Breaking into the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can feel overwhelming because of the many credentials, pathways, and requirements involved. If you’ve been exploring a career as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), you’ve probably come across the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) role and wondered: Do I need to start as an RBT to eventually become a BCBA?
This is one of the most common questions for students, career changers, and even current ABA professionals. The short answer is No—you don’t have to be an RBT first to qualify as a BCBA. But that doesn’t mean RBT experience isn’t valuable. To understand the difference, let’s break it down step by step.
Understanding the Role of an RBT
Before we talk about BCBA requirements, it helps to understand what an RBT does. A Registered Behavior Technician is considered an entry-level credential in the ABA field. RBTs work directly with clients—usually children or adults with autism or developmental disabilities—by carrying out treatment plans that are designed and supervised by a BCBA or BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst).
The RBT role is hands-on, practical, and focused on direct implementation rather than assessment, program design, or advanced decision-making. This makes it an excellent stepping stone for people who want to learn the basics of ABA therapy in a real-world setting. However, it’s not a mandatory step to move forward.
Who Can Become a BCBA?
The BCBA credential is a graduate-level certification offered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). To become a BCBA, you need to meet specific requirements around education, supervised fieldwork, and passing the BCBA exam.
The standard requirements include:
- A graduate degree in behavior analysis, education, or psychology (with approved coursework).
- Supervised fieldwork hours, typically between 1,500–2,000 hours depending on your pathway.
- Successful completion of the BCBA exam, which is rigorous and requires advanced knowledge of behavioral principles, ethics, and intervention strategies.
Nowhere in the official BCBA eligibility standards does it say that you must be an RBT first. The RBT is an optional credential, not a prerequisite.
Is RBT Experience Helpful for Future BCBAs?
Even though being an RBT is not required, many people choose to get this certification while working toward their graduate degree. Why? Because it provides hands-on experience that makes coursework and fieldwork more meaningful.
For example, if you’re already familiar with working directly with clients as an RBT, you’ll likely have an easier time understanding the advanced concepts in your master’s program. Plus, you’ll build practical skills in data collection, reinforcement, and communication with families—skills that are critical for BCBAs to supervise effectively.
Employers may also value applicants who started as RBTs, since it shows you’ve been in the trenches and understand the realities of ABA therapy from multiple perspectives. So while not required, it can give you a competitive edge.
Alternative Pathways to BCBA Certification
If RBT isn’t the only way, what other paths can you take toward becoming a BCBA? The good news is that you can pursue your graduate degree and supervised fieldwork directly. Many universities with ABA programs provide structured opportunities to get your supervised hours while studying.
Some candidates work in related roles, such as teachers, paraprofessionals, or special education aides, while gaining their experience hours. Others volunteer or work in clinical settings under BCBA supervision without holding the RBT credential.
The key is that your supervised fieldwork meets the BACB’s strict standards. As long as your hours are properly documented and supervised, you don’t need to be an RBT to qualify.
Common Myths About the RBT-to-BCBA Path
Because of how often RBT and BCBA overlap in the field, a lot of misconceptions float around. Let’s clear a few up:
- Myth 1: You must be an RBT first.
Fact: Not true. The BCBA has its own independent requirements. - Myth 2: Graduate programs only accept students with RBT experience.
Fact: Some programs may recommend it, but most only require relevant coursework and a bachelor’s degree. - Myth 3: Employers won’t hire BCBAs without RBT experience.
Fact: While RBT experience can help, employers primarily care about your degree, supervised fieldwork, and passing the BCBA exam.
So, What Do You Really Need?
At the end of the day, what you really need to become a BCBA is:
- A graduate degree with approved ABA coursework
- Supervised fieldwork hours under a qualified BCBA
- Passing the BCBA certification exam
That’s it. Being an RBT first can enrich your journey, but it’s not a requirement. Think of it as a bonus option rather than a mandatory step.
Final Thoughts
If you’re aiming to become a BCBA, don’t stress about whether or not you’ve been an RBT first. The official requirements are clear and do not include RBT certification. That said, becoming an RBT can give you valuable hands-on experience, help you confirm that ABA is the right career for you, and potentially make you more attractive to employers.
So, while you don’t have to be an RBT first, it may still be worth considering as a way to strengthen your skills and confidence. Ultimately, the decision depends on your goals, timeline, and how you want to build your path toward becoming a BCBA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it hard to become an RBT?
Becoming an RBT is not considered very difficult compared to other ABA credentials. You need a high school diploma, complete a 40-hour training program, pass a competency assessment, and then pass the RBT exam. The exam does require preparation, but with study and practice, most motivated candidates can pass it. The role itself can be challenging because it involves direct work with clients, but it’s also very rewarding.
How long does it take to become an RBT?
The process is relatively quick. Most people can complete the required training in just a few weeks. After finishing the 40-hour training, scheduling the competency assessment and exam can take another month or two, depending on availability. On average, many candidates become certified within 1–3 months.
Do you have to be an RBT to be a BCaBA?
No, you do not have to be an RBT first to become a BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst). Just like with the BCBA, the RBT is optional. To qualify as a BCaBA, you need a bachelor’s degree, approved coursework, supervised fieldwork, and to pass the BCaBA exam. However, RBT experience can still be helpful in preparing you for BCaBA-level responsibilities.
Do you have to be registered to be a Behavior Technician?
If you want to officially hold the RBT title, then yes—you must be registered and certified through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). However, some organizations may hire staff as “behavior technicians” without requiring RBT certification. In those cases, you won’t be recognized as a Registered Behavior Technician, but you may perform similar duties under supervision. Being registered as an RBT provides a professional credential that shows you’ve met national standards.