Get Ready for the 2026 RBT Updates
- Ashleigh Evans (BCBA)
- Sep 1, 2025
- 7 min read
If you’re an RBT, BCBA, supervisor, organizational leader, or aspiring behavior technician, you should know about the big updates on the way. In 2026, the BACB will roll out several changes that affect not only those pursuing RBT certification but also current RBTs. Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming and what it means for ABA professionals.
2026 RBT Training Changes
Let's start with updates to the RBT training. Starting January 1st, 2026, all RBT courses must follow the 2026 RBT 40-hour Training Curriculum. If you plan to apply for the RBT exam after this date, your course completion certificate must specify that it meets 2026 standards. If you're looking into courses, but you're not sure when you'll be applying, we strongly recommend selecting a training course that meets both the current and 2026 requirements.
Many providers offer the 40-hour RBT course. They've either updated their training content or are in the process of updating their content to ensure compliance with 2026 standards. When comparing options, be sure to check which version of the training their program follows.
Related: Best RBT 40-Hour Training in 2025
What's Different About the 2026 40-Hour Training?
The new 2026 RBT training will be based on the 3rd Edition Test Content Outline (TCO) rather than the 2nd Edition Task List. Here are a few key updates.
Eight new tasks were added
Four tasks were removed
43 total tasks (six more than before)
Wording changes to some tasks and domains that improve clarity without altering the content
Beyond the overall 40-hour requirement, the BACB now requires a minimum amount of time for each content area. For instance, the data collection and graphing section must take up at least three hours of the training.
What's Not Changing?
These aspects of the RBT exam will not be changing:
The exam will still have 75 questions + 10 pilot questions
The number of domains (6) is the same
The format of the exam
How Do You Know Which Course Version You Took?
If you're unsure whether your course was based on the 2026 standards, check your course completion certificate. If it were based on the current (2025) standards, it would say, "This training program is based on the RBT Task List (2nd ed.) and is designed to meet the 40-hour training requirement for RBT certification." If your course were based on the new (2026) standards, it would say, "This training program is designed to meet the 2026 training eligibility requirement for RBT certification." Courses that cover the requirements of both curricula will include both statements on their certificates.
Searching for a good quality RBT course? Take a look at the Best 40-hour Courses in 2025 to guide your decision.
RBT Initial Competency Assessment Changes
There will be a few changes to the initial competency assessments come 2026. These will include slight changes to content and assessment options. They're also now requiring any assistant assessors to hold BACB certification of RBT or above. If you're applying after January 2026, you'll need to complete the competency assessment using the updated version after completing the new RBT course.
RBT Exam Changes
With the shift to the 3rd Edition Test Content Outline, the exam will have some differences. Domains A, B, and D will represent a slightly larger portion of the exam, with 1-2 more questions from each domain. Domain C, which previously encompassed 32% of the exam, will have five fewer questions, now making up 25% of the exam.
RBT Ongoing Maintenance Changes
Now, let's look at changes that affect current RBTs. The BACB is modifying the way RBTs maintain their certification. Instead of renewal competency assessments and annual recertifications, they're making these changes:
Recertification is shifting to a two-year cycle. Instead of renewing your certification every year, you'll recertify every other year.
Elimination of annual competency assessments. RBTs will no longer complete renewal competency assessments. It is important to note that in 2026, all existing RBTs will complete a competency assessment for their renewal, as usual. In 2027 and onward, there will be no assessment to renew certification.
Introduction of continuing education. RBTs will be required to take 12 hours of professional development every 2-year cycle. This breaks down to just about 6 hours per year.
Note: There are no changes to the supervision requirements. RBTs will continue needing 5% supervision every month. Remember that it is your responsibility to ensure you're receiving the minimum level of supervision.
What is Continuing Education/Professional Development?
Continuing education or professional development is the new requirement for maintaining RBT certification, replacing the annual competency assessment. The goal is for registered behavior technicians to continue learning, growing, and developing their repertoire of behavior-analytic skills beyond the entry-level requirements.
