The RBT competency assessment is a tool designed by the BACB. This tool is used to examine the RBT candidate’s skill set across specific areas used in behavior analysis.
The Initial RBT Competency Assessment is used before the exam with candidates that have never held the certification or candidates that previously held the certification, but it has expired.
A Recertification Competency Assessment is used to renew a current RBT certification.
The RBT candidate must be employed at a company deemed appropriate for completing the RBT competency assessment. The responsible assessor must also be employed or have a contractual relationship at the same company. Portions of the RBT competency assessment must be performed in person with a client; this client must also be receiving services at the same company.
Many insurance funders require RBT certification for those that will provide direct services to clients. RBTs are required to be regularly supervised by clinicians that hold the BCaBA or BCBA certification. Supervision of RBTs ensures that protocols are being followed consistently, the direct therapy is being observed, and client progress is being monitored.
Key Requirements & Deadlines
A candidate for the RBT certification must meet the following requirements:
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Be at least 18 years old
- Pass a background check
- Complete a 40-hour training to be eligible for the exam
In addition to these requirements:
- The candidate must be assessed by a qualified clinician, known as the responsible assessor, using the RBT Competency Assessment.
- The 40-hour training must meet the standards of the most current BACB RBT Task List.
- The responsible assessor must meet specific BACB requirements.
- An assistant assessor is permitted, but they must also meet BACB-specified criteria.
About the 40-hour training:
- It serves as an introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
- The content is outlined by the BACB and prepares candidates for both the RBT exam and practical application.
- The training must be completed in no less than 5 days and no more than 180 days after it begins.
- It may be conducted in person, online, or as a hybrid of both.
Domains & Tasks: What Is Assessed
A qualified trainer and/or assistant trainer are authorized to provide the 40-hour RBT training. During this program, candidates are introduced to core concepts in applied behavior analysis, including reinforcement, verbal operants, session documentation, data collection, extinction, differential reinforcement, discrete trial teaching, naturalistic teaching, and the three-term contingency.
In addition to technical skills, the training also focuses on RBT ethics and professionalism, ensuring candidates understand the expectations outlined in the RBT Ethics Code. It further covers the process of maintaining certification and ongoing professional conduct.
Each major content area within the 40-hour training has a specific number of required hours dedicated to it, as determined by the BACB guidelines.
Demonstration Formats: What “With Client”, “Role-Play”, & “Interview” Mean
The RBT Competency Assessment includes several formats that allow the candidate to demonstrate their understanding and application of required skills.
1. Interview Format
Some items on the assessment are completed through an interview, where the assessor asks the RBT candidate to explain specific topics.
- Example: The assessor may ask the candidate to explain duration tracking and identify a behavior topography in which this type of measurement would be appropriate.
2. Role-Play Format
In the role-play format, the assessor provides real-life examples and acts as the client to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge and skill performance. This method allows the assessor to observe how the candidate would respond in practical, applied scenarios.
3. With Client Format
The “with client” format involves direct observation of the RBT candidate performing the skill with a client, either in real time or via a recorded session. This demonstrates the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge in real practice.
The RBT Competency Assessment may be completed over multiple sessions. If a skill is not adequately demonstrated, the assessor can provide corrective feedback and re-assess that skill during a later session, which must take place on a different day.
Renewal vs. Initial Assessment: What Changes
Renewal Cycle Updates
- The current RBT re-certification renewal cycle is one year.
- Beginning in 2026, the renewal cycle will change to two years.
- RBTs will be required to obtain 12 Professional Development Units (PDUs) during each two-year cycle.
- A dedicated tab in your BACB account will be available to upload the required documentation.
Professional Development Units (PDUs)
The required PDUs can be earned through various approved activities, including:
- In-service training at the RBT’s current place of employment
- ACE providers
- University coursework approved by the BACB
Renewal Competency Requirements
Since RBTs applying for renewal are already working directly with clients, certain skills must be demonstrated with a client only, without the option for role-play or interview.
- Item 3 and Item 16 in the Renewal Competency Assessment must be demonstrated with a client.
