How Long Can You Be a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
You can be a behavioral technician (RBT) indefinitely with renewals. Certification lasts one year, changing to two years in 2026. Renewal requires supervision and assessments. If expired over 30 days or inactive for over 2 years, retraining and reapplication are required.
So, you just recently got your RBT credential and are wondering how to keep it and avoid starting over?
I got you today.
Here’s a quick summary if you are in a hurry, but I will explain in detail below.
| Step | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Initial certification | Good for 12 months |
| Renewal opens | 45 days before expiration |
| Late submission window | 30 days after expiration (with $50 fee) |
| Expired > 30 days | Restart process: new exam & assessment |
| 40-hour course validity | No expiration (if based on latest task list) |
| Future change (2026) | 2-year renewal + CEUs |
How Long Is Your RBT Certification Good For?
Your RBT certification is valid for exactly 1 year from the date you pass your exam.
Not forever. Not “until you quit.”
One year. Then it expires unless you renew it.
Which means if you miss the renewal window, you’re out and you lose your active status, and yep, you’ll have to go through the process again.
How Do You Keep It Active?
To keep your RBT Certification, every 12 months, you’ll need to:
- Complete a Renewal Competency Assessment
- Submit your renewal application to the BACB
- Pay the $35 renewal fee
- Keep getting ongoing supervision (at least 5% of your hours)
And you also get a 45-day window to renew before your expiration date.
What happens if you are Late even after the 45-day window?
Wel.. You’ve got a 30-day grace period.
And if you still miss that period (I hope you don’t), you’re no longer certified, and that’s not fun to fix.
What If You Let It Expire?
Like I said above, if you miss that 30-day grace window:
- You can’t work as an RBT anymore
- You can’t bill insurance or be on cases
- You’ll need a new competency assessment
- You also need to reapply and retake the exam
Are there any parts of your credentials that don’t go away?
Well, you don’t have to redo your 40-hour training, as long as it was based on the current task list. At least that part doesn’t expire.
How to Become an RBT in the First Place
I have a complete guide on that on my website; you can check it out. But for now, here’s a quick version of it.
- Complete a 40-hour RBT training (based on the latest task list)
- Pass a background check (done within 180 days of applying)
- Complete an Initial Competency Assessment with a BCBA
- Submit your application
- Pass the RBT exam
- Line up a supervisor, and you’re officially in
It isn’t that time-consuming, depending on how fast you move, you can complete it start to finish from a few weeks to a few months.
Supervision Requirements (Ongoing)
To keep your certification valid, you need ongoing supervision from a qualified BCBA or BCaBA.
Here’s what’s required:
- At least 5% of your total ABA hours must be supervised every month
- You need 2 supervision contacts per month, minimum
- One of those must include direct observation with a client
- You must document it all and keep those records for 7 years
What happens if you are working for two companies?
Then, you need supervision from both companies separately. You can’t combine your hours across jobs.
Do You Retake the Exam Every Year?
No, you don’t retake your exam every year. You only retake the RBT exam if:
- Your certification expired
- You didn’t renew in time
- Or you didn’t meet supervision requirements and lost your credential
If you renew within the 45-day period or the 30-day grace period, as long as you renew properly, you don’t retest.
Does the 40-Hour Course Ever Expire?
No, your course doesn’t expire if your training was based on the most current task list (right now, the 2nd edition).
There’s no set expiration on it.
But just a quick personal advice, make sure you don’t delay your application for years, as that could get tricky if the task list changes.
Upcoming Change: New Rules in 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, RBTs will need to:
- Renew every 2 years instead of 1
- Complete 12 hours of continuing education (CEUs) during that period
But for now, it’s still an annual renewal with competency and supervision.
Do I have to retake the RBT exam every year?
No. Only if your certification expires or you don’t meet renewal requirements.
What if I stop working as an RBT for a while?
You can take a break, but still renew your certification annually to stay active. If you skip renewal, you’ll lose your credential.
Can I work as an RBT if I haven’t renewed yet?
No, you cannot, and even if you miss it by one day, you can’t use the title or provide services.
Do I need a new 40-hour course if I let my certificate expire?
No, you don’t unless the BACB updates the task list, and if your training was based on the current one, it will still count.
