What Is an RBT (Registered Behavior Technician)?

If you run a therapy practice—whether it’s ABA, speech, or a multidisciplinary clinic—you’ve probably come across the term RBT. But what exactly does a Registered Behavior Technician do, and why are they so essential to your team?

In this post, you’ll get a clear picture of the RBT role, how it fits into modern therapy practices, and how to onboard one efficiently. Whether you're looking to hire RBTs or understand how to support the ones you already have, this guide has you covered.

What is an RBT (Registered Behavior Technician)?

An RBT, or Registered Behavior Technician, is a paraprofessional certified to implement behavior analysis services under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). They work directly with patients—often children—following treatment plans designed to improve behavioral, social, and communication skills.

RBTs are not therapists, but they are essential members of therapy teams, especially in ABA therapy for individuals with autism or developmental disorders.

Why RBTs matter in therapy practices

• They increase therapy capacity without the overhead of hiring more BCBAs.
• They provide consistency by working regularly with clients across sessions.
• They reduce burnout for clinical leads by handling routine, repetitive tasks.
• They help standardize care, especially in growing practices.

For multidisciplinary clinics, having RBTs on staff can improve cross-functional collaboration and free up time for licensed therapists to focus on higher-level interventions.

How to become an RBT: step-by-step

1. Meet the eligibility
   • Must be 18 or older
   • High school diploma or equivalent
   • Pass a background check
2. Complete 40 hours of training
   • Training must align with BACB standards
   • Can be online or in-person
3. Pass the RBT Competency Assessment
   • Conducted by a qualified BCBA or BCaBA
4. Apply and schedule the exam
   • Submit your application to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
   • Schedule the RBT exam through Pearson VUE
5. Pass the RBT exam
   • A multiple-choice test covering ethics, measurement, behavior reduction, and more

Once certified, RBTs must work under ongoing supervision and renew their credential annually.

Real-world examples of RBTs in action

• In ABA therapy: An RBT runs discrete trial training (DTT) sessions with a child, recording behaviors and communicating progress to the BCBA.
• In school-based programs: An RBT might support a student with behavioral challenges, reinforcing positive behavior plans during the school day.
• In multidisciplinary clinics: An RBT works alongside speech and occupational therapists, ensuring behavioral goals are supported across disciplines.

FAQs about RBTs

1. What’s the difference between an RBT and a BCBA?An RBT implements the treatment plan, while a BCBA designs and supervises it. The BCBA holds a master’s degree and board certification; the RBT is a paraprofessional.

2. How long does it take to become an RBT?On average, it takes 1 to 3 months, depending on how quickly the candidate completes the training and assessment.

3. Do RBTs need ongoing supervision?Yes. The BACB requires ongoing supervision from a certified BCBA or BCaBA for RBTs to maintain their credential.

4. Can RBTs work in schools or homes?Absolutely. RBTs are commonly employed in in-home services, school programs, and clinical settings.

5. Are RBTs only used in ABA therapy?While most RBTs work in ABA, their skills are increasingly valued in speech, OT, and broader behavioral support contexts.

Final thoughts

Whether you're scaling your ABA practice or running a multidisciplinary clinic, RBTs offer the operational muscle to deliver consistent, high-quality care. They’re trained, certified, and ready to do the heavy lifting—so your clinicians can focus on clinical excellence.

Want to reduce admin load while scaling up care delivery? Start by investing in your RBT team. It’s a smart move for growth—and for your patients.