After completing the 40-hour RBT course, excitement sets in as you embark on the next step of your journey toward RBT certification. For some, that excitement may be overshadowed by a tinge of anxiety as they dive into planning for the 2nd step -- the RBT Competency Assessment. It's time to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you learned during the RBT training.
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What is the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Competency Assessment?
The second step in the RBT journey, the RBT Initial Competency Assessment, is your chance to demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to be an RBT. You will work on 20 tasks with a BCBA and/or an assistant assessor.
The assessment encompasses a wide range of competencies in the areas of:
Measurement
Assessment
Skill Acquisition & Behavior Reduction
Professionalism & Requirements
You'll demonstrate some of the tasks via an interview format. In other words, your BCBA will ask you a few questions to ensure an understanding. For other tasks, you'll display the skill with a client. For example, for task #5, you would observe a client engage in a target behavior and collect ABC data. You may demonstrate some tasks via role-play with your BCBA as well.
Where Can You Take the RBT Competency Assessment?
Most people take their assessment with a BCBA at their place of employment. If you are not yet working in the ABA field, start applying for jobs in your area. Look for Behavior Technician (BT) roles. For those, you do not need to be registered as an RBT. They will train you and allow you to take the competency assessment before applying for the exam and getting certified.
If you're running into dead ends when trying to find a job as a non-registered BT, you're not alone. There are many companies that will only hire already-certified RBTs. This tends to be a regional thing. Rest assured, if you cannot complete the competency assessment through an employer, there are alternatives. Companies like AppleTree Connection offer the competency remotely. Learn more about AppleTree’s program!
How Can You Study for the RBT Competency Assessment?
Start by reviewing the RBT Initial Competency Assessment Packet! You'll see every task that your BCBA will assess you on. Refresh yourself on the concepts by reviewing your 40-hour course notes. If you have an RBT study guide, revisit that as well, focusing your study efforts on the tasks that will be evaluated in the competency exam. Practice role-playing the ABA strategies with a friend, child, or family member.
For a deep dive into each individual task of the competency assessment, check out this RBT Competency Assessment Study Guide!
What Score Do You Need to Pass?
You must exhibit competence on 100% of the tasks (20/20). That means if you miss any of the 20 tasks, you'll need to try again. Don't sweat it, though! Your BCBA will give you corrective feedback and let you try again on another day. You don't have to redo the whole assessment--just the tasks you missed.
How Many Chances Do You Get?
The BACB does not dictate how many chances you have to display competence on all 20 tasks. Therefore, it is ultimately up to the BCBA. Some assessors establish a limit, requiring applicants to pass the competency test within a certain number of tries (e.g., 2 or 3). Others don't place a cap and instead will continue working with you, providing additional training and feedback until you master each task.
What Happens After You Pass the RBT Initial Competency?
After you pass your initial RBT competency assessment, you can apply to take the RBT exam! The exam is the final component to becoming RBT certified. After passing your assessment, you have 90 days to apply for the final exam.
When Do You Take the RBT Renewal Competency Assessment?
The BACB requires RBTs to recertify annually. One piece of recertification is completing another competency assessment. The good news is that the renewal assessment is the exact same as the initial. Save your RBT competency assessment study guide to brush up before your annual renewal.
Important Note: Starting in 2026, the BACB is eliminating the renewal competency assessment. Instead, RBTs will be required to complete continuing education to maintain competency. Every 2 years, RBTs will need 12 hours of professional development (12 CEUs). Check out the BACB December 2023 Newsletter for more on that!
Disclaimer: The article includes affiliate links.
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