- Additionally, at least three skills from Items 6 through 15 must be demonstrated with a client across both the Initial and Renewal Competency Assessments.
How to Prepare & Practice
1. Review Official Materials
RBT candidates should thoroughly review the current RBT Handbook and the RBT Task List, both available on the BACB website, to ensure they are up to date with all certification requirements.
2. Use Study Resources
When preparing for the exam, several helpful resources are available:
- Review materials from your initial 40-hour training course
- Access mock RBT exams available on both free and paid websites
- Check with your employer for additional study materials or internal resources
3. Practice Key Skills
RBT candidates should:
- Practice taking data and writing session notes regularly
- Ask their qualified assessor to review and provide feedback when possible
Exam Tips
When sitting for the exam:
- Read each question carefully and rely only on the information provided
- Expect a mix of scenario-based questions and ethics-related questions
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Preparation Before the Assessment
After completing the initial 40-hour training and receiving hands-on feedback from a mentor or trainer, candidates should feel well prepared for the initial RBT Competency Assessment. Before the assessment, the RBT candidate should:
- Be informed of the expectations and the assessment format
- Be prepared to work directly with clients as part of the process
Key Considerations for Candidates
Candidates should reflect on the following before and during the assessment:
- Have you been shown the competency assessment before being asked to perform the skills?
- Does the assessor appear confident and knowledgeable in using the assessment tool?
- Does your organization and supervising BCBA support completing the assessment over several days if needed?
If the assessment feels rushed or you do not feel adequately prepared, advocate for yourself. Use the competency assessment as your reference for best practices and next steps.
Purpose of the Assessment
The RBT Competency Assessment is not intended to cause stress. It is designed to document your knowledge and demonstration of specific skills as part of your training before sitting for the RBT certification exam.
Assessment Format & Process
- The initial assessment may be completed in a few hours or across multiple sessions on different days.
- If corrective feedback is provided, reassessment can occur on another day.
- Corrective feedback cannot be given during the final assessment.
- Assessments may be conducted:
- In person
- Live via virtual platform
- Through observation of recorded videos created specifically for assessment purposes
Form Completion & Documentation
- The initial RBT Competency Assessment form must be filled out completely.
- Each section must include the assessor’s initials and a checked box for the assessment type.
- Dates must be written in the correct format (e.g., 09/05/2025) for BACB acceptance.
- The form may be signed electronically, and handwritten signatures on scanned copies are also accepted.
- Any alterations (e.g., white-outs or strike-throughs) must be initialed by both parties.
- Before submission, it’s recommended that a third person review the form for accuracy in addition to the candidate and the assessor.
Next Steps & Getting Support with Theralytics
Theralytics can be used by clinicians to stay organized throughout RBT training. Theralytics has note templates and data collection tools to enhance the training of newly hired staff. Using Theralytics tools to store training records, track tasks completed, provide session note templates, and to generate data for feedback can streamline the training process. Having a seamless process will help the RBT candidates feel well prepared for the initial competency assessment and the RBT certification exam.
FAQ
Q: How long does it take to do the competency assessment? The
The competency assessment can take as little as a few hours or it it can be broken up over a few sessions on different days.
Q: Can I do part of it via video/remote?
Yes, portions of the assessment can be done via recorded video or using a live video conference platform. Be sure that all parties are employed or have a contractual relationship at the same organization.
Q: How many tasks must be with a client?
Item 3 and item 16 in the renewal competency assessment must be demonstrated with a client. At least 3 skills from items 6 through 15 must be demonstrated with a client across both the initial competency and the renewal competency.
Q: What kinds of signatures/documentation are accepted?
A: Forms that have been completed and signed electronically are accepted as well as forms that have been completed and signed by hand and scanned. Use the acceptable signatures policy outlined by the BACB. https://www.bacb.com/terms-of-use/
Q: What happens if I fail a task? Can I retake?
A: Yes, the BCBA/Assessor can provide corrective feedback and then reassess the skill on a different day. You should check with your organization to see if there is a limit on how many times you can take the RBT competency. The BACB does not have a specific limit on the number of times you can be reassessed.
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