RBT® certification is national, not state-by-state
The Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®) credential comes from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®), not from your state. The steps, the 40-hour training and the exam are the same whether you live in Florida, Texas, California, New Jersey or anywhere else in the U.S. A few states add their own registration step on top, and your employer or funding source may add requirements of its own.
The RBT steps that apply in all 50 states
Here is the BACB path every RBT candidate follows, wherever you live.
1. Meet the basics
Be at least 18, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and pass a criminal background check and abuse-registry check.
2. Complete 40 hours of training
Finish a 40-hour training that meets the BACB® 2026 RBT curriculum, completed in 5 to 180 days. Our RBT 40-hour course is fully online, so it works from any state.
3. Pass the competency assessment
A BCBA® or BCaBA® watches you demonstrate the skills on the RBT task list, with some tasks shown with a real client.
4. Apply to the BACB
Submit your training certificate, competency assessment and proof of education, and name an RBT Requirements Coordinator. The application fee is $65.
5. Pass the RBT exam
Take the 85-question, 90-minute exam in person at a Pearson VUE test center. The exam fee is $45.
6. Stay certified
Work under an RBT supervisor, then recertify every two years with 12 PDUs, a renewal competency assessment and a $50 fee.
States that add their own registration
In these states, behavior technicians register with the state in addition to, or instead of, the national RBT steps. Your RBT 40-hour training still counts toward the requirements.
Washington
Behavior technicians are certified by the state as a Certified Behavior Technician (CBT) through the Washington State Department of Health. A current credential such as the RBT is one way to qualify, and you name your clinical supervisor on the application.
Nevada
RBTs must register with the Nevada Board of Applied Behavior Analysis before providing services, including a state and federal background check and a registration fee. Nevada board registration
Oregon
Behavior technicians register as a Behavior Analysis Interventionist with the Oregon Behavior Analysis Regulatory Board, part of the Oregon Health Authority. Registration includes 40 hours of ABA training, a fingerprint background check and state fees. Oregon board information
Louisiana
Line technicians are registered as a Registered Line Technician with the Louisiana Behavior Analyst Board by their supervising licensed behavior analyst. Registration includes a recent Louisiana background check and is renewed every year.
RBT certification in every other state
In the states below, the national BACB steps above are the path to becoming an RBT. Complete the 40-hour training online, pass your competency assessment and exam, and work under a qualified supervisor.
State rules and employer requirements change. Before you start, check with your state licensing board and ask your employer whether insurance or Medicaid adds anything for your role.
RBT requirements by state: common questions
Is RBT certification national or state-specific?
RBT certification is national. The BACB® issues it, and the eligibility rules, 40-hour training, competency assessment and exam are the same in every state. A few states, including Washington, Nevada, Oregon and Louisiana, add their own registration step.
Do I need a state license to work as an RBT?
In most states, no. You need the national RBT credential and an RBT supervisor. Washington, Nevada, Oregon and Louisiana add a state credential or registration for behavior technicians, so check your state board if you work there.
Can I take the RBT 40-hour training online from any state?
Yes. The 40-hour training can be completed online from anywhere in the U.S., as long as it meets the BACB 2026 RBT curriculum. Our RBT 40-hour course is fully online and self-paced.
How do I become an RBT in Florida?
Florida does not have a separate state license for behavior technicians. Follow the national BACB steps: complete the 40-hour training, pass the competency assessment, apply to the BACB and pass the RBT exam. Many Florida employers that bill insurance or Medicaid expect the RBT credential.
How do I become an RBT in Texas?
Texas licenses behavior analysts, but it does not license RBTs. You follow the national BACB steps and work under a qualified supervisor.
How do I become an RBT in California?
California does not have a separate state credential for behavior technicians. You follow the national BACB steps, starting with the 40-hour training.
How do I become an RBT in New Jersey?
New Jersey licenses behavior analysts, but it does not license or register RBTs. Technicians work under a licensed behavior analyst who delegates their tasks, and most follow the national BACB steps: the 40-hour training, a competency assessment, the BACB application and the RBT exam.
If I move to another state, do I have to redo my RBT?
No. Your RBT certification and 40-hour training move with you. You will need a supervisor in your new job, and if you move to a state with its own registration, such as Nevada or Oregon, you will also need to register there.
How much does it cost to become an RBT?
Our RBT 40-hour course is $30. The BACB application is $65 and the exam is $45, so most people spend about $140 before tax, plus any background check fee. Recertification is $50 every two years.
Start your RBT 40-hour training from any state
Our interactive, self-paced course meets the BACB® 2026 RBT curriculum and works wherever you live. Get your certificate as soon as you finish.