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When people think of ABA careers, they often picture RBTs and BCBAs working with children with autism and other developmental delays. It makes sense for this to be the first that comes to mind. After all, according to BACB data , around 75% of BCBAs work with the autism population. But what about that other 25%? What other opportunities exist in this field? For those of you who enjoy the science of behavior analysis but prefer not to work with children—Or those who are simply curious about broader applications of this science, this article is for you! We'll explore several potential career paths for BCBAs. Remember, behavior is everywhere. There are many unique ways you, as a behavior analyst, can utilize your expertise to create meaningful change in the world. One important note before we dive in —For many of the following career paths, you won't be able to simply search for open roles on a job board . To work outside of traditional ABA settings, you'll likely need to carve your own path forward, combining your knowledge, skills, and passions with an entrepreneurial mindset. Autism Care While there are many diverse career paths in the ABA field, working with the autism population is by far the most common, so we'll highlight it first. There are a few different options for roles outside of the traditional two- or three-tier model. Here are a few possibilities you can explore. Direct-Care Model— If you enjoy working with autistic learners but aren't interested in being a supervisor, a direct-care model where you conduct the 1:1 without RBTs may be a good option. Private Practice— Finding an ABA practice that perfectly aligns with your values, clinical approach, and vision for client care can be challenging. For many, independent practice allows them to continue doing what they love with more autonomy. Some private practice owners accept insurance, while others operate on a private pay model only. Social Skills Group Instructor— Running social skills groups involves designing and leading group sessions with a specific focus on developing social communication and peer engagement skills. Some BCBAs offer this as a service in conjunction with other service offerings. Clinic Director/Manager/Executive Roles— For BCBAs with strong leadership and clinical skills, growing into a Clinic Director, Manager, or Executive may be an option. Training Director— If you're particularly passionate about training and ongoing development of technicians and behavior analysts, working as a Training Director may be right up your alley. Administrative Roles— Pivoting to administrative roles (e.g., scheduling, billing) could be an option, though it may come with a lower pay rate . Find your next ABA career. Explore job listings for Clinical Managers, Center Directors, Lead BCBAs, and more! School BCBA/Behavior Support Specialist ABA in schools has become increasingly more common in recent years. According to the BACB, over 12% of BCBAs work in education. This is the second largest primary area of emphasis. School-based BCBAs work closely with educators, administrators, and support staff to identify, assess, and manage behavior challenges that impact learning. Many schools and districts internally hire BCBAs directly, while others contract with behavior analysts to address specific needs. For example, BCBAs may conduct Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) for specific students when a family exercises their right to request an independent evaluation of their child's behaviors or school functioning. School-based BCBAs often work with students in both special education and general education. The way districts leverage behavior analysts and behavior technicians can vary significantly. They may provide direct services, oversee others, and/or operate on a consultative basis. Some of the common job responsibilities of a school-based BCBA include: Conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) Developing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) Training educators, support staff, technicians, and other professionals on the implementation of behavior plans Helping educators modify the educational environment in ways that meet individual students' needs Supervising RBTs/paraprofessionals Fieldwork Supervisor Many BCBAs working in traditional ABA settings provide fieldwork supervision for aspiring behavior analysts. However, some offer this service independently as their primary career. The BACB reports only 0.29% of behavior analysts work primarily in professional supervision. While supervision is not a responsibility to take on lightly, it can be highly rewarding to shape the future generation of behavior analysts. If you think this is the right career path for you, explore considerations for providing remote supervision to make sure you're prepared. Do you offer remote supervision for BCBA fieldwork? Join our BCBA Remote Supervisor Database ! Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) By applying behavior analytic principles, OBM specialists  help organizations boost employee performance, increase engagement, and improve workplace culture. Behavior Analysts can make meaningful changes within organizations across industries by identifying and addressing challenges through individualized organizational improvement plans. Here are a few resources for those interested in further exploring the OBM subspecialty of ABA. Aubrey Daniels International Moralis Machina Chief Motivating Officers Blog: How do I get Into OBM? IEP Advocate If you're interested in the intersection between school and ABA, another path you could take is becoming an IEP Advocate. As an IEP Advocate, you would offer support and guidance to families throughout their child's IEP journey. IEP Advocates attend IEP meetings, help families understand their rights, and support them in developing plans that enhance students' educational experience. This role requires a deep understanding of educational law, the special education system, and more. Check out the Pivot into IEP Advocacy® course  for more on this career path. Social Media Influencer/Content Creator If you've spent any time on Instagram, Facebook, or other social media platforms lately, you've likely come across any number of influencers sharing insights and opinions and connecting with their audience. The ABA field is no exception, with a growing number of BCBAs using their expertise to educate and inspire those in our field, similar fields, and those brand new but curious about ABA. Social media influencers create content to disseminate ABA. In addition to sharing knowledge, they often partner with brands as an Affiliate Marketer or sell their own resources. Interested in pursuing this career path? Create a Stan Store ! It's simple to create, share resources, and monetize your social media accounts. If you have ready-to-sell resources, you can also list them on Etsy, Teachers Pay Teachers, and Behavior Analyst Resource Center (BARC). Sexual Behavior Analysis Sexual Behavior Analysis is a unique subspecialty of ABA. Behavior Analysts trained in this area support individuals and couples in understanding and developing healthy sexual behaviors. They provide education and therapy aimed at addressing the diverse sexual needs of their clients while promoting informed sexual decision-making. Areas of focus may include consent, body boundaries, sexual traumas, impulsive behaviors, and high or low sex drive. If this area interests you, consider pursuing training to become a Certified Behavioral Sexologist (CBS) . Also, check out SEXABA 2025 . Software/Technology Living in a digital world means there are countless and ever-evolving forms of technology shaping the way we work, learn, and engage with others. Some BCBAs work within the technology space, supporting the development of apps, websites, and software platforms. There are many ways Behavior Analysts can apply their knowledge and expertise in technology and software, such as: ABA practice management and clinical data collection platforms Behavioral UX/UI Design VR-Assisted Therapies Behavior-change apps Digital screeners, assessments, and curricula Gamification of routines and skills (e.g., Joon ) Wearable technologies Coaching & Consulting If you have a niche you're particularly passionate about, offering coaching or consulting services is an excellent way to create a career doing exactly what you love. Some of the common coaching niches include: Health and Wellness Coach ADHD/Executive Functioning Coach Vocational Coach Social Skills Coach If you're interested in the Health & Wellness niche, Mind Body Behavior offers a Behavior Health and Wellness Certification