The journey to becoming a Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®) is both rewarding and rigorous. One of the vital steps in this journey is completing the RBT Competency Assessment—a process designed to ensure that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to implement Behavior-Analytic services effectively under the supervision of a certified professional. This article will walk you through the competency assessment process, what you can expect, and how you can get started.
What is the RBT Competency Assessment? #
The RBT Competency Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation required for anyone seeking RBT certification. It is conducted by a qualified BACB certificant (BCBA or BCaBA) and serves as a practical assessment of your ability to perform the essential tasks outlined in the RBT Task List (2nd edition). This assessment is crucial because it demonstrates that you can execute these tasks in real-life scenarios, applying the knowledge and skills gained during your 40-hour training.
When Should the Competency Assessment Be Completed? #
The RBT Competency Assessment must be completed after you successfully finish your 40-hour training program. Moreover, it must be conducted no more than 90 days before you submit your RBT certification application to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). This timing is crucial because any assessment done earlier than 90 days before submitting your application will not be accepted.
Who Can Conduct the Competency Assessment? #
A BACB certificant such as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) who meets specific qualifications can conduct the Competency Assessment. Here are a few important criteria:
- The assessor must be actively certified as a BCBA or BCaBA.
- The assessor must have completed an 8-hour supervision training course provided by a BACB-approved provider.
- Starting January 1, 2024, the responsible assessor, assistant assessor(s), and RBT applicant must all be employed at or have a contractual relationship with the same organization.
In some cases, an assistant assessor—an individual who has demonstrated proficiency in the relevant tasks—may assist your primary assessor. However, the responsible assessor is accountable for ensuring the quality, completeness, and accuracy of the assessment.
Assessment Settings: What to Expect #
The RBT Competency Assessment can be administered in various settings to accommodate your unique circumstances. These settings can include:
- With a Client: The ideal scenario where the assessor observes you applying RBT skills in a real-world setting with an actual client. This provides a genuine insight into your competence.
- Role-Play: If a real-client scenario isn’t possible, role-playing can be conducted where you simulate performing the tasks with another individual acting as the client. This is a suitable alternative when real-client scenarios are unavailable.
- Interview: During an interview, you will describe specific tasks, concepts, and procedures. You may be asked to provide examples, nonexamples, and relevant descriptions to demonstrate your understanding and conceptual grasp.
Note that the criteria for using each type of assessment setting are strict. If you do not initially demonstrate competence in a task, the assessor may provide corrective feedback and give you another opportunity to demonstrate your skills. However, corrective feedback is not permitted during the final assessment for any given task.
What Tasks Will Be Assessed? #
The Competency Assessment covers tasks derived from the RBT Task List (2nd edition), divided into major sections:
- Measurement:
- Implement continuous measurement (e.g., frequency, duration).
- Implement discontinuous measurement procedures (e.g., partial interval, momentary time sampling).
- Enter data and update graphs.
- Assessment:
- Conduct Preference Assessments.
- Collect ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) data.
- Skill Acquisition and Behavior Reduction:
- Professional Conduct and Requirements:
- Generate objective session notes.
- Provide examples of maintaining client dignity and professional boundaries.
- Explain supervision requirements and demonstrate knowledge of the RBT Ethics Code.
Three out of the tasks within the Skill Acquisition and Behavior Reduction section must be demonstrated with a client.
Documentation and Responsibilities: #
After you have competently demonstrated each task, the assessor will document your performance, including initialing the tasks you’ve completed and marking the assessment type used. After completing the entire assessment, the responsible assessor will sign and date the attestation form, which will be submitted as part of your certification application.
Remember, your application cannot be processed without this completed and signed assessment form, so it is essential to ensure that all parts of the competency assessment are correctly documented.
How to Get Started #
If you’re ready to take the RBT Competency Assessment, the first step is to find a qualified BCBA or BCaBA who can facilitate this important part of your certification process. MD Analytics offers comprehensive Competency Assessments as part of our services for prospective RBTs. Our experienced BCBAs are here to guide you through the process and ensure you are fully prepared to meet the certification requirements.
To learn more or schedule your Competency Assessment, simply reach out on our contact page, and a member of our team will contact you to discuss the next steps. We also offer renewal assessments and ongoing supervision, ensuring that you maintain your certification and continue developing your skills.
Conclusion #
Completing the RBT Competency Assessment is a significant milestone on your journey to becoming a certified RBT. By understanding the process, preparing properly, and finding a qualified assessor, you will be well on your way to achieving your certification and making a meaningful impact in the field of Behavior analysis. Whether you’re just beginning the process or are preparing to renew your certification, MD Analytics is here to support you at every step.
