When Do RBT PDUs Begin Required?
Quick Answer
PDUs, or Professional Development Units, will begin requiring PDU completes after the 2027 recertification.
As of now, PDUs are not required for Registered Behavior Technicians, but will soon be issuing them for recertification.
Understanding the Timeline
The PDU requirement is staggered.
RBTs recertified before 2027 are not required.
RBTs recertified after 2027 will be required to complete PDUs.
This will apply to each 2-year recertification.
PDUs have been staggered, so many RBTs may not yet know the requirement.
Why are PDUs Implemented?
PDUs are to help RBTs further the effectiveness of their skill after certification.
The purpose is to increase the knowledge of RBTs with the constant change with the ethics of Applied Behavior Analysis to better service the clients.
This also puts RBTs with the other professions with the continuing requirement of certifications.
Keep In Mind Current RBTs
If you are RBT with the certification, the key point is
- Your renewal date may exempt you from completing PDUs.
- For the upcoming certification cycle, you will be recertified with the PDUs.
- Early planning will eliminate the long wait.
This provides convenience, while also preventing the stress in finding required certification by 2027.
How Many PDUs Will Be Required?
After implementation, RBTs will be required to complete 12 Professional Development Units within a 2-year certification cycle.
PDUs will need to include work-related content, including ethics, behavior analysis, and professional skills.
Can You Start Earning PDUs Early?
Yes, and it is encouraged.
Even though PDUs don’t have to be completed yet, getting a head start helps you to better organize your studying, avoid having to complete a bulk of the PDUs last minute, and be ready for upcoming PDU requirements.
Because of the upcoming requirements, a lot of RBTs have already started preparing.
The Easiest Way to Prepare
The easiest way to stay ahead of the requirements is to take courses through the structured programs.
To ensure flexibility, RBTs prefer taking self-paced courses through RBT PDU courses online, as they’re designed with behavior technicians in mind.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long?
There are many problems that could arise from waiting for the requirement to begin, including a lack of course options, having to rush to complete the PDUs by the deadline, and struggling to complete the necessary hours.
How Early Is Too Early?
It is estimated that RBT PDUs will be required for recertification petitions starting after January 1, 2027, and are expected to become a requirement during the recertification cycles that follow.
The two-year certification requirement will end in the near future.
It helps to have a head start and be in a state of preparedness, but aiming to be compliant once the PDUs requirements are that is not stressful.
Professional skills are built in a continuous manner and PDUs are a part of that.
Frequently Asked Questions About When RBT PDUs Start
When do RBT PDUs begin required?
PDUs, or Professional Development Units, will begin requiring PDU completes after the 2027 recertification.
Are PDUs required for RBTs right now?
As of now, PDUs are not required for Registered Behavior Technicians, but will soon be issuing them for recertification.
How many PDUs will RBTs need?
After implementation, RBTs will be required to complete 12 Professional Development Units within a 2-year certification cycle.
Can RBTs start earning PDUs early?
Yes, and it is encouraged.
What topics should RBT PDUs include?
PDUs will need to include work-related content, including ethics, behavior analysis, and professional skills.
