Do You Have to Take the RBT Exam Every Year? No, But There’s a Caveat
No, you do not have to take the RBT exam every year. As of January 1, 2026, RBTs must renew certification every two years by completing 12 hours of continuing education instead of annual competency assessments.
Let’s be real, and iam being dead serious, After all the time and energy it takes to pass the RBT exam, the last thing you want to hear is, “Do it again next year.”
So let me help you understand better how it works, and when you do have to retake.
RBT Renewal Requirements Timeline
| Requirement | Before 2026 | Starting in 2026 (new model) |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal cycle | Every 12 months | Every 24 months |
| Competency Assessment | Every year | Only during first renewal cycle |
| CEUs | Not required | 12 hours (every 2 years) |
| Ongoing supervision (5%) | Yes | Still required |
| Renewal fee | $35/year | $50 every 2 years |
| Grace period if expired | 30 days (late fee applies) | Still applies (fee likely the same) |
How Often Do You Have to Renew Your RBT Certification?
You do not need to take the RBT exam every year as long as you renew your RBT certification annually on time.
Right now?
You have to renew your RBT certifications once a year. Every 12 months from the date you became certified, you’re expected to renew.
But starting in 2026, BACB is changing the system to 2 years instead.
So, if you get certified that year or later, you’ll renew every two years instead of one. That comes with a few new requirements, but also some perks.
Do You Ever Have to Take the Exam Again?
Yes, you have to retake the RBT exam only if you let your certification expire and miss the grace period.
If that happens, you’ll need to:
- Retake the 40-hour training (if it’s been over 5 years)
- Redo your competency assessment and
- Reapply and retake the actual RBT exam
Trust me when I say this, please avoid that at all costs. It’s a headache you don’t need. ( I have seen a few of my clients going through this, and it’s a nightmare you can easily avoid.)
What You Need to Renew Your RBT Certification (Current Rules)
So, now in order to renew before your expiry date, here’s everything you’ll need to do:
- Competency Assessment: You must complete a brand-new renewal assessment within 45 days of your expiration. It needs to be done by a qualified supervisor (usually a BCBA or BCaBA).
- Ongoing Supervision: You need proof of ongoing supervision; at least 5% of the hours you worked each month must be supervised. By the way, I have a calculator to see if you met your quota. Click here to calculate for free.
- Application: Submit your renewal through the BACB Gateway.
- Fee: Pay the $35 for the renewal, and if you’re late, it jumps to $50.
Make sure you keep track of your documentation and that they are clean, complete, and submitted on time.
RBT Supervision Hours Calculator
What Changes Will be Introduced After 2026?
So, let’s say you’re certified in 2026 or later; your renewal cycle will be every two years instead of one.
The new model looks like this:
- You’ll no longer need to redo the Competency Assessment every year after the first time.
- Ned to complete 12 hours of continuing education (CEUs) before your renewal.
- The renewal fee goes up to $50, but it covers two years instead of one.
- Your supervision requirement still stays at 5%.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
You will still get a 30-day grace period to submit your late renewal with a $50 fee.
But i
f you still let that pass and do not renew, you will be starting over, a few such as:- Prepare for the exam
- Retake training
- Redo assessment
- Pay for everything again
- Wait for BACB approval before testing
It’s time-consuming, an extra headache, and an extra cost. So, my advice would be to set up a reminder on your phone or write it down somewhere you regularly see and be aware of it at least.