Program . Parent Trainer According to the BACB's demographic data, 0.83% of Behavior Analysts work in parent and caregiver training. Many families experience challenges accessing quality care, such as lengthy waitlists, limited providers in their area, providers requiring a high minimum number of hours, lack of insurance, or hectic schedules. Some families simply need extra support in targeted areas, such as toilet training or daily routines, making a focused model of care an ideal solution. In this way, BCBAs can be highly influential in empowering families through parent training . Continuing Education Creator/Presenter Our field thrives on the exchange of knowledge and diverse experiences. As such, there is a need for BCBAs to contribute to continuing education (CE) content. It's relatively simple to become an Authorized Continuing Education (ACE) Provider. Take a look at the ACE Provider Initial Application here . Starting in 2026, RBTs will also need continuing ed, so there will be a need for more courses geared toward RBT-level knowledge. If you don't have a website to share your continuing education, you can sell your courses on websites like BehaviorLIVE, SNABA, or CEUnicorn. Group Homes & Day Programs If working with children isn't your thing, supporting adults in group homes and day programs may be a better match. BCBAs working in these settings assist adults with physical and intellectual disabilities or mental health challenges in developing independent life skills, community integration, and reducing behaviors that interfere with their quality of life. Research & Higher Education Another way to give back and advance the field is through research and academia. Behavior Analysts can contribute to the scientific foundation of ABA by conducting studies, publishing research, and working as university instructors or adjunct professors. Clinical Behavior Analysis 3.74% of BCBAs work in Clinical Behavior Analysis. This subspecialty focuses on treating depression, anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, substance misuse, and other mental health challenges. Those working in Clinical Behavior Analysis typically work within a team of multidisciplinary clinicians, including LMHCs, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and other mental health providers. Learn more about Clinical Behavior Analysis here . Insurance Utilization Reviewer Insurance companies depend on clinicians, including BCBAs, for authorization reviews, claims auditing, and quality insurance. If this interests you, search for job titles like: Behavioral Health Utilization Reviewer  Autism Care Advocate Utilization Management Behavioral Health Care Manager Behavioral Gerontology A small number of BCBAs (0.1%) work in behavioral gerontology, supporting the aging population. They apply behavior-analytic strategies to improve memory, maintain daily skills, reduce interfering behaviors, and prolong independence. Learn more about the behavioral gerontology subspecialty here . Tutoring Behavior Analysts can apply their expertise in the science of learning by tutoring children or adults. Some BCBAs specifically offer tutoring services for those pursuing BCBA certification. Others offer tutoring in academic subjects, like math or reading. Cultivate a Uniquely Rewarding Career as a BCBA As you explore career options, consider the following recommendations. Follow your passions— Reflect on what interests you. What type of work would make you excited to wake up every morning? Establish goals— Make a plan that addresses your short and long-term career goals. Seek mentorship & Training —Leverage the knowledge and expertise of BCBAs who are already doing what you're interested in. Attend workshops and conferences and find a mentor who can set you on the right path. One last note: This is in no way an exhaustive list of potential career paths for BCBAs. Behavior is EVERYWHERE. But I hope it helps as a starting point for potential new career options. References Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (n.d). BACB certificant data . Retrieved from https://www.bacb.com/BACB-certificant-data . Dalphonse, A. (n.d.). Understanding the role of a BCBA in an educational setting. https://masteraba.com/understanding-the-role-of-a-bcba-in-an-educational-setting/ Yingling, M.E., Ruther, M.H. & Dubuque, E.M. Trends in Geographic Access to Board Certified Behavior Analysts Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, 2018–2021. J Autism Dev Disord (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05402-0 Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links.

Are you a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) considering offering remote fieldwork supervision for aspiring behavior analysts? You're not alone. Remote supervision is becoming an increasingly common service. Some BCBAs offer remote supervision as their full-time gig, while others do it on the side to supplement. Whatever path you take, it can be an excellent way to support the future generation of behavior analysts. However, this is not something to hastily dive into. There are many considerations you must make before embarking on this journey. Are you looking for a remote BCBA to supervise your fieldwork hours for BCBA or BCaBA certification? Check out our BCBA Remote Supervisor Database to locate a supervisor! Benefits of Remote BCBA Fieldwork Supervision Before we cover the considerations for becoming a remote supervisor, let's evaluate the benefits of remote supervision. While many ABA organizations offer "free" supervision to their employees, it often comes with a few costs. First, they may set a clause in the contract requiring the supervisee to pay a large amount of money if they leave the company before a set amount of time (often two years). Another cost is the non-financial expense of subpar supervision. Many organizations overburden their BCBAs with high billables while requiring them to provide fieldwork supervision. This all results in poor quality supervision. Many trainees report struggles to accrue unrestricted hours, as their supervisors lack the time necessary to assign and evaluate unrestricted tasks. Many others get assigned busy work, like listening to a podcast and writing a report about what they learned. Some people also want to gain experience hours without working in an RBT role . They may work as a teacher, paraprofessional, or in another unrelated role and not have access to a BCBA. Offering remote supervision also allows supervisees to gain a broader range of expertise with exposure to different populations, subspecialties, and diverse perspectives. Do you offer remote BCBA fieldwork supervision? Join our database of remote supervisors ! 1. Understand the BACB Requirements Before diving into fieldwork supervision, whether remote or otherwise, it's crucial to understand the regulatory requirements set forth by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Many BCBAs rush into offering supervision, which can prove detrimental. Take a deep dive into the BCBA Handbook to familiarize yourself with the current supervision requirements, task list , and more. Be sure you're also receiving email updates from the BACB. One of the most common issues I see is BCBAs not fully understanding what constitutes restricted and unrestricted hours. We have an ethical responsibility to thoroughly understand these standards before offering supervision. Check out this overview to learn more about the current requirements for BCBA supervision: Understanding BCBA Fieldwork Hours. 2. Review State Laws and Licensure Requirements Many states require a license  to practice behavior analysis. If you plan to supervise candidates in states where you are not licensed, you need to review the licensure requirements for those states. Before proceeding, ensure you and the supervisee will be in compliance with applicable laws. 3. Ensure Technological Competence Technology can be tricky. We've probably all been there--Spotty internet, apps or websites you can't figure out how to navigate, lost data, etc. Before you agree to provide remote supervision, make sure you can navigate the digital tools needed for high-quality supervision. Ensure you have a reliable internet connection and HIPAA-compliant platforms and can navigate digital tools and apps, including video conferencing, spreadsheets, and the like. 4. Gather Supervision Materials Evaluate the materials you have available to guide your supervision practices. Consider a supervision curriculum to inform a more structured supervision plan. Explore recent literature to gather resources as well. To track your trainee's progress, also consider a BCBA Task List Competency Tracker. Also, remember that you can access journals in your BACB gateway account. Click on the 'Resource' tab in your gateway account to access those. 