What to do After the RBT 40-Hour Training (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Ashleigh Evans (BCBA)
- 5 hours ago
- 5 min read
Congratulations, you've completed your 40-hour RBT training! You're one step closer to earning Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification.
So, what happens next? If you’re unsure what to do after finishing your RBT course, you're in the right place. This guide walks you step-by-step through the certification process
Step 1: Complete the 40-Hour RBT Training
If you haven’t finished your training yet, this is your first step. You’ll need to complete a BACB-compliant 40-hour course. Make sure the course is based on the 3rd Edition Test Content Outline (2026 and later).
We recommend AppleTree Connection's course, which offers both self-paced and live cohort options. You can also explore other top-rated RBT training programs here.
Should You Get Hired Before or After Training?
Some ABA companies hire non-certified technicians and provide the required training and competency assessment in-house. Others require applicants to complete the 40-hour course—or even be fully certified—before hiring.
Before you proceed, a good next step is to:
Search for behavior technician openings in your area
Review qualification requirements
Ask whether they support employees through certification
If you can find an ABA organization that provides training and covers exam costs, that’s often the easiest pathway into the field. Keep in mind that non-certified behavior technician roles are more common in some regions than others.
Step 2: Competency Assessment & Background Check
The next step is the competency assessment and background check, which would be completed by the same organization. There are a few different routes to this.
The BACB requires that the assessor and applicant either:
Be employed by the same organization, or
Have a formal contractual relationship involving the client(s) included in the assessment.
With this, you can complete the competency assessment in the following ways.
Get Hired at an ABA Company
This is the most common route, though not available in all areas or offered by all companies.
Some ABA companies hire non-certified behavior technicians and support them through the certification process. If you pursue this path:
The organization will conduct your background and abuse registry checks upon hire.
A qualified BCBA or BCaBA supervisor will complete your Initial Competency Assessment.
You’ll demonstrate required skills directly with clients.
Many employers reimburse application or exam fees after you pass, which is an added bonus. When applying, let employers know you’ve completed the 40-hour training and are eager to finish the certification process.
Contract With a Training Provider
Because some companies, especially in certain regions, will only hire already certified RBTs, the BACB clarifies that the competency assessor may also have a contractual relationship with the applicant and clients. This doesn't mean you can just find any BCBA to complete the assessment, though. The arrangement must meet BACB requirements:
The assessor must be a BCBA or BCaBA who has completed the 8-hour supervisor training.
A client from the assessor's organization must be involved in at least part of the assessment.
A formal contract must be in place between the client(s), applicant, and the assessor.
Some RBT training providers, including AppleTree Connection and ATCC, offer the competency assessment through a contractual agreement.
Note: The Initial Competency Assessment is valid for 90 days. You must apply for the exam within that window, or you will need to complete a new assessment.
Step 3: Apply for RBT Certification Through Your BACB Account
Once you’ve completed your Initial Competency Assessment, you’re ready to apply for RBT certification through your BACB account. Complete the RBT Certification application, including submitting the RBT Application Attestation Form and the $65 fee.
The BACB usually approves or denies applications within a few days. You can view the current application processing time here.
Step 4: Schedule and Pass the RBT Exam
Once your application is approved by the BACB, you’re ready for the final step: scheduling and passing the RBT exam. Here’s what to expect.
Schedule the RBT Exam Through Pearson VUE
After your application is approved, you’ll receive an email from the BACB with a link and instructions for scheduling your exam through Pearson VUE, the official testing provider. Click that link, which will take you to the Pearson site, where you can schedule a date, time, and location that works for you. You'll also need to pay a $45 scheduling fee at this time.
Note: Be sure to pick a date and time that work in your schedule. If you need to cancel, there are cancelation fees:
Cancel/reschedule 31+ days in advance: $0 fee
Cancel/reschedule 5-30 days in advance: $27 fee
Cancel/reschedule 48 hours-5 days in advance: $32 fee
Cancel/reschedule less than 48 hours in advance: Not allowed
What’s on the RBT Exam?
The RBT exam consists of 85 multiple-choice questions total, which includes:
75 scored questions
10 unscored pilot questions
You won't know which questions are pilot ones, so take your time answering each question!
You'll have a 90-minute time limit. While studying for the exam, pay attention to both understanding the content and learning how to answer questions quickly (fluency)!
The exam covers the content outlined in the RBT Test Content Outline (TCO), encompassing the following domains:
Data collection and graphing
Behavior assessment
Behavior acquisition
Behavior reduction
Documentation and reporting
Ethics
Need help studying? Our full-length RBT Study Guide breaks down every item on the Test Content Outline with clear explanations and practice-style questions to help you feel confident on exam day.
What Happens After the Exam?
After your exam, you'll find out right away whether you passed or not. If you pass, you'll officially be a Registered Behavior Technician! Because you need ongoing supervision, you'll be listed as inactive until you have a BCBA supervisor who reports you as a supervisee.
If you don't pass on your first attempt, you'll have the opportunity to retake it. The BACB gives you eight total attempts in a 12-month period, from the time when your application was originally approved. You'll need to pay another $45 Pearson Vue fee for each attempt, though.
Overview: Becoming and RBT and Maintaining Certification
To recap, the pathway to becoming an RBT follows a clear sequence:
Complete the 40-hour training
Pass the Initial Competency Assessment + Background Checks
Apply through the BACB
Pass the RBT exam
Most candidates complete their competency assessment through an employer, while others contract with a qualified training provider. Once your application is approved and you pass the exam, you officially earn your RBT credential.
Maintaining Your RBT Certification
After passing, be sure to pay attention to the steps necessary for maintaining certification.
To maintain your certification, you must:
Receive Ongoing Supervision: At least 5% of your monthly hours must be supervised.
Attend Professional Development Events: RBTs need 12 hours of professional development every two years.
Renew Certification: Every two years, you'll need to renew your certification through the BACB. This entails a $50 fee and an application. There are no additional tests to renew.
Final Thoughts
You’re just steps away from starting a rewarding career in ABA. Stay organized, prepare intentionally, and take the process one step at a time.
We’re wishing you the very best on your RBT certification journey—you’ve got this!
Additional Resources
RBT Professional Development Library: Explore options for professional development providers that offer engaging, relevant content.
RBT Training Study Materials: Prepare confidently with a study guide, practice exam, and flashcards.
ABA Job Board: Explore open RBT and BT roles in your area.