I recently began a series of social media posts titled "Dispelling Myths in ABA." I have enjoyed clarifying many of the common misconceptions, particularly related to ABA employment, supervision, and BACB requirements. Misinformation runs rampant on social media, even by well-meaning folks who simply repeat what they were told by their supervisors.
To further disseminate accurate information, I'm transitioning this series into a blog. As new posts are created, I will add them to this blog. Be sure to follow ABA Resource Center on Facebook or Ashleigh Evans on Linkedin to see new posts. Or, check back here each week for updates!
ABA Myth #1: The RBT competency assessment must be done by a BCBA at your job.
The truth is, in the September 2023 BACB newsletter, the BACB specified the following in regard to the RBT competency assessment:
“The responsible assessor, assistant assessor(s), and RBT applicant must be employed at (or all have a contractual relationship with) the same organization. That organization must also be the entity providing services to the client involved in the assessment.”
For some reason, many people took the “must be employed at” component and completely ignored the “or all have a contractual relationship with” part. If there is a contractual agreement in effect between the assessor(s), applicant, and client(s) at the organization in which the client(s) receive services, you CAN do your competency assessment with an external organization, like AppleTree Connection.
This is an important correction because many companies will only hire already certified RBTs, so for some people, doing the initial competency assessment before gaining employment is necessary.
Now, what you can’t do is have any random BCBA conduct the competency assessment with you, using their child as the “client.” Yes, that was happening previously.
ABA Myth #2: The 40-hour RBT course certificate expires after 6 months or 1 year
Many people seem to think that if you don’t apply for the RBT exam within 6 months (some also claim 1 year) after completing the 40-hour RBT course, you’ll need to retake it. Over the last few years, I have reviewed the RBT Handbook in depth dozens of times while creating study materials, writing articles, and seeking answers to guide and support BTs. Nowhere in the handbook does the BACB place a timeline for when the 40-hour course must have been completed. There ARE a few timelines the handbook specifies that I believe this confusion may stem from.
These include:
The course must be completed in no less than 5 days and no more than 180 days—I believe many people misread this part and interpret it as the course must be completed within 180 days of applying for the exam.
The candidate’s background check must have been completed within 180 days of application—Again, this could be where the 6 month expiration claim comes from too.
The competency assessment must be completed within 90 days of application.
The truth: The RBT course certificate must be based on the current task list to apply for the exam. The current task list is the 2nd edition. Even if a candidate took the course 4 years ago, as long as their course was based on the 2nd edition, they can apply using that certificate and DO NOT need to retake the course.
I have encouraged aspiring RBTs to reach out to the BACB to verify this personally for peace of mind. Several have reported back that the BACB confirmed the certificate does not expire.
Disclaimer: If you took the 40-hour RBT course quite a while ago, it’s probably a good idea to retake it as a refresher before applying for the exam. Check out AppleTree Connection's RBT Training!
ABA Myth #3: To accrue BCBA fieldwork hours, you must work as an RBT
The truth: There is no BACB requirement for an aspiring behavior analyst to be an RBT before becoming a BCBA. Many BCBAs accrued supervised fieldwork hours in another role, such as a teacher, group home staff, or case manager.
I will say that if you plan to work as a BCBA in a typical clinical capacity, supervising RBTs, I highly recommend gaining experience as a direct care staff. You’ll gain valuable knowledge that will help you be a better supervisor one day.
Additionally, working as an RBT can be a great way to obtain supervised fieldwork, as some employers offer “free” supervision (Note: There may be costs associated, such as lengthy employment commitments).
ABA Myth #4: RBTs don’t need to be paid during supervised time or for required training
WHAT!? Employers legally MUST pay you for ALL hours worked, including supervised time, writing required session notes, cleaning up the clinic, and mandatory training.
Employers who don’t pay for all hours: Aside from the fact that you’re violating federal labor laws, you’re making staff find supervision aversive because they aren’t getting paid when their supervisor is present. You’re also harming the quality of care your organization provides. This Is not okay.
The money you temporarily save will mean nothing when your employees start reporting you to the labor board. Paying back wages, fines, legal fees, etc., will amount to much more than the amount you think you’re saving.
Employees, please understand this is illegal and unacceptable. Do not accept this. You’re worth more and are legally entitled to be paid for all hours you work. Start reporting these companies so we can weed them out of the field.
ABA Myth #5: RBTs can be 1099 contractors
This is very common in Florida—So much so that many RBTs and BCBAs down there don’t even realize that it’s illegal.
In the US, to classify someone as a contractor, the individual must pass a 6 factor test. RBTs don’t pass the 6 factor test for several reasons.
