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As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), finding a company and position that aligns with your needs, career goals, and values can be challenging. After all the time, energy, and dedication poured into earning certification, nobody wants to work somewhere they're unhappy. With burnout at an all-time high, prioritizing your needs during your job search is more important than ever. As you embark on your BCBA career search, consider the following factors to make an informed decision. Keep in mind that what's important to one BCBA may not be important to another. This isn't an all-inclusive list of must-haves but rather a list of considerations to guide you in your job search. Compensation & Benefits Okay, I must preface this by saying that pay isn't everything. There are so many more factors to explore that must be taken into consideration. A high-paying job that you're miserable in isn't worth it. But let's be honest, compensation is a major determining factor. It's not just the hourly rate or salary you should consider, though. Evaluate the compensation and benefits package as a whole, including: Pay— Do they pay hourly or salary? Do they pay for ALL hours worked? If hourly, is there a lower hourly rate for non-billable hours? Is there travel pay and/or mileage reimbursement? Bonuses— Do they offer performance bonuses? If they do, what are the bonuses based on (e.g., billable hours or measures of quality)? Benefits— What benefits do they offer? 401K, health insurance, CEUs/professional development stipends, PTO, etc.? Are there any unique benefits, like childcare assistance or gym memberships? Remember to also consider whether the position is W2 or 1099. That will make a significant difference in the pay structure. Some companies also misclassify BCBAs as contractors while treating them like employees. If you take on a 1099 position, ensure you fully understand what constitutes an independent contractor . Career Growth & Professional Development Opportunities for growth are considered one of the Five Essentials of Workplace Wellbeing , according to the US Surgeon General. For people who value career growth, continuing to work for a company that does not invest in professional development or have opportunities for career advancement can be highly demotivating. If career growth is important to you, when evaluating potential employers, consider: Professional development programs Skill development and mentorship opportunities Pathways to leadership positions Opportunities to specialize in a specific area (e.g., parent training, staff training, quality assurance) Billable Hours & Caseload Billable hours are a hot topic within the ABA field. While the hours clinicians bill are necessary to keep the company afloat, some companies place a significant emphasis on meeting high billable requirements, placing undue burden on the clinician. This often leads to burnout, which can have substantial adverse effects for the BCBA, their clients, and the organization as a whole. Billable hour requirements How many hours will you be expected to bill each week? Billable expectations for in-home therapy typically range between 22 and 27 hours per week, while center-based BCBAs are generally expected to bill 25 to 30 per week. Caseload size How many clients will be on your caseload? What would your total weekly client service hours be? In other words, how many direct hours would all of your clients receive weekly? For example, if you have seven clients receiving 30 hours/week, your weekly caseload hours would be 210. Ideally, this number should be in the range of 130-200. If your caseload is too small, you may struggle to get enough hours, but if it's too large, you'll be unable to effectively oversee 10-20% of the hours (+ parent training). Another consideration that goes into caseload size is whether you have a mid-level supervisor to support your cases. Your caseload size may be larger if you're operating in a three tier model with mid-level support. Share your BCBA job postings on the ABA Resource Center Job Board ! Gain increased visibility & highlight what makes your organization a great place to work! Work-Life Balance I can't speak for everyone, but for me, this is one of the most important factors in a job search. There are many components that go into a healthy work-life balance, including: Working hours that work around your schedule/other life commitments Schedule flexibility/ability to set your own hours Ability to set boundaries for time outside of working hours (e.g., not taking a parent's call at 10 pm) Adequate Paid Time Off (PTO) Manageable caseload sizes Clinical Philosophy & Approach The clinical philosophy and approach to care can vary quite a bit across ABA organizations. It's important to choose a company whose values align with your own. For example, does the company place an emphasis on compliance and stim reduction? If you value assent-based care, then that company is likely not the right fit for you. Gaining an understanding of the organization's approach during the interview process is a great way to make sure you're well-aligned. Technology & Stimuli Consider what technology and tools the employer provides to help you do your job well and take some administrative burden off your plate, such as: Laptop Therapy stimuli (e.g., language learning cards ) Practice management/clinical software (e.g., CentralReach) Assessment tools Company Culture Lastly, pay attention to the company culture. If you can talk to current staff, that might help you get a feel for the culture. Here are a few components that go into the company's culture that you should consider. The company's mission & values Employee recognition efforts Leadership accessibility Bidirectional feedback (e.g., leaders are open to feedback from staff) Positive and welcoming work environment How to Find Your Next BCBA Position Let's get you started on your BCBA job search . Explore the ABA Resource Center Job Board to find your next BCBA position! The ABA Job Board has open positions across the US & remote. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase via an affiliate link, I earn a small commission.

Opportunity for growth: It is one of the Surgeon General's Five Essentials for workplace wellbeing —And for good reason! The ‘Great Resignation’  may have ended, but many ABA practices still face significant challenges in hiring and retaining qualified employees. While many factors contribute to this challenge, one vital way ABA organizations can improve their ability to attract and retain Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) is to invest in growth and skill development opportunities. The Importance of Offering Growth Opportunities in ABA According to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Work in America Survey , a notable 91% of workers reported that having opportunities to learn and grow is either very important or somewhat important to them. Additionally, 94% of workers report that gaining a sense of accomplishment from their work is important. The work ABA professionals in all positions do can be both challenging and highly rewarding. Yet, it is natural to seek personal and professional growth. Investing in staff development not only benefits the employees but also enhances the quality of care provided to clients. When staff and clients are satisfied and successful, the organization will thrive. Offering growth opportunities within your organization can provide a competitive advantage in today’s highly competitive labor market. As workers are more likely than ever to leave an organization that is no longer meeting their needs, now is the time to ensure you have optimal opportunities for your team to advance their knowledge and skillsets and grow into new roles. Doing so will offer immense benefits to both the staff and the organization as a whole.   Association Between Job Satisfaction and Mental Health Research consistently shows that employees who feel supported in their career development report higher levels of job satisfaction and psychological wellbeing. In the 2023 Work in America Survey, those who were satisfied with their organization’s growth opportunities were significantly more likely to report good or excellent mental health. There is a clear link between mental health and work performance. Research shows  positive mental health is correlated with improved job performance. One prime factor associated with poor mental health in the workplace is lost productivity . Promoting opportunities for skill development may improve mental health across your workforce. This will have a cyclical impact on organizational productivity, growth, and revenue.  Struggling to find qualified talent for your ABA practice? Share your open roles on the ABA Job Board—An ABA-specific job board connecting organizations with RBTs & BCBAs seeking new roles. The Cost of Turnover in ABA In a field with high turnover, the costs can be staggering. Per the BHCOE's 2022 ABA Compensation and Turnover Report , direct staff (BT/RBT) turnover averaged 65% in 2021, up 6% from 2020. The exact cost of turnover can be difficult to measure. However, per the Work Institute , a conservative yet accurate cost expectation is 33.3% of the employee’s annual salary. For an employee earning $50,000 annually, the cost of turnover would be roughly $16,650. Retaining quality ABA clinicians is critical for the organization’s financial sustainability. According to a Deloitte report , organizations with a robust learning culture have significantly higher engagement and retention rates, 30-50% higher than their peers. Overcoming the hurdle of high turnover will not only improve the organization's financial sustainability but also allow the team to drive better outcomes for their learners. Implementing Growth and Skill Development Programs Despite most employees reporting a desire for opportunities to grow, only 47% report educational opportunities are available within their organization (DeCarbo, 2023). ABA organizations should invest in their staff by implementing growth and skill development opportunities across all levels. This should include a combination of the following: Robust and comprehensive training: It all starts with the onboarding experience. Before you can support growth and skill development, you must ensure staff have the knowledge and skills necessary to do their job well. Offer a robust and comprehensive training experience from the onset. Ensure third-party trainings (i.e., the 40-hour RBT training ) that you have staff take are high quality and user-friendly. Access to continuing education: Offer all employees access to continuing education. As of 2026, RBTs will need continuing education to maintain certification. However, even before that happens, all team members should be offered quality continuing education to support their ongoing knowledge and development. Transparent employee career paths: Provide a clear path with career levels that offer additional training, responsibilities, and higher pay. Introduce your career paths to candidates during the interview process so they have full transparency into the progression their career may take. Ongoing feedback: Promote a culture of feedback by offering your staff feedback on an ongoing basis. Document feedback with an evaluation form so both supervisors and supervisees can reflect on their continued growth. Don't forget, however, feedback goes both ways! Encourage open and honest feedback from your staff and supervisees as well. Individualized professional development plans: Offering professional development plans is an excellent way to support staff's individualized needs. BCBA/BCaBA Fieldwork : Offer high-quality supervised fieldwork for your staff who aspire to be behavior analysts. Ensure you have the capacity for this and that your BCBAs can dedicate the time and resources necessary to guide the development of future behavior analysts. Mentorship programs: Don't leave your staff hanging the day they pass the big exam. Newly-certified behavior analysts still need support and guidance. Offer mentorship programs to support their continued growth into their new role. The Bottom Line Investing in your team's learning and skill development is crucial for long-term success. Offering growth opportunities in ABA is not just beneficial—it is essential. By investing in the ongoing development of RBTs and BCBAs through comprehensive training programs, continuing education, clear career paths, and personalized development plans, ABA organizations can enhance job satisfaction, reduce turnover costs, support mental health, and gain a competitive edge in the labor market. Prioritizing staff development ultimately leads to a more engaged and productive organization with dedicated ABA clinicians, driving client progress and organizational success. References American Psychological Association. (n.d.). 2023 Work in America Survey. https://www.apa.org . https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america/2023-workplace-health-well-being DeCarbo, B. (2023). Lack of growth opportunities is a big reason why employees leave jobs. Here’s how to change that. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/growth-opportunities Disclaimer: Article may include Affiliate Links.

