Continuing education is a critical part of professional growth — but for Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), those requirements and the rules around how to meet them aren’t always obvious. In July 2025, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) released an updated policy on RBT Professional Development for ACE Providers, clarifying how continuing development units (PDUs) can be earned by RBTs and how providers must run those programs.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points and why they matter if you’re an RBT, a supervisor, or someone designing training.
What the 2025 BACB Update Says
1. RBTs must complete 12 PDUs every two years
To maintain certification, RBTs are required to earn 12 professional development units (PDUs) in each recertification cycle. One pathway is through PD events offered by ACE Providers — those registered with the BACB to offer RBT-specific continuing education.
2. Content requirements and scope
Professional development events should build on or expand material from the RBT 40-Hour Training, the RBT Ethics Code, or other BACB requirements.
They may also include additional topics appropriate to RBTs, such as managing stress, working with supervisors, or communicating with clients.
PD content is specifically for RBTs only; BCBAs or BCaBAs cannot earn their CEUs through RBT PD events.
3. Instructor and format rules
Instructors must hold an active BCaBA, BCBA, or BCBA-D certification.
Co-presenters are allowed but must be supervised by a qualified instructor.
Events must have clear learning objectives.
The minimum instructional “chunk” is 25 minutes (0.5 PDUs), and additional PDUs must be earned in increments of 0.5 or 1.0. Providers may not round up instructional time.
Formats can be live or online — as long as attendance and engagement can be verified.
4. Documentation and compliance
Providers must use the official BACB fillable documentation form.
All records, including attendance and learning objectives, must be maintained for three years.
Participants must receive their proof of PDU completion within 45 days of the event.
Why This Update Matters
✅ Clarity and standardization
The new document eliminates ambiguity. It standardizes how PD events are structured, documented, and credited. The precise timing requirements and standardized forms create greater consistency across providers.
✅ Emphasis on RBT-relevant content
By focusing PD content on RBT-level knowledge, ethics, and applied skills, the BACB ensures that training truly supports what technicians need most — practical, job-related learning that improves service quality.
✅ Upholding quality and accountability
Credentialed instructors, documentation requirements, and verified attendance protect RBTs from low-quality or unverified training experiences. This emphasis on accountability helps maintain the integrity of professional development.
⚠️ Some challenges and things to watch
-
The “no rounding up” rule means providers must precisely time their instructional minutes.
-
Attendance verification in online or asynchronous events requires strong tracking systems.
-
RBTs cannot count BCBA-level CE events toward their PDU requirements, which may cause confusion if not clearly communicated by supervisors.
What to Do Next
For RBTs:
-
Confirm any PD event you attend is offered by an approved ACE Provider.
-
Check that the advertised PDUs match actual instructional time.
-
Expect to receive your official PDU documentation within 45 days.
For Training Providers:
-
Always use the official BACB documentation form.
-
Accurately calculate PDUs based on instructional minutes only.
-
Use credentialed instructors and maintain all records for at least three years.
-
Design PD events that clearly support RBT skill development, ethics, and communication.
Final Thoughts
The July 2025 RBT Professional Development for ACE Providers update raises the bar for technician training. It strengthens consistency, ensures meaningful learning, and keeps professional development aligned with real-world practice.
For RBTs, these updates mean more confidence that every training hour counts. For providers, it means greater accountability — and a clearer roadmap for delivering quality, ethical professional development.