5. Consider Your Capacity Carefully evaluate your capacity before taking on remote supervisees. Consider not only the number of hours you will directly supervise them, but also the time you will need to dedicate to developing goals, assigning hours, and reviewing their work. 6. Leverage Your Strengths We all bring something unique to the table. Consider how you can leverage your strengths and expertise to elevate the fieldwork experience for your supervisees. Aspiring behavior analysts put a great deal of faith in their BCBA supervisor. We have a responsibility not to simply slide by, assigning the bare minimum. Identify what unique strengths you have and leverage them to support your supervisees' learning and growth. 7. Consider who will be the clients The purpose of the fieldwork experience is to develop competencies in behavior analysis through applied learning. As such, the BACB requires supervisors to observe their supervisee with a client each month. You'll want to develop plans to ensure your supervisees have access to clients with whom they can develop and implement behavior analytic plans. If you don't have clients you could provide them with, they will need to use their own clients, such as through their current job. To do this, you will need them to have a release signed, providing consent for you to observe them with their clients or students. Remember, the BCBA handbook states that supervisees must "work with, be observed by, and receive feedback from their supervisor for multiple clients  during the fieldwork." More BCBA Supervision Resources Providing BCBA remote fieldwork supervision is a rewarding experience that allows you to mentor and shape the future generation of behavior analysts. Before offering remote supervision, ensure you have considered each of the aforementioned points to create a positive and enriching supervisory experience. For more supervision resources, check out the following: Understanding BCBA Fieldwork Hours BCBA Supervision Resource Library Be a Better Supervisor: Best Practices in BCBA Supervision

The BACB regularly makes changes to its requirements for RBT, BCBA, and BCaBA certificates. As a BACB certificant, supervisor , aspiring technician, aspiring analyst, or an ABA employer, staying current with the BACB's requirements is critical for maintaining compliance. Let’s review the recent and upcoming BACB changes. Important Note : ABA Resource Center is not endorsed nor sponsored by the BACB. Contact the BACB directly for questions or concerns regarding upcoming or recent changes. 2024 BACB Requirement Changes Before we explore the upcoming 2025 changes, let’s review the changes that took effect in 2024. Grace Period Reduced As of January 1st, 2024, there is a 30-day reinstatement period (aka grace period) for BCBA and BCaBA renewals. This is a reduction from the previous policy, which allowed for 90 days. When renewing BCBA and BCaBA certificates, you must submit your recertification application within 30 days of your due date. It is important to note that you still need to complete all of your CEUs before your recertification deadline, as the grace period does not allow extra time to complete CEUs. Can you practice during the grace period? No, your certification will be listed as inactive during the grace period. You cannot practice ABA until your recertification application is submitted and approved. What happens after the 30-day grace period? You would lose your certification if you did not submit your recertification application by the end of your grace period (30 days following your recertification date). To begin practicing as a BCBA again, you must reapply under the current requirements. This is extremely risky, as it often means additional supervision hours and coursework to meet the current standards. Not to mention—retaking the dreaded exam! Don't let this happen. Be sure to submit your recertification application before the 30-day grace period ends. Rolling 10-Year Period on Coursework To apply for BCBA or BCaBA certification, you must have completed your coursework in the last 10 years. It is a rolling  10-year period, so regardless of the year you apply, your coursework must have been completed no more than 10 years prior. RBT Initial Competency Assessment Changes The BACB changed the RBT Initial Competency Assessment , which clarified the relationship between the RBT applicant and the supervisor who completes the assessment. They specify the following: "The responsible assessor, assistant assessor(s), and RBT applicant must be employed at (or all have a contractual relationship with) the same organization where the client is receiving services. This requirement applies to the entire assessment." Since this change has been enacted, there has been a common misunderstanding amongst the ABA community, with many believing that the only allowed path to RBT certification is having a supervisor at work complete the initial competency assessment. However, that leaves out the "or all have a contractual relationship with" component of the BACB's statement. Some companies offer the competency assessment remotely with a contract in place between their organization, clients, and the applicant. Since many companies only hire certified RBTs, a remote competency assessment allows those new to the field to achieve the requirements for RBT certification . Explore other common myths in ABA . Ontario RBT and BCaBA Certification As of July 1st, 2024, those living in Ontario can no longer apply for RBT or BCaBA certification. Current certificants were placed on voluntary inactive status. Additionally, BCBAs cannot practice until they are registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. This is due to regulatory changes in Ontario. You can learn more about this change here. Non-Certified RBT Supervision Requests As of October 1st, 2024, non-certified RBT supervisors must submit a request to the BACB to supervise RBTs. Currently, non-certified supervisors can serve as RBT supervisors if they meet the requirements and have oversight from the RBT Requirements Coordinator. However, it is important to note that this will be changing come 2026. Get Ready for the 2025 BACB Changes So, what's changing to BACB requirements in 2025? As of now, there are four main changes on the docket. Stay in the loop with additional future changes by ensuring you're subscribed to BACB newsletters. Multiple Certifications Policy In 2025, BACB certificants will only be allowed to hold one certification at a time. When you earn a higher level certification (e.g., a BCBA), your lower level certification (e.g., RBT, BCaBA) will stay active for 90 days or until it expires, whichever happens sooner. Are you searching for your next career in the ABA field? Check out the ABA Resource Center Job Board ! RBT Application Process Changes Beginning January 2nd, 2025, there will be a more streamlined approach to the application process. With this change, the Supervisor or Requirements Coordinator will not need to log into their account anymore. Instead, they will complete an RBT Certification Application Attestation form verifying that the applicant meets all of the requirements (e.g., age, background check, education, etc.). The applicant will upload the attestation form when they apply. The RBT won't need to upload proof of HS diploma anymore, as that is now on the supervisor to verify in the attestation. When the RBT passes the exam , their certification will initially be listed as inactive until their RBT Supervisor adds them to their BACB account. Their ongoing supervisor may or may not be the one who completed the competency assessment. Learn more about what is and is not changing with the RBT application process in this BACB update . 6th Edition BCBA Exams The BCBA exam will be based on the 6th Edition Test Content Outline. If you plan on testing for BCBA certification in 2025, familiarize yourself with the differences between the 5th and 6th editions. 6th Edition BCaBA Exams The BCaBA exam will be based on the 6th Edition Test Content Outline. If you plan on testing for BCaBA certification in 2025, familiarize yourself with the difference between the 5th and 6th editions. More BACB Changes are on the Way for 2026 and Beyond There are several certification changes planned for 2026 and beyond. We'll save those for a future article—But if you are beginning the process of planning for a future ABA career, it's worth it to review those future changes to make sure you're in alignment with the requirements. Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links.