One of the requirements for earning board certification in behavior analysis is the successful completion of fieldwork hours. For most, this means 2,000 hours of experience, 5% of which are supervised. Explore more of the fieldwork requirements in this article . High-quality fieldwork supervision is arguably the biggest piece to ensuring that we are thoroughly preparing our trainees for a behavior analyst role. However, behavior analysts and trainees alike encounter many in the supervision process. For supervisees, a key concern is the quality of supervision they receive. Many struggle to accrue unrestricted hours, with their supervisors prioritizing restricted work and being less invested in assigning unrestricted responsibilities. Supervisors often report barriers in accessing resources, progressing supervision, and finding opportunities for trainees to accrue hours. This article will provide supervision resources for both the BCBA who is providing supervision and the supervisee who is receiving or seeking supervision. Please note that this is in no way an all-encompassing list of resources. Are you exploring open RBT, BCBA, or mid-level supervisor positions? Take a look at the open roles posted on the ABA Job Board ! Start with the basics For both supervising BCBAs and those who are pursuing fieldwork supervision, I highly recommend thoroughly reviewing the following BACB resources. BCBA Handbook: This goes over all aspects of pursuing BCBA certification from eligibility pathways to fieldwork requirements, fieldwork activities, exam information, and more. Keep this bookmarked for easy access as you'll likely need to reference it on numerous occasions (I can't tell you how many times I have!). Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts: BCBA applicants and certificants are required to know and abide by this code. Trainees should expect fieldwork supervision to consist of ongoing ethical discussions. As such, before taking on supervisees, BCBAs are recommended to brush up on the code. Remote supervision Those pursuing fieldwork hours may not have access to a BCBA in their current place of employment. Or they may struggle to accrue unrestricted hours with only one supervisor—this is especially common when working in a BT/RBT role. These trainees rarely experience a shortage in restricted hours but desperately need unrestricted tasks to develop the competencies of a BCBA and meet certification requirements. As such, many hopeful behavior analysts turn to remote supervision to accrue more hours. If you're searching for a remote BCBA supervisor , check out this database of remote BCBA Supervisors who offer fieldwork supervision! Are you a supervisor who offers remote supervision? Sign up to be included in our BCBA Remote Supervisor Database! Are you a new BCBA providing supervision? Don't forget the new requirement for consulting supervision! All BCBAs who provide supervision within their 1st year as a BCBA must have a consulting supervisor with 5+ years of experience as a BCBA. BCBA-specific supervision resources Here’s a curated list of BCBA-specific supervision resources, including books, articles, and continuing education courses, that can enhance your supervision practices: BCBA Supervision & Mentorship Books Building and Sustaining Meaningful and Effective Relationships as a Supervisor and Mentor BCBA Fieldwork Supervision Curriculum Supervision CEUs Expand your competencies in supervision practices by taking continued education courses. 3 supervision CEUs per two-year period are required for BCBAs providing supervision. Behavior University DoBetter Collective CEUs by Study Notes ABA Special Learning CentralReach Supervision-related articles The behavior analytic literature on supervision continues to expand. Here are several article suggestions. Towards a Competency-Based, Ethical, and Socially Valid Approach to the Supervision of Applied Behavior Analytic Trainees Acceptability and Feasibility of Virtual Behavior Analysis Supervision Supervision Behaviors of Board Certified Behavior Analysts with Precertification Candidates The Softer Side of Supervision: Recommendations when Teaching and Evaluating Behavior Analytic Professionalism Board Certified Behavior Analysts Supervisory Practices of Trainees: Survey Results and Recommendations Designing A Successful Supervision Journey: Recommendations and Resources for New BCBA Supervisors Enhancing Supervisory Relationships with values and committed action training Taking Full Responsibility: The Ethics of Supervision in Behavior Analytic Practice Resources for both BCBAs and Trainees BCBA Task List Competency Tracker : Track your OR your supervisee's progress toward the items on the 5th edition task list. The task list consists of skills and concepts that are expected of a behavior analyst, and therefore, monitoring one's competencies through the task list is beneficial. Check out this video on how the competency tracker is used. Ethics for Behavior Analysts: An excellent read for both current and aspiring BCBAs. This book may be used to guide the ethical discussions in supervision meetings. The Practical ABA Practitioner: Another great read for both current and aspiring analysts. Resources for Trainees Ripley Fieldwork Tracker : Free online resource for tracking your hours! An overview of the documentation required for fieldwork hours. An overview of the eligibility criteria for becoming a BCBA Note: Some of the links above contain affiliate links. Rest assured, this does not change the cost to you for any of the recommended resources.

