Frequently Asked Questions

RBT General Questions About Certification

  • What is a Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®)?

    A Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®) is a paraprofessional certified in behavior analysis, who practices under the supervision of a BCBA, BCaBA, or FL-CBA. They are responsible for directly implementing behavior-analytic services but do not create intervention or assessment plans.

  • What are the eligibility requirements to become an RBT®?

    To become an RBT®, you must:

    1. Be at least 18 years old.
    2. Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
    3. Complete a 40-hour training program.
    4. Pass a criminal background check.
    5. Successfully complete an RBT Initial Competency Assessment.
    6. Pass the RBT certification exam administered by the BACB.
  • Does completing the 40-hour training make me an RBT?

    No, completing the 40-hour training is just one of the steps towards becoming an RBT. You must also complete the Initial Competency Assessment, pass a background check, and then pass the RBT exam conducted by the BACB.

  • What happens after I complete the 40-hour RBT course?

    After completing the 40-hour training, you must identify a BCBA who can conduct your Initial Competency Assessment. Once you pass the assessment, you can apply to take the RBT certification exam.

RBT Assessment and Certification Process

  • What should I do if I don’t feel prepared for the BACB RBT exam?

    If you’re not confident about taking the RBT exam, you can seek additional preparation or study resources. Some training providers offer a money-back guarantee if you feel inadequately prepared after completing their training and fail the exam.

  • What is the RBT Initial Competency Assessment, and when should it be completed?

    The RBT Initial Competency Assessment is a practical evaluation where a BCBA observes and assesses your ability to perform the tasks listed in the RBT Task List. It must be completed after the 40-hour training and within 90 days before submitting your RBT certification application.

  • I don’t have a client, how can I do the RBT Competency Assessment without one?

    If you do not have a client to conduct the RBT Competency Assessment with, you can reach out to your supervisor or training organization for guidance. They may be able to provide simulated scenarios or role-playing opportunities to assess your competency in a controlled setting. Additionally, you can utilize online resources that offer practice scenarios and quizzes to sharpen your skills in the absence of a client. Remember, ongoing training and practice are essential for maintaining your RBT certification.

  • Who can conduct an RBT Initial Competency Assessment?

    A BCBA, BCaBA, or someone under the supervision of a BCBA/BCaBA who meets the BACB’s assessor qualifications can conduct the assessment. Starting January 1, 2024, the responsible assessor, assistant assessor(s), and the RBT applicant must be employed at (or have a contractual relationship with) the organization offering the assessment.

  • What if I fail the RBT certification exam?

    You may retake the RBT exam up to a maximum of 8 times within a 12-month period. If you do not pass after 8 attempts, you must wait until the 12-month authorization period ends before reapplying.

RBT Supervision and Employment

  • Who can supervise an RBT?

    An RBT must be supervised by a BCBA, BCaBA, or a licensed professional in a behavioral health field with applied behavior analysis within their legislative scope of practice. The supervisor must meet the BACB’s supervision requirements and have completed the necessary training.

  • What are the supervision requirements for an RBT?

    RBTs must receive ongoing supervision equivalent to at least 5% of the hours spent providing behavior-analytic services each month. This supervision must include at least two face-to-face, real-time contacts per month, with one observation session.

  • Can an RBT work as an independent contractor in the U.S.?

    According to the BACB and IRS guidelines, RBTs generally do not qualify as independent contractors because they must practice under the close, ongoing supervision of a BCBA, BCaBA, or FL-CBA.

RBT - Maintaining Your Certification

  • How often do I need to renew my RBT certification?

    RBT certification must be renewed annually. The renewal requires completing an RBT Renewal Competency Assessment and submitting it with your renewal application, along with the appropriate fees.

  • What happens if I miss my RBT certification renewal date?

    f you miss your renewal date, your certification will become inactive. You have 30 days to complete the renewal requirements, including paying a late fee, or your certification will expire, and you will need to reapply for certification.

