The 40-hour training is one step in becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requires it before the competency assessment and the RBT exam. It covers the RBT task list, such as measurement, skill building, behavior reduction, documentation and professional conduct.
Who pays for the training
Many ABA employers cover or pay for the 40-hour training for new hires, sometimes running their own version. This is not universal. Some employers expect you to arrive already certified, and others cover the course but not the time you spend on it. Treat paid training as something to look for in a listing and ask about directly.
Questions to ask an employer
- Is the time I spend on the 40-hour training paid, and at what rate?
- Do you pay for the course itself, or do I need to buy it?
- Is there a work commitment afterward, and what happens if I leave early?
- Is the competency assessment included, and who conducts it?
- Do you cover the RBT exam fee?
- Who will supervise me once I start working with clients?
Where to look
On myRBT, open each listing and read its requirements and benefits. Roles that say no experience is required and do not require current RBT certification are the usual starting point.