For aspiring behavior analysts, the fieldwork experience can be daunting. Frustration and confusion are often expressed by student analysts. If you're pursuing BCBA certification or considering doing so, continue reading for the answers to the commonly asked fieldwork questions. Note: The BCBA Handbook is your best resource for understanding each requirement for becoming a BCBA, including fieldwork experience. We'll review several common components in this Q&A, but reviewing the handbook in its' entirety is strongly urged. What are BCBA Fieldwork Hours? BCBA fieldwork consists of 1,500-2,000 hours of activities applying behavior-analytic concepts and principles to real-world situations (pathway 4 only requires 500 hours, though that pathway will be eliminated in 2027). Your fieldwork experience is supervised by a qualified supervisor (i.e., a BCBA). The end goal is to prepare you for a role as a behavior analyst. While coursework provides the knowledge, there is no substitute for actively applying that knowledge with actual clients. This is why fieldwork experience is a vital component. When can I start BCBA fieldwork? You can start your fieldwork hours as soon as you attend your first course and sign a supervision contract with a supervising BCBA! Can I count my hours worked as an RBT before starting coursework? You cannot begin accruing hours until after you start your coursework. Even if you're already working in the field before starting your master's coursework, you can't count those hours. How many BCBA hours can I accrue each month? You can accrue between 20 and 130 hours per month. If you don’t accrue at least 20 hours in a given month, you cannot count those hours. You can work more than 130 hours per month. That is totally fine! Simply do not record hours beyond 130 on your fieldwork documentation. Looking for an RBT or BCBA position? Check out the ABA Job Board! How long does BCBA fieldwork take? If you max out on 130 hours per month, you can expect to finish your fieldwork hours in 11.5-15.5 months. However, many trainees accrue fewer hours each month. A more realistic range of time is 18 months-3 years. Don’t forget, you can accrue hours while attending your masters program! That will help decrease the total time the process takes. What are restricted and unrestricted hours? Unrestricted tasks are all of the activities a BCBA is likely to do. The goal of BCBA fieldwork is to prepare student analysts for the role of a BCBA. Because of this, it's required that the majority (60%+) of the fieldwork experience centers around activities that develop BCBA-related competencies. Unrestricted activities may include: Creating data systems Conducting assessments Writing FBA reports, treatment plans, progress summaries, or other clinical documentation Analyzing and interpreting data Supervising and training staff Evaluating and modifying interventions Restricted activities include the direct implementation of therapeutic and instructional procedures. This is typically the role of a behavior technician or other paraprofessional role. You don't have to do restricted hours at all. You can complete 100% unrestricted with no restricted hours. Most people do both, though. The one requirement is that you must have at least 60% unrestricted hours and no more than 40% restricted. For those accruing 2,000 hours, this means you must have at least 1,200 unrestricted hours, and you cannot accrue more than 800 restricted hours. It's important to be aware that the BACB's guidance on fieldwork activities is somewhat generic to encompass the wide array of populations and manners of applying behavior analytic principles. The BACB provides several examples in the BCBA handbook of allowable activities, though they won't directly answer whether a particular activity counts. You cannot mistake this vagueness to mean they are lenient or that just any activity will count. It is ultimately up to the BCBA to determine what does and does not count toward your hours. Keep in mind, though, it is also your responsibility to have a thorough understanding of the guidelines. In the event that you're ever audited by the BACB, you may need to provide supporting documentation to demonstrate that the activities you did during your fieldwork experience should have been counted. If your supervisor assigns you a task that you know can't count toward your supervision hours, yet they tell you to count them, decline this, politely pointing out why that activity cannot count. Can you give some examples? For sure. This can be a little confusing, especially for those who haven't started their hours yet or those who are new to the field. Perhaps your supervisor delegates RBT scheduling to you. They assign you the responsibility of entering schedules into an online platform, modifying sessions, calling staff to inform them when sessions are canceled, etc. Scheduling is not behavior-analytic in nature and, therefore would not count toward your fieldwork hours, even if they are a part of your job duties. Your fieldwork experience should encompass activities that will best prepare you for a BCBA role. Scheduling, administrative duties, laminating stimuli, or other tasks that aren't behavior-analytic and/or duties specific to a behavior analyst cannot be counted. The BACB provides further clarification in the handbook. Here is a list of unacceptable activities. You cannot do any of these activities for restricted or unrestricted hours, per the BACB. Attending meetings with little or no behavior-analytic content Providing interventions that are not based on behavior analysis Performing nonbehavioral administrative activities Nonbehavior-analytic training related to service delivery (e.g., crisis management, CPR, billing systems) Completing nonbehavioral assessments (e.g., diagnostic assessments, intellectual assessments), paperwork, documentation, billing, or any other activities that are not directly related to behavior analysis Attending professional conferences, workshops, or university courses Didactic-course assignments (e.g., completing homework assignments, readings, etc.) What are the monthly supervision requirements? The following table shows the monthly supervision requirements for both supervised and concentrated supervised fieldwork. The primary difference between the two is with the concentrated path, you can complete your hours quicker. However, you would need more monthly supervision. Some supervisors may not have the capacity to provide concentrated supervision, so if that is something you're interested in, clarify this before agreeing to supervision Supervised Fieldwork Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork Number of total hours 2,000 1,500 Number of supervisor observations with a client 1 1 Number of contacts with supervisor 4 6 % of hours supervised 5% 10% You can do a combination of supervised and concentrated. Hours accrued under the concentrated supervised fieldwork are accrued at a value of 1.33x the supervised fieldwork. Therefore, use a multiplier of 1.33 for any months that you accrue hours per the concentrated fieldwork requirements. Talk to your supervisor about how to do this. Is there a limit to the number of monthly supervised hours? Absolutely not! You can receive supervision for more than 5% of your total hours. The BACB sets forth minimum acceptable standards. A higher percentage of supervision may be beneficial and, in some cases, necessary for maintaining a high level of client care. Can I do Remote BCBA Supervision? You can! There are many companies, like ATCC , that offer supervised fieldwork remotely. It is important to note that you still need to maintain the monthly requirements, including one client observation each month. Check out our Remote BCBA Supervisor Database to locate a supervisor. What are the pathways to becoming a BCBA? There are currently 4 pathways, though 2 will be eliminated in 2026. You can learn more about the pathways to becoming a BCBA here. What should I do if my fieldwork experience doesn't feel right? I firmly believe that everyone is not for everyone, and that is okay. In other words, your supervisor may not be a great fit for you. Having a supervisor who fits your needs can make a big difference in the level of quality supervision you receive. If something doesn't quite feel right, advocate for whatever changes may be needed. I.e., more tasks assigned, increased feedback, additional support in XYZ, etc. If your requests are not acknowledged or addressed, you may want to consider seeking supervision elsewhere. This might include seeking employment elsewhere or securing external supervision. Can I have more than 1 supervisor? Yes, you can! As long as you have a contract in place with each supervisor, you can accrue hours with more than one supervising BCBA. If you have more than one supervisor within the same organization, then the supervisors can collectively work together to meet all of your monthly supervision requirements (i.e., you might have 2 contacts with Supervisor A and 2 contacts with Supervisor B). However, if you have supervisors in different organizations, each of them will need to independently meet all of the monthly requirements. Let's break it down further. Imagine you work for ABC Company. You have one supervisor there, but they aren't providing you with as many hours as you'd like. You secure a remote supervisor outside of your company who provides you supervision to supplement your hours. In this case, your supervisor at ABC Company and your remote supervisor will each need to observe you with a client at least once per month, have 4 supervisory contacts, and supervise a minimum of 5% of your hours. Your total hours must still be between 20 and 130 per month. You cannot accrue more than 130 hours monthly, even if you have multiple supervisors. Who counts as a client? The BACB considers a client as anyone who receives behavior-analytic services in any setting. They further clarify anyone to mean a person or group of people. A large majority (around 70%) of the field works with the autism community, so many people accrue their hours while working with autistic children in the ABA field . However, this is not required. Any person or persons who would benefit from behavior analytic services can count as a client. Important note: Clients cannot be family members, friends, or anyone else that would constitute a dual relationship. Do I have to be an RBT before becoming a BCBA? No! Being an RBT is not a prerequisite, nor do you need to be an RBT to accrue fieldwork hours. How long does the fieldwork experience last? You can accrue a maximum of 130 hours per month. This means if you are maxing out hours, you could complete your fieldwork hours in as little as 11.5 months if you are going the concentrated route (1,500 hours) or 15 months if you are going the traditional route (2,000 hours). Typically it takes between 1 1/2 and 3 years for student analysts to complete their hours. It is important to note that you cannot exceed five consecutive years though. Factor this into your plans if you expect to take breaks along the way or if you'll be accruing hours on the lower end of the range (reminder: You can accrue between 20 and 130 hours monthly). Can any BCBA supervise? No. A supervisor must meet one of the following requirements. A current BCBA with no current disciplinary sanctions. Must complete an 8-hour supervision course and meet ongoing supervision CEU requirements. If they have been a BCBA for less than one year, they must receive ongoing consultation from a qualified consulting supervisor. A licensed or registered psychologist certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology who has tested in ABA. An authorized Verified Course Sequence (VCS) instructor. You can check the BCBA Registry to confirm that your potential supervisor meets the requirements to supervise. How do you track Fieldwork Hours? Maintaining a record of your fieldwork activities is critical. The BACB advises keeping records for seven years in the case of an audit. Both the Supervisor and Supervisee should keep copies of all documentation. Try the Ripley Fieldwork Tracker to record your hours. Learn more about fieldwork documentation: Can I count hours if I didn't receive supervision in a month? No. You must receive supervision every month you accrue fieldwork hours. If you do not meet the monthly requirements, you cannot accrue hours that month. If you work a partial month due to a vacation or client cancelations, for example, you may be able to prorate the month. Talk to your BCBA about how to do this. Can I accrue BCBA fieldwork hours during periods of time off? I get this question often lately. For example, someone is taking a maternity leave or an extended vacation and will not be working for a few months. Technically you can accrue hours in these circumstances. However, this is only the case IF you continue to have access to a client. You must meet the monthly requirement of 1 observation with a client each month, so if you don't have access to clients during these periods of time off, then you would not be able to accrue hours. More resources The following links are more BACB resources specific to the fieldwork experience. I highly recommend reviewing each of these. BCBA handbook Documenting Fieldwork FAQ Commonly asked fieldwork questions Find a Remote Supervisor Note: Some links shared are affiliate links. This means if you choose to purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission. This does not change the total price that you pay on any products or services.

