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How do I become an RBT? The steps under the 2026 requirements

Eligibility, the 40-hour training, the competency assessment, the exam and what happens after you pass.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 27, 2026 · 2 min read
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The short answer

To become an RBT, you must be at least 18 with a high school education, pass background and abuse registry checks, complete a 40-hour training that meets the BACB's 2026 curriculum, complete the RBT Initial Competency Assessment with a qualified assessor, then apply to the BACB and pass the RBT exam. After that, you need ongoing supervision to practice.

Key takeaways
  • Be 18+ with a high school education, and pass background and abuse registry checks.
  • Complete a 40-hour training that meets the 2026 curriculum, over 5 to 180 days.
  • Complete the Initial Competency Assessment, then apply and pass the exam.
  • You need a supervisor before and after you're certified.

What are the steps to become an RBT?

  1. Check eligibility. You must be at least 18, have a high school-level education or equivalent, and pass a criminal background check and abuse registry check reviewed by an attestor.1
  2. Complete the 40-hour training. It must meet the RBT 2026 curriculum and be designed and overseen by a BCaBA or BCBA who has completed the 8-hour supervision training.2
  3. Complete the Initial Competency Assessment. A qualified assessor observes you performing key skills, after your training.1
  4. Create a BACB account and apply. Upload your training certificate and other documents.3
  5. Pass the RBT exam through Pearson VUE.
  6. Keep a supervisor. You can only provide services while you're supervised.

What's in the 40-hour training?

The 2026 curriculum sets minimum hours per section:2

RBT 2026 40-hour training sections
SectionMinimum hours
Introduction to ABA2
Preparing for service delivery1
Data collection and graphing3
Assisting with behavior assessments3
Behavior-change interventions20
Documentation and reporting3
Ethics and professionalism5
Next steps in certification1
Flexible hours (any section)2

Training must include behavioral skills training, like modeling and role-play with feedback. Assigned readings don't count toward the 40 hours.2

How do I find a training and a job at the same time?

Many ABA organizations hire people before they're certified and provide the 40-hour training and competency assessment as part of onboarding. Note that the responsible trainer can't be related to, subordinate to, or employed by you.2

How do I prepare for the RBT exam?

The exam is based on the RBT Test Content Outline (3rd ed.). Tips are in How do I pass the RBT exam?

What can I do this week?

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Read next: What is an RBT?

Common questions

The 40-hour training must take at least 5 days and no more than 180 days. After that come the competency assessment, application review and exam, so many people finish in one to three months.

Sources

  1. Behavior Analyst Certification Board: Guidance for meeting RBT requirements during the 2026 transition. bacb.com
  2. Behavior Analyst Certification Board: RBT 2026 40-hour training requirements and curriculum outline. bacb.com
  3. Behavior Analyst Certification Board: RBT Handbook. bacb.com

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. It isn't legal, billing or certification advice: always check the BACB's current requirements, your state's rules and your organization's policies. How we write our guides.

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