Congratulations on completing your 40-hour RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) training! As you prepare for the next steps on your journey to becoming a certified RBT, it’s essential to understand the timelines and requirements set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). This guide will walk you through what you need to know to smoothly transition from completing your training to obtaining your RBT certification.

1. The Initial Competency Assessment: What It Is and When to Take It #

After completing your 40-hour training, the next step is to complete the Initial Competency Assessment. This assessment is designed to ensure that you can competently perform key tasks required for RBTs.

• When to Take It:
  • You must complete the Initial Competency Assessment after finishing your 40-hour training.
  • This assessment cannot be completed more than 90 days before you submit your RBT certification application to the BACB.¹

2. Submitting Your RBT Certification Application #

Once you have completed the Initial Competency Assessment:

• Submit Your Application:
  • You have up to 90 days from the date of the Initial Competency Assessment to submit your application to the BACB.
  • The BACB will only accept submissions that include a completed Initial Competency Assessment form.²

3. Authorization Period to Take the RBT Exam #

After submitting your application and obtaining approval from the BACB:

• RBT Exam Authorization:
  • Once approved, you have a 1-year period to take and pass the RBT exam. This date is determined by the BACB based on when your application is approved.³
  • You have the flexibility to schedule the exam at a time that works best for you within this 1-year window.

4. Timing Considerations: Potential Delays #

You should be aware that while you have 1 year to take the exam, scheduling an exam slot with Pearson Vue (or another authorized testing center) may involve some delays. It’s advisable to book your exam appointment as early as possible within your authorization period to avoid unnecessary stress.

5. Consequences of Missing Deadlines #

It is imperative to meet the deadlines set by the BACB:

• Incomplete or Late Submission:
  • If your application is not submitted within 90 days of completing the Initial Competency Assessment, you will need to complete another assessment session before your application can be considered valid.
• Failing to Pass the Exam Within 1 Year of Authorization:
  • Should you not pass the RBT exam within the allocated 1-year period, you will be required to re-take the 40-hour training course and complete a new Initial Competency Assessment before reapplying for certification.

6. BACB Guidelines and Resources #

For any further information or clarifications, it’s strongly recommended that you refer to the official BACB documentation and guidelines. You can access the BACB’s RBT Initial Competency Assessment Packet.⁴

Navigating the process from completing your 40-hour RBT training to passing the RBT exam requires careful planning and adherence to the BACB’s guidelines. By staying informed about the key dates and requirements, you can ensure a smooth path to certification.

Footnotes #

1. The BACB outlines these conditions in the 2023 RBT Initial Competency Assessment Packet, Version 11/2023.
2. Ibid.
3. The 1-year authorization period is based on BACB’s policy post-application approval.
4. To access the full RBT Initial Competency Assessment Packet, visit the BACB’s official page.