There are many questions that people have when they first begin as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), but one of the most common questions when discussing PDUs is:
👉 Can I find RBT PDUs that are free of charge?
The short answer is yes, but there are many limitations.
While free PDUs are a great way to begin your professional developmental learning, there are many limitations when they are the only PDUs that are being used.
What Free RBT PDUs?
Free RBT PDUs are learning opportunities that are free of charge that allow you to accumulate professional developmental hours.
These include but are not limited to:
- Free webinars
- Introductory ABA courses
- Training sessions sponsored by a company
- Trial access to online services
PDUs that are free of charge count, yes?
These free PDUs count, given they meet the correct criteria.
In order for a PDU to count towards your PDUs, the training must:
- Be applicable towards applied behavioral analysis (ABA)
- Include content that is practical and work-related
- Support an ethically sound delivery of services for the community
If a PDU course is too general or has no focus towards ABA, it is most likely not applicable.
Where to locate Free RBT PDUs
Free PDUs can most commonly be located in:
- Training websites for ABA that provide courses for free
- Professional networking programs
- Training programs that are provided by your employer
- Temporary promotions being conducted by CEU providers
Limitations of Free RBT PDUs
There are many trade-offs that free PDUs hold, such as:
- Limited availability
- Very basic or introductory content
- May not be able to cover all the required topics such as an ethics review
- More difficult to track and bundle together
In order to meet the RBT requirements, most RBTs will have to do a combination of free PDUs and paid PDUs.
Best Strategy for RBTs:
Use free PDUs wisely:
- Begin with free courses to strengthen initial knowledge
- Supplement with structured, paid courses
- Stipulate that courses are directly relevant to your work
This method is cost-efficient while ensuring that you fulfill your obligations.
Free RBT PDUs Frequently Asked Questions
Can RBTs earn PDUs for free?
Yes, RBTs can earn some PDUs for free with the help of webinars, in-house training, and certain courses.
Are free PDUs enough to fulfill requirements?
Not often. In completing most of the required hours. Most RBTs need to take free PDUs in conjunction with paid PDUs.
Do free PDUs need certificates?
Yes, you should obtain a certificate to acknowledge that the PDUs have been completed.
What is the biggest risk with free RBT PDUs?
The biggest risk is that the training provided may be irrelevant, unstructured, or inadequate to fulfill all of the requirements.
