How to Become a Registered Behavior Technician?
Provide all required documentation
Start by accessing and logging into your BACB account, where you'll be prompted to upload necessary documents, including:
- The Certificate of Completion for your RBT 40-hour training
- Your completed RBT Competency Assessment
- Documentation such as a copy of your transcript or diploma to confirm high school completion (or its equivalent)
RBT applicants are required to identify an RBT Supervisor or RBT Requirements Coordinator to fulfill a section of their application. Utilize the certificant registry, which enables users to locate suitable contacts online based on filters such as last name, country, state/province, and zip code.
Complete a 40-hour RBT coursework
All RBT candidates are required to successfully complete a 40-hour training program aligned with the RBT Task List (2nd ed.). This training must be supervised by a BACB certificant (BCBA, BCaBA, or BCBA-D), referred to as a "responsible trainer." Alternatively, an "assistant trainer" may lead the training under the supervision of a responsible trainer. The training can be administered either in person or online, encompassing a single course or multiple units totaling 40 hours. It's important to note that the training must be completed within a 180-day timeframe, with a minimum duration of 5 days.
Pass the competency assessment with a BCBA
After finishing your RBT training, you are required to undertake the Initial RBT Competency Assessment.
This assessment should meet the following criteria:
- Supervised by a qualified BACB certificant who fulfills the supervision prerequisites.
- Completed subsequent to the RBT training.
- Completed no earlier than 90 days before initiating the payment process for your RBT certification.
Following the conclusion of your 40-hour RBT coursework, the subsequent step involves passing the competency assessment, overseen by a BCBA, also known as a "responsible assessor" in this context. To qualify as a responsible assessor, completion of an eight-hour supervision training is mandatory. Additionally, an "assistant assessor" may assist in conducting the competency assessment under supervision. The assessment itself can be carried out through one or multiple sessions, either in-person or online.
Take the RBT Certification Exam
Upon approval of your application, the subsequent stage in the RBT certification process entails scheduling your exam. The RBT certification examination encompasses six key content areas derived from the RBT Task List:
- Measurement
- Assessment
- Skill Acquisition
- Behavior Reduction
- Documentation and Reporting
- Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice
Successful completion of the exam signifies readiness to commence practice as an RBT!
SALARY
| State | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $37,500 | $3,125 | $721 | $18.03 |
| Alaska | $45,500 | $3,792 | $875 | $21.88 |
| Arizona | $39,500 | $3,292 | $760 | $19.00 |
| Arkansas | $35,000 | $2,917 | $673 | $16.83 |
| California | $42,000 | $3,500 | $807 | $20.18 |
| Colorado | $40,000 | $3,333 | $769 | $19.23 |
| Connecticut | $44,500 | $3,708 | $856 | $21.40 |
| Delaware | $41,000 | $3,417 | $788 | $19.70 |
| Florida | $37,500 | $3,125 | $721 | $18.03 |
| Georgia | $38,000 | $3,167 | $731 | $18.28 |
| Hawaii | $43,500 | $3,625 | $837 | $20.93 |
| Idaho | $36,000 | $3,000 | $692 | $17.30 |
| Illinois | $40,000 | $3,333 | $769 | $19.23 |
| Indiana | $37,000 | $3,083 | $712 | $17.80 |
| Iowa | $36,500 | $3,042 | $702 | $17.55 |
| Kansas | $35,500 | $2,958 | $683 | $17.08 |
| Kentucky | $36,500 | $3,042 | $702 | $17.55 |
| Louisiana | $36,500 | $3,042 | $702 | $17.55 |
| Maine | $37,500 | $3,125 | $721 | $18.03 |
| Maryland | $41,500 | $3,458 | $798 | $19.95 |
| Massachusetts | $44,500 | $3,708 | $856 | $21.40 |
| Michigan | $38,500 | $3,208 | $740 | $18.50 |
| Minnesota | $40,500 | $3,375 | $779 | $19.48 |
| Mississippi | $35,500 | $2,958 | $683 | $17.08 |
| Missouri | $36,500 | $3,042 | $702 | $17.55 |
| Montana | $36,000 | $3,000 | $692 | $17.30 |
| Nebraska | $36,500 | $3,042 | $702 | $17.55 |
| Nevada | $41,500 | $3,458 | $798 | $19.95 |
| New Hampshire | $41,000 | $3,417 | $788 | $19.70 |
Maximum RBT Salary
While the median salary for an RBT in the United States hovers around $46,883 annually, it's notable that certain RBTs can achieve substantially higher earnings. According to data from PayScale, the top-tier RBTs can command salaries exceeding $69,661 yearly.
These elevated earnings are frequently attributed to RBTs employed in high-demand locales, such as major urban centers or regions experiencing a scarcity of skilled professionals. Moreover, individuals with advanced degrees or specialized certifications may leverage their qualifications to secure higher pay.
Nevertheless, it's essential to recognize that these heightened salary levels are not necessarily representative of the norm and may necessitate additional educational attainment or professional experience. As with any career path, conducting thorough research and considering various factors is crucial in gauging the prospective salary one can anticipate as an RBT.
Common Questions
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