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've transitioned this social media series into a blog. Enjoy! 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. Want to learn more about worker classification? Check out this blog that explores whether to classify RBTs and BCBAs as employees or contractors . 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. Disclaimer: This article may contain Affiliate Links.

Are you classifying your RBTs and BCBAs as employees or independent contractors? Following a discussion in an ABA social media group, I noticed how many misconceptions there still were regarding this topic. While it is becoming increasingly understood that RBTs cannot be classified as 1099 contractors, there is still confusion on whether it is acceptable to classify a BCBA as a contractor. Misclassifying workers can be a costly error that should be avoided. This article will explore the differences between employees and contractors, the 6-factor economic reality test, and the ramifications of misclassification to help you make an informed decision on classifying your ABA staff. Please note: This is informational only to guide you in your decision. The content contained in this article was obtained directly from the Department of Labor (DOL). However, I encourage you to consult legal and tax professionals before choosing how to classify your ABA team. What is an Independent Contractor? A good first question to explore is what exactly is an independent contractor and how is it different from an employee? An independent contractor is an individual who is in business for themselves and contracts with companies, providing their services. Conversely, an employee is an individual who works for an employer under specific employment conditions (DOL, 2024). Employers should use the economic reality test to identify whether an individual and the role they are working meets the qualifications of an independent contractor. What is the 6 Factor Economic Reality Test? The economic reality test involves a list of considerations that help employers discern whether an individual meets the legal requirements to be classified as a contractor. In the next two sections, we'll explore whether RBT and BCBA positions meet the conditions that would determine whether an employer-employee relationship exists. The Department of Labor clarifies that all six factors should be considered and not one single factor can indicate a worker's status. The totality of all of the factors will determine whether to classify your ABA staff as contractors or employees. The Economic Reality Test includes these six factors: Opportunity for profit or loss depending on managerial skill, Investments by the worker and the employer, Permanence of the work relationship, Nature and degree of control, Whether the work performed is integral to the employer’s business, and Skill and initiative. Gain visibility on your ABA job posts! Post your open BCBA and RBT jobs on the ABA Resource Center Job Board Can an RBT be an Independent Contractor? No, RBTs cannot be independent contractors . This is relatively simple, though we'll still explore each factor in more depth. By definition, an independent contractor is, well, independent. RBTs can never work independently, as they require BCBA supervision, per the BACB. Even if the RBT has a supervisor, they still cannot be classified as a 1099 contractor. Reflecting back on the economic reality test, other considerations would exclude RBTs from being independent contractors as well. Let's dive in a bit further. Opportunity for profit or loss depending on managerial skill RBTs generally do not have opportunities for profit or loss. Simply choosing to pick up more hours at a fixed pay rate (i.e., covering a therapy session for a colleague) would not constitute an opportunity for profit or less. Investments by the worker and the employer This factor looks at investments the individual would make that support business growth by increasing clients, reducing costs, extending reach, or increasing sales. RBTs do not typically make investments that are capital or entrepreneurial in nature. Degree of permanence of the work relationship RBTs are typically hired as permanent employees. Working in a position that is continuous without a fixed ending date and/or one that is the RBT's only working relationship indicates an employee status. Nature and degree of control This is a big one. An employer has control over the work an employee performs. Because RBTs do not have the ability to exercise control over how they perform their work and they require supervision, they cannot qualify as a 1099 contractor under this factor. Extent to which work performed is an integral part of the employer's business The work RBTs do for ABA organizations is almost always critical, necessary, or central to the operations, indicating an employee relationship. Skill and initiative RBTs do not use specialized skills with business planning and effort to perform their responsibilities and grow their business. Since they rely on their employer to provide training and oversight, they would be classified as an employee. Can a BCBA be an Independent Contractor? While RBTs cannot be independent contractors, it is a bit more complex of a consideration for BCBAs. There are circumstances when BCBAs can be properly classified as an independent contractor. However, it is not true that BCBAs can always be contractors simply because they don't require supervision. Let's explore the six factors of the economic reality test to help you consider whether BCBAs working for your ABA organization could be classified as contractors. Opportunity for profit or loss depending on managerial skills Does the BCBA have opportunities for profit or loss? Ask yourself the following questions to evaluate this factor. Do your BCBAs negotiate their pay or do you set fixed pay rates? Do they have the ability to accept or decline work or do you assign cases? Can they hire their own workers to support their working responsibilities? Can they decide which materials and equipment to purchase to do their job? Can they engage in other efforts to expand their business or secure more work, such as marketing or advertising? Choosing to pick up hours at a fixed hourly rate is not considered exercising managerial skills as an independent contractor. Investments by the worker and the employer Do your BCBAs make investments that are capital or entrepreneurial in nature? The DOL clarifies that the costs of tools for specific jobs and costs the employer imposes on the staff don't qualify as capital or entrepreneurial investments. The focus of this factor is on whether or not the BCBA makes investments that are similar to the employer and allow them to work independently in the ABA field. Degree of permanence of the work relationship Evaluate the nature and length of your working relationship with the BCBA. Independent contractor relationships are often project-based with either a fixed ending date or regularly occurring fixed periods of work, rather than ongoing and reliable work. If the BCBA works only for your organization and does not have the opportunity to make a business decision to take on multiple jobs, this indicates an employee-employer relationship. Nature and degree of control According to this factor, an employee status is indicated when an employer maintains control over the BCBA's performance. Consider aspects such as whether you: Control hiring and firing Dictate the BCBA's schedule Dictate the BCBA's pay rates Supervise the BCBA's work Have the right to supervise or discipline the BCBA Take actions to limit the BCBA's ability to work for other organizations An important element to clarify is control that is based on compliance with federal, state, or local regulations rather than the employer's internal policies, would not be taken into consideration for determining an employment relationship. Extent to which work performed is an integral part of the employer's business Is the work your BCBAs perform critical, necessary, or central to your business operations? When the work is not an integral part of the business, it lends credence to independent contractor status. This one is hard to conceptualize with a typical BCBA position in an ABA company. For a related example, consider the work a freelance writer does. I, myself, am a freelance writer for ABA providers . The work I do—writing blogs, guides, and other marketing and content materials—is important, but not central to their operations. Rather, providing ABA therapy is their primary business operation. Skill and initiative Do your BCBAs use their own specialized skills to perform their work or do they rely on you to provide training? Employees and contractors can both be skilled, but the focus is more on whether the BCBA uses their skills in conjunction with business