Top RBT 40-Hour Training Courses in 2025
- Ashleigh
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) field continues to grow, driven by increasing demand for autism and developmental services. In 2024 alone, over 80,000 individuals became certified as Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)! As of May 2025, there are 206,440 active RBTs—a staggering increase from just 16,000 a decade ago. This explosive growth highlights not only the rising need for ABA services but also the importance of quality training for new technicians.
The goal is not to simply get more people in the door but rather to comprehensively prepare technicians for a meaningful and rewarding career. This all starts with the first step toward RBT certification: The 40-hour RBT training.
Highest-Ranking 40-Hour RBT Training Courses
With so many course options available, how do you know which one is right for you? One of the key factors in identifying a quality RBT training is the exam pass rate. Each year, the BACB publishes exam pass rates per training provider for the previous year. This chart breaks down the courses with the highest pass rates in 2024—80% and above—along with each course's costs to help you make an informed decision.
Training Provider | Pass Rate | Cost |
100% | N/A | |
100% | $995 | |
100% | $150 | |
93% | $149 | |
91.7% | $148 | |
91.7% | $995 | |
90.6% | $79 | |
88.6% | ||
87.5% | $75 | |
87.2% | $29/week | |
87.1% | $349 | |
86.9% | $150 | |
86.4% | $200 | |
84.2% | $149 | |
82.9% | $150 | |
82.8% | $99 | |
81.9% | $249 | |
81.6% | $99 | |
80.8% | ||
80.5% | $337.50 | |
79.9% | $30 |
You can see pass rates for all courses that had 10 or more first-time RBT candidates here.
Additional Factors When Considering RBT Courses
The pass rate and cost are two major factors to consider when choosing an RBT training course. Some other key factors to explore include:
The course format—in-person, online, hybrid, self-paced
Course support and resources—study materials, post-course support
Instructor experience and qualifications
Meets current BACB requirements
Reviews and recommendations
If you don't currently work in the ABA field and organizations in your area require RBT certification prior to employment, you'll also want to look for a training provider that offers the competency assessment. You don't want to find yourself stuck after completing the 40-hour course without a BCBA and a client to conduct the competency assessment with.
Overall Pick: Best RBT Training Provider in 2025
Our overall pick for the best RBT training provider is AppleTree Connection. Developed by a highly experienced BCBA, AppleTree Connection's RBT course empowers technicians with the training, mentorship, and real-world application to deliver high-quality behavior-analytic care. They also offer career guidance to navigate the field upon obtaining certification, so techs aren't left on their own after completing the course and passing the exam.
AppleTree offers a 6-week live cohort as well as a self-paced training course for flexibility. They also offer the RBT competency assessment for those who don't yet have access to a BCBA at their place of employment.
RBT Pass Rates
The first-time pass rate for RBT exams has been on a steady decline over the last several years. In 2024, the overall pass rate was 73%, down 11% from the 84% pass rate in 2020.
Unfortunately, the stats are even more grim for retakes. For those who don't pass on their first try, the pass rate for subsequent tries is only 36%. This highlights the need for taking a high-quality RBT course and dedication toward studying for the exam. While taking a free course can be tempting, it's important to consider pass rates and other factors to ensure the course will adequately prepare you for the RBT exam.
Registered Behavior Technician Commonly Asked Questions
How can you become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)?
The RBT certification requires three main components: The 40-hour course, a competency assessment, and a final exam. Learn more about each of these steps in this article.
Do you have to work in the ABA field to become an RBT, or can you get certified on your own?
What is the RBT 40-hour training?
How much does the RBT course cost?
How long does the RBT training take?
Does the RBT training certificate expire?
Where can you find a Behavior Technician or RBT job?
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