Registered Behavior Technician Credential-- A new Opportunity for Paraeducators By Christine Peck

1. Registered Behavior Technician: A New
Opportunity for Paraprofessionals
Christine Peck, Psy.D., BCBA-D
Cooperative Educational Services
April 18, 2015
The Behavior Analytic Certification Board (BACB)
In December of 2013, the BACB introduced the Registered Behavior Technician certification to establish training
standards for behavior technicians. Behavior technicians are paraprofessionals who implement behavior plans
with students, and work closely with BCBA and BCBA-D professionals. The introduction of the RBT certificate
created a full continuum of certified individuals working with an ABA program, representing vastly different
educational and experiential levels.
What is a Registered Behavior Technician
The RBT is a paraprofessional who practices under the close, ongoing supervision of a BCBA or BCaBA (“Designated
RBT supervisor”). The RBT is primarily responsible for the direct implementation of skill-acquisition and behavior-
reduction plans developed by the supervisor. The RBT may also collect data and conduct certain types of
assessments (e.g., stimulus preference assessments). The RBT does not design intervention or assessment plans. It
is the responsibility of the Designated RBT supervisor to determine which tasks an RBT may perform as a function
of his or her training, experience, and competence. The RBT’s supervisor is ultimately responsible for the work
performed by the RBT. (information from www.bacb.com)
Registered Behavior Technicians are paraprofessionals who work under the ongoing supervision of a BCBA. There
is a requirement for up to 1.5 hours per week of direct contact with a BCBA.

2. Requirements
RBT Training and Assessment Requirements
To apply for the RBT credential, the applicant must:
 Be at least 18 years of age
 Possess a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent
 Complete a 40-hour training program (conducted by a BACB certificant) based on
the RBT Task List
 Pass the RBT Competency Assessment administered by a BACB certificant
 Identify a qualified BCBA to provide ongoing supervision
 Pay a $50 application fee (annual renewal fees are $35)
 Complete a criminal background check and abuse registry check
Training will focus on the RBT Task List, and will address the following
 Measurement of Behavior (data collection, graphing data)
 Assessment of Behavior (describing behavior, preference assessment, functional
behavior assessment)
 Skill Acquisition (understanding and implementing plans to teach new behaviors)
 Behavior Reduction (understanding and implanting plans to decrease unwanted
behaviors)
 Documenting and Reporting
 Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice (understanding the role of the RBT)
The RBT Competency Assessment
 Consists of interview and direct observation of each of the skills listed in the task
list and addressed in the training
RBT Practice Parameters
 RBTs may not practice independently
 RBTs must have at least one supervisor who holds a BCBA, BCBA-D, or BCaBA certificate
 RBTs must renew their certificate annually by successfully passing the RBT Competency Assessment and pay a
renewal fee of $35
For More Information:
Dr. Christine Peck Behavior Analytic Certification Board
Cooperative Educational Services www.bacb.com
25 Oakview Drive, Trumbull, CT 06611
peckc@ces.k12.ct.us
www.ces.k12.ct.us