  • Can I take a break from maintaining my RBT certification?

    Yes, you can apply for voluntary inactive status if you need to pause your certification maintenance for up to two years. During this period, you cannot practice as an RBT.

  • What documentation is required to prove I am meeting supervision requirements?

    You and your RBT supervisor must maintain records of the days and times you delivered behavior-analytic services, dates and durations of supervision, formats of supervision (e.g., individual or group), and the name(s) of supervisors. All documentation must be retained for at least 7 years.

RBT Questions About the Training

  • How long is the RBT training?

    The RBT training is a minimum of 40 hours long and can be completed at your own pace. It’s delivered online and must be completed within 180 days of starting.

  • How can I find a BCBA to conduct my competency assessment?

    MD Analytics, as a BCBA-certified provider, also offers RBT Competency Assessments and Renewal Assessments. We provide thorough and supportive assessments to ensure you meet the requirements for your RBT certification.

    To get started or inquire for more information, you can reach us at our contact us page. We’ll promptly reach out to discuss your needs and how we can assist you in achieving or renewing your RBT certification.

Additional Resources

  • Where can I find more information or contact BACB directly?

    For any specific questions not covered here, you can contact the Behavior Analyst Certification Board directly through their website at BACB Contact .

RBT® Supervision Agreement

  • What is the purpose of this agreement?

    This agreement provides a temporary supervision-only relationship to support you in obtaining your Florida Medicaid or Medicare provider number. It does not create an employment or contractor relationship and does not authorize you to bill or perform clinical services until formally credentialed and hired.

  • How long does the agreement last?

    The term of the agreement is 60 days from the date signed unless expressly extended in writing. However, the agreement will automatically end earlier if you are approved for a Medicaid or Medicare provider number.

  • What happens if I get approved by Medicaid or Medicare during the supervision period?

    If you receive credentialing approval during the supervision period, the agreement terminates automatically on the date of approval. You must notify MD Analytics in writing within 48 hours of approval (email is acceptable), and attach a copy of the official documentation.

  • What if I don’t notify MD Analytics after I’ve been approved?

    Failure to notify the company of your credentialing approval within 48 hours will result in a $250 administrative penalty, which is still enforceable even after the agreement ends.

  • If I get approved in the first month, do I still have to pay for the second month?

    Yes—if you do not notify the company on time and your approval occurred during your first month, the second-month payment will still be due. No refunds are provided regardless of when approval occurs if notification is not timely.

  • Can I get a refund if I’m approved early or decide to stop supervision?

    No. All payments made under this agreement are non-refundable, even if the agreement ends early due to credentialing approval or if you withdraw. There are no partial or pro-rated refunds.

  • What kind of activities can I do under this agreement?

    You may participate in non-billable, non-clinical supervision-related activities only, such as observing clinical sessions, participating in compliance training, preparing enrollment documents, and attending supervision or progress meetings. You may not provide client services, bill for your time, or complete clinical documentation.

  • Am I allowed to work or earn wages during this period?

    No. This agreement does not create an employment or contractor relationship. You are not being hired or paid by MD Analytics, and you must not provide any compensable services unless you’re formally credentialed, linked to the group Medicaid number, and onboarded as an employee or contractor.

  • What if I don’t get credentialed in the 60-day period?

    If your application is denied or still pending after 60 days, the company may remove you from the supervision roster and terminate the agreement. If you need more time, you must request an extension in writing before your supervision period ends.

  • Can I extend my supervision if needed?

    Yes, extensions may be available by mutual agreement. You will be required to sign an Extension Addendum and pay for the additional supervision period. You must request an extension before your current agreement expires.

  • Can I rejoin supervision later if I need to?

    Yes, but you must notify MD Analytics in writing (email is acceptable) at least ten (10) days before your agreement is set to expire. Reenrollment is not guaranteed and will depend on available capacity.

  • What happens if I don’t pay on time?

