Key Takeaways
- No, you do not need a college degree to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). A high school diploma or equivalent is the only educational requirement.
- RBT certification is based on completing a 40-hour training program, passing a competency assessment, and successfully taking the RBT exam.
- Our 40-Hour RBT Training is self-paced and fully online, making it easy to start your career without a college degree.
Can I Be an RBT Without College?
If you're considering a career as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) but don’t have a college degree, you might be wondering if it’s a requirement. Good news! You do not need a college degree to become an RBT. The RBT certification is accessible to individuals with a high school diploma (or equivalent), making it a great career choice for those who want to enter the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) without attending college.
What Are the Requirements to Become an RBT?
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) sets the standards for RBT certification. Check out its published RBT Handbook for full details on certification. Here are the requirements:
- Education Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent (no college degree needed).
- 40-Hour RBT Training: Must complete a BACB-approved training course.
- Competency Assessment: A BCBA supervisor evaluates your ability to perform RBT tasks.
- Background Check: The BACB requires a criminal background check to become an RBT
- Pass the RBT Exam: Demonstrate knowledge of the RBT Task List 2.0 to become certified.
Once certified, RBTs work under the supervision of a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) to implement behavior intervention plans for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Ready to get started? Our self-paced 40-hour RBT Training prepares you for certification—anytime, anywhere.
Can I Become an RBT Without Experience?
Yes! Many new RBTs start with no prior experience in ABA. The 40-hour RBT training covers everything you need to know about ABA principles, ethics, and techniques. Plus, your BCBA supervisor will guide you during your Competency Assessment and on-the-job training.
What If I Want to Continue My Education?
While a college degree is not required to become an RBT, some RBTs use this certification as a stepping stone to further careers in ABA and related fields, such as:
- BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst): Requires a bachelor’s degree in behavior analysis or a related field.
- BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst): Requires a master’s degree and advanced ABA coursework.
- Other Careers: Many RBTs go on to become special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, or occupational therapists.
If you’re considering advancing your education later, becoming an RBT is a great way to gain hands-on experience in ABA before committing to a degree program.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RBT?
Since no college coursework is required, you can become an RBT in as little as a few weeks!
- 40-Hour RBT Training: 5 days (This is a BACB minimum requirement).
- Competency Assessment: 1-2 weeks, depending on your supervisor’s availability.
- Application & Exam Scheduling: Varies, depends on BACB processing time and exam date availability.
Many candidates complete the entire RBT certification process in as little as 3-6 weeks! Plus, many ABA companies offer paid training while you work toward certification.
Start Your RBT Journey Today!
A college degree isn’t required to become an RBT—just a passion for helping others and a commitment to learning! If you're ready to take the first step, our self-paced 40-hour RBT Training makes it easy to start your career in ABA today.