Some of the reasons RBTs cannot legally be classified as an independent contractor include:
RBTs must receive supervision to practice ABA. Independent contractors must be able to practice independently.
ABA companies hold control over the RBT, including setting their schedule, supervising their performance, and requiring use of certain software and tools.
The work RBTs do is an integral aspect of the employer’s business.
The BACB explicitly stated several years ago that RBTs cannot be classified as a contractor. It’s perplexing that ABA organizations continue this illegal practice.
As you may have noticed, BCBAs in a typical role likely don’t pass the 6 factor test either.
If you are misclassified, you can report this to your local Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division.
ABA Myth #6: RBTs are solely responsible for maintaining supervision records
Many BCBAs do not keep records of their RBT’s supervision. Many RBTs also assume it’s the BCBA’s or company’s responsibility, so they don’t keep records either.
According to the RBT Handbook, both the RBT and the supervisor must maintain supervision records for 7 years.
In the event of an audit, the BACB will reach out to the supervisor(s) and RBT separately and request documentation. Even if the RBT no longer works with you, you will be expected to supply documentation.
Maintaining supervision records is a simple way to ensure compliance and avoid issues in the future.
Myth #7: BCBA supervisors always get the final say in what counts as a fieldwork activity
I’ve heard from both supervisors and trainees that the BCBA ultimately decides what counts as a fieldwork activity, so as long as your BCBA says you can count hours for a particular activity, you can go for it.
This is a complicated topic. The misunderstanding seems to stem from this statement in the BCBA Handbook: The supervisor will be responsible for determining whether activities qualify for accruing fieldwork hours and are consistent with the requirements in this document.
I urge BCBAs to not take that statement to mean they have complete control and can assign tasks that would not be aligned with the intention of fieldwork hours.
The BACB’s guidelines for fieldwork hours are, in some ways, vague to account for the many different settings, populations, and other variables in which hours can be accrued. However, there are many guidelines in the Handbook to help behavior analysts understand what qualifies and what does not. Allowing your trainees to count tasks that shouldn’t count is incredibly risky for both you and the trainee. If audited, their hours could be invalidated.
If you’re a BCBA providing supervision, thoroughly review the handbook and FAQs from the BACB to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding and maintain compliance.
Myth #8: All 40-Hour RBT Training courses are the same
There is actually quite a bit of difference in the quality of 40 hour training courses. That difference is clear based on the 40-hour pass rates. Some courses have pass rates that are 90%+, while others are below 70%!
The overall RBT Exam pass rate in 2023 was 74%. This has been on a decreasing trend in recent years.
Invest in your staff and yourself by ensuring the course you are assigning/taking is high quality with good reviews and a high pass rate.
Let me be clear, a good quality 40 hour course does more than prepare RBTs for an exam. It empowers them and prepares them for a successful career in the field.
Myth #9: RBT Supervision must be done in person
Some assume “face-to-face” means in-person.
However, the RBT Handbook actually states, “In-person, on-site observation is preferred. However, these may be conducted via web cameras, video-conferencing, or similar means instead of your supervisor being physically present.”
It is important to note that emails and phone calls do not suffice.
Now, whether remote supervision and case oversight is as effective as in-person is a whole other topic! In some cases, it can be. But not always.
Myth #10: Behavior Technicians cannot work in ABA without earning certification as an RBT
This one is complex, so bare with me.
There are some states and funders which require technicians to be certified RBTs (some states even require behavior tech licensure). However, this is not the case everywhere.
I imagine this won’t age well, as it does seem like the field is moving toward requiring certification with more funders mandating this. Optum was one of the most recent to make this requirement, which went into effect 8/15/24.
Myth #11: RBTs and BCBAs cannot be in contact with previous clients for at least 2 years
Neither the RBT Ethics Code nor the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts states that RBTs and BCBAs cannot be in contact with their former clients or families for 2 years after discontinuing working with them.
What the codes actually say is…
RBT Code 1.12: RBTs do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with current clients, stakeholders, or supervisors. They do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with former clients or stakeholders for a minimum of two years from the date the professional relationship ended.
BCBA Code 1.14: Behavior analysts do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with current clients, stakeholders, trainees, or supervisees because such relationships pose a substantial risk of conflicts of interest and impaired judgment. Behavior analysts do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with former clients or stakeholders for a minimum of two years from the date the professional relationship ended.
The claim that certificants can’t have any contact with former clients for two years likely comes from a misunderstanding of the code. The code clearly states that this refers to sexual and romantic contact. Platonic contact is permissible. However, practices may have their own policies for internal employees.
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