The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®) has announced important updates to the Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT) certification requirements that will go into effect in 2026. Whether you’re an RBT preparing for re-certification or a supervisor responsible for training and assessing candidates, it’s important to understand these changes early so you can plan ahead.
1. Updated 40-Hour Training
The RBT 40-hour training has been revised to align with the 2026 RBT Training Requirements and Curriculum Outline.
Key updates include