In order to become a Behavior Technician (BT) or a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certified with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), you must first complete a 40-hour training course.
Read on to find out what to expect from the 40-hour BT training course.
What is the 40-Hour BT Training?
The 40-hour BT training course is a requirement for anyone who wants to become a BT or RBT.
You can complete the 40-hour training course through in-person, online, or hybrid university coursework, or through online training companies (such as Forta Health). You must complete the entire training within a 180-day period. However, you cannot complete the training in less than five days.
Your 40-hour training must:
- Cover all of the tasks in the BACB’s Task List (2nd ed)
- Include at least three hours focused on the BACB’s RBT Ethics Code (2.0)
- Include at least one hour on supervision
The final step of your 40-hour training course is to complete an “Initial Competency Assessment.” Successfully completing the Initial Competency Assessment concludes your 40-hour training course and at that point, you are ready to practice as a BT.
We discuss more details below in “What is the Initial Competency Assessment.”
First, let’s explore the BACB’s Task List (2nd ed).
What is the BACB’s RBT Task List (2nd ed)?
The BACB’s RBT Task List (2nd ed) is a list of tasks that are likely to be performed by behavior technicians with most clients. Even though the task list is labeled as the “RBT” task list, the tasks apply to both RBTs and BTs. The content of the RBT Task List (2nd ed) makes up the bulk of the 40-hour BT training.
Practicing as a BT or as an RBT typically includes the following six tasks, according to the BACB:
- Measurement: BTs and RBTs must collect data from sessions and describe behaviors and the environment in measurable terms.
- Assessment: BTs and RBTs must conduct assessments and assist with individualized procedures.
- Skill acquisition: BTs and RBTs must identify the essential components of a written skill acquisition plan and implement various teaching procedures based on what works for each individual client.
- Behavior reduction: BTs and RBTs must describe common functions of behavior and implement interventions for that behavior.
- Documentation and reporting: BTs and RBTs must effectively communicate with a supervisor, seek clinical direction in a timely manner, and comply with all legal, regulatory, ethical, and other appropriate guidelines.
- Professional conduct and scope of practice: BTs and RBTs must maintain client dignity, respond to feedback, and communicate with caregivers or parents as authorized.
The 40-hours of training required to practice as a BT or RBT includes coverage of the above tasks so that BTs and RBTs are well-prepared to hold ABA therapy sessions on their own.
The final step of your 40-hour training course is to successfully complete an “Initial Competency Assessment.” Completing the Initial Competency Assessment concludes your 40-hour training course and at that point, you are ready to practice as a BT.
Read on to find out more about this final step of your 40-hour training.
What is the Initial Competency Assessment?
The Initial Competency Assessment is a way of showing your understanding of the skills and tasks you learned during your 40-hour BT Training.
The Initial Competency Assessment must be completed after your 40-hour Training is complete. So, if you feel like you’re ready to take your Initial Competency Assessment but you still have 10 hours remaining in your training, you’ll need to wait until you finish those remaining 10 hours to complete your Initial Competency Assessment.
If you’re planning to become an RBT, the Initial Competency Assessment cannot be completed more than 90 days before you submit an RBT certification application with the BACB.
Like the 40-hour BT Training, the Initial Competency Assessment relies heavily on the BACB’s RBT Task List (2nd ed). This is a list of the tasks that are likely to be performed by BTs with most clients. For more details about the Task List (2nd ed), see “What is the BACB’s RBT Task List (2nd ed)?” above.
It can be helpful to know what to expect from the Initial Competency Assessment before you take it. Below are a few key things to know about this final step in completing your BT training.
Your Initial Competency Assessment must be overseen by a “responsible assessor” certified by the BACB (typically a BCBA)
When you become a BT or RBT, you will probably work with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or other BACB-certified individuals to develop and implement behavior treatment plans for your clients. This kind of collaboration is just as important for your Initial Competency Assessment as it will be for your everyday BT or RBT practice.
Your Initial Competency Assessment will be overseen by someone certified by the BACB, known as a “responsible assessor.” Your responsible assessor will observe you demonstrating the tasks and skills you learned during your 40-hour training, and will confirm your abilities to perform these tasks.
If you’re planning on becoming an RBT, your responsible assessor will confirm your skills by completing an official BACB assessment form (The Assessor Checklist).
Depending on how you completed your 40-hour training (online independently through an organization such as Forta Health, or through university coursework), you’ll likely have different options for finding responsible assessors.
If you completed your training via university coursework (online or in person), the instructor associated with your coursework will probably serve as your responsible assessor. It’s a good idea to ask them some questions about how the Initial Competency Assessment will be conducted and confirm that they’ll be the responsible assessor.
If you completed your training online via an independent organization (not affiliated with a college, community college, or university), the organization (such as Forta Health) you’re working with likely has some BACB-certified individuals ready to serve as responsible assessors for your Initial Competency Assessment. Talk with your contact at the organization about who will serve as a responsible assessor for your assessment.
If you’re working with Forta Health to complete your 40-hour training course, contact us at care@fortahealth.com or 415-322-8857 to learn more about completing your Initial Competency Assessment with a responsible assessor.
You Have Options for Completing the Initial Competency Assessment
To complete your Initial Competency Assessment, you’ll need to demonstrate that you can perform the skills and tasks associated with the typical client-focused practice of a BT or RBT.
You can complete your Initial Competency Assessment over the course of one session or multiple sessions. You can complete these sessions in-person, live via the internet, or by recording videos of sessions specifically for the purpose of the assessment.
Talk with your responsible assessor about what arrangement works best for both of your schedules and availability.
Next Steps
If you’re interested in becoming a BT or RBT, there are many options available to you for the 40-hour training. It's important to consider what options are the best fit for you, including your availability, schedule, budget, and goals. If you’d like to discuss whether Forta’s training course is right for you, please contact us at: care@fortahealth.com or 415-322-8857.