If you’re interested in a rewarding career in behavior analysis, becoming RBT certified or obtaining your Certification BCBA with a graduate degree can set you on the path toward success.
Whether you’re looking to help individuals with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or other mental health conditions, both certifications offer opportunities to work in this essential field.
This guide will walk you through the entire process of becoming an RBT and later achieving board-certified BCBA certification, including the eligibility requirements, certification exams, fieldwork, and career options, starting with obtaining an undergraduate degree in a relevant field.
Success Stories
“Move Up ABA has been a lifeline for our family. Before starting therapy, our son struggled with daily routines and communication. Now, he’s more independent and even initiated a conversation with a classmate for the first time! The progress we’ve seen in just six months is truly remarkable.”
- Emily R., Silver Spring, Accountant
“As a single dad, I was overwhelmed trying to manage my child’s behavior. The Move Up ABA team not only provided amazing support for my little girl but also taught me practical strategies to use at home. Their in-home sessions fit perfectly with our busy schedule. I’m so grateful for their patience and expertise.”
- Michael T., Rockville, Middle School Teacher
“We were hesitant about starting ABA therapy, but Move Up ABA’s approach put us at ease from day one. Our twins have made incredible strides in their social skills and self-regulation. The therapists are like extended family now, and we couldn’t be happier with our decision to work with them.”
- Aisha and James L., Simpson, Police Officers
Ready to start your child's journey to success? Schedule a free consultation today! 📞 Call (410) 497-8865.
What is an RBT Certified Professional?
An RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) is a paraprofessional who works closely with clients under the supervision of a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) or BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst). RBTs implement evidence-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) interventions, collect data, and provide hands-on support to individuals.
Many recognize ABA as one of the most effective treatments for individuals with developmental disabilities and autism. RBTs play a crucial role in supporting the goals of individuals pursuing a graduate degree and BCBA certification
The RBT certification process prepares individuals who want to work directly with clients in various settings, including residential settings, schools, clinics, and more. It involves completing specific educational and fieldwork requirements and passing grades on the RBT exam, which can serve as a stepping stone toward becoming a certified behavior analyst BCBA.
Steps to Becoming an RBT Certified Professional
1. Eligibility Requirements
The first step to becoming RBT certified is meeting the eligibility requirements. Applicants must:
Be at least 18 years old
Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
Have completed 40 hours of training in behavior analysis
Pass the RBT competency assessment conducted by a BCBA or BCaBA
2. Complete the RBT Training Program
To prepare for the certification exam, candidates must complete a training program covering Applied Behavior Analysis’s fundamental principles, data collection techniques, behavior change procedures, and client-centered responsibilities.
A qualified institution offering a verified course sequence (VCS) must conduct the training program. It should align with the standards set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and lead to board-certified credentials in behavior analysis.
3. Competency Assessment
After completing the 40-hour training program, candidates must demonstrate their skills by passing a competency assessment. A qualified BCBA or BCaBA will conduct this assessment and evaluate your ability to implement effectively.
4. Pass the RBT Exam
The final step to becoming RBT certified is passing the RBT exam. The exam tests knowledge on various aspects of applied behavior analysis, including behavior change procedures, data collection, and the implementation of ABA interventions.
You must achieve a passing score on the exam to earn the RBT certification, which can serve as a stepping stone for those pursuing a graduate degree in behavior analysis.
What is a BCBA and How Do You Become One?
The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential is a graduate-level certification demonstrating advanced behavior analysis proficiency.
Highly trained professionals, BCBAs design, implement and supervise behavior analytic interventions, including implementing interventions under personnel supervision.
They are qualified to provide behavior-analytic services to individuals with autism and other mental health conditions. To become a BCBA, individuals must complete a verified course sequence and receive the necessary education and training in behavior analysis principles and practices.
Becoming a BCBA requires meeting specific education, experience, and examination requirements. The BCBA certification process is more advanced than RBT certification and requires a master’s degree in a relevant graduate degree field, such as psychology, education, or behavior analysis.
Steps to Obtain BCBA Certification
1. Education Requirements
To become a BCBA, you must first obtain a graduate degree, typically a master’s degree, from an accredited university. The degree program must include relevant coursework in behavior analysis, such as experimental design, data display, and behavior change procedures.
Some graduate programs offer specific concentrations in behavior analysis, which can help you meet the education requirements for certification.
