How Long Does it Take To Get RBT Certification | Upcoming Changes for 2026
To get your RBT certification, the process takes 1 to 3 months, including 40 hours of training, competency assessment, and the exam. Some fast-track programs can reduce the RBT certification timeline to 2–6 weeks.
I’m gonna assume you are a beginner at this, and you probably want to know how long it takes, what the steps look like, and what happens after you’re certified.
I have been helping first-timers with it for a while now, and I think I can help answer your queries.
How Long Does It Take to Get RBT Certification?
In general, it takes about 4 to 8 weeks from start to finish to get your RBT certification.
Some might finish it faster, and Others take a bit longer, depending on work, school, or delays with scheduling. But that’s the general timeline.
- 1–3 weeks to finish your 40-hour course
- A few days to complete your background check
- Add another week or two for the competency assessment
- Then wait for BACB approval and schedule your exam
Let’s say you keep everything on track, then you’re looking at about 1 to 2 months to finish.
When Does RBT Certification Expire?
Once you pass the exam, your certification will be valid for 12 months.
Exactly one year from your exam pass date.
But there will be changes, and that is starting from 2026, this will change to every 2 years, but for now, renew it yearly, or you might lose it.
Who Qualifies for RBT Training?
Before anything else, there are a few criteria that you need to meet to qualify.
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a background check within 180 days before applying
How Does the RBT Training Work?
The RBT training is a 40-hour course based on the official task list, and it is led by a BCBA, BCaBA, or qualified instructor.
You will be learning over the course:
- Measurement
- Assessment
- Skill acquisition
- Behavior reduction
- Documentation
- Ethics (at least 3 hours)
Unlike the exam, where you have to visit in person, the course/ training can be done online or in person.
But most people finish it in a week or two if they stay focused.
The RBT Certification Process (Step by Step)
Here’s a roadmap of the process:
- Complete your 40-hour training
- Pass a background check
- Schedule your Initial Competency Assessment with a BCBA
- Submit your application to the BACB ($50)
- Get approved and take the RBT exam ($45)
- Once you pass, your BCBA supervisor activates your certification
Now that you have finished the certification process, you’re officially an RBT.
What Affects How Fast You Finish?
If you follow the process like I mentioned above diligently, you can complete the course and have your certification in no time, but a few things can slow you down:
- How quickly your training provider moves
- Whether your BCBA is available for the assessment
- How fast does your background check clear
- Pearson VUE exam availability in your area
- How soon will you apply after finishing the requirements
How to Maintain and Renew Your RBT Credential
You have to renew your certification every year until 2026, when it switches to every two years.
To Renew Each year:
- Complete a Renewal Competency Assessment (within 45 days of expiration)
- Keep proof that you got supervised at least 5% of the time
- Submit your BACB renewal application
- Pay the $35 renewal fee
- If you’re late? Pay an extra $50 and submit within the 30-day grace period
So, don’t waste your time if you know your certification is nearing the 12-month mark to renew, unless you want to start over the exam, assessment, and everything.
