The RBT renewal application process includes completing a competency assessment, requesting renewal, and paying a renewal fee.
In order to become an RBT and to help deliver high-quality care for families, the BACB requires aspiring technicians to complete a 40-hour training course and pass a competency examination under the supervision of a BCBA, BCaBA, or BCBA-D. Once complete, the RBT certificate must be renewed every year from the completed test date.
The BACB’s registered behavior technician handbook delivers precise instructions for renewing the RBT certificate. While it must be renewed annually, the process cannot be performed greater than 45 days before the certification expiration date.
The registered behavior technician renewal procedure is as follows:
To better prepare for registered behavioral technician renewal, a certified RBT must have all required records to submit a completed renewal application.
In addition, a BCBA will provide a renewal checklist with measures and suggestions for completing every aspect of the RBT renewal application process.
The renewal checklist includes the following:
Once all of the renewal steps are completed, check the email address associated with the account or the BACB online account for any notifications. If no additional information is required, the next step is to await the confirmation email that verifies that the certification is renewed for another year.
The renewal competency examination is required every year to ensure the continued mastery of an RBT’s knowledge and skills. Since these professionals regularly conduct hands-on exercises with children on the autism spectrum, the assessment is beneficial for maintaining an optimum standard of care.
Below are some significant features of the competency examination:
The exam is not a written examination, but rather an evaluation of how registered behavior technicians perform specific tasks. RBTs are assessed through task completion with a child, through role-playing activities, or an interview.
The registered behavior technician certification is for paraprofessionals serving within the behavioral health field. These professionals are expected to provide behavioral care services and interventions directly to children on the spectrum.
The renewal procedure is much easier than the initial certification, which requires applicants to:
To maintain certification, an RBT must have evidence of continued supervision, adhere to the specified ethics code, and renew their RBT certificate before the expiration date.
A technician who fails to submit a renewal application for any reason still has the option to renew the RBT certificate. However, this renewal should take place as soon as possible since the certification automatically expires if not renewed by 30 days past the deadline. If your renewal is late, a $50 late fee will be applied.
If an RBT does not renew 30 days after the renewal deadline, their certification will expire and they will be required to re-apply for certification.
Songbird Therapy is a technology-enabled provider setting a higher standard for children’s autism care. With a deeply passionate team and innovative technology, we’re building a world where every child can access world-class care at home, uniquely tailored to them. If you are an RBT looking to help provide children’s autism care, contact us to learn how you can join the team.
