Does the 40 Hour RBT Training Expire? No, But Know This
I know you probably already heard it, but to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), the first major checkpoint is the 40-hour training —it’s mandatory, it’s detailed.
Does the 40 Hour RBT Training Expire?
No, the 40-hour certificate itself does not expire, as long as it was based on the current task list (currently the 2nd Edition).
If I am being honest, you could technically finish it today and apply for the RBT exam a year later. The certificate is still valid.
But here’s what does have time limits:
- Your background check must be completed within 180 days of submitting your RBT application.
- Your competency assessment (the hands-on test after training) must be completed within 90 days of the application.
So while the training certificate lasts, the things that come after it have strict clocks ticking.
That’s where people trip up.
If you want to have a refresher course quickly in small batches, here is a study guide for you.
What Is the 40-Hour RBT Training?
Basically, it’s a structured, BACB-approved training course that covers everything you’ll be tested on in the RBT exam and, even more importantly, everything you’ll do in the field.
I have summarised a few that you’ll be learning:
- Basic principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- How to measure and record behavior
- Techniques for teaching new skills
- How to reduce challenging behaviors
- How to document your work professionally
- Ethics, professionalism, and boundaries
It’s divided up into six core units, matching the RBT Task List (2nd Edition), and by the end, you’ll understand not just the theory, but how to apply it because the training isn’t passive.
The thing about this training is that it will not just help you in theory but also make you engage, reflect, and practice.
How Long Do You Have to Finish It?
The BACB mandates that you complete the training in no less than 5 days and no more than 180 days.
About the method, you can take it online, in person, or hybrid, as long as the training provider is legit.
What Happens After the 40 Hours?
Once you’ve got your certificate in hand, you will have to go through a few more steps, such as:
1. Initial Competency Assessment
This is basically a practical evaluation with a BCBA. You’ll have to demonstrate core skills like collecting data, running a skill acquisition plan, and responding to behaviors.
Don’t expect to get away with this, cause it’s not a written test; it’s hands-on.
About the time schedule, it must be done within 90 days before you apply to take the RBT exam.
2. Background Check
You need a background check, typically done through your future employer or training provider.
Same as before, it must be within 180 days of your RBT application submission.
3. Apply for the Exam
Lastly, once your documents are submitted and approved by the BACB, you’ll be authorized to schedule the actual exam through Pearson VUE.
Quick Breakdown of What the 40-Hour Training Covers
| Section | What You Actually Learn |
|---|---|
| Measurement | Collect and graph data |
| Assessment | Observe and identify behavior |
| Skill Acquisition | Teach new skills using ABA |
| Behavior Reduction | Handle problem behaviors |
| Documentation | Write clean, legal session notes |
| Professional Conduct | Act ethically and know your limits |
Should You Take It Again If It’s Been a While?
Well, it’s a bit more than a yes or no direct answer.
Let’s see, if your certificate is over a year or two old, the BACB will still accept it (as long as it’s valid), but I personally recommend brushing up.
RBT work is hands-on.
You can’t just memorise it and then come for the exam. Unlike other exams, you need your muscle memory to work, and for ethical decisions, prompt fading, data collection, and if that knowledge is cold or hasn’t been active for a while, the exam will hit harder than it should.
But that doesn’t mean you need to redo all 40 hours; however, even a solid refresher course or mock exam can help you feel grounded again.
