Meeting the RBT Training Requirement: What to Expect

Manny Huecias, RBT — Edited by Richard Van Acker, EdD — 6 minute read
It all starts with a thought: “I think I want to become an RBT.”

If that sentence just crossed your mind, congratulations! You’ve taken the first step toward entering the world of behavior analysis. But before you’re out in the field collecting data and supporting clients, there’s one big hurdle in your way: the 40-hour RBT training.
It sounds simple. Just 40 hours, right? Right. (sarcasm)
Except it’s also structured, time-bound, overseen by a qualified supervisor, and designed to actually teach you things you’ll need on the job, meaning, no, you can’t just click through slides while watching Netflix and call it a day.
Here’s what to expect if you are diving into the RBT training process under the BACB’s 2025 standards.

What Is the 40-Hour Training?

To become a Registered Behavior Technician, you must complete 40 hours of training that follows the official RBT Task List (2nd edition). It must be finished within 180 days of starting and must be supervised by a qualified BCBA or BCaBA. Also, the training must be done before you move on to your Competency Assessment.

Yes, there are rules. Yes, the BACB expects you to follow them. This is your formal introduction to the field, and you’re expected to take it seriously.
This is your formal introduction to the field, and you’re expected to take it seriously.
MANNY HUECIAS, RBT

Where Do You Get This Training?

Some folks get hired into ABA companies that offer in-house training as part of onboarding. If that’s your situation, you’re in luck! These programs usually have guidance, built-in supervision, and zero out-of-pocket cost.

Others take the independent route, finding their own program online. There are plenty of options ranging from $99 to $400+. The BACB doesn’t officially approve providers, so you’ll need to do your research: look into who’s teaching the course, how interactive the content is, and whether it clearly follows the Task List. Just because something says it’s 40 hours doesn’t mean it meets the standard.

School-based RBT Course

Since you’re already here and clearly doing your homework, I’ll just mention that my colleagues and I put together a full 40-hour RBT course designed with school-based staff in mind. No pressure at all, but it’s there if you want to...
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What’s in the Training?

The 40-hour course covers six key areas:

  • Measurement — You’ll learn how to collect data on behavior, including how long it happens and how often, and how to do it without introducing chaos into the session.
  • Assessment — You’ll assist with preference assessments and help gather basic data for functional behavior assessments.
  • Skill Acquisition —This section discusses how to teach skills using tools such as discrete trial training, chaining, prompting, and generalization.
  • Behavior Reduction — You’ll learn to identify problem behaviors, understand their triggers, and support effective alternatives.
  • Documentation & Reporting — You’ll practice writing clear, objective notes that meet legal and clinical standards.


And yes, the BACB expects the training to be interactive. Whether you’re doing this online or in person, you should be engaging with quizzes, scenario videos, or feedback modules - not just clicking “next” on a slide deck.

How Long Does It Really Take?

Technically, you could finish in a week if you’re laser-focused. Most people spread it out over two to four weeks, especially when juggling work, school, or other responsibilities. Just don’t go past the 180-day limit. The moment you do, the training becomes invalid, and you’ll have to start from scratch. No one wants to repeat 40 hours because they missed a deadline.

Creating a BACB Account

Before scheduling your Competency Assessment or exam, you must create an account on the BACB’s online platform. Head over to www.bacb.com and click 'myBACB.' You’ll be prompted to register and fill out your profile details. Make sure to enter your name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID - this will be checked during your exam.

Once your profile is set up, you’ll select the option to apply for RBT certification. This is where you’ll upload your 40-hour training certificate, background check documentation, and eventually, your completed Competency Assessment form. You won’t be able to move forward without all three pieces, so make sure your paperwork is ready to go.

The RBT Competency Assessment

The RBT Competency Assessment isn’t a written test, it’s a live, one-on-one observation by a qualified BCBA or BCaBA. This person must be employed by or contracted with the organization where you currently or will work.

