So, your RBT certification expired—what now? First, don’t panic. You’re not the only one this has happened to. Many Registered Behavior Technicians find themselves in this situation because life gets busy, deadlines sneak up, or renewal requirements slip through the cracks. The good news? You can get back on track. Let’s walk through exactly what you need to do if your RBT certificate has expired.
Why Your RBT Certification Matters
Your RBT credential isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s what allows you to legally work as a Registered Behavior Technician. Without an active certification, you can’t provide ABA services under the BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board). That’s why keeping your certification current is so important.
Step 1: Understand the Renewal Timeline
RBT certification is valid for one year. That means every 12 months, you need to submit a renewal application to the BACB. If your certificate has already expired, you can’t simply keep working until you “get around” to renewing—it has to be fixed first.
Step 2: Stop Practicing Until Renewal Is Approved
This part is crucial: you cannot legally work as an RBT with an expired certificate. Continuing to practice without renewal puts you and your employer at risk. Take a pause, get your paperwork in order, and then return to work once you’re officially active again.
Step 3: Complete Your Renewal Application
To get reinstated, you’ll need to:
- Log in to your BACB account.
- Submit the renewal application.
- Pay the renewal fee.
- Provide proof of ongoing supervision from your supervising BCBA.
If your certificate expired recently, this process is pretty straightforward.
Step 4: Know the Difference Between Renewal and Re-Application
If your RBT certification has been expired for a short period, you can usually just renew it. But if it has been expired for too long (the BACB sets limits), you may have to go through the entire application process again. That means:
- Reapplying as a new candidate.
- Possibly completing the 40-hour training again.
- Retaking the RBT exam.
This is why it’s always best to renew on time instead of letting things lapse.
Step 5: Set Up a System to Avoid This Next Time
If your RBT expired once, it’s easy for it to happen again unless you build a system. Here are a few tips:
- Mark your calendar with renewal deadlines 2–3 months in advance.
- Set reminders on your phone or email so you don’t forget.
- Stay in touch with your supervisor—they’ll remind you about supervision logs and renewal forms.
Think of it as protecting your career—it only takes a few minutes to set reminders, but it saves you a lot of stress later.
Final Thoughts
Having your RBT certificate expire might feel stressful, but it’s not the end of the road. As long as you follow the steps—stop practicing, submit your renewal, and stay on top of future deadlines—you’ll be back on track in no time. Remember, your certification represents your dedication to helping others through ABA, so it’s worth keeping it active and up to date.