The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification has grown rapidly over the last several years since its creation in 2014. As of April 2024, there are 168,881 RBTs, an increase of over 30,000 since this time last year! With behavior technician roles in high demand, it's an excellent time to enter the ABA field and create a rewarding career. What is the 40 hour RBT training course? The 40 hour RBT training course is the first step in the process of becoming an RBT. Some ABA companies provide in-house training to become an RBT, but not all do, so many people choose to take the course on their own prior to securing employment. If you're curious about what course options you have, you're in the right place! 2023 RBT 40 Hour Training Pass Rates & Costs The following chart compares several of the top RBT 40 hour training courses, looking at both their pass rates and their costs. In 2023, the overall pass rate for 1st-time test takers was 74%. This is down significantly from 84% in 2020, highlighting concerns about the methods for preparing individuals for the exam and, more importantly, for the role of a behavior technician. Included in the following chart are only the courses that led to 80%+ of exam takers passing on their first try. I strongly recommend taking the courses with higher pass rates. Training Provider 1st Time Pass Rate (2023) Cost of Course University of Kansas   95.1% $149 University of South Florida   91.3% $200 Behavior Development Solutions   90.5% $79 AppleTree Connection   90.5% $148 Medcerts   90.3% $2,500 Autism Certification Center   88.2% $75 California United Service Providers (CUSP) 86.7% $250 ATCC   86.5% $29/week Applied ABC 82.9% Offered through job Florida Tech   82.9% $149 Relias   81.9% $99 Rethink Behavioral Health   81.7% Information not available online Positive Behavior Supports Corp 81.6% $99 Special Learning 81.4% $79 Institute for Behavioral Training   80.5% $159 CentralReach   80.4% $249 See the BACB Examination Rates for a comprehensive list of all providers and their pass rates. How to Choose an RBT Training Course The pass rate of an RBT 40 hour training course is an important factor in deciding which course to take. Courses with higher pass rates demonstrate a greater ability to prepare technicians for the final exam. For many, the cost is also a necessary variable to consider. Other considerations when choosing a course provider include: Is the course in-person, online synchronous, or online asynchronous? Does the course have positive reviews? Pay attention to mentions of technical difficulties and whether the content was presented in an engaging way Does the course offer additional services or products? For example, does it offer a competency assessment after completing the course? Does it include a study guide or mock exams to prepare for the exam? Are you searching for a Behavior Technician position? Consider open roles on ABA Resource Center's ABA Job Board! Can you take the RBT 40 hour course online? You can take the RBT 40-hour training completely online! The majority of RBT training courses are offered entirely online. How long does the RBT training take? The RBT training course contains at least 40 hours of content. However, it will likely take a few hours longer as there are quizzes embedded throughout to test your knowledge. Final Steps Once you've taken the 40-hour course, your next step is a competency assessment and lastly, a final exam. Read more about what to expect on the RBT exam here! References https://www.bacb.com/bacb-certificant-data/ https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/RBTHandbook_230407-a.pdf https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RBT-Examination-Pass-Rates-2023-240322-a.pdf Article updated 4/16/24 with 2023 pass rates. Disclaimer: Article contains Affiliate Links.

Burnout is unfortunately prevalent in the ABA field. The work, while incredibly rewarding, can be equally exhausting. On top of that, clinicians are often met with large caseloads, minimal support, and loads of administrative or non-billable expectations. The field has grown exponentially in the last several years. While this means more clinicians are available to support the increased need for applied behavioral therapy, the growth may also be working against us. Brand new BCBAs who have minimal applied experience are taking on major responsibilities once they pass the exam and add those four letters behind their name. We have to do a better job, as a field, in training and supporting our clinicians to avoid burnout. If you're finding yourself feeling burnout, read on as we review strategies to address this. Antecedent Strategies It is significantly easier to prevent burnout than to respond and recover from it. This is no different from our work with our clients. Antecedent strategies are implemented to arrange the environment in such a way that prevents the need for the targeted behavior. The primary focus of burnout in our field should be on prevention. What can agency owners and supervisors do to create an environment where burnout is unlikely or less likely to occur? Antecedent strategies for burnout prevention are discussed in depth in this video . For the purposes of this article, however, we'll focus on reactive strategies to support those who are directly affected by burnout and are unsure of how to move forward. Burnout in ABA Factors Experimental research on behaviors associated with burnout is lacking. However, research has supported a few general factors that are correlated with burnout. Age: Younger employees have been found to experience burnout at higher rates, compared to their elder peers (Maslach et al., 2001). Workplace conflict: Conflicts may include disagreements with supervisors, coworkers, and/or clients. Caregiver interactions may fall under this category as well. Lack of support: Leiter and Maslach (1988) found that negative workplace conflict may be moderated when coupled with other positive interactions. For example, challenging supervisory interactions may be buffered by coworker support. Those who do not have peer support or limited positive interactions, in general, may be more susceptible to burnout. Prolonged job-related stress: Burnout does not occur overnight. High and unrealistic job expectations that are ongoing are common factors of burnout (Maslach, Schaufeli, & Leiter, 2001). I'm sure we have all experienced times when things get a bit overwhelming. Perhaps you have three treatment plans done within days of each other. However, you are able to work through that and it's back to smooth sailing. Generally, short-term stressors such as this do not lead to burnout. Chime in below! If you are a BCBA who currently or at some point in your career felt high levels of burnout, which factor(s) most strongly led to this for you? Feel free to choose more than one option and share your thoughts in the comments. Consequent Strategies While antecedent manipulations are necessary, consequent strategies are often needed when agencies have not made the necessary antecedent manipulations. If you or a supervisee are feeling burnout, it is too late to implement antecedent strategies. So how should you respond? Do you take a day off and hope you're refreshed by the next day? There should always be more involved than that. Let's review a few strategies you can take to reduce and ideally eliminate burnout when you or a supervisee are experiencing it. Explore the ABA Job Board to find a new role that aligns with your needs Self-Evaluate First, take a step back to fully evaluate your experiences. Take a few days off, if this is at all an option for you. Mental health days should be honored and encouraged. This is especially true for a field like ABA which is known for high burnout rates. Burnout can lead to high turnover and poor job performance, affecting everyone in an organization, including the clients. Consider a functional approach to your self-evaluation. For example, identify the antecedents and consequences of behaviors related to burnout. One of the main characteristics of burnout is a feeling of ineffectiveness or lack of accomplishment. Let's use this in our example for an ABC analysis. Imagine a BCBA is experiencing burnout. They identify feeling ineffective in their role. Using an ABC analysis, they define the behavior of interest as feeling and thinking "I'm a terrible behavior analyst". This feeling of ineffectiveness can be evaluated further by identifying antecedents that preceded that feeling. For example, they missed a treatment plan deadline, their client's treatment plan was returned or denied, and/or they received a poor quality assurance score. By identifying those antecedents, they can further evaluate the specific events that are leading to this feeling of ineffectiveness. Next, they would evaluate the consequences. In other words, what is occurring after these feelings of ineffectiveness? Are they provided support or reprimanded by management, for example? Through analyzing the antecedents and consequences, we can determine the current variables resulting in our burnout (or the burnout in our staff members). From there, we can better assess what modifications can be made to reduce or eliminate this feeling of ineffectiveness, thus reducing burnout. An honest and objective evaluation is the first step in determining the following steps. Assess your values Have you evaluated your values recently? What is most important to you? Do your values align with your role and work environment? By no means should your immediate reaction be to quit your job or to quit the field altogether. However, there is a benefit in understanding what your values are and identifying whether your role and expectations are in line with those or not. For example, someone who values a supportive work environment may struggle in a solitary environment where peer or supervisor support is minimal. On the exact opposite side of the spectrum might be someone who values independence in their role and therefore prefers less supervision. For this person, a workplace environment with frequent meetings, supervisory overlaps, etc., may be aversive. It is easy to see how our environment and values can be misaligned. When this misalignment is not corrected, burnout may continue to occur and/or get worse. Assessing your values can help you to identify whether your current environment is conducive to strong mental well-being or if it is likely to continue resulting in burnout. Self-Advocate Once you have identified the variables resulting in your burnout, you can advocate for modifications. Using the previous example of a BCBA who is experiencing feelings of ineffectiveness as a result of treatment plan issues, they may need more support in the area of treatment plans. They may also need caseload modifications or additional support in administrative tasks if deadlines are a common challenge. If your values are aligned with your role, then self-advocating for needed modifications would be the next best step. Communicate with your supervisor about your concerns, ideally with some idea of what modifications are needed. Again, this does require some self-reflection. For example, you might explain the factors that are leading to burnout and request a reduced caseload or increased support. Overcoming burnout Burnout can be challenging to work through. Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed can take its' toll on many aspects of our lives. We all owe it to ourselves first and foremost to evaluate the factors leading to our burnout and take action to modify our environment accordingly. Of course, this is easier said than done. There are many factors that we may not have control over. It also takes an immense deal of introspection, which can be exhausting on its' own, much more when coupled with the exhaustion from burnout. However, it is possible. Overcoming burnout can have immense benefits for ourselves, our organization, and our clients. The number one thing you can do is seek support. You don't have to push through burnout alone. While I hope this is not needed, please know that the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available if you are in emotional distress. You can call, chat, or text 988 for support. <3 Are you hiring BCBAs? Post your open roles on the ABA Job Board at ABA Resource Center & get your jobs automatically cross-posted to aba.work ! References Plantiveau, C., Dounavi, K., & Virués-Ortega, J. (2018) High levels of burnout among early-career board-certified behavior analysts with low collegial support in the work environment,European Journal of Behavior Analysis,19:2,195-207. Kazemi, E., Shapiro, M., & Kavner, A. (2015). Predictors of intention to turnover in behavior technicians working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders , 17, 106–115. Fiebig, J. H., Gould, E. R., Ming, S., & Watson, R. A. (2020). An Invitation to Act on the Value of Self-Care: Being a Whole Person in All That You Do. Behavior analysis in practice , 13 (3), 559–567. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-020-00442-x Maslach, C., & Goldberg, J. (1998). Prevention of burnout: New perspectives. Applied and Preventive Psychology , 7(1), 63–74. Maslach, C., Schaufeli, W. B., & Leiter, M. P. (2001). Job burnout. Annual Review of Psychology , 52, 397–422. Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links.

Are you intrigued by the prospect of a career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)? You're not alone! In 2023, a whopping 67,001 individuals joined the ranks of newly certified Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) (Behavior Analyst Certification Board). The demand for ABA professionals has been steadily increasing and is projected to continue its upward trajectory. This is an ideal time to earn RBT certification and embark on a career that is not only in high demand but also incredibly rewarding. What is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)? An RBT is a paraprofessional who works in the ABA field. RBTs earn certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). A vast majority of RBTs work with autistic children, though some also work in education and other subspecialties. They are a critical component of a learner's ABA team and are necessary for helping each learner reach their fullest potential. Registered Behavior Technicians work under the direct supervision of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Sometimes, they also have a mid-level supervisor who supports the development of goals, trains, and supervises.  What Does an RBT Do? RBTs use ABA therapy strategies to teach skills and modify behaviors. They implement treatment plan goals that their BCBA or supervisor creates. Therapy is often conducted in a play-based setting, though it can vary. Learners usually have a combination of skill acquisition and behavior reduction goals that the RBT works on with them. Each learner's plan is uniquely designed based on their needs and preferences, so goals will vary from learner to learner.  Skill acquisition goals can entail a wide range of skills, including: Self-advocacy skills Communication Social skills Safety skills Activities of daily living Pre-academic skills Attending skills For learners who engage in behaviors that interfere with their learning or development, RBTs implement a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) to reduce those behaviors and teach more adaptive ones.  Find your next RBT position on the ABA Job board! How Can You Become Certified as an RBT? To become certified as an RBT, you must meet prerequisite requirements, take a 40-hour RBT training , pass a competency assessment , and pass a final exam . Let's dive into each of these requirements.  1. Meet Eligibility Requirements Before pursuing RBT certification, the first step is to ensure you meet the prerequisite requirements.  Prerequisite requirements for RBT certification include: 18 Years or Older High School Diploma or Equivalent Can pass a Criminal Background Check & Abuse Registry Check 2. Take a 40-Hour RBT Training Course The next step toward RBT certification is the 40-hour RBT training course. The course will train you on the ABA principles and strategies outlined in the RBT Task List and provide other information you'll need to be successful in your new role. There are many different RBT courses. Check out RBT 40 Hour Training Course Pass Rates 2023 for an overview of the courses with the highest pass rates. As of 2023, only 74% of RBT test-takers passed the exam on their first try, so it's a good idea to take a course through a company with higher pass rates, like Appletree Connection's Empowered RBT TM Course. Many people take the 40-hour course through an employer, while others take it independently before applying for jobs. Upon successful completion of the RBT course, you’ll receive a certificate of completion, which is needed to proceed to the next step in the RBT certification process. 3. Pass a Competency Assessment The third step in earning RBT certification is the completion of a competency assessment with a BCBA or a qualified assistant assessor. The BACB requires that the assessor and RBT applicant either A. Work for the same organization OR B. Have a contractual relationship that includes the clients who will be part of the assessment. Because of this, most people do the assessment with a BCBA at their job. However, if you're not yet employed as a behavior technician and companies in your area require you to be certified before getting hired, you can do your competency assessment remotely with Appletree Connection or another company that offers this. The competency assessment consists of 20 “tasks” that must be demonstrated accurately. Some tasks can be demonstrated via an interview or role-play with the supervisor. However, at least three tasks must be conducted directly with a client . Therefore, completing the assessment without a client is not an option. Learn more about the competency assessment here. 4. Pass the Final Examination The last step in your journey toward RBT certification involves passing the final RBT exam. This exam is completed at a Pearson Vue testing center. Before scheduling the test, you must apply with the BACB and be approved to sit for it. Check out our blog, RBT® Exam: What to Expect , to learn more about the exam, including the price, format, scoring, and more. Can You Get an RBT Certification Online? Many of the requirements for RBT certification can be completed online. Most 40-hour RBT courses are offered online. Those who prefer in-person training will likely need to do it on the job after getting hired as a behavior technician. The BACB no longer allows remote testing for the RBT exam, so that component must be done in person at a Pearson Vue testing location. How Long Does it Take to Get RBT Certified? You can expect RBT certification to take anywhere between 2 weeks to 3 months. The timing will depend on a few factors, including: The pace you take for the RBT 40-hour course. You must complete it in at least five days but no longer than 180 days. This is the most time-consuming component of certification. How long the competency assessment takes. If you can't demonstrate all of the competencies on the first try, your supervisor will provide feedback and allow you another chance on another day. The number of tries it takes to complete the competency and the availability of your and your supervisor's schedule can all factor into how long it takes. Reduce the time it takes for you to pass the RBT Competency Assessment with this competency study guide! The BACB's application processing timeline . The BACB usually processes applications within a week. You can see current processing times here. How Do You Track RBT Supervision? You can track your monthly RBT supervision hours with this free RBT Supervision Tracker . Once you become certified and begin working in the field, the BACB requires you to track your monthly supervision hours. This is needed to confirm that you are in compliance with the minimum supervision requirements. Prepare for a Rewarding Career as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) If you're searching for a rewarding career, we encourage you to further explore becoming RBT certified. The entrance requirements are low, there is tremendous room for growth, and the work is enjoyable. Take a deeper dive into the requirements for RBT certification in the RBT Handbook. Are you hiring for Registered Behavior Technicians? Post your open roles on the ABA Job Board! References Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (n.d.). BACB certificant annual report data. Retrieved from https://www.bacb.com/about/bacb-certificant-annual-report-data/ Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (n.d). BACB certificant data . Retrieved from https://www.bacb.com/BACB-certificant-data . Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2022). Registered Behavior Technician Handbook. Retrieved from https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/RBTHandbook_231228-a.pdf . Disclaimer: This article contains Affiliate Links.

