Looking for RBT certification online free? I’m Dr. Sarah Keish, a certified Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), here to guide you through the steps, training options, and essential resources to start your ABA career.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), from cost, requirements, and the 40-hour training to state-specific considerations and career growth.

What is RBT Certification?

The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)credential is a national certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB.

RBTs work under the supervision of a BCBA or BCaBA to deliver behavior-analytic services—often supporting people with autism and developmental disabilities.

It’s a professional entry point into ABA, builds a career foundation in behavior analysis/psychology/education, and follows an internationally recognized standard for training, assessment, and ethics.

The credential, in one line

The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a professional credential issued by the BACB. It verifies that you’ve met training, assessment, and ethics requirements to deliver basic behavior-analytic services.

Who oversees RBTs

RBTs work under ongoing supervision from a BCBA or BCaBA.
The supervisor designs treatment plans, monitors quality and ethics, and reviews data.

Core responsibilities

Implement BCBA/BCaBA treatment plans.
Teach new skills & reduce challenging behavior.
Collect and chart data to guide decisions.
Partner with families, schools, and teams.

Common settings

Clinics, homes, schools, and community programs—often with individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities.

Benefits of the credential

Professional entry point into applied behavior analysis (ABA).
Career foundation for behavior analysis, psychology, or education.
Recognized by employers and payors across the U.S.

Quality & ethics

Training and practice follow an internationally recognized standard from the BACB for quality, supervision, and ethics.

BACB RBT Requirements

Registered Behavior Technician Handbook

According to the RBT Handbook, here’s what you need to qualify for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential.

Required

Age & Education

Must be 18+ with a high school diploma or equivalent.

Background Check

Criminal and abuse-registry screening completed within 180 days before applying.

Training

Complete a 40-hour RBT training program aligned with the BACB’s Task List.

Competency Assessment

Assessment conducted by a qualified BCBA/BCaBA.

Exam

Apply to the BACB and pass the RBT exam via Pearson VUE.

Supervision

Maintain ongoing supervision from a BCBA/BCaBA.

Annual

Renewal

Complete an annual renewal with competency reassessment.

Quick Path to Certification

Meet eligibility – Confirm age/education and complete the background check.
Finish 40-hour training – Aligned to the current BACB RBT Task List.
Pass competency assessment – With a qualified BCBA/BCaBA.
Apply & take exam – Submit to BACB and test with Pearson VUE.
Maintain supervision & renew – Ongoing supervision and annual renewal keep your credential active.

The 40-Hour RBT Training

40-Hour Training Syllabus

Training Syllabus

Structured, BACB-aligned curriculum across seven modules. Expand any module to view topics and activities. Designed to meet BACB delivery rules.

Jump to module

Total Hours

Min Days

Max Days

≤ 180

Module 1

Introduction to ABA & RBT Role

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
History & evidence base of ABA
The RBT’s role within a clinical team
Scope of practice and supervision requirements

Video LectureKnowledge-Check Quiz

Module 2

Measurement

Importance of data in ABA
Continuous measurement (frequency, duration, latency, IRT)
Discontinuous measurement (partial/whole interval, momentary time sampling)
Graphing data and basic interpretation

Activity: Collect & Chart DataQuiz + Short Assignment

Module 3

Assessment

Preference assessments (paired choice, free operant, multiple stimulus)
Skill assessments & curriculum basics (VB-MAPP, ABLLS)
Intro to functional behavior assessment (FBA)

Activity: Video Scenario — Identify PreferencesQuiz

Module 4

Skill Acquisition

12h

DTT: steps, data collection, common errors
NET & incidental teaching
Prompting & fading (LTM, MTL, graduated guidance)
Shaping & chaining (forward, backward, total task)
Reinforcement principles (types, schedules, delivery)
Generalization & maintenance strategies
Error correction procedures

Role-play + PracticeScenario-Based Quiz

Module 5

Behavior Reduction

10h

Four functions (attention, escape, tangible, automatic)
FCT
Differential reinforcement (DRA, DRO, DRI, DRL, DRH)
Extinction: procedures, risks, side effects
Crisis management & safety strategies
Ethics in reduction (least-restrictive procedures)

Case StudiesDiscussionQuiz

Module 6

Documentation & Reporting

Writing clear, objective session notes
Daily data tracking requirements
Mandatory reporting (abuse, neglect)
Communication with supervisors & parents

Activity: Write a Mock Session NoteQuiz

Module 7

Professional Conduct & Ethics

RBT Ethics Code (2.0) overview
Dignity & confidentiality (HIPAA considerations)
Professional boundaries & conflicts of interest
Scope of practice — when to seek supervision
Cultural competence in ABA services

Ethics Case StudiesFinal Comprehensive Exam

Certificate

Certificate of Completion Requirements

Student’s full legal name
Course start & end dates
Total 40 hours
Instructor name, BACB credential, certification number, and signature
Compliance statement: “This course meets the BACB’s 40-hour RBT training requirement.”

Compliance

Delivery Rules (BACB Compliance)

Minimum 5 days, maximum 180 days to complete training.
Hours must be verifiable & tracked (e.g., LMS time logs).
Use quizzes & mastery checks in each domain to prove competency.
Maintain records for potential BACB audit.

RBT Certification Training Programs

State

No separate state technician license noted

What to expect

Complete the BACB RBT® process (training, assessment, exam, supervision).
Expect employer/facility checks; some roles add fingerprinting or payor enrollment.
Confirm locally with your state board or ABA association.

Do the BACB steps

Complete BACB training, assessment, and exam; maintain ongoing supervision.
Employers / facilities may add screening (e.g., fingerprints) and enrollment.

BACB: RBT® Overview Find Your State Board

Why this varies

RBT® is a national BACB credential. Some states (or employers) add local steps like fingerprint-based background checks or registration. Always confirm with your state board, employer, and payor network before you start work.

Informational only. Confirm with your state board, employer, and payor.

Salary and Career Outlook

Based on 2,080 hrs/year for hourly conversions.

Entry-Level

US$28,000/yr—US$32,000/yr

Typical first-year range in many markets.

Average Salary

US$40,000/yr

Approximate U.S. average across roles & settings.

Experienced RBTs

US$45,000/yr—US$50,000/yr

Seasoned techs and lead roles; some earn more.

Your Estimate

US$28,000 / year

Years of experience: 0

High-Demand States

Select a state to add an illustrative +5% market bump.

Career Outlook

Demand for Registered Behavior Technicians continues to grow as ABA services expand across clinics, schools, and home-based programs. Many RBTs move into supervisory roles or continue their education toward BCaBA/BCBA credentials.

Figures shown are broad estimates for informational purposes only and can vary by employer, region, credentials, and hours worked.