Yes, the BACB requires that the 40-hour RBT training be completed in no fewer than 5 days and no more than 180 days. If not completed within this window, the training becomes invalid and must be retaken to qualify for RBT certification.

For an RBT, the 40-hour RBT training is a ritual and requirement one has to go through.

I have personally gone through the training and the RBT Exam, so I will share firsthand personal experience on the training, how the training works, and what happens after you finish.

RBT Training Timeline

RBT Training Timeline

Step	Timeline	Details
Complete 40-Hour Training	Start Anytime	Must be finished before moving to competency assessment.
Competency Assessment	Within 180 Days	Must be scheduled and passed within 6 months of training completion.
Exam Application	After Competency	Apply through BACB once training + competency are completed.
Pass RBT Exam	Before Training Expires (1 Year)	You must take and pass the exam within 1 year of training completion.
Annual Renewal	Every Year	Ongoing renewal with supervision + CE requirements.

Is the 180-Day Rule Real for RBT?

Yes, the 180-day deadline is real. Which means, once you start the 40-hour training, you have six months to finish it.

It also means you can’t drag it out longer. If you do, the course doesn’t count, and you’ll have to start over.

The BACB also says you can’t rush it either. So, your training must last at least 5 days from start to finish.

RBT Training Timeline Calculator

How to Complete the RBT Training?

To be honest, it’s quite simple. You just think of the training as your foundation before you ever touch the exam.

I’am gonna be guiding you each step of the way, so don’t worry about it.

40 Hour RBT Training Cumulative Exam Flashcards | Take Free Quiz Online

It will cover everything on the RBT Task List, plus ethics and supervision basics.

1. 40 hours of coursework – spread over modules or classes.
2. Ethics requirement – at least 3 hours focused on professional ethics.
3. Supervision module – 1 hour on what supervision looks like in practice.
4. Qualified trainer – your instructor must be a BCBA, BCaBA, or BCBA-D with supervision training.

My personal advice would be not to skip around. The training must follow BACB standards exactly, or it won’t be valid when you apply.

Is the Training Free?

No, the BACB doesn’t offer free training, and its pricing varies depending on the institute.

• You’ll need to register with a provider (university programs, agencies, or online platforms).
• Fees vary widely depending on who’s offering it.
• Some employers will pay for it upfront, so always ask before buying a course yourself.

So, if you’re job-hunting, look for companies that offer RBT training as part of the hiring process. That way, you save money and also get real-world support.

Does the Training Expire?

The RBT training is valid for one year.

You don’t wanna fail to renew it.

But, you must complete the Competency Assessment within 180 days of finishing the 40-hour course.

Does the 40 Hour RBT Training Expire? No, But Know This

If you miss that window, the training expires, and you must retake it.

After certification, training doesn’t expire, but you must complete annual renewal requirements.

I’m gonna be honest, most people overlook this part, and also confuse a lot, too.

• The certificate itself doesn’t expire. If you completed the 40-hour course correctly, it’s valid.
• What matters is when you complete the competency assessment. That has to happen within 90 days of your certification application.
• If you delay too long, you’ll end up retaking steps, not because the training “expired,” but because the timeline to apply closed on you.

Do You Have to Retake the Exam?

Yes, you can retake the exam after failing the RBT exam

• You can retake the exam up to 8 times in 12 months.
• There’s a 30-day wait between each attempt.
• You don’t need to redo the 40-hour training unless your course was invalid or outside BACB guidelines.