HomeFieldwork A–ZRBT® (Registered Behavior Technician®)
Fieldwork A–Z

RBT® (Registered Behavior Technician®)

An entry-level BACB® credential that delivers ABA under close supervision — not the same as BCBA® fieldwork.

What it means

A Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®) is the BACB®’s entry-level, paraprofessional credential. RBTs deliver behavior-analytic services under close, ongoing supervision. It requires a 40-hour training, a competency assessment, a background check, and an exam — not the 1,500/2,000-hour supervised fieldwork that BCBA® and BCaBA® candidates complete. As of 2026, RBT supervisors must hold BCaBA® or BCBA® certification.

Example

Many BCBA® trainees work as RBTs while accruing fieldwork — but that hands-on delivery is largely restricted activity.

Where it trips people up

Working as an RBT is valuable experience, but direct delivery is restricted for BCBA® fieldwork — so a full-time RBT can hit the 40% restricted cap fast. Balance it with unrestricted activities.

Related terms

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