initiative. Common Classification Myths in the ABA Field If an RBT or BCBA has an LLC, they must be classified as an independent contractor. It is untrue that having an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or LLC automatically makes you an independent contractor. If the conditions of the BCBA's work fall under the legal definition of employment, they must be classified as an employee. Learn more about this here (See myth #7 ). It doesn't matter how ABA staff are classified, as long as both the employer and staff agree. There is no harm in misclassification. The decision of how to classify does not fall on the worker. The BCBA agreeing to be classified in this way does not mean that they are legally an independent contractor. There are potential harms to misclassifying, even if the BCBA agrees to be (incorrectly) classified as a 1099 contractor. When a BCBA is classified as a contractor, yet treated as an employee, they lose certain benefits that employees are obligated to receive, such as: The right to unpaid, job-protected family and medical leave Certain anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation protections The availability of workers’ compensation if injured on the job The availability of unemployment insurance (UI) Employer payment of half of the Social Security and Medicare Taxes Further, misclassification harms ABA providers who are operating within the legal parameters by creating an uneven playing field. For example, wrongly classifying BCBAs and RBTs as independent contractors saves organizations a significant amount of money (at least temporarily until the legal ramifications of misclassification come to light). Because of this, these providers offer a higher hourly wage, which can be difficult for ethical, law-abiding organizations to compete with. This is especially true with companies who misclassify RBTs as contractors. RBTs m ay be drawn in by the significantly higher hourly rate and may not understand what constitutes an independent contractor. If the employer issues a 1099, that means the RBT or BCBA IS an independent contractor Issuing a 1099 form does not automatically mean the RBT or BCBA is in fact an independent contractor. See myth #3 on this DOL article for more on this . Explore more common myths about ABA employment and supervision practices. What are the Penalties for Misclassification of ABA Staff? Misclassifying ABA staff puts ABA organizations at great risk. There are many potential consequences, including: Backpay for wages that were wrongfully withheld (e.g., overtime pay, pay for hours worked that the employer deemed not payable such as admin/non-billable hours). Backpay on Medicare and Social Security taxes. Federal and state agency fines. Civil lawsuits. Damage to reputation. Costly and time-consuming IRS audits. Criminal charges, in severe cases. The temporary financial savings by misclassifying RBTs and BCBAs as independent contractors is not worth the risk. I urge you to comprehensively consider whether your BCBA positions pass the 6-factor test before classifying them as contractors. What Should I Do if I Believe I'm Misclassified? If you are classified as a contractor but believe you are actually working in an employee capacity, I recommend first discussing the discrepancy with your employer. Request to be re-classified. Employers can reclassify employees with partial relief from federal employment taxes through the Voluntary Classification Settlement Program (VCSP). Misclassified employees can file form 8919 with the IRS to report uncollected Social Security and Medicare taxes due to misclassification. For additional assistance, reach out to your local labor board. References Department of Labor. (2024). Fact Sheet 13: Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Retrieved from https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/13-flsa-employment-relationship#:~:text=The%20Department%20has%20issued%20regulations,employee%20or%20an%20independent%20contractor . Department of Labor. (n.d.). Myths about misclassification. Retrieved from https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa/misclassification/myths/detail#1 .

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. 🛑 Wait! Have you taken your RBT 40-Hour Course yet? You can't take the competency assessment until after you complete the 40-hour training! Check out AppleTree Connection's 40-hour Empowered RBT™ course ! Their course is consistently rated in the top 5 RBT courses based on pass rate. Set yourself up for success by starting your journey with a high-quality and engaging course. 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 Much Does the Competency Assessment Cost? If you complete the competency assessment with your employer, you should not have to pay anything. If you contract with an external company prior to employment, you'll find prices for competency assessments in the range of $1,000-$2,000. 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! Find an RBT Job Are you ready to elevate your career? Search for your next Registered Behavior Technician position on the ABA Resource Center Job Board ! Disclaimer: The article includes affiliate links.

The registered Behavior Technician (RBT) role is vital for delivering quality ABA therapy. It is also a position that has seen significant growth and is expected to continue growing in the foreseeable future. Over the past decade, the need for BCBAs has risen by over 5,000%! With that, comes a tremendous need for RBTs to provide direct care under BCBA supervision. If you are interested in a rewarding career in the ABA field, becoming an RBT is the best first step. If you have already completed the RBT training and competency assessment , the final step in the process is an RBT examination to test your knowledge of the RBT task list . Read on for study prep tips and tricks to pass on your first attempt. Wait! If you haven't taken a 40-hour RBT course yet, that's your first step! Check out AppleTree Connection's RBT course. This course is rated one of the top 5 courses, according to the BACB's pass rates . Find your RBT study baseline When you begin preparing for the RBT exam , a good first step is to find your baseline. A baseline is a measure taken before intervention. Before studying for the exam, it's helpful to take a full mock exam to see what level of understanding you have before diving into studying. You may find that the level of difficulty and quality of mock exams may vary, so be cautious. There has been a recent increase in the use of chatGPT by non-ABA professionals to create poor-quality mock exams. Make sure the mock exams you use are created by BCBAs or other ABA professionals with extensive experience in the field. The RBT task list is broken down into six sections. A good quality mock exam will show you which sections of the task list you are generally strong in and which sections you should continue to focus on. Once you have your baseline, you can continuously measure your progress through your study efforts. Fun fact: This is precisely what you'll be doing with your clients! In ABA, we take a baseline measure of our client's abilities, then implement teaching interventions and monitor progress. Ready to explore RBT careers? Check out the ABA Resource Center Job Board! Follow along with an RBT study guide Study guides break down each item in the task list to help you understand the concepts and provide real-life examples. Walk through each task list section, one item at a time, ensuring an understanding before moving on to the next. Pay extra attention to the concepts that you still don't feel confident in being able to apply. You'll want to dedicate some extra time to working through those. RBT Study Prep: Use SAFMEDS/Flashcards A great way to test your understanding and improve your fluency is to use SAFMEDS. These are essentially flashcards. The acronym stands for "Say All Fast Minute Everyday Shuffle". With the definition on one side and the concept on the other, you want to test both sides to ensure you can quickly identify the concept when you read the definition and vice versa. Graph your progress Graphing your own progress is a perfect way to have a visual representation of your study progress AND practice actual tasks you will be doing as an RBT! You could do this by graphing the number of tasks on the task list that you have mastered. Or the number of flashcard terms you've got down pat. Wrapping up Final thoughts: Don't overthink it! Once you understand the terms and how to apply them to real-world situations, you're solid. Learn more about what to expect on the RBT exam here. A career in ABA can be so rewarding and a perfect way to gain lifelong skills. Before you sit for your RBT exam, make sure you have a strong handle on the material outlined in the RBT handbook. Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links.

