Katie Cook, M.Ed., BCBA
Jan 13

2025 RBT® Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you're exploring a career as a Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®) or want to better understand the RBT® certification process, you're in the right place. ATCC's leading BCBA, Katie Cook, has answered some of the most common questions aspiring RBT®s ask. From the difference between the 40-hour RBT® training course and the ATCC Full RBT® Certification Program, to details about costs, timelines, and what's included in each step, this guide covers it all.

Whether you're just starting or navigating the final stages of your RBT® certification, these FAQs provide valuable insights to help you succeed. Dive into the answers to make informed decisions about your path to becoming an RBT®.

General FAQs

What are the steps to becoming an RBT®?


What is the difference between a 40-hour RBT® training course and the ATCC Full RBT® Certification Program?

The 40-hour RBT® training course is just "step one" of the 5 requirements needed to become a certified RBT® with the BACB®.

The ATCC Full RBT® Certification Program provides all the necessary steps required to become a certified RBT® with the BACB®.

What are the requirements before you can apply and take the Final RBT® Exam in a Pearson Testing Center?

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Complete a 40-hour RBT® training course
  • Successfully pass the RBT® Competency Assessment conducted by your dedicated supervising BCBA
  • Pass a background check conducted by your BCBA
  • Complete your RBT® Application on the BACB® Gateway with your signed Attestation Form from your dedicated supervising BCBA®
  • The last step of RBT® certification is passing your RBT® exam at the Pearson Testing Center in your city

When can I start learning with ATCC?

You can start the 40-hour RBT Training Course or the Full RBT® Certification Program instantly upon registration. If you choose the Full RBT® Certification Program, as soon as you're enrolled, we'll schedule your online video-conference "New Student Welcome Orientation" with your dedicated BCBA® within 48 hours. All training courses and programs are designed to be flexible, self-paced, and cater to your needs right from the start. 

Are the RBT® training courses and certification programs offered entirely online?

Yes, all of the RBT® training courses and certification programs are fully online

Does ATCC offer the RBT® Competency Assessment and background check with a supervising BCBA?

Yes, ATCC offers the RBT® Competency Assessment and background check with your dedicated BCBA®, included exclusively in the ATCC Full RBT® Certification Program. You will be assigned a dedicated BCBA® to guide you through the process.

Do I need an employer to become certified as an RBT®?

If you are not enrolled in the Full RBT® Certification Program, you will need an employer to provide a BCBA® supervisor, who will run your Background Check and complete your RBT® Competency Assessment. You cannot become RBT® certified without a dedicated BCBA® supervisor to run your background check and complete your RBT® Competency Assessment. ATCC offers the only program available in the world with a dedicated BCBA® supervisor who will complete your RBT® Competency Assessment.

How do I access course materials or assignments?

All course materials and assignments are accessible online. Log in to your ATCC account and navigate to your “My Training” page. From there, you can instantly begin your RBT® training or enter your Full RBT® Certification Program. Click the "OPEN" button, and begin your learning journey with ATCC.

Does the BACB® accredit this program?

Yes, ATCC is an accredited ACE provider with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). ATCC is recognized as the world’s leading online ABA training center.

Full RBT® Certification Program 

What is included in the ATCC Full RBT® Certification Program?

  • 40-hour RBT® Training Course.
  • Dedicated BCBA® supervisor to guide you through your entire RBT® certification process.
  • Assignments and activities specifically designed to prepare you to pass both your RBT® Competency Assessment & RBT® Exam the first time taken (Graded with feedback from your ATCC Instructor Team).
  • RBT® Competency Assessment completed with your ATCC assigned BCBA® supervisor.
  • Covers fees for the RBT® Application and exam at the Pearson Testing Center.
  • Offers guided and graded assignments with your dedicated BCBA® supervisor, to fully prepare you for your RBT® Competency Assessment.
  • Provides the required BCBA-administered background check and the required BCBA® signature on your RBT® application in the BACB® Gateway.
  • Includes RBT® resume writing and RBT® interview assistance for professional readiness.
  • Optional live weekly video conferences with your dedicated BCBA® for live 1:1 guidance and support.
  • Comes with a 200-page hardcopy RBT textbook and RBT® multiple-choice examination preparation resources.
  • Guaranteed Pass of RBT® Exam: Exceptional first time RBT® exam pass rate s is more than 95%, within the ATCC Full RBT® Certification Program

How much is the Full RBT® Certification Program?

The current pricing and payment plan options for the ATCC Full RBT® Certification Program is outlined and described in detail on ATCC Full RBT® Certification Program page.

How long is the Full RBT® Certification Program?

The ATCC Full RBT® Certification Program is designed to be completed in less than 90-days, but it is self-paced, allowing students to adjust their schedule to meet their personal timing needs for Full RBT® Certification. The ATCC Full RBT® Certification Program can be completed in as little as 5 weeks or as long as 6 months. 

When can I start learning with ATCC?

You can start the ATCC Full RBT® Certification Program instantly upon registration. If you choose the Full RBT® Certification Program, as soon as you're enrolled, your ATCC Support Team will schedule your online video-conference "New Student Welcome Orientation" with your dedicated BCBA® supervisor within 48 hours. This program is designed to be flexible and cater to your needs right from the start. 

Are the RBT® training courses and certification programs offered entirely online?

Yes, the RBT® training courses and certification programs at ATCC are fully online

Does ATCC offer the RBT® Competency Assessment and background check with a BCBA® supervisor?

