What Happens After You Pass the RBT Exam? A Guide to Your First Job

Passing the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) exam is a significant achievement and a huge step toward a fulfilling career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). But what comes next? While passing the exam is exciting, your journey is far from over. Transitioning from certification to securing your first RBT job requires preparation and guidance.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps that follow passing the RBT exam, including what you need to do to maintain your certification, how to find your first job as an RBT, and what to expect when you start working in the field.

1. Receive Your Certification

After passing the RBT exam, you will officially become a certified RBT. This certification is provided by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Here's what happens after you pass the exam:

Receive an email notification: Once you pass the exam, the BACB will notify you by email to confirm your certification. This usually takes a few days.

Certification active for one year: Your RBT certification is valid for one year, so it’s important to remember that you’ll need to maintain it through regular supervision and renewal requirements, which we'll discuss later.

2. Understand the Supervision Requirements

As an RBT, you must work under the supervision of a qualified Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). Supervision is a crucial component of your professional development, and it’s also required by the BACB to maintain your certification.

• 5% of your hours: You must be supervised for at least 5% of the total hours you work as an RBT each month.
• Direct and indirect supervision: This supervision can be provided in various ways, including direct observation of your work with clients, reviewing documentation, and providing feedback on your skills.
• Finding a BCBA: When you start your job search, make sure to inquire about supervision arrangements. Most employers will provide you with a BCBA to work under, but it’s important to clarify this during the hiring process.

3. Start Your Job Search: How to Find Your First RBT Job

With your certification in hand, you’re ready to begin looking for your first job as an RBT. The good news is that demand for RBTs is growing rapidly as ABA therapy becomes more widely recognized as an effective treatment for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities.

Here’s how to find a job that fits your skills and goals:

Online Job Boards

There are several job boards specifically for ABA professionals, including RBTs. Websites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor frequently list job openings for RBT positions. The initial salary might be less but as you gain experience, you can expect more. The average RBT salary in the United States is $30,000 to $50,000 per annum.

ABA Therapy Clinics and Schools

Many ABA therapy clinics and special education schools are always looking for qualified RBTs. Start by researching local clinics or organizations that provide ABA services and see if they have open positions.

Reach Out to Your Network

If you’ve already completed your RBT training, you may have connections through your trainers, supervisors, or fellow trainees. Don’t hesitate to ask for job leads or referrals.

Highlight Your RBT Skills

On your resume and during interviews, emphasize the skills you’ve developed, such as data collection, behavior reduction techniques, and your ability to work with individuals with ASD. Employers want to know that you’re ready to apply what you’ve learned in a practical setting.

What to Expect in Your First Job as an RBT?

Starting your first job as an RBT can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Here are a few things to expect when you begin working:

On-the-Job Training

Even though you’ve passed the RBT exam, many employers provide additional on-the-job training to help you get familiar with their specific practices, clients, and procedures. This training may include:

• Learning new data collection methods specific to the organization
• Understanding the behavior plans for the clients you’ll be working with
• Learning how to document your work in accordance with the clinic’s protocols

Hands-On Experience with Clients

As an RBT, you’ll spend a lot of time working one-on-one with clients, implementing behavior intervention plans (BIPs) designed by a BCBA. This experience can vary depending on the age and needs of the clients, but it will involve:

• Teaching new skills, such as communication or social skills
• Reducing challenging behaviors through behavior-reduction techniques
• Collecting data on the client’s progress and reporting this information to your BCBA supervisor

Collaborating with a Team

RBTs work closely with a team of professionals, including BCBAs, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and family members. Team collaboration is key to ensuring that the client receives consistent, high-quality care.

Maintaining Your Certification and Meeting Renewal Requirements

Once you’ve landed your first job, it’s important to remember that maintaining your RBT certification requires ongoing effort. Here’s what you need to do to stay certified:

Monthly Supervision

As mentioned earlier, you’ll need to be supervised by a BCBA or BCaBA for at least 5% of your work hours each month. Make sure to document this supervision and keep track of it.

Annual Renewal

Your RBT certification is valid for one year, after which you’ll need to renew it. The renewal process involves:

• Completing the RBT Renewal Competency Assessment, which is similar to the initial assessment.
• Submitting proof of supervision hours for the past year.
• Paying the renewal fee to the BACB.

Stay Informed About Continuing Education

While RBTs are not currently required to complete continuing education (CE) units, it’s a good idea to stay informed about any changes to BACB policies. Continuing education is often helpful in staying current with the latest practices in ABA therapy and advancing your career.

6. Advancing Your Career Beyond RBT

Once you gain experience as an RBT, you may decide to take the next step in your ABA career. Many RBTs go on to pursue further certification and education, such as becoming a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) or even a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Advancing your education will allow you to take on more responsibilities, supervise other RBTs, and even design and implement behavior plans.

Final Thoughts

Passing the RBT exam is just the beginning of your career in ABA. The next steps—finding your first job, gaining practical experience, and maintaining your certification—are all essential to growing as an RBT. By staying proactive and continuously improving your skills, you can ensure a smooth transition into your first RBT job and set the stage for a long and successful career in behavior analysis.