How to get RBT Certified?

By: Shruthi Rajalakshmi, BCBA 

Getting an RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) Certification is the first official step into the field of ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis). ABA, in simple words, is the application of the principles of learning theory, to bring about meaningful and socially significant changes in behavior.

As an RBT, you will be working directly with individuals, mostly children, and implementing treatment procedures designed by your supervisor. It is important to know that your RBT Certification will always be tied to a BCBA Supervisor, who will be your Responsible Certificant.

This article will mention “the Board” multiple times. It refers to the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB).

 

How do I go about getting RBT Certified?

The Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) specifies a minimum age, minimum education, RBT training and competency assessment for anyone who wishes to apply for RBT Certification.

  • Age: Must be at least 18
  • Education: High school or equivalent/higher
  • Training: If you qualify by age and education, the next step is go through training. There are several online and onsite RBT training programs offered by Universities and private agencies. The standard duration of training is 40 hours and covers all material specified in a “Task list” by the Board. Candidates are expected to take no longer than 180 days to complete it. Before you enroll, do make sure the course sequence is approved by the Board.
  • Competency assessment: Once the training has been completed, you will find a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to evaluate your skills, either on job or in person through role play. The Board requires a BCBA to attest that you have the required skills to be a Behavior Technician.

If you already have a job as a Behavior Therapist/Technician/Interventionist, your company will most likely have a BCBA who will conduct the competency assessment for you. If you are not yet working in the as a BT/BI, you may find a BCBA through the Board’s website. The BCBA will be your Responsible Certificant, meaning, he or she will be responsible to provide the required hours of supervision every month.

Once you have Certificate of completion of the approved RBT coursework and a Competency assessment report from the BCBA, you can apply for the Certification.

 

How do I apply?

You will first need to create an account through the BACB website, a very simple procedure. Once that is done, you will be directed to upload scans of your Certificate and the Assessment report along with a scan of your highest degree and details about your BCBA supervisor.

Simply follow the instructions in the website.

Once that is done, the Board will contact you via email notifying you of the approval, and provide you with clear instructions about how to book your exam dates and other details about the exam – rules, procedures, what to bring, duration of the exam, number of questions etc.

In the process, if there is any concern regarding your BACB account or your application, you can call the Board for immediate help. You could also use their Contact Us tab. They usually respond with help within 24 hours.

Take advantage of www.BACB.com ! And good luck with the process of getting RBT Certified!

You may be a great fit if you have experience in any of these areas: After-School Counselor, Autism, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Behavioral Health, Behavioral Health Technician, Board Certified Autism Technician, Behavior Specialist, Behavioral Interventionist, Child Development, Childcare, Developmental Disabilities, Direct Support Professional, Autism Paraprofessional, Early Intervention, Mental Health Specialist, Medical student, Pre-Med student, ABA Paraprofessional, Preschool Teacher, Psychology, Social Learning, Social Skills, Sociology, Special Education Teacher, Teacher Assistant, Teacher’s aide, Autism Therapy, Tutor, Working with Children, or Youth Program Coordinator

Emerging Milestones is Hiring Entry Level Behavioral  Technicians – East and South Bay Area, California 

Company Description:

Emerging Milestones is dedicated to helping children on the Autism Spectrum in the greater Bay Area, California. Our team provides a variety of services to support individuals with disabilities to address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals by provide evidence-based state-of-the-art behavioral therapy and consultation services.  Our BCBAs create individualized intervention plans using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

The position of Autism Therapist will be to take part in working with and teaching children with special needs as part of a team. The individuals who are chosen to work as an Autism Therapist will be trained by Board Certificate Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and/ or licensed Clinical Psychologists.   All Autism Therapist candidates will be trained in the basics of Applied Behavior Analysis, specifically a teaching technique known as Discrete Trial Training and Natural Environment Training. The training will also include information on how to implement other teaching methodologies that have proven to be helpful with children with Autism. Upon completion of training and overlaps with current Behavioral Interventionist, the Behavioral Technician will conduct structured sessions in the client’s home setting and/or school environment. Autism Therapists implement changes made to the child's home program/school programs and ensure that they are taking daily data on each program/goal taught. Timeliness and consistency is crucial; as is overall professionalism. The objective of the Autism Therapist is to foster the child's independence across different settings and promote success. Professional Development Opportunities to become a Qualified Autism Services Practitioner (BCBA), Case Manager, Program Supervisor, and more!
  • Provide 1:1 individualized behavior therapy in child’s home, community, school or daycare;
  • Assisting in restructuring factors and activities to support the clients’ behaviors
  • Complete necessary daily data collection, and session notes related to implementation of the intervention plan;
  • Review behavior plans and other instructional materials developed by Behavior Analysts and/ or Clinical Psychologists;
  • Include parents/caregivers in sessions to promote generalization and involvement;
  • Attend staff and/or team meetings;
  • Communicate effectively with all team members and client family/caregivers;
  • Must have reliable transportation (driving is required)
  • Provide proof of valid driver license and current auto insurance;
  • Pass background/fingerprint clearance through DOJ and FBI;
  • Provide/obtain proof of negative TB, and MMR and Varicella vaccinations and/or titers;
  • Physical Competence/Health Screening required.
  • Complete CPR training (provided by the Emerging Milestones)
    • [/ezcol_1third_end]
  • High School Diploma required and be at least 18 years of age (Required)
  • In pursuit of Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in psychology, early childhood education/development, or related field, OR, the equivalent of 2 years of college coursework at an accredited college or university (preferred)
  • One or more years of related experience with children with autism spectrum disorders and/or other related developmental disabilities (preferred)
  • Ability to work with children, in their natural setting.
  • Demonstrate good judgment, decision-making, and communication skills
  • Exercise discretion and maintains confidentiality
  • Communicates effectively, verbally and in writing
  • Highly competitive wages; range depending on experience and employee availability.
  • Training Pay
  • Retention Bonus!
  • Paid drive time between client locations
  • Mileage reimbursement between client locations
  • BCBA program fee reimbursement offered
  • BCBA supervision hours provided
  • Paid Sick Time accrual (starts on day 1)
  • FT (30+ hours/week) Health + Dental Insurance)
  • Retirement Benefits – Simple IRA with 3% company match!
  • Full Time OR Part Time Positions available, Flexible work schedules (for example M-F, MWF, or TTHSat, Afternoon / Evening shifts available, weekend options available, etc.)
  • Offer a range of growth opportunities.
  • Physical Competence/Health Screening required.
  • Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time, stand for up to 6-8 hours a day.
  • Frequent bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, twisting in order to observe, assess, and interact with clients.
  • Occasional sitting and maintaining close visual attention to write reports and work at the computer.
  • Ability to physically implement behavior management strategies including responding to physically aggressive behavior.
  • Visual and auditory ability to work with clients, staff and others in the workplace continuously.
  • Frequent driving (to and from office and client homes). Occasional lifting, carrying, and loading/unloading toys and materials up to and including 25 lbs. to 50 lbs. used in home visits.
  • Frequent exposure to disability disorders in clients; occasional emergency situation; occasional exposure to trauma; constant client contact and decision making; constant concentration required when working with clients.
  • Frequent work inside client homes; occasional work in outdoor settings.

    • If you have educational background in any of the following fields, we encourage you to apply: Behavior Science, Autism Paraprofessional, Child Development, Counseling, Early Childhood Education, Early Intervention, Education, Human Development, Psychology, Sociology, Special Education, Teacher Assistant, Teacher’s aide or related field.

    Please select an open postion below, and submit your resume now to be considered for a Behavior Technician position with Emerging Milestones, a leader in Autism services in South & East Bay Area, California.

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