What to Expect During Your RBT Training

The 40-hour RBT training is the first step toward becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), a nationally recognized certification that opens the door to a legitimate and rewarding profession. RBTs play a critical role in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), directly supporting clients and implementing behavior intervention plans. Governed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), this training is a mandatory requirement for all aspiring RBTs, ensuring a high standard of care and professionalism across the field.

This training is more than a checkbox on the path to certification—it’s an immersive experience designed to provide the foundational skills you’ll use daily in your career.

What Does the Training Cover?

The 40-hour RBT training follows the RBT Task List 2.0, which outlines the core competencies you’ll need to succeed in this role. Some of the primary topics include:

• Measurement and Data Collection: Learn how to record and analyze data accurately, a cornerstone of ABA practice.
• Assessment Techniques: Understand how to assist in client assessments and interpret behavior patterns.
• Skill Acquisition and Behavior Reduction: Master techniques for teaching new skills and reducing other behaviors that may interfere with progress.
• Ethics and Professional Conduct: Develop a strong understanding of the RBT Ethics Code to ensure client safety and maintain professional integrity.

Our 40-hour RBT training program extends these concepts by incorporating interactive components like scenario-based learning and real-world video examples, making the material both engaging and practical. For an in-depth look at what RBTs do, explore our blog, "The Role of the RBT in Service Delivery."

Interactive Learning and Assessments

Unlike traditional lectures, the 40-hour RBT training is designed to be interactive and hands-on. At Behavior University, our program includes:

• Scenario-Based Learning: Engage with real-life examples to understand how ABA principles are applied in practice.
• Quizzes and Assessments: Regular knowledge checks ensure you’re mastering key concepts as you progress.
• Practice Opportunities: You’ll have chances to apply skills like data collection, key vocabulary, and ethical decision-making through guided activities.

These features not only help you retain information but also prepare you for the RBT exam, ensuring you’re confident in your abilities by the end of the training. If this seems like a lot of information, don’t worry! Your supervisor and ABA company will be giving you plenty of hands-on practice with feedback, so you can connect what you learn with daily professional experience.

How to Prepare for the Training

• Understand the Requirements: The 40-hour training is a mandatory BACB (Board) requirement, and it must be completed in no fewer than 5 days and no more than 180 days. For more information, see the BACB's RBT Handbook, which outlines certification requirements and guidelines. Be sure to schedule your time to complete the training within the 180-day window; and find a quiet space to focus with a good Internet connection.
• Secure a Supervisor (If Possible): Most RBT trainees have a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) or BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst) guiding them during the training. If you don’t already have a supervisor, try searching online for ABA companies in your area. Many of these organizations are actively hiring RBTs, and they will assign you a supervisor as part of the onboarding process. Supervisors are valuable resources for answering questions and clarifying concepts. But don’t worry! You can complete the 40-hour training if you do not yet have a supervisor.

Start Today (Even If You Don’t Have a Supervisor): If you don’t have a supervisor, you can still begin your journey with our self-paced 40-hour RBT training, which is designed to be accessible and flexible to meet your needs.

If you’re considering this career path, our blog "How to Become an RBT" provides a clear, step-by-step guide to get you started.

Your Next Step

Completing the 40-hour training is the first step in your journey as an RBT. Whether you’re just exploring the field or ready to dive in, this training is your gateway to a meaningful and rewarding career.

Our 40-hour RBT training program is self-paced, interactive, and designed by two doctoral BCBAs to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed. Start today and take the first step toward becoming a Registered Behavior Technician.

For more details about the certification process, don’t forget to check out the RBT Handbook and explore the RBT Task List 2.0 to see the specific skills you’ll be mastering.