How to Become a Registered Behavior Technician

Maybe it’s been your goal for some time to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), or maybe it’s a career path you’ve only recently discovered! Regardless of where you’re at, I think we’re all in agreement that there needs to be some more concise how-tos out there on the steps needed to become an RBT. For this reason, we decided to put together a brief step-by-step guide that will get you well on your way to becoming a Registered Behavior Technician.

But before that, here are some things to keep in mind before you get started on your ABA journey.

Prerequisites for RBT Certification

  • To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years of age.
  • You must hold a high school diploma or equivalent when you apply for the exam (This is not required to take the 40-hour course).
  • You must pass a background check.
  • You must also pass an abuse registry check.

6 Steps to Becoming an RBT:

1. Get Your Training In!

Complete a Certified 40-Hour Training

Before you take the exam, you need to complete a certified 40-hour coursework training module. When you’re hired as a Behavior Technician (BT) at InBloom Autism Services, we provide the 40-hour RBT training module as part of new hire training. Check out our current BT job openings.

Of course, other online agencies can help you with this. A top Google search that can help you with this is “40-Hour RBT Training.” This course does not expire and should meet the requirements of the BACB Task List, 3rd Edition. A reputable provider of the course (like InBloom Autism Services) will indicate that they meet the requirements.

2. Test Your Skills

Competency Assessment

When you have completed the training and received your certificate of completion, you’re required to take a competency assessment–this is a live assessment of your skills. This checks whether you can take the abstract concepts discussed in training and apply them in real time with a client. After you complete the required 40-hour training and no more than 90 days before you submit an RBT certification application, you must demonstrate that you can competently perform the tasks outlined on the RBT Initial Competency Assessment. If you’re not already working with a BCBA or client who will perform the assessment, you can use the BACB registry and other agencies to find one who will!

Remember: The competency assessment must be completed no earlier than 90 days before submitting payment for your exam, but must be completed after the 40-hour course.

InBloom Autism Services is focused on finding and developing the absolute best ABA therapy professionals in the industry. See how we can help your career bloom!

3. Applying for the Exam

Create an Account

Visit https://bacb.com/rbt/rbt-application/ and create a BACB account.

  1. Click My Account in the top right corner
  2. Click Register and type in your email address and password
  3. Log in to the BACB website
  4. Select the RBT tab (the last tab to the left in the middle of your screen)
  5. Click Apply for RBT Credential and fill out the requested information

4. Upload Your Documents

in the cloud

On your gateway account on the BACB website, you will need to upload:

  • A copy of the Certificate of Completion from your training course
  • A copy of the competencies from your Responsible Certificant
  • A copy of your high school diploma, or transcripts/diploma from a higher institution

You’re Almost There!

When all of the documents have been uploaded, you can then apply to sit for the exam, with an application fee of $65 (as of 1/1/2026) paid to the BACB. Once approved, the BACB will email you with an exam ID and detailed registration instructions. To sit the exam, an additional fee of $45 is required, paid to Pearson Vue.

5. Schedule Your Exam

Make Sure you Have Your ID

Visit the Pearson Vue Testing website and search for “BACB”. Select the Behavior Analysis Certification Board and create an account. You will be required to enter the ID provided to you by the BACB before you select your date and time. Remember that Pearson Vue has a fee for proctoring the exam, which you will pay upon scheduling.

6. Exam Time

Arrive on Time

Arrive at your assigned testing center and check in. You are provided a maximum of 1.5 hours to take the exam, which will consist of 75 scored questions and 10 unscored questions. The BACB will provide you with an immediate notification of PASS or FAIL. For the RBT exam, you will not receive detailed feedback on your score or content.

The Benefits of Becoming a Certified RBT

Earning your Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification opens the door to a rewarding career in helping children with autism thrive. Here’s why it matters:

  • Professional Credibility: Your certification proves you have the skills, knowledge, and ethics needed to provide high-quality ABA services.
  • Career Growth: RBTs are in high demand nationwide, giving you strong job security and room to grow in the field of behavior analysis.
  • Accountability and Trust: Certification ensures ongoing supervision, background checks, and adherence to a professional code of ethics.
  • National Recognition: The RBT credential is issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)​, the leading authority in the field.

At InBloom Autism Services, we make the journey easier. From paid training and supervision to exam preparation and ongoing mentorship, we give you everything you need to become certifie​d! Build a meaningful career ​with InBloom, helping kids ​gain the skills they need for independence.

Next Steps- Join Our InBloom Team!

You’ve now taken and passed the exam, CONGRATS! Now it’s time to kickstart your career with InBloom Autism Services. Visit our careers page to see our openings and submit an application! Don’t see an opening in your area? Don’t worry, just reach out to our Talent Acquisition team directly at careers@inbloomautism.com for future opportunities.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Applied Behavior Analysis. We look forward to calling you an official Bloomie!

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InBloom Autism Services is focused on finding and developing the absolute. Our Therapists undergo training to develop a curriculum specifically designed for children aged 5 and under with autism. Our Learning Centers also offer a safe and enjoyable environment for children to interact with their peers. Learn more about our ABA Therapy program!