2. Supervision Requirements
Before becoming eligible for the BCBA exam, a specified number of supervised fieldwork hours are required.
The fieldwork must be conducted under the supervision of a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) or BCaBA and must include experience in implementing behavior analysis interventions, collecting data, and applying behavior analytic principles in real-world settings.
The total number of fieldwork hours varies depending on the program you are enrolled in. Still, it typically takes around 1,500 to 2,000 hours, which may be part of the requirements for a graduate degree in behavior analysis.
During this time, you will be exposed to various settings, including residential settings, clinics, schools, and private practice. There, you will apply behavior analytic principles under the guidance of your supervisor, preparing you to become a BCBA.
BCBA Certification Exam After completing the education and fieldwork requirements, the next step is passing the. The exam evaluates your knowledge of behavior analysis principles, ethical guidelines, and practical application in a clinical or educational setting. A passing score on the exam is required to become a board-certified behavior analyst.
Supervision and Postdoctoral Experience (Optional) For those looking to pursue advanced opportunities, obtaining the BCBA-D (doctoral) designation is an option. To achieve this, you will need to complete additional postdoctoral experience, gain expertise in experimental design, and meet specific eligibility requirements, including qualifying for a full time faculty position in a behavior analysis program.
Eligibility Pathways for the BCBA Certification Exam
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) offers different eligibility pathways based on educational background. The most common eligibility paths include:
Standard Pathway: Individuals with a master’s degree in behavior analysis or a related field who have completed the required coursework and fieldwork hours are eligible to sit for the BCBA exam.
Alternative Pathway: Some candidates may qualify through a qualifying institution that offers a non-traditional educational experience in applied behavioral analysis. These candidates must meet additional experience requirements and complete supervised fieldwork hours before taking the BCBA exam.
Maintaining Your BCBA Certification
Once you have passed the BCBA exam and earned your certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, maintenance requirements exist to keep your certification active.
This includes completing continuing education hours, which can be obtained through workshops, conferences, and other relevant professional development activities related to ABA therapy. Additional requirements may apply for those with a doctoral degree.
The BACB also requires behavior analysts and BCBAs to submit a recertification application every few years, ensuring that certified professionals stay up to date with the latest trends in ABA therapy and behavior analysis.
Career Opportunities for BCBAs and RBTs
Both RBTs and behavior analysts, such as BCBAs, have a wide range of career options available.
RBTs can work in various settings, such as schools, clinics, homes, and residential settings, providing direct support to individuals with autism, conditions, and other behavioral challenges. They are often involved in implementing under the supervision of a BCBA, who typically holds a degree from an accredited university.
BCBAs have even broader career options. As highly trained professionals, they can work in a variety of settings, including those where supervised fieldwork plays a critical role in developing expertise and ensuring effective implementation of behavior analytic principles. To become fully certified, candidates must complete fieldwork hours as part of the required training.
Private practice
Schools
Hospitals
Residential treatment facilities
Research institutions
In addition, BCBAs can pursue leadership positions, such as becoming a full-time faculty member in a behavior analysis program or taking on management roles in organizations that offer behavior analytic services, where supervised fieldwork is an integral component of training future professionals.
Behavior Analytic Services and Behavior Analysis International
Both RBTs and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) provide critical behavior analytic services. These services involve applying ABA principles to help individuals improve their behavior, develop new skills, and address various behavioral challenges.
Some common behavioral analysis applications include interventions for autism, developmental disabilities, conditions, and challenging behaviors, which are often supported by concentrated supervised fieldwork to ensure the interventions are implemented effectively.
Behavior Analysis International is an organization that supports applied behavior analysis practitioners by offering professional development resources, certifications, and networking opportunities for individuals in the field.
Conclusion
Becoming RBT certified and later achieving BCBA certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst can open doors to a fulfilling career in behavior analysis. Whether you’re starting as an RBT or advancing to become a BCBA, the certification path requires a combination of education, fieldwork, exams, including the certification examination, and ongoing professional development.
The demand for certified behavior analysts is expected to grow, especially as the need for skilled professionals in behavior analysis increases, with many candidates gaining supervised fieldwork experience to meet certification requirements.
If you’re passionate about helping individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, or mental health issues, pursuing certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, along with obtaining a doctoral degree and completing relevant coursework, can provide you with the skills and credentials needed to make the significant impact in this rewarding field.