The 12 hours of professional development can be fulfilled through different avenues, including:
In-service training provided by your place of employment
ACE providers—Attending live or on-demand continuing ed webinars, similar to how BCBAs accrue many of their continuing education units (CEUs)
Behavior-analytic university coursework (must pass with a C or higher to count)
When Should RBTs Start Counting Professional Development Units?
It's important to understand when RBTs can begin counting professional development courses to avoid wasting time. If you take courses before your two-year cycle starts, the hours won't count.
For RBTs who take the exam any time in 2026 or later, you can begin professional development any time after passing your exam. Your two-year certification cycle begins upon passing.
For current RBTs (certified before 2026), you'll still do one more annual recertification in 2026. After your recertification application is approved in 2026, your two-year cycle starts, and you can begin professional development trainings.
What Types of Professional Development Courses Should I Take?
It's up to you! Just be sure the courses meet the BACB’s requirements. When exploring options, think about:
Your interests: Which areas of ABA excite you most?
Skill-building: What knowledge or techniques would strengthen your practice?
Client impact: Which courses will help you provide the best support to the individuals you serve?
Certification Fees
With the move to two-year certification cycles, application and recertification fees are changing. While the upfront costs are slightly higher, RBTs will actually save money in the long run. Previously, recertification was $35 per year; under the new system, it will be $50 every two years, a savings of $20 across the cycle.
Application fee: $65
Recertification fee: $50 (every two years)
Key Takeaways
To recap, here are the most important updates to RBT certification in 2026.
2026 RBT Training: Whether you take your training through an online provider, like AppleTree Connection, or through work, your course must follow the 2026 40-hour curriculum based on the 3rd Edition Test Content Outline to apply for the exam in 2026.
Exam Updates: The exam will now align with the 3rd Edition TCO, with some relatively minor changes to the content. The overall structure and passing requirements remain the same.
Initial Competency Assessment: Still required for new RBTs.
Certification Maintenance: Annual recertification and competency assessments are replaced by a two-year cycle with 12 hours of professional development. Supervision requirements aren't changing.
Certification Fees: Application fee is $65; recertification is $50 every two years
Transition Guidance: Current RBTs will complete one final annual recertification in 2026, then move into the two-year cycle. New RBTs (in 2026) begin their cycle after passing the exam.
RBT 2026 FAQ
Will we still complete initial competency assessments?
Yes, initial competency assessments will still be a required component to earning RBT certification.
If I took the RBT course a year ago, can I still use that to apply for the exam?
With the changes to the task list, exam, and coursework, anyone who applies for the exam in 2026 and beyond must take an RBT course that meets the 2026 requirements. Any course you took prior to mid-2025 would not have met these requirements. Some companies updated their courses during the summer of 2025 to ensure the content is aligned with standards from both the 2nd and 3rd editions.
Is there a bridge course for the new content if I have previously taken an RBT course?
There isn't a bridge course. You need to retake the full course with the current standards.
Who can provide the 40-hour training?
This training has to be delivered by a BCBA, BCBA-D, or BCaBA who has completed the 8-hour supervision training. An assistant trainer can help with some tasks, but they must have an RBT certification or above.
What if I've been approved for the exam, but haven't yet passed? Do I need to retake the 40-hour course?
When you're approved for the exam, the BACB gives you eight attempts within a 12-month period. If you exceed eight attempts OR one year has passed and you haven't yet passed the exam, you will need to reapply with the current standards. If you took a 2nd edition course, you'd need to take a new one thar covers the 3rd edition content.
How many hours of continuing education do RBTs need?
In 2026, RBTs will need 12 hours of continuing education every two years.Note: Current RBTs don't start tracking these hours until after their 2026 renewal. In 2026, RBTs will need 12 hours of continuing education every two years.
Note: Current RBTs don't start tracking these hours until after their 2026 renewal.
What are the steps to getting RBT certification in 2026?
To get RBT certified in 2026, you must complete each of these steps:
Complete a 40-hour RBT course that covers the 2026 standards
Pass a background check + abuse registry check
Apply for the RBT exam
What if I'm returning from a voluntary inactive status in 2026?
When you return, you'll complete a re-entry competency assessment. Once you return to active, you can begin professional development to maintain your certification.
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