    Payment is due by the 5th of each month. Late payments are subject to a $25 fee or 20% of the amount due (whichever is greater). Continued non-payment may result in immediate termination of supervision services.

  • What if I violate ethical or supervision policies?

    Any misconduct, unethical behavior, or failure to follow Medicaid or BACB® policies may result in immediate termination, and MD Analytics may report your actions to the BACB or Medicaid. You are also fully responsible for any harm, billing issues, or violations you cause.

  • Am I covered by liability insurance?

    You are required to maintain your own professional liability insurance throughout the supervision period. Proof of coverage must be provided upon request.

  • Who do I contact if I have questions or need to report my credentialing approval?

    You should notify MD Analytics by email or certified mail using the contact information listed in the agreement. Email is acceptable for reporting your Medicaid/Medicare approval or requesting supervision extensions.

    Contact Us  

  • Tip for Supervisees

    Review Sections 3.10 (Medicaid Notification & Automatic Termination), 4.4 (No Refunds), and 9 (Termination) carefully—they contain critical deadlines and financial obligations that apply even after the agreement ends.

Common Assessment Questions from RBT Candidates

  • Do I need a BACB account before taking the Competency Assessment?

    Yes. You’ll need a BACB account and a valid BACB ID before we can submit your RBT Initial Competency Assessment results. If you haven’t registered yet, we have a instruction to create an account; it’s free and takes only a few minutes.

  • Can I take this assessment if I haven’t finished my 40-hour RBT training?

    No, to take the Initial Assessment for RBT certification, you must have completed the 40-hour RBT training requirement. It is important to finish the training as it provides the necessary knowledge and skills to pass the assessment successfully. Be sure to complete the training before attempting the assessment to ensure you are adequately prepared.

  • Is your assessment accepted by the BACB?

    Yes! Our assessments follow the official BACB® RBT® Test Content Outline (3rd edition) and meet all BACB® standards. The BACB® conducting your assessment is certified and experienced in RBT® supervision. We have had hundreds of clients go on to become Registered behavioral Technicians (RBT®).

  • How is the assessment conducted?

    Your assessment takes place virtually through Zoom, allowing you to participate from anywhere in the world. After you book your session, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing your Zoom link, detailed instructions, and any prerequisites that need to be submitted before your assessment.

  • What equipment or setup do I need?

    You’ll need:

    • A quiet, distraction-free space
    • A desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile phone with a camera and mic
    • A stable internet connection
    • Access to Zoom

    A checklist will be sent before your session so you know exactly what to expect.

  • What happens if I’m not ready or don’t pass?

    Rest assured, we are here to provide you with the support you need. If you’re not ready during the assessment, we’ll give you clear, constructive feedback and offer a free rescheduling opportunity or a discounted follow-up session (depending on your assessment package).

    We have a 98% pass rate if you follow our emails and use our support materials to prepare you for both the Assessment and final certtification exam.

  • How quickly will I get my completed form?

    We’ll send your completed RBT Initial Competency Assessment and Attestation Packet along with your personalized study plan within 24–48 hours of successfully passing, often sooner. We can also guide you through your BACB submission process if needed.

    Note: Your BACB Audit File must be 100% complete before we can release all completed forms. This verification process typically occurs prior to your assessment. Once you have submitted all the required documentation, the forms will be sent out within 24 to 48 hours of successfully passing.

  • Is this the same as the RBT Renewal Assessment?

    No. This page is for the Initial Competency Assessment only. If you’re already an RBT and need to renew, click here to get more info on our renewal assessment.

  • Can I reschedule or cancel my assessment?

    Yes! We offer easy rescheduling up to 24 hours before your session. There is a reschedule link provided in your confirmation email.

  • Do you offer services in Spanish?

    Yes! We offer bilingual services for Spanish-speaking candidates. You can select Spanish during booking, or use the language toggle at the top of the page to switch the site to Español. Please be reminded that the certification exam is conducted in English, and during the assessment, it is essential to be familiar with the vocabulary in English.