During the assessment, you’ll be asked to demonstrate a range of skills from the RBT Task List, like prompting, reinforcement, behavior tracking, and ethical interactions. This can be done with an actual client or student (live observation), through role-play, or via interview questions.

At least one skill from each Task List section must be demonstrated live. Your assessor will decide whether you meet the standard for each task. If a few need work, that is completely normal. You will probably get time to review, practice, and try again before they sign off on everything.

The RBT Exam: What to Expect

After the BACB approves your documents, you’ll get authorization to schedule your exam through Pearson VUE. This is a 75-question multiple-choice test based on the task list. You’ll have 90 minutes to complete it.

Expect questions that cover data collection, teaching strategies, behavior support, documentation, and ethics. While the questions are straightforward, they’re detailed enough to catch you off guard if you didn’t study. Focus your prep on fluency with terms and being able to apply them in real scenarios, not just reciting definitions.

Once you submit your answers at the testing center, you'll get your results immediately. The screen will tell you whether you passed or not right then and there.

If you pass, the screen will simply say you passed. You won’t see your score, and you won’t get a breakdown of what you did well or where you struggled, and that’s okay! The BACB doesn’t share that information because, at the end of the day, they only care that you passed.

If you don’t pass, the system will tell you which areas need improvement so you know where to focus your studying. Don’t panic. You can retake the exam after a short waiting period, and you’ll have multiple chances to try again. It’s not the end of the road — it just means it’s time to regroup, review, and come back more prepared.

RBT Study Materials

“It’s not the end of the road—it just means it’s time to regroup, review, and come back more prepared.”

We can help! These materials are perfect for enhancing understanding and building confidence to succeed as a behavior technician.
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When You Pass
(and What Comes After)

Once you pass the exam, congratulations! You’re now a certified RBT! Your certification is active for one year.

During that time, you’ll need to receive ongoing supervision from a qualified professional, log your hours, and renew your certification before it expires.

The BACB has strict maintenance requirements, so keep your documentation organized. Supervisors are required to observe you regularly and ensure your skills stay sharp. RBT work isn’t just about passing a test; it’s about showing up consistently and supporting your clients with intention and integrity.
RBT work isn’t just about passing a test; it’s about showing up consistently and supporting your clients with intention and integrity.
MANNY HUECIAS, RBT

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

People mess up this process more than they realize. Some common issues:

  • They think the 40-hour course includes the Competency Assessment—it doesn’t.
  • They submit an incomplete BACB application and get stuck refreshing their email for weeks.
  • They celebrate finishing the training by immediately forgetting everything they learned and trying to “wing” the Competency Assessment with vibes and charisma alone.
  • They choose a sketchy training provider who isn’t properly qualified.
  • They list their supervisor as “Mom” and are shocked when the BACB doesn’t approve it.
  • They start the training but don’t finish it in time. 


Double-check the details. Stay organized. It’s easier to do it right the first time than to explain how your ID photo didn’t match because you used one from high school and forgot you have a beard now.
From the start of your training to the day you see “pass” on your exam results, each part of this process is meant to prepare you for meaningful work.
MANNY HUECIAS, RBT

Final Thoughts

Becoming an RBT starts with a decision, but it takes real follow-through to cross the finish line. The process is straightforward, but it’s not something you want to rush or take lightly. From the start of your training to the day you see “pass” on your exam results, each part of this process is meant to prepare you for meaningful work. You’ll be supporting people who count on you to show up with patience, skill, and a steady hand. That means being prepared, being ethical, and staying organized.

And if you’ve made it to the end of this blog? You’re probably exactly the kind of person we need more of in this work. Stick with it, ask for help when you need it, and take pride in doing it the right way.
written by

Manny Huecias

Manny Huecias is a school-based behavior technician and online community host specializing in social, emotional, and behavioral challenges experienced by elementary aged student populations. Manny is a Registered Behavior Technician with college coursework in education and psychology.

EDITED BY DR. RICHARD VAN ACKER