1. What is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)?
A Registered Behavior Technician is a certified Behavior Therapist. A Behavior Therapist typically provides 1:1 behavior intervention (ABA Therapy) to a child diagnosed with autism in the child’s home. Behavior Therapists also work in the school setting. Someone who is a Behavior Therapist and is certified with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) is called a Registered Behavior Technician. This certification give the Behavior Therapist multiple advantages. An RBT typically has more job offers and is paid a higher salary than a non-certified Behavior Therapist. It is also much more rewarding to work as a certified Behavior Therapist (aka: RBT) because truly understanding the science of ABA makes helping clients much easier. It is a wonderfully rewarding feeling to have the knowledge and expertise to confidently do your job.
An RBT is a paraprofessional who practices under the close, ongoing supervision of a BCBA or BCaBA. A BCBA is a masters degree level professional certified in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). A BCaBA is a bachelors degree level professional certified in ABA.
2. How much does an RBT make? How much money is an RBT paid per hour?
According to Glassdoor, RBT salaries average $35,000/year and the RBT hourly wage ranges from $14 to $25 depending on experience.
3. How many RBT jobs are there?
There is a severe shortage of Behavior Therapists. Behavior Therapist is the most common term for the position held by a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Almost every single ABA company in the United States is hiring RBTs to work as Behavior Therapists. For example, if you search for ‘Behavior Therapist’ on Glassdoor, there are 13,859 job openings. If you search for ‘Behavior Therapist’ positions on Indeed, there are 15,652 job openings.
The diagnosis of autism is on the rise and the most effective therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a ABA Therapy provided by a Behavior Therapist. There are thousands of children on waiting lists for ABA Therapy. Right now, there are more ABA companies opening than ever before in history. Virtually all of these new and growing ABA companies are hiring RBTs.
4. Who certifies Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)?
The RBT certification is earned from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). (www.bacb.com)
5. How do I get the RBT certification from the BACB?
7 requirements must be fulfilled to get the RBT certification;
1. Be 18 years old.
2. Have a High School Diploma or equivalent.
3. Complete 40 hours of RBT training. Available here.
4. Pass a Competency Assessment with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This means you will demonstrate competency with 22 different ABA tasks. Many of these tasks will need to be demonstrated with a client.
5. Pass a Background check completed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
6. Fill out the application on the BACB website submitting documentation for all of the above.
7. Pass the RBT Multiple-Choice Examination at a Pearson Testing Center.
Only the ATCC Full RBT Credentialing Program offers ALL of these requirements in one place.
6. How much does it cost to become an RBT?
This depends on if you become an RBT with your employer or on your own. Some employers will pay for you to become an RBT after they hire you. Some people become RBTs on their own so they can get a job doing ABA therapy for the first time. In this case, you will need to find a company that provides the 40-hour RBT training & also find a BCBA who will complete both your Competency Assessment and Background Check. Many students choose to enroll in ATCC’s Full RBT Credentialing program because it includes ALL of the necessary requirements to become an RBT with BACB. See pricing information on the Full RBT Credentialing Program page.
7. How long does it take to become an RBT?
It is reasonable to plan on a 6-month process to become a fully certified RBT with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Although, it is possible to become an RBT in as little as just a few weeks, most students take 30-60 days to complete their 40-hour RBT curriculum, another month to complete their Competency Assessment / Background Check with a BCBA & during the final month successfully pass the Multiple-Choice Exam with the BACB.
8. What are the 3 biggest mistakes students make when trying to become an RBT?
Mistake 1: Taking a 40-hour RBT course from a company that does not offer the Competency Assessment and Background Check with a BCBA. Many RBT students find it very difficult (sometimes impossible) to find a BCBA who is available to provide their necessary Competency Assessment. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you secure a BCBA who will complete your Competency Assessment before starting a 40-hour RBT course with any organization. ATCC Full RBT Credentialing Program.
Mistake 2: When taking the 40-hour RBT course online, it is a mistake to multi-task and do other things while the videos are playing. Success with the highly technical science of ABA requires paying attention to the lessons and taking notes to study from later.
Mistake 3: Taking longer than 180 days to complete the 40-hour RBT training. The BACB has a requirement that the duration of the training must be at least 5 days but not more than 180 days. Taking longer than 180 days will invalidate the training.
