Who is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)?

Helpful Resources • Published on December 25, 2025

Introduction to the RBT Role

In the growing field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) plays a crucial and direct role in providing services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. As an entry-level paraprofessional, the RBT works on the front lines, implementing behavior-analytic services under the close, ongoing supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA), or other qualified supervisor. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the RBT role, including their responsibilities, the certification process, and the career outlook for this vital profession, aiming to improve the quality of care and access to care for those in need.

What is a Registered Behavior Technician?

The RBT credential is a paraprofessional certification offered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), the same organization that certifies BCBAs and BCaBAs

The RBT is the primary implementer of the behavior-analytic services and treatment plans developed by their supervisor. They work directly with clients, often children with autism, to teach new skills, reduce challenging behaviors, and collect data on progress. The RBT role is essential for the effective delivery of ABA therapy, as they are the ones who spend the most time with the client, building rapport and implementing the treatment plan with fidelity.

The Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®) certification is a paraprofessional certification in behavior analysis. RBTs assist in delivering behavior-analytic services and practice under the direction and close supervision of an RBT Supervisor and/or RBT Requirements Coordinator who is responsible for their work.

What Does an RBT Do? Key Responsibilities

The daily responsibilities of an RBT are dynamic and client-centered. While specific duties vary depending on the client's needs and the work setting, some core responsibilities include:

  • Direct Implementation of Treatment Plans: RBTs implement skill-acquisition and behavior-reduction plans developed by their BCBA supervisor. This can involve a wide range of activities, from teaching communication and social skills to implementing strategies to decrease challenging behaviors.
  • Data Collection: A critical component of ABA is data-driven decision-making. RBTs are responsible for accurately and consistently collecting data on client behavior and progress during each session. This data is then reviewed by the supervisor to make informed decisions about the treatment plan.
  • Assisting with Assessments: RBTs may assist their supervisor with preference assessments and other types of assessments to identify client preferences and skill deficits.
  • Communication and Collaboration: RBTs work as part of a collaborative team. They must communicate effectively with their supervisor, other therapists, and the client's family to ensure consistency and continuity of care.
  • Maintaining Professional and Ethical Standards: RBTs are required to adhere to the RBT Ethics Code (2.0), which outlines their professional and ethical obligations
  • This includes maintaining client confidentiality, providing services only within their scope of competence, and seeking supervision when needed.

An ABA therapy session with a child and therapist.


How to Become a Registered Behavior Technician

The path to becoming an RBT is designed to ensure that candidates have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide high-quality services. The requirements set by the BACB are as follows:

  1. Age and Education: Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  2. Background Check: Pass a criminal background check.
  3. 40-Hour Training: Complete a 40-hour RBT training program that covers the RBT Task List. This training must be completed within a 180-day period and must include at least three hours of ethics and professional conduct training.
  4. Competency Assessment: After completing the 40-hour training, candidates must pass an RBT Competency Assessment administered by a qualified BACB certificant. This assessment involves demonstrating proficiency in the skills and tasks on the RBT Task List.
  5. Application and Examination: Once the training and competency assessment are complete, the candidate can apply for the RBT certification with the BACB. Upon approval of the application, the candidate must pass the RBT certification exam, which is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers.

The RBT Certification Exam

The RBT exam is a 75-question multiple-choice exam designed to assess the candidate's knowledge of the RBT Task List. The exam covers six main content areas:

  • Measurement
  • Assessment
  • Skill Acquisition
  • Behavior Reduction
  • Documentation and Reporting
  • Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice

Candidates have 90 minutes to complete the exam. The BACB provides a detailed RBT Handbook that outlines the entire certification process, including exam content and application procedures

Maintaining RBT Certification

Once certified, RBTs must meet ongoing requirements to maintain their credential. These include:

  • Ongoing Supervision: RBTs must receive ongoing supervision for a minimum of 5% of the hours they provide behavior-analytic services per month. This supervision must be provided by a qualified BCBA or BCaBA.
  • Adherence to Ethics Code: RBTs must continue to adhere to the RBT Ethics Code (2.0).
  • Annual Renewal: RBTs must renew their certification annually, which includes completing a renewal application and passing the RBT Competency Assessment each year.

Career Outlook for RBTs

The demand for RBTs is high and projected to continue to grow. As the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder increases and awareness of the effectiveness of ABA therapy grows, so does the need for qualified professionals to provide these services. The RBT role is an excellent entry point into the field of ABA, providing valuable hands-on experience. Many RBTs go on to pursue further education and certification to become BCaBAs or BCBAs.

A professional BCBA working with a client.

Conclusion

The Registered Behavior Technician is a vital member of the ABA therapy team. They are the direct implementers of treatment plans, the collectors of critical data, and the individuals who build strong, therapeutic relationships with clients. The path to becoming an RBT involves rigorous training and a commitment to ethical practice, ensuring that clients receive the highest quality of care. For those interested in a rewarding career that makes a tangible difference in the lives of others, the RBT profession offers a clear and accessible starting point in the dynamic and growing field of Applied Behavior Analysis.