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) certifies board certified behavior analysts (BCBA), Registered behavior technicians (RBT), and board certified assistant behavior analysts (BCaBA). As of January 2022, the 5th edition task list was initiated, in addition to new eligibility criteria for aspiring behavior analysts. The BCBA handbook is the best resource for a more in-depth overview of the new requirements and changes to the task list, but I'll provide a brief overview. IMPORTANT NOTE: This article is outdated, as it was originally written in 2022. There have been many updates since then For an updated understanding of the pathways to BCBA certification, review the blog, How to Become Certified as a BCBA . Eligibility Requirements for BCBA Certification The eligibility to test for the BCBA exam includes criteria related to your degree, additional course sequences, location of residence, and fieldwork experience hours. Jurisdiction Location of residence is one requirement for becoming a BCBA. As of the present date, the BACB is accepting applications from any location. However, starting on January 1st, 2023, applicants will only be accepted for those living in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. For those living in the United Kingdom, the BACB will no longer certify applications after 2025. The United Kingdom is in the process of creating its own credentialing system for behavior analysts. It is expected that this will be implemented by 2026. Find your next position today! Pathways There are four eligibility pathways. Master’s degree or higher from ABAI-accredited or ABAI-recognized behavior analysis degree program A graduate degree plus a behavior-analytic course sequence A graduate degree plus faculty teaching and research A doctoral degree plus post-doctoral experience with ABA. Watch my BCBA 2022 Eligibility video for more information on the requirements for each pathway. . Educational Requirements Educational requirements for becoming a BCBA include a minimum of a master's degree. This degree must come from an accredited university and be obtained in 2015 or later. If you have a master's degree in behavior analysis or another related ABAI-accredited or recognized program, you may pursue certification through pathway one without additional coursework. Through pathway 2, on top of a master’s degree, you would need 315 credit hours in behavior analysis. A grade average of 'C' or higher is required as well. The BACB recently made the decision to eliminate pathways 3 and 4. For those currently on one of those pathways, you still have until 2027 before those pathways are no longer accepted. Pathway 3 requires a master’s degree from a qualifying institution. In addition, you must have at least 3 years of full-time faculty work and required research. Pathway 4 requires a doctoral degree, plus 10 years of full-time experience in ABA post-doctoral. Supervision Requirements Successful completion of supervised fieldwork hours is another component of becoming a behavior analyst. This is a vital step in learning how to apply the concepts to actual situations with clients. Pathways 1-3 require 2,000 hours of fieldwork with 5% being supervised. Alternatively for those who want to complete supervision hours sooner, you could complete 1,500 hours with 10% being supervised. Those pursuing pathway 4 only require 500 fieldwork hours, 5% being supervised. BCBA Supervisor Requirements Some employers provide employees with supervision. Others who do not have a BCBA on-site or their BCBA is at capacity, may contract with external supervisors to meet their needs. Supervisors must: Be an active BCBA or BCBA-D without any current disciplinary sanctions Must be certified for at least 1 year or certified less than 1 year, but receiving monthly consultation from a more experienced BCBA. Must meet ongoing supervision CEU requirements You can check on the BACB’s website to see if a BCBA is qualified to supervise based on the BACB’s minimum qualifications. Testing The final step toward behavior analyst certification is a passing score on a board examination. This step is vital in demonstrating you have an understanding of the concepts and how they are applied. In order to sit for this exam, you will need to complete an application in your BACB account. To avoid delays, make sure you double-check that you have met all requirements before applying. The exam application fee is currently $245. Upon approval, you will be emailed instructions on registering for an exam time slot. There is an additional fee of $125 paid to Pearson Vue. If the BACB approves your application, you will be sent instructions for registering to take the exam. Examination The BCBA exam has a total of 185 questions, each with 4 possible responses. The exam consists of questions related to the 5th edition of the task list. Your score is actually based on 175 questions, as 10 of the questions are not scored. Those 10 questions are pilot questions that may be used in future exams. You have 4 hours to complete this exam. Certain sections of the task list contain more questions than others, with the behavior change procedures section having the most questions (20% of the exam). The exam includes the following number of questions per section of the task list: Philosophical underpinnings: 6 (3.43% of exam) Concepts and principles: 32 (18.29% of exam) Measurement, data and interpretation: 21 (12% of exam) Experimental design: 12 (6.86%) Ethics: 18 (10.29% of exam) Behavior assessment: 18 (10.29% of exam) Behavior change procedures: 35 (20% of exam) Selecting and implementing interventions: 16 (9.14% of exam) Personnel supervision and management: 17 (9.81% of exam) Final Thoughts There are many opportunities for pursuing certification as a BCBA. Completing coursework and fieldwork related to behavior analysis is necessary to develop the competencies and skills necessary for a behavior analyst. Review the BCBA handbook to further explore the requirements for becoming a BCBA. References https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BCBAHandbook_220415.pdf

One area of focus that tends to be severely lacking in BCBA supervised fieldwork is guidance on ABA parent training. This leaves many newly minted behavior analysts without the knowledge and experience to support parents and caregivers. Parent training is a vital component of quality ABA services. To ensure alignment and drive the best possible outcomes, BCBAs must engage parents in meaningful learning that empowers them to best support their child. This guide will explore some of the best ABA parent training resources available. What are the Benefits of Parent Training in ABA? Research has consistently demonstrated a multitude of benefits to parent education and support within ABA programs. Some of the benefits of quality parent training include: Improved parent-child interactions Reduced stress for the parents and caregivers Increased progress in communication, social, behavior, and adaptive goals Enhanced generalization of skills Potential for reduced duration of therapy (and thus, reduced costs) Empowering caregivers with the knowledge and skills to support their child's needs Shortened timeline for access to care (when caregiver training is delivered while on a waitlist for direct services) Joon Health Technology is playing a huge role in elevating parent training in ABA. Joon is one platform that is making it easier for BCBAs to conduct parent training and evaluate progress. With Joon, BCBAs can: Access a vast library of evidence-based parent training resources. Assign parents and caregivers lessons with relevant videos, worksheets, and strategies related to their goals. Automate parent training, saving BCBAs, on average, 4-6 hours per week. Gain a better understanding of parents' needs and monitor progress with automated graphing and progress tracking. Increase parent training utilization. With Joon, parents and caregivers can: Access modules assigned by their BCBA. Enhance their child's motivation and independence through an engaging video game. Monitor their child's adherence to routines without nagging. Explore BCBA and RBT opportunities on the ABA Job Board CR Care Coordinator CentralReach Care Coordinator is another platform that streamlines ABA parent training. CR Care Coordinator and the recently launched CR Care Companion app enable BCBAs and other clinicians to provide on-the-go training and support to current clients and those on the waitlist for services. With CR Care Coordinator, BCBAs can: Gain access to a comprehensive library of research-based videos and training content. Assign lessons to parents that align with their values and goals. Customize content that meets the family's unique needs. Engage caregivers in training and provide support while they're on the waitlist so they have some ABA knowledge before beginning services. Communicate with parents and monitor progress. Track caregiver progress. With the CR CareCompanion app, parents and caregivers can: Share updates, pictures, and videos with their BCBA. Journal in the app with pre-made prompts. Consume high-quality knowledge via training lessons. Feel more connected to their child's team and care plan. Learn more about Care Coordinator and schedule a consultation here. Parent Training Books While all-in-one platforms offer many unique benefits to parent training, there are many alternatives for those who don't have access. There are several books and curricula that BCBAs may incorporate into their caregiver training. Some of the best ABA parent training books include the following. ABA Visualized Guidebook, 2nd Edition ABA Visualized contains 27 evidence-based strategies with step-by-step visual guides that help parents understand how to approach various scenarios. This text covers ABA concepts like shaping, functions of behavior, and more. One-Year ABA Parent Training Curriculum The One-Year curriculum encompasses 27 in-depth lessons, from the ABCs of behavior. to teaching daily living skills and promoting self-determination. Each lesson has 5 pages of content, including an activity for the parents after the session. The Behavior Analyst's Guide to Working with Parents: Acceptance and Commitment Training for Effective Parental Collaboration in Treatment This ACT-focused guide for behavior analysts provides a framework for incorporating Acceptance and Commitment Training into ABA caregiver training. It covers the evidence for ACT, ethical considerations, and a guide for implementing ACT within parent training. Hiring BCBAs? Add your job posts to our ABA Job Board! ACHIEVE Parent Training Curriculum The ACHIEVE curriculum covers 31 lessons, 2 of which are BCBA-focused. You can also purchase an optional ACHIEVE Curriculum Workbook with the assignments and quizzes from the curriculum. Parent Training CEUs Consider boosting your parent training expertise with the following CEUs. Parenting With ABA Parent Training: Rethinking the Challenges Bringing Precision and Creativity to Holistic Goal Writing Aligning Parenting and Analysts Utilizing Connection and Self-Care ABA Parent Collaboration Parent Training: The Effects of Parent Stress, Child Outcome, and the BCBA-Caregiver Relationship (Podcast CEU) ABA Parent Training Certification Course Improve Outcomes with ABA Caregiver Training Caregiver training in ABA is vital for driving the best possible outcomes. There is an old adage that we, as BCBAs, are always trying to work ourselves out of a job. Regardless of the platform or materials you use, engaging parents and caregivers in high-quality education, training, and support, can vastly elevate outcomes, preparing caregivers for the day when they are ready to transition out of ABA. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase via my link, I'll earn a small commission. This does not impact the cost to you of the product or service. References Dogan, R. K., King, M. L., Fischetti, A. T., Lake, C. M., Mathews, T. L., & Warzak, W. J. (2017). Parent-implemented behavioral skills training of social skills. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 50(4), 805–818. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.411 Factor, R. S., Ollendick, T. H., Cooper, L. D., Dunsmore, J. C., Rea, H. M., & Scarpa, A. (2019). All in the Family: A Systematic Review of the Effect of Caregiver-Administered Autism Spectrum Disorder Interventions on Family Functioning and Relationships. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 22(4), 433–457. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-019-00297-x   Hock, R., Kinsman, A., & Ortaglia, A. (2015). Examining treatment adherence among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Disability and Health Journal, 8 (3), 407-413.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2014.10.005   Ingersoll, B., & Berger, N. I. (2015). Parent Engagement With a Telehealth-Based  Parent-Mediated Intervention Program for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Predictors of Program Use and Parent Outcomes. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 17(10), e227. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.4913 Lindgren, S., Wacker, D., Suess, A., Schieltz, K., Pelzel, K., Kopelman, T., Lee, J., Romani, P., & Waldron, D. (2016). Telehealth and Autism: Treating Challenging Behavior at Lower Cost. Pediatrics , 137 Suppl 2 (Suppl 2), S167–S175. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-2851O Lerman, D. C., O’Brien, M. J., Neely, L., Call, N. A., Tsami, L., Schieltz, K. M., Berg, W. K., Graber, J., Huang, P., Kopelman, T., & Cooper-Brown, L. J. (2020). Remote Coaching of Caregivers via Telehealth: Challenges and Potential Solutions. Journal of Behavioral Education, 29(2), 195–221. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10864-020-09378-2

If you've landed on this article, you're likely preparing for your RBT final exam. This is the last component required to become certified as a registered behavior technician (RBT) through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). To best prepare for your exam, be sure you have a thorough understanding of what the RBT exam will entail. Read on to learn more about the RBT exam, including the following What is the format of the RBT exam? What content does the RBT exam cover? How long does the RBT exam last? What score do you need to pass the RBT exam? How do you prepare for the RBT exam? And more! Haven't taken the RBT 40-Hour Training yet? How much does the RBT exam cost? There are two fees associated with taking the RBT exam. The first fee is a $50 application processing fee. When applying for your RBT examination, a $50 fee is due to the BACB. Once you are approved to sit for the RBT exam, another fee is due in order to schedule your examination appointment. A $45 fee is required to schedule your exam, which you will pay to Pearson Vue. If you are currently employed in the ABA field, ask your employer about exam reimbursement. While not all companies reimburse the costs associated with the exam, many do. It's worth asking! What is the format of the RBT exam? The RBT examination consists of 85 total questions. Each question includes four possible responses. 10 of the questions are not scored as they are pilot questions for future exams. However, there is no indication of which 10 questions are not scored. Therefore, you'll want to dedicate your full attention and effort to each of the 85 questions. How long does the RBT exam last? You have a total of 90 minutes to take your exam. This equates to roughly 1 minute per question. As you're preparing for the exam, keep this time requirement in mind. You'll want to not only answer accurately but also quickly. Developing fluency in the terms will help ensure you can complete the exam in the allotted time. Looking for an RBT job? Check out the ABA Resource Center Job Board ! Hiring RBTs? Post your open RBT positions on the job board here ! What content does the RBT exam cover? The RBT exam entails questions related to the 2nd edition RBT task list . RBT Exam Breakdown The questions on your exam will include the following distribution of the RBT task list. This breakdown includes 75 questions. As previously mentioned, there are 85 total questions, but you won't know which 10 of them are pilot questions. You will need to have a strong handle on the concepts and how to apply them. Questions may be concept-based or scenario-based. Anything covered under the RBT task list may potentially be on your exam. RBT Test Questions Consider this sample of an RBT test question. The answer is at the bottom of the article! You can get more practice test questions with this mock exam. Julie records 7 occurrences of her client banging his head. What type of measurement is this? A. Partial interval recording B. Duration C. Count D. Permanent product recording What score do you need to pass the RBT exam? Your exam is scored on a scale of 0-250 points. You need a score of 200 to pass the exam. Many people take comfort in knowing exactly how many questions they need to correctly answer to pass the exam (or the reverse-how many questions they can get wrong without failing). Unfortunately, it's not quite a black-and-white answer. Each exam has a specific passing score developed based on the modified Angoff method. What percentage of test takers pass on their 1st try? The BACB annual data reports show a decreased trend in first-time pass rates, with significantly fewer RBT exam takers passing on their first try. This indicates people are considerably less prepared for the exam than in previous years--whether due to ineffective training, lack of study efforts, or perhaps a combination of the two. When choosing a 40-hour training program , be sure to pay attention to the program's pass rate. Year First-Time Pass Rate 2023 74% 2022 77% 2021 83% 2020 84% 2019 87% What happens if you fail the RBT exam? If you don't pass on your first try, don't sweat it. You can retake the exam 7 times in a 12-month period (8 total tries). However, you will have to pay another $45 fee to Pearson Vue for each retake. It should also be noted that the re-take pass rate is significantly lower, with 44% of people passing on subsequent tries. If you do not pass your exam, you will receive an exam score, including a breakdown of how you scored in each section of the task list. Use this to guide your study efforts in preparing for your test retake. If you pass your exam, you will simply get a passing score. They will not provide you with your exact score. Is the RBT exam hard? The difficulty level of the exam is subjective. Many people report it as being relatively easy and straightforward. However, others take several attempts before passing. Based on the decreasing pass rates over the last few years, it is reasonable to assume that there is some level of difficulty involved in this exam. Those who have more experience in the field and those who thoroughly review the task list and study to prepare are more likely to position themselves for passing the first time. How long should I study for the RBT test? Most people spend 1-4 weeks of studying before taking the RBT exam. If you've been in the field for a while or you feel very confident with the content, you can likely spend less time studying than someone who is brand new to the ABA field . With increasing rates of candidates failing the exam, it is clear that many could benefit from dedicating extra time toward preparing. Try not to be in too much of a rush! Can I take the RBT exam before the 40-hour course? You must take the 40-hour course and competency assessment before you can take the RBT exam. There is no way to fast-track the process or skip over the course. How can I prepare for the RBT exam? There are many ways to study to thoroughly prepare yourself for your exam. Review the RBT Handbook . Study your 40-hour training notes. Use an RBT study guide to thoroughly study each aspect of the task list. Watch Youtube Videos of BCBAs breaking down the task list. Improve your fluency in key concepts by using SAFMEDS/Flashcards . Do mock exams to prepare for the format of exam questions. Need more study prep tips? Check out RBT Study Prep Tips! Where Can You Find RBT Jobs? RBT jobs are in high demand across the U.S. Check out ABA Resource Center's ABA Job Board to find an RBT job in your area! Sample exam question answer: C-Count Resources https://www.bacb.com/examination-information/ https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/RBTHandbook_210915-3.pdf https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/RBT-2nd-Edition-Task-List_230130-a.pdf Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links.

