The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification has grown rapidly over the last several years since its creation in 2014. As of April 2024, there are 168,881 RBTs, an increase of over 30,000 since this time last year! With behavior technician roles in high demand, it's an excellent time to enter the ABA field and create a rewarding career.
What is the 40 hour RBT training course?
The 40 hour RBT training course is the first step in the process of becoming an RBT. Some companies provide in-house training to become an RBT, but not all do, so many people choose to take the course on their own prior to securing employment. If you're curious about what course options you have, you're in the right place!
2023 RBT 40 Hour Training Pass Rates & Costs
The following chart compares several of the top RBT 40 hour training courses, looking at both their pass rates and their costs. In 2023, the overall pass rate for 1st-time test takers was 74%. This is down significantly from 84% in 2020, highlighting concerns about the methods for preparing individuals for the exam and, more importantly, for the role of a behavior technician.
Included in the following chart are only the courses that led to 80%+ of exam takers passing on their first try. I strongly recommend taking the courses with higher pass rates.
Training Provider | 1st Time Pass Rate (2023) | Cost of Course |
95.1% | $149 | |
91.3% | $200 | |
90.5% | $79 | |
90.5% | $296 | |
90.3% | $2,500 | |
88.2% | $75 | |
86.7% | $250 | |
86.5% | $29/week | |
82.9% | Offered through job | |
82.9% | $149 | |
81.9% | $99 | |
81.7% | Information not available online | |
81.6% | $99 | |
81.4% | $79 | |
80.5% | $159 | |
80.4% | $249 |
See the BACB Examination Rates for a comprehensive list of all providers and their pass rates.
How to Choose an RBT Training Course
The pass rate of an RBT 40 hour training course is an important factor in deciding which course to take. Courses with higher pass rates demonstrate a greater ability to prepare technicians for the final exam. For many, the cost is also a necessary variable to consider.
Other considerations when choosing a course provider include:
Is the course in-person, online synchronous, or online asynchronous?
Does the course have positive reviews? Pay attention to mentions of technical difficulties and whether the content was presented in an engaging way
Does the course offer additional services or products? For example, does it offer a competency assessment after completing the course? Does it include a study guide or mock exams to prepare for the exam?
Can you take the RBT 40 hour course online?
You can take the RBT 40 hour training completely online! The majority of RBT training courses are offered entirely online.
How long does the RBT training take?
The RBT training course contains at least 40 hours of content. However, it will likely take a few hours longer as there are quizzes embedded throughout to test your knowledge.
Final Steps
Once you've taken the 40-hour course, your next step is a competency assessment and lastly, a final exam. Read more about what to expect on the RBT exam here!
References
Article updated 4/16/24 with 2023 pass rates.