Yes, ATCC offers the RBT® Competency Assessment and background check with your delicate BCBA® supervisor,  included exclusively in the ATCC Full RBT® Certification Program. You will be assigned a dedicated ATCC BCBA® to guide you through your entire RBT® certification process.

Can I purchase only the RBT® Competency Assessment separately?

No, the RBT® Competency Assessment cannot be purchased separately. ATCC offers the RBT® Competency Assessment and background check with your delicate BCBA®, included exclusively in the ATCC Full RBT® Certification Program. You will be assigned a dedicated ATCC BCBA® to guide you through your entire RBT® certification process.

What if I’ve already completed a 40-hour RBT® training course?

If you’ve completed a 40-hour RBT® training course elsewhere, you can still enroll in the Full RBT® Certification Program. Additionally, ATCC offers a discount matching your prior training course expense.

When and how is the ATCC Initial RBT® Competency Assessment completed?

At ATCC, RBT® Competency Assessments are only administered after all 20 Lessons within the ATCC Full RBT® Certification Program have been completed, and graded (with feedback), from your dedicated BCBA®. ATCC's RBT® Competency Assessment involves providing ABA services to a client online, guided by the supervising BCBA®. RBT® candidates seeking to provide behavior-analytic services, while also completing their ATCC RBT® Competency Assessment, are required to enter a contractual agreement with the CARE Academy (www.i-care.org), which offers volunteer provided ABA services, globally online.

How do I access program materials and assignments?

All ATCC Full RBT® Certification Program materials and assignments are accessible online. Log in to your ATCC account and navigate to your “My Training” page. From there, you can instantly begin your RBT® training or enter your Full RBT® Certification Program. Click the "OPEN" button, and begin your learning journey with ATCC.

Can ATCC help with finding a BCBA® supervisor?

Yes, once you have enrolled in your ATCC Full RBT® Certification Program, you will immediately meet your dedicated BCBA® supervisor, who will guide you through every step of your RBT® certification. 

How do I set up my BACB® account?

Your dedicated BCBA® will guide you through the steps to create your BACB® Account,  after you completed your RBT® Competency Assessment.

 Will I be prepared for the BACB®  required multiple choice exam at a Pearson Testing Center?

Yes, absolutely! You will be practicing multiple choice quiz questions that will prepare you for your RBT® exam throughout your entire Full RBT® Certification Prgoram. You will also be able to rewatch the learning videos, complete all practice quizzes, and graded assignments, as many times as you like, in order to master all RBT® content. BONUS INCLUDED: RBT® Practice Exam. We have included a 75 questions multiple choice practice exam designed to prepare you to pass the BACB's Registered Behavior Technician  (RBT®) examination.

 40-hour RBT® training program

How much does the 40-hour RBT® training course cost (weekly subscription)?

The ATCC 40-hour RBT® training course costs $29 per week. You can complete it at your own pace. Examples:

  • 1 week: Complete 40 hours of videos in 1 week, making a single payment of $29. Total cost: $29.
  • 2 weeks: Complete 20 hours per week, making two payments of $29. Total cost: $58.
  • 3 weeks: Complete ~13 hours per week, making three payments of $29. Total cost: $87.

How much does the 40-hour RBT® training course cost (monthly subscription)?

The ATCC 40-hour RBT® training course costs $99 per month. You can complete it at your own pace. Examples:

  • 1 month: Complete 40 hours in 1 month, making one payment of $99. Total cost $99.
  • 2 months: Complete 20 hours per month, making two payments of $99. Total cost: $198.

How long does the 40-hour RBT® training course take to finish?

The ATCC RBT® training course is 40-hours long. Completing the 40-hour RBT® training course is flexible and self-paced. It can be completed in as little as one week, depending on the time you have available dedicate to completing your course.

When can I start learning with ATCC?

You can start the 40-hour RBT® training course instantly upon enrollment. You can access your courses right away. This course is designed to completely flexible and cater to your needs, right from the start. 

Are the training courses and certification programs offered entirely online?

Yes, the ATCC 40-hour RBT® training course and ATCC Full RBT® Certification Program are both offered fully online

What is the minimum and maximum time allowed for completing the 40-hour RBT® training course?

To be in compliance with the BACB® rules and regulations:

  • 40-hour RBT® training course completion Minimum: 5 days
  • 40-hour RBT® training course completion Maximum: 180 days (6 months)
  • What happens after completing the 40-hour RBT® training course?

    Upon completion of the ATCC 40-hour RBT® training course, you will instantly download your PDF RBT® Training Certificate of Completion. In oder to be fully RBT certified with the BACB, you need to complete all of the steps that come after the 40-hour RBT training course, including completing your RBT Competency Assessment, conducted by your supervising BCBA.

    Will I receive a certificate after completing the training? How?

    Yes, upon completion of the ATCC 40-hour RBT® training course, you will instantly download your PDF RBT® Training Certificate of Completion. In oder to be fully RBT certified with the BACB, you need to complete all of the steps that come after the 40-hour RBT training course, including completing your RBT Competency Assessment, conducted by your BCBA® supervisor.

    Do I need an employer to complete the RBT® certification process?

    If you you're not enrolled in the ATCC Full RBT® Certification Program, you will need to find an employer to provide you with a BCBA ® supervisor who will complete your required Background Check and RBT Competency Assessment.

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