Happy New Year to the ABA community! Before we launch into 2025, let's revisit the best of 2024 at ABA Resource Center. Our community of ABA professionals, organizations, and aspiring technicians and analysts has grown significantly across the last 365 days. We're incredibly grateful for the support and look forward to continuing to support the ABA field in the new year. ABA Job Board   Our ABA Job Board was the greatest advancement for the ABA Resource Center in 2024! We launched this niche job board to connect ABA organizations with job seekers in the field.   Since the ABA Job Board's inception less than 2 months ago, we've had 46 jobs posted. The jobs have spanned across 14 states + remote! Exploring new opportunities? Check out the job board     Interested in posting your open positions? Learn more! We're hopeful that our ABA Job Board will continue to grow into the new year with jobs posted across all 50 states. Keep an eye out for that! Subscribe to our newsletter to receive weekly ABA Job Blast emails. Remote BCBA Supervisor Database   We also launched a database of remote supervisors who offer supervision and/or mentorship. Many aspiring behavior analysts struggle to gain supervised fieldwork hours, whether due to working a job where BCBAs are not available to supervise (e.g., teacher), limited opportunities for unrestricted hours in their current role, or other barriers. As such, remote supervisors support the growing demand for quality individualized supervision.   If you're seeking remote supervision, check out this database  of dozens of BCBAs located across 30 states + 3 countries.   Do you offer supervision? Get added to the database here. Top ABA Blog Posts of 2024 Check out our 3 most popular blog posts of the year. RBT Certification: How to Become Certified as a Registered Behavior Technician BCBA Career Paths: Exploring Diverse Career Options for BCBA Best ABA Parent Training Resources for BCBAs Best Selling ABA Resources Explore some of our best-selling resources in 2024 at the ABA Resource Center. Get all of these resources 30% off through 12/31/24! Looking Ahead to 2025 We have many things planned for ABA Resource Center in 2025, including an update to our BCBA Fieldwork Supervision Curriculum ! Our updated curriculum based on the 6th edition BCBA task list will be available in late spring to early summer (release date TBD). If you purchase a copy of the current curriculum now, you'll lock in 50% off the new edition when it's released! As we continue our roadmap for 2025, help us prioritize our future resources. Share your anonymous feedback here !

The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) field continues to grow at incredible rates. With this growth comes a tremendous need for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). In recent years, many ABA practices have faced substantial RBT and BCBA shortages—coupled with high rates of turnover—impacting everything from the client's progress to the organization's financial health. Your staff is your greatest asset. As such, hiring and retaining top talent for your ABA practice is critical for long-term success. Let's explore six strategies for recruiting top talent for your RBT roles. Attend College Job Fairs College job fairs in your area can be an excellent way to engage with potential behavior technicians, particularly those pursuing a career in psychology, education, or related fields. These students are likely seeking opportunities to gain experience for their future careers. If possible, also take time to network with professors. Developing relationships with professors at nearby colleges can help you create a strong referral network. Encourage them to share your organization with future students who may be interested in a career in behavior analysis or related fields. Engage Candidates on Social Media Platforms LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for engaging candidates, especially BCBAs. Regularly posting on LinkedIn not only adds visibility to your open positions but also provides an opportunity to showcase your organization’s culture, values, and mission. Facebook also offers some opportunities for reaching potential applicants. There are many Facebook groups dedicated to ABA job advertising. The greatest benefit of posting jobs in social media groups is that it's free, making it an appealing option for those with limited marketing budgets. However, the effectiveness of your posts largely depends on the platform’s algorithms, which can make visibility and engagement unpredictable. Here are a few Facebook ABA Job Posting Groups you can try posting to: BCBA Careers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Careers RBT/BT Jobs BCBA Jobs America Post RBT and BCBA Listings to ABA Job Boards Traditional job boards like Indeed are becoming increasingly costly while delivering lower-quality candidates. Small and midsized ABA practices, often operating with tighter budgets, find it particularly challenging to compete with large, private-equity-backed organizations that dominate these platforms with extensive marketing resources. ABA-specific job boards provide a much-needed alternative, leveling the playing field for smaller practices. These niche platforms are designed to be cost-effective while directly connecting practices with candidates actively seeking roles in the ABA field. This targeted approach not only reduces costs but also minimizes the influx of unqualified applicants, saving valuable time in the hiring process. The ABA Resource Center’s Job Board  is a platform exclusively tailored to the ABA industry. It offers an ideal solution for small and midsized practices looking to increase the visibility of their job openings without straining their finances. Are you preparing your job listing? This article explores how to craft a compelling job post to stand out and attract top talent in a competitive market. Create an Employee Referral Program The best candidates are often those who are referred by someone internally. Offer incentives for employees who successfully refer candidates who are hired and remain with your practice through a probationary period. Developing a structured employee referral program can not only help you find high-quality hires but also boost morale by involving your team in the hiring process. Partner With AppleTree Connection for RBTs AppleTree Connection is an RBT training and mentorship organization. In addition to their 40 hour RBT course , they offer employer partnerships to help match comprehensively trained RBTs with high-quality organizations. AppleTree Connection has a series of initiatives within their Empowered RBT TM program to improve employee engagement, reduce turnover, and improve outcomes. AppleTree Connection's employer partners must agree to: Hire RBTs as W2 employees, and NOT 1099 contractors Guarantee at least 5% supervision Not charge for Competency Assessment Not require payback of costs for required employment onboarding training Learn more about their partnership program here . Outsource RBT and BCBA Recruiting Staffing is one of the greatest pain points ABA practices face, requiring extensive time and resources that could otherwise be dedicated to client care and staff supervision. For many practices, outsourcing staffing is a practical and effective solution to free up valuable time, reduce stress, and fill positions quicker. By delegating the hiring process to seasoned hiring experts, you can focus on what truly matters—delivering quality care to your clients. If this resonates with you, outsource your RBT and BCBA staffing to experienced professionals, like the behavioral health recruiting specialists at Reliatus Behavioral Health . Gain Leverage in Today's Competitive ABA Market The current job market in the ABA field is heavily tilted in favor of job seekers. With high demand and low availability of ABA professionals, BCBAs and RBTs have a wide range of organizations to consider when choosing where to work. These dynamics have made it more challenging than ever for ABA practices to fill critical RBT and BCBA roles while maintaining a focus on client care, staff retention, and organizational growth. Implementing a robust recruiting strategy that incorporates multiple strategies can help you navigate this competitive landscape.