We're approaching Black Friday! I had a lot of interest in our Amazon Prime Day blog, so I thought I would do another one for Black Friday. This list includes ABA-related Black Friday deals on teaching stimuli, reinforcers, office supplies, CEUs, and more. The prices listed are based on the price at the time of posting. Prices can change at any time. I'll continue adding resources throughout the week! Want to save on digital ABA resources? Take an automatic 30% off on resources at ABA Resource Center through Black Friday-No promo code needed! ABA Teaching Stimuli ThinkPsych Language Learning Cards 450 total— $83.99 (16% off) + clip coupon for 5% off 2 or more or 10% off 3 or more What's Going On Conversation Cards — $9.79 (30% off) Counting dinosaurs —$9.98 (29% off) Following Directions Flashcards —$20.29 (30% off) Opposites Flashcards — $9.39 (33% off) ThinkPsych Noun Cards — $33.59 (16% off) + clip coupon for 5% off 2 or 10% off 3 Toys/Games/Reinforcers Pack of 120 fidget tools —$15.99 (36% off) Jumbo wooden shape puzzle —$9.24 (38% off) 3 Pack of liquid bubble timers —$14.98 (32% off) Preschool Busy Binder —$15.19 (28% off) CBTiger Game for emotional control —$16.76 (20% off) A Little Spot of Emotion Toys & Bookset — $29.32 (27% off) ChatChains Game —$22.39 (22% off) Reusable stickers —$5.09 (43% off) Learning Resources Sensory Scoops —$10.50 (30% off) Balance Stepping Stones $23.99 (20% off) + clip extra 19% off coupon 30 Pack of PopTubes $17.98 (36% off) Office Supplies Sharpie Pens —$8.49 (49% off) Classroom Table + 6 Chairs —$141.59 (55% off) 6 Pack of adult scissors —$6.99 (56% off) But Did You Document It? Office Decor —$6.19 (52% off) 150 pre-sharpened pencils —$11.49 (32% off) 40 pack mechanical pencils —$7.91 (51% off) All Behavior is Communication Office Decor —$10.39 (20% off) Desk Organizer —$19.30 (45% off) Scotch Laminator —$25.55 (29% off) 200 Scotch Laminating Pouches —$23.79 (45% off) BIC Witeout 10 pack —$11.02 (58% off) Find your next BCBA position on our ABA Job Board! ⬇️ Training & Mentorship Up to 75% off RBT Training at AppleTree Connection 11/28-12/2 Up to 75% off CEUs at Special Learning 30% off CEUs at Study Notes ABA Use code BF24 Disclaimer: This blog contains affiliate links. If you purchase from my link, I'll earn a small commission.

The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Task List is a document that encompasses the content that RBTs are expected to understand and competently demonstrate. To become certified as an RBT, you need to pass an exam. The questions on that exam are based on the RBT Task List. Therefore, having a solid understanding of each task is essential. If you are pursuing RBT certification or supervising aspiring technicians, read on for an overview of the RBT Task List. Don't forget that the first step in the process is a 40-hour RBT Training Course! Register for your training, then come back and learn more about the task list. What is the format of the RBT task list? The RBT task list is comprised of 6 domains: Measurement Assessment Skill Acquisition Behavior Reduction Documentation and Reporting Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice. Each section has between 3 and 12 individual tasks. The sections with a higher number of tasks make up a more significant portion of the exam. For example, Section C has 12 tasks, making up 32% of the exam. Compare that to Section B, which only has 3 tasks, making up 8% of the exam. While you should thoroughly study every section, it makes sense to focus more on the domains that make up a larger percentage of the test. Now, let's dive into each domain. RBT Task List Section A: Measurement The first section of the task list covers data collection and measurement. ABA therapy is all about data! We use data to better understand our learners' behaviors and abilities. As an RBT, you will take data every day. Your BCBA will analyze the data and use it to inform the progression of your learner's care. The specific tasks included in section A include: A-1 Prepare for data collection. A-2 Implement continuous measurement procedures (e.g., frequency, duration). A-3 Implement discontinuous measurement procedures (e.g., partial & whole interval, momentary time sampling). A-4 Implement permanent-product recording procedures. A-5 Enter data and update graphs. A-6 Describe behavior and environment in observable and measurable terms. Take a deep dive into what each task entails with this full-length RBT Study Guide! RBT Task List Section B: Assessment Section B encompasses assessments that RBTs must know. This section only includes three tasks, accounting for the smallest portion of the exam (8%). BCBAs conduct most of the assessments in ABA. RBTs usually play a supportive role. The specific tasks in section B include: B-1 Conduct preference assessments. B-2 Assist with individualized assessment procedures (e.g., curriculum-based, developmental, social skills). B-3 Assist with functional assessment procedures. RBT Task List Section C: Skill Acquisition Section C covers skill acquisition tasks. These are the concepts and principles you will need to understand to teach your learners new skills. In ABA, we teach a wide range of skills, from communication and social skills to adaptive living, self-advocacy, and more. Understanding how to teach these skills is paramount. The specific tasks in Section C include: C-1 Identify the essential components of a written skill acquisition plan. C-2 Prepare for the session as required by the skill acquisition plan. C-3 Use contingencies of reinforcement (e.g., conditioned/unconditioned reinforcement, continuous/intermittent schedules). C-4 Implement discrete-trial teaching procedures. C-5 Implement naturalistic teaching procedures (e.g., incidental teaching). C-6 Implement task analyzed chaining procedures. C-7 Implement discrimination training. C-8 Implement stimulus control transfer procedures. C-9 Implement prompt and prompt fading procedures. C-10 Implement generalization and maintenance procedures. C-11 Implement shaping procedures. C-12 Implement token economy procedures. RBT Task List Section D: Behavior Reduction Section D of the RBT Task List covers the ABA strategies we use to reduce behaviors. Many of our learners engage in behaviors that interfere with their ability to learn and live fulfilling lives. For example, they may engage in aggression toward others or self-injurious behaviors (SIB). Behavior analysts create behavior reduction plans (AKA behavior intervention plans) to reduce behaviors and teach more adaptive ones. RBTs are responsible for implementing these plans. The specific tasks in Section D include: D-1 Identify essential components of a written behavior reduction plan. D-2 Describe common functions of