Major changes are on the horizon for Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) in 2026. The BACB will be replacing annual competency assessments with a continuing education mandate. Not sure how this affects you or where to go for professional development opportunities? Let’s explore!

What’s Changing in 2026 for RBTs?

First, let’s review exactly what the changes are for RBTs. 

Starting January 1st, 2026, the BACB will be implementing the following changes:

• Test Content Outline: The 3rd edition Test Content Outline will be implemented, eliminating the 2nd edition Task List. RBT exams will be based on this new outline. 

• Recertification cycle: Instead of completing an annual renewal, RBTs will renew their certification every two years.

• Annual competency assessment: The current requirement for an annual competency assessment will be removed. Initial competency assessments to earn certification will still be required, but RBTs will no longer need to complete renewal assessments.

• Continuing education: RBTs will need to complete 12 hours of professional development during every 2-year cycle—so roughly 6 hours of continuing education per year.

• Fees: Initial application fees will increase from $50 to $65. Renewal fees will increase from $35 every year to $50 every two years.

Plan Ahead: 2026 RBT Updates Timeline

For those applying for RBT certification in 2026 or later, you must meet all 2026 certification eligibility requirements, including taking the RBT exam based on the 3rd edition TCO. 

For current RBTs who are renewing their certification in 2026, you’ll recertify once more under the current (pre-2026) guidelines. Then, you’ll begin to attend professional development courses, which will apply toward your 2028 renewal.

Example: Bobby’s next recertification deadline is February 15th, 2026. On or before that date, he will complete a renewal competency assessment with his BCBA, then submit a recertification application and pay the fee. This would be the last annual competency assessment he completes. Between February 16th, 2026 and February 15th, 2028, Bobby must attend 12 hours of qualifying professional development. By February 15th, 2028, he would submit his next RBT recertification application. 

While it's never too early to expand your learning, keep in mind that only professional development courses you take after your 2026 renewal will count toward your required hours. In other words, if you attend an RBT continuing education training in 2025, you cannot count it toward your 12 required hours.

How do These Changes Impact BCBAs?

The primary change that impacts BCBAs is the removal of recertification competency assessments. Behavior analysts will no longer need to complete these for current RBTs. BCBAs may have added responsibilities to develop and provide professional development training in their workplace. However, that would be organization-specific and not a general change impacting all BCBAs.

Options for RBT Continuing Education

The BACB allows for flexibility in the ways RBTs obtain continuing education credits. Here are some options.

1. In-service training

RBTs can earn professional development hours through trainings completed at their job provided by a BCaBA, BCBA, or BCBA-D. These trainings must focus on content related to behavior-analytic service delivery, but cannot include training on a specific client’s programming. 

Example: A BCBA at your organization conducts a 1-hour presentation and interactive discussion with all RBTs on teaching skills through play. They share tips, play a video sample, and facilitate role-plays to practice the skills learned.

2. Continuing Education (CE) Event

RBTs can attend live or recorded trainings, workshops, or conferences through an ACE provider. There are currently limited options for continuing education events specifically directed toward RBT content. However, as this new requirement approaches, we anticipate more CE opportunities. See the next section for ACE providers.

3. Behavior-Analytic University Coursework

The final option for RBT professional development is university coursework. The course must be taken from an accredited university, and the RBT must pass with a “C” or higher to count toward professional development credits.

RBT Continuing Education Providers

ACE events are an excellent way to attain professional development requirements independently. Consider the following ACE providers.  

Special Learning

Special Learning has a robust library of continuing education courses. Their RBT continuing education courses include topics like social skills, severe problem behavior, and sensory processing disorder. 

Behavior Webinars

Behavior Webinars offers several pre-recorded options for RBT continuing education. Some of their topics include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Behavior Technicians, Balancing Emotions, and Beating Burnout. 

California Unified Service Providers (CUSP)

CUSP has a library of courses on topics like assent and consent, play skills, and promoting inclusion.

How Much Does RBT Continuing Education Cost?

On average, continuing education costs around $10 per hour. That equates to $60 per year or $120 per 2-year cycle. Ask your employer if this is a covered benefit for employment. Many ABA providers pay for or reimburse continuing education courses. If your company provides the training internally, you shouldn’t have to pay.

What are the Benefits of RBT Continuing Education?

The initial competency assessment and RBT exam ensure behavior technicians enter the field with critical, entry-level skills. But delivering high-quality care requires more than just maintaining those basic skills. Continuing education empowers RBTs to continuously grow, increase their knowledge, and learn new skills. 

Engaging in ongoing professional development offers several valuable benefits, including:

• Improved client outcomes

• Increased confidence

• Career advancement

• Ethical competence

Continuous Learning for Registered Behavior Technicians

The 2026 changes to RBT certification mark an exciting shift toward professional growth and continuous learning. Rather than simply checking a box each year, RBTs will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge, expand their skills, and take a more active role in their career development. 

Now is the time to plan. Start exploring continuing education options and discuss opportunities with your current supervisor. If you’re on the search for a new RBT job, ask potential employers if they provide in-service training or reimburse for continuing education.

Investing in your learning benefits the clients you serve and helps you grow into a more confident, capable, and valued professional in behavior analysis.

Find Your Next RBT Position

Searching for a new RBT role? Explore current opportunities on the ABA Job Board!

References

Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2023, December). BACB newsletter: December 2023. https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/BACB_December2023_Newsletter-241126-a.pdf