This Registered Behavior Technician (RBT®) training requirement includes the theory of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), providing you with the required 40-hour training needed before scheduling an Initial Competency Assessment with your contracted supervisor at your employment site.
With the support of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) instructor, you will learn the steps required to administer behavioral intervention plans, record, and prepare data for the behavior analyst, and follow ethical decision-making and protocol, as described by the board. You will learn about the common functions of behavior, how to use motivators and reinforcers, conduct preference assessments, and protocols for crisis prevention, as well as how to reduce or increase target behaviors by following a behavior intervention plan.
After successfully completing this RBT course, you will receive a certificate to be used as part of your BACB application process. You will transition to the Practice Initial Competency Assessment, which will allow you to apply skills you learned in your training and ensure you are confident and ready to complete the assessment with your supervisor at your place of employment. The Practice Competency Assessment mimics the components required for your official Initial Competency Assessment, set forth by the BACB.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of psychiatric technicians and aides is projected to grow 13% by 2033, which is significantly faster than the average growth rate for all occupations (4%). About 18,400 job openings are projected each year, on average, during this period.
ZipRecruiter reports that the average salary for a Registered Behavior Technician is $42,702 per year. However, more experienced professionals can exceed $60,000 annually based on location, organization, etc., according to Lightcast labor and salary data.
As a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), you can seek professional opportunities in a variety of growing industries not limited to psychiatric technicians and aids, behavioral disorders and mental health, and education. In this role, RBTs often leverage their training and education to help the board-certified behavior analysts as they are improving people’s behavior.
As an RBT, your responsibilities may vary but, according to Indeed.com, can include the following:
This course meets the BACB requirements for 40-hour training. As of January 1, 2024, BACB requires that all Initial Competency Assessments be completed by the candidate’s employer. This course provides the 40-hour training certificate and an opportunity to prepare for the Initial Competency Assessment. Both the 40-hour training and successful completion of an Initial Competency Assessment are required for eligibility to sit for the Registered Behavior Technician Certification exam.
There are no prerequisites to complete this course bundle. Students will complete the 40-hour training first, which will unlock the practice competency assessment access. You will need access to a video camera (on your phone or other familiar device) and be able to upload the video as an .mp4 file to the assignment pages for review. These activities are required to successfully pass the course.
A certifying exam can only be scheduled if the following criteria have been met:
This course only prepares you for the 40-hour training component. To complete the Initial Competency Assessment, it is expected that you have an existing qualified supervisor, or that you are not pursuing an RBT certification. Effective January 1, 2023, only individuals who reside in the United States (US), Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom (UK) may apply for BACB certification.
Rachel L White
Rachel L White, Ph.D., BCBA-D, has participated in federally funded grants implementing School-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) in public schools and training parents of children with autism using online and video-conferencing technologies. She has coordinated both center-based and in-home programs. She has also supported a private school, a preschool, and school-based services and provided parent, caregiver, and community educational opportunities.
Dr. White completed her Doctorate in Behavioral Psychology from the University of Kansas in May 2010. Her studies focused on structuring classrooms for student success and early intensive behavioral intervention for children with developmental delays.
Jen Stansel
Jen Stansel has a strong background in special education, with eight years teaching learners with disabilities, particularly those with autism, social and communication skills. She recently began working as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in the private sector. In this capacity, Jen has worked directly with teens and young adults with autism. She has also served as a consultant for various schools and organizations with an emphasis on staff training.
Jen holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature & Creative Writing and a master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Arizona. She also has a certificate in Behavioral Analysis from Sage Graduate Colleges.
As an Alaskan, Jen enjoys spending her free time skiing, gardening, hunting, and fishing, ideally in the company of her two huskies.
Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.
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