Continuing education is a critical part of professional growth. However, for Registered Behavior Technicians® (RBTs), the requirements—and the rules for meeting them—have not always been clear. For this reason, many technicians and providers have struggled to understand what qualifies as appropriate professional development.
In July 2025, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) released an updated policy titled RBT Professional Development for ACE Providers. As a result, RBTs and training providers now have clearer guidance on how professional development units (PDUs) can be earned and how those programs must operate.
Below is a clear breakdown of what the update says and why it matters.
What the 2025 BACB Update Requires
RBTs Must Earn 12 PDUs Every Two Years
To maintain certification, RBTs must complete 12 professional development units (PDUs) during each two-year recertification cycle. Specifically, one approved pathway involves attending professional development events offered by BACB-approved ACE Providers that deliver RBT-specific content.
Therefore, RBTs should confirm that any event they attend explicitly states it offers RBT PDUs through an ACE Provider.
Clear Limits on Content Scope
RBT professional development must relate directly to the RBT role. For example, acceptable topics include:
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Content aligned with the RBT 40-Hour Training
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The RBT Ethics Code
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Other BACB requirements relevant to RBT practice
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Ancillary but appropriate topics, such as stress management, communication skills, and working with supervisors
Importantly, RBT PDUs are not interchangeable with BCBA or BCaBA CEUs. In other words, RBTs cannot use BCBA-level continuing education to meet PDU requirements, and credentialed analysts cannot earn CEUs from RBT PD events.
Instructor and Event Format Standards
The BACB also sets clear expectations for who may deliver RBT professional development. First, instructors must hold an active BCaBA, BCBA, or BCBA-D credential. Additionally, co-presenters may participate only when a qualified instructor directly supervises them.
Each event must include clearly defined learning objectives. Furthermore, instructional time requirements are strict. Each event must include at least 25 minutes of instruction (0.5 PDUs). Providers may award PDUs only in 0.5 or 1.0 increments. Notably, providers may not round up instructional time.
Events may occur live, synchronously online, or asynchronously. However, providers must verify attendance and participant engagement regardless of format.
Documentation and Record-Keeping Rules
To remain compliant, providers must follow specific documentation requirements. Most importantly, providers must use the official BACB fillable PDU documentation form. In addition, providers must deliver PDU documentation to participants within 45 days of the event.
Finally, providers must retain attendance records, learning objectives, and supporting documentation for three years.
Why This Update Matters
Greater Clarity and Consistency
Previously, professional development standards varied widely. Now, this update eliminates ambiguity by standardizing how PD events are structured, documented, and credited. As a result, both RBTs and providers can more easily verify compliance.
More Relevant Professional Development
By limiting content to RBT-appropriate topics, the BACB ensures professional development supports practical skills, ethical practice, and real-world job performance. Consequently, RBTs receive training that directly applies to their daily responsibilities.
Improved Quality and Accountability
Credentialed instructors, verified attendance, and strict documentation requirements protect RBTs from low-quality or unverified training. Therefore, the update strengthens accountability while preserving the integrity of the credential.
Challenges to Watch For
Despite these benefits, several challenges remain. For instance, providers must carefully plan instructional time because rounding up is not allowed. Likewise, online and asynchronous events require reliable participation tracking systems.
Additionally, some RBTs may mistakenly assume BCBA-level CE events count toward PDUs. Because of this, supervisors and training departments should clearly communicate expectations.
What to Do Next
For RBTs
Before registering, confirm that the event is offered by a BACB-approved ACE Provider. Next, verify that the advertised PDUs match actual instructional minutes. After completion, expect to receive official documentation within 45 days.
For Training Providers
To remain compliant, always use the BACB’s official PDU documentation form. Additionally, calculate PDUs precisely based on instructional time. At the same time, use credentialed instructors, supervise co-presenters, and retain records for at least three years.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the July 2025 BACB update raises the standard for RBT professional development PDUs. It improves clarity, strengthens accountability, and ensures training aligns with real-world RBT practice.
For RBTs, these changes mean greater confidence that every training hour counts. For providers, they offer a clear roadmap for delivering high-quality, ethical, and compliant professional development.