behavior. D-3 Implement interventions based on modification of antecedents such as motivating operations and discriminative stimuli. D-4 Implement differential reinforcement procedures (e.g., DRA, DRO). D-5 Implement extinction procedures. D-6 Implement crisis/emergency procedures according to protocol. RBT Task List Section E: Documentation and Reporting Section E encompasses RBTs' responsibilities in documenting services and reporting variables that affect their learners. One task in this section also highlights compliance with laws and regulations as they relate to documentation. Compliant documentation and professional communication with supervisors are vital for establishing high-quality services and ensuring the best possible outcomes. The specific tasks in Section E include: E-1 Effectively communicate with a supervisor in an ongoing manner. E-2 Actively seek clinical direction from supervisor in a timely manner. E-3 Report other variables that might affect the client in a timely manner. E-4 Generate objective session notes for service verification by describing what occurred during the sessions, in accordance with applicable legal, regulatory, and workplace requirements. E-5 Comply with applicable legal, regulatory, and workplace data collection, storage, transportation, and documentation requirements. RBT Task List Section F: Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice The final section of the RBT task list covers expected professional conduct and an RBT's scope of practice. This information is critical for maintaining compliance with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and for providing ethical care. The specific tasks in Section F include: F-1 Describe the BACB’s RBT supervision requirements and the role of RBTs in the service-delivery system. F-2 Respond appropriately to feedback and maintain or improve performance accordingly. F-3 Communicate with stakeholders (e.g., family, caregivers, other professionals) as authorized. F-4 Maintain professional boundaries (e.g., avoid dual relationships, conflicts of interest, social media contacts). F-5 Maintain client dignity. Join ABA Resource Center's Affiliate Program! Earn 15% commission on all sales purchased through your link! Prepare for the RBT Exam According to the most recently released RBT pass rate data,  only 74%  of first-time test-takers pass the RBT exam on their first try. This highlights the need for candidates to take their time in preparing for the examination. While it is not an easy test for many, you  can  pass it with dedication and effort! Passing the exam shows that you understand behavior-analytic principles and how to apply them to real-life scenarios. Passing on your first try will allow you to begin working as an RBT sooner and make meaningful changes in the lives of your future clients.  Consider the following resources to ensure you are well-prepared and comprehensively understand the task list.  Study Prep materials: RBT practice exam, study guide, and flashcards RBT Competency Assessment Study Guide Learn more about the exam (Blog): RBT Exam: What to Expect Choose a high-quality RBT Course (Blog): RBT 40-Hour Training Pass Rates Explore AppleTree Connection’s full online RBT certification program Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links.

Are you a BCBA, clinic director, or other ABA professional? Check out the following recommendations for books, assessments, and curricula to add to your library! ABA Parent Training Books ABA Visualized Guidebook —A step-by-step book with visuals and approachable language to help parents, teachers, and others support learners in building skills and modifying behaviors. One Year ABA Parent Training Curriculum —This curriculum covers 27 in-depth caregiver training lessons with research-backed content. There is also a Spanish version! A Beginners Guide to Parenting with Applied Behavior Analysis— This is a great book to recommend to parents and caregivers as they begin their ABA journey! If you're an avid reader, grab a FREE trial of Kindle Unlimited  to immerse yourself in unlimited reading and listening! Books for School-Based BCBAs The Preschool Inclusion Toolbox: How to Build and Lead a High-Quality Program —This book is a must-have for early childhood educators and administrators! Conducting School-Based Functional Behavioral Assessments: A Practitioner's Guide —A practical guide to conducting FBAs for school-based BCBAs. ABA Assessments & Curricula BCBA Fieldwork Supervision Curriculum —A guide for BCBAs to conduct supervised fieldwork with trainees. All-in-One ABA Programming Guide: Applied Behavior Analysis —This book is helpful for new BCBAs and trainees as they develop the competencies related to ABA programming. However, as always, keep in mind that goals and programs should be customized to the individual learner. The Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS) —Assess your learners on 1900 skills across 6 protocols. You can also purchase a digital version here . Essentials for Living —A functional skills assessment, curriculum, and skill tracking tool. Other ABA-Related Books ABA Glossary of Terms —A quick reference guide for ABA terminology and acronyms. Ethics for Behavior Analysts —Your go-to ethics resource during training and in practice. This book is especially great to keep handy if you’re supervising student analysts. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Behavior Analysts —I really enjoyed this book. It was a huge help in understanding and conceptualizing the use of ACT within ABA. Flexible and Focused: Teaching Executive Function Skills to Individuals with Autism and Attention Disorders —Step-by-step lessons for clinicians, parents, or educators to support the development of executive functioning skills. Multiculturalism and Diversity in Applied Behavior Analysis —A theoretical and clinical framework for addressing multiculturalism and diversity within ABA. Thanks for the Feedback —While this isn't exactly an ABA book, it's one I recommend to all ABA professionals. Feedback can be awkward and uncomfortable, but it's SO important in this field. Applied Behavior Analysis 3rd edition —Considered the “White Bible of ABA” by many. You’re probably deeply familiar with this book from your coursework and studying for the exam. However, don’t be too quick to get rid of your Cooper book upon passing the big exam. While you may not reference it in your day-to-day clinical work, it may come in handy in other ways, like planning for fieldwork supervision activities. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. This means if you purchase through my links, I earn a small commission. This does not impact the price of the products or the quality of my recommendations.

Whether you are just starting your career as a Behavior Technician (BT) or an experienced Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), the interview process can be exciting and nerve-racking. It is important to remember that interviewing is not only for the interviewer to evaluate whether you are a good fit for their organization. It is also for you, the interviewee, to consider whether the company suits your needs. I encourage you to ask the following questions during your RBT interview to help you find a company that best fits your professional growth and personal needs. Note: The following questions are in no particular order. 1. What is the RBT Training process like? Even if you are an experienced RBT, the training and onboarding a new company provides are essential for getting you off to a smooth start. Each company has different policies and procedures, so you'll want your new company to offer a thorough training process. Consider it a red flag if the company intends to fast track you right into working with clients. A few things to consider with this question are how long the training process will take and the compensation during this time. Hourly employees must be paid for all hours worked, even during training, so turn down offers that involve unpaid training. Some companies offer a lower pay rate until training is completed, so be sure you're aware of this and you're comfortable with the pay before proceeding. If you are new to the field, you will need to complete a 40-hour RBT Training , even if you're not taking the RBT exam just yet. The 40-hour course provides you with much of the essential knowledge to be a successful behavior technician. 2. What is the RBT turnover rate, and what steps do you take to reduce turnover? Unfortunately, the turnover in ABA can be quite high, similar to many other "helping fields." Some of this is inevitable as an entry-level role and the nature of the work. However, there are many things a company can do to improve their turnover rates. It's beneficial to know that any organization you're considering working with is aware of their turnover rates and the common causes of turnover, and they are implementing strategies that directly target improved job satisfaction. 3. What is the supervision structure and frequency? RBTs must receive live ("face-to-face") supervision at least 2x/per month and at least 5% of their total direct hours. This is the bare minimum standard set forth by the BACB. Ask if you will receive supervision and support beyond these minimum standards. You may also want to know whether the company has a two-tier or three-tier supervision model. A two-tier includes the RBT and BCBA. A three-tier model includes a mid-level supervisory role. Both have benefits and drawbacks, so it's up to you to decide what model you are more comfortable with. Many companies are shifting away from telehealth (i.e., zoom supervision), which was common during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some organizations do still provide supervision remotely. As such, asking whether supervision will be in-person or via video conferencing may be beneficial. 4. What is your cancelation policy? It's imperative to understand a company's cancelation policies before onboarding. The majority of ABA organizations do not guarantee hours for RBTs, so often, when a client cancels, the RBT loses out on those hours and, therefore, loses out on pay. Sometimes, shifting to a different client is an option to avoid missing hours. Or, the company may assign administrative tasks like cleaning the center or creating client stimuli. Ask the interviewer whether other clients or duties are an option when your client is out. Haven't taken the RBT Training yet? Check out Appletree Connection! 5. What would a typical schedule look like? Ask what your typical weekly schedule will be. Consider whether you will have a consistent schedule each week or if there will be variation. Also, consider whether there will be gaps in your daily schedule. For example, could you have an 8-11 AM session, then a large break until your 2-5 PM session? If this works within your availability because you are unavailable between those times, then great! Often, though, people prefer back-to-back sessions to finish their work day. Consider whether the proposed schedule will promote a healthy work-life balance for you. You may also want to ask about the settings you'll be working in. For example, will you be solely in client's homes, in a center, or a combination of the two? You may also work in client's schools or other community settings. 6. Does your company practice assent-based care? Look for a company that practices assent-based care rather than compliance-based. If you're unfamiliar with the concept of assent, learn more about it here. 7. Are there opportunities for career growth? If you are motivated to continue growing in the ABA field and expanding your career, ask the interviewer about growth opportunities. Even if you're not interested in a BCBA or supervisory position, you may want to know that the company provides room for growth. Look for an organization with an established career path for growth across all positions. 8. How far will I need to drive to clients? Is drive time paid? If you are interviewing at a clinic-based organization, your drive time will likely only include your regular daily commute to and from the center. In this case, drive time is generally not paid. However, if you work in clients' homes, your role will likely involve additional driving time. Ask the interviewer about how far you will be required to drive between clients. Also, ask about the pay for travel. Federal law requires travel pay for time spent driving between work sites (i.e., between client locations). If you will be driving between clients, ask what the travel pay rate is. In some cases, companies pay a lower hourly rate for travel time, so consider whether this is feasible for you. 9. What system does the company use for data collection? A majority of companies are moving toward digital data collection software, such as CentralReach, ReThink, or Raven Health, to name a few. However, some companies are still using paper and pen data collection. If you have a preference, ask what system the company uses. If they use digital data collection, ask about the device you would be using to collect data. Ideally, they should provide you with a tablet to record data and session notes. 10. How often is feedback provided? Feedback is so important in this field, though it can be difficult and uncomfortable at times. It's helpful to understand the company's policies and procedures on feedback. A high-quality organization should provide you with informal feedback at each observation, in addition to providing formal feedback on a more structured timeline (i.e., quarterly, every 6 months, or annually). We wish you the best of luck as you continue your RBT job-seeking endeavors! Not an RBT yet? Check out this article to learn more about how to pursue a career path as a Registered Behavior Technician! Disclaimer: Affiliate links are included in this article.

Toddlers are oh-so-fun and oh-so-exhausting. They often crave interaction with others and seek parents or other adults to engage with. Of course, there are times when parents can't play, so teaching independent play skills is vital. When caregivers are getting work done, cleaning, or simply need a few minutes to themselves, it's incredibly valuable to have activities children can do independently. Teaching independent play skills won't happen overnight. Still, with some support and the gradual fading of adult presence, little ones can learn to occupy themselves for at least a short time without direct interaction from another person. As you begin developing independent play skills, try the following ideas for solo play activities. Stamps Let your little one's creativity shine with stamps. I definitely suggest washable stamps though! Set up a station at the dining table with papers and stamps and let them go to town. Playdoh, Sand & Slime-Oh My! I know some parents shy away from messy play, but let's be honest, messy play is fun! My 4-year-old loves playing with Play-Doh and kinetic sand. Play-Doh offers endless creative possibilities, making it an excellent option for independent play. If you're worried about the clean-up, try these play mats to keep things contained. Of course, if your little one is in the mouthing phase, Play-Doh might not be the best option for limited-supervision independent play. An alternative could be creating homemade dough with edible ingredients! Blocks Blocks and Legos are another great way to let your toddler get creative. Try pattern blocks for older toddlers and preschoolers. These can support visual perceptual skills. But really, any blocks, Legos, or other stacking items would work! Magnetic blocks are fun too, though they can be challenging to manipulate. I have found this to be frustrating to young children, so those may be better suited for interactive play with an adult's support. Sensory Bins Sensory bins offer endless possibilities for independent play that is individualized to your child's interests. You can purchase various pre-made sensory bins or create your own. Identify a container to use for the bin. Any small tote or a water/sand table would work. Next, add sensory materials. Finally, let your child explore! Here are a few ideas for sensory bins: Dirt and rocks (+ construction vehicles) Rice and beans Cotton balls/pom poms Rocks Leaves Water with measuring cups Water beads Shaving cream Pasta Letters or numbers and a fishing net to "fish" them out Shredded paper Cereal Flowers Confetti Pipe cleaners Put items like sensory scoopers, measuring cups, spoons, other toys, etc. in for them to explore the sensory materials with. If your child is in a mouthing exploratory phase, please take caution to ensure no choking hazards. Independent Play with Busy Binders Busy binders or file-folder activities are pre-academic readiness activities. These may include tracing pages, matching, drawing, stickers, and more. You can create them yourself or purchase them. Etsy, Amazon, and TeachersPayTeachers all have large selections of busy binder activities! Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission on purchases, though the total cost for you does not change!