Continuing education plays an essential role in many professions. For Registered Behavior Technicians® (RBTs), however, the rules around what qualifies as professional development—and who can provide it—have not always been clear.
With the July 2025 release of “RBT Professional Development for ACE Providers,” the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) provides long-needed clarity on how RBTs earn professional development units (PDUs) and how providers must structure training.
Below is what RBTs, supervisors, and training providers need to know.
Key Changes and Requirements for RBT PDUs
RBTs Must Complete 12 PDUs Every Two Years
To maintain certification, RBTs must complete 12 professional development units (PDUs) during each two-year recertification cycle. One approved way to earn PDUs is through events offered by BACB-approved ACE Providers that deliver RBT-level professional development.
Acceptable RBT PDU Content Is Clearly Defined
BACB guidance now specifies that RBT professional development must relate directly to the RBT role. Acceptable topics include:
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The RBT 2026 40-Hour Training curriculum
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The RBT Ethics Code (2.0)
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Other BACB requirements relevant to RBT practice
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Ancillary but applicable topics such as communication skills, stress management, and working with supervisors
Importantly, RBT PDUs are not interchangeable with BCBA or BCaBA CEUs. RBTs cannot count BCBA-level continuing education toward PDUs, and credentialed analysts cannot use RBT PD events for CE credit.
Instructor and Event Structure Standards Apply
The BACB outlines several requirements for providers:
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Instructors must hold BCaBA, BCBA, or BCBA-D credentials
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Co-presenters must work under direct oversight of a qualified instructor who is present
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Each event must include clearly defined learning objectives
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Events must meet a minimum of 25 instructional minutes (0.5 PDU)
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PDUs must be awarded only in 0.5 or 1.0 increments—rounding up is not allowed
Providers may offer events in live, synchronous online, or asynchronous formats. However, they must verify participation and ensure learner engagement.
Documentation and Record-Keeping Are Strictly Regulated
Training programs must:
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Use the BACB’s official fillable PDU documentation form
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Provide PDU documentation to participants within 45 days
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Retain attendance records, objectives, and supporting documentation for three years
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Maintain policies for marketing, feedback, complaints, and participation monitoring
Why These Updates Matter
Improved Clarity and Standardization
The updated guidance reduces confusion by creating consistent expectations for instructional time, documentation, and acceptable content across providers.
More Relevant Professional Development
Because PDUs must align with the RBT role, technicians are more likely to receive training that directly improves daily practice rather than unrelated coursework.
Stronger Quality Assurance
Credentialed instructors, strict documentation timelines, and record retention requirements protect both RBTs and the integrity of the credential.
Potential Challenges to Watch For
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Providers must plan instructional time carefully since rounding up is prohibited
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Online and asynchronous events must actively verify participation
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RBTs may mistakenly assume BCBA CE events qualify for PDUs when they do not
Clear communication from supervisors and training departments is essential.
What to Do Based on Your Role
If You Are an RBT
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Confirm events are offered by a BACB-approved ACE Provider
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Verify PDUs align with actual instructional minutes
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Ensure you receive official documentation within 45 days
If You Are a Training or PD Provider
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Use only the BACB’s approved PDU form
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Calculate PDUs precisely based on instructional time
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Use qualified instructors and supervise co-presenters
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Maintain records for three years
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Align content with RBT-specific competencies
Bottom Line
The BACB’s July 2025 update represents a major step forward in standardizing RBT professional development PDUs. The new guidance ensures training remains relevant, verifiable, and accountable.
For RBTs, these changes help ensure every PDU truly counts. For providers, they establish a clear framework for delivering high-quality, compliant professional development.