Becoming a Registered Behavior Technician

Who is a Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®)?

A Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®) is an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) professional that offers 1-to-1 ABA therapy to clients under close supervision of a BCBA. The RBT is responsible for direct implementation of behavior-analytic interventions designed by the BCBA. The BCBA will only allocate therapy responsibilities to the RBT according to the RBT’s training and experience to ensure that the RBT is able to deliver services competently, ethically and safely. The BCBA overseeing client’s programmes and supervising the RBTs will be responsible for the work performed by the RBT on the cases.

What are the eligibility requirements to apply for RBT?

18 years of age
High school diploma
Pass Background check (police clearance- Malaysia)
Complete 40 hour RBT training
Complete initial competency assessment
Pass RBT exam

What is the RBT 40-hour course?

The RBT course is an online training program based on the RBT Task List-2nd Edition. The RBT course has various modules that meet the 40-hour training requirement and needs to be completed within 6 months (180 days). It is fully video-based with training modules designed to help candidates prepare to sit for the RBT Exam offered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Prices for the RBT 40-hour training course varies between $29 - $539. To see a list of available RBT courses online, visit https://masteraba.com/rbt-certification

When are candidates considered certified?

Candidates are ONLY considered certified and are allowed to use the credential ‘Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)’ AFTER passing the official RBT exam offered by BACB. Whereas, completing the 40 hour online training DOES NOT entitle a candidate the certificant as a “Registered Behavior Technician.” It is strongly recommended to NOT falsify credentials in the field. To verify this information, the public is encouraged to verify a professional's certification on the official registry on BACB official certificant registry - https://www.bacb.com/services/o.php?page=100155

What happens after a candidate completes the 40 hour RBT course?

The candidate will need to seek professional supervision by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who will need to guide the RBT through the task list to ensure the RBT is trained competently, safely and ethically with the ‘Initial Competency Assessment’. There is a cost for this assessment. Candidates can also opt for ABA companies with BCBA(s) and check if the employment covers RBT supervision.

At Datakids, ABA therapists have the benefit of receiving BCBA supervision with no additional cost.