary Guide | Requirements by State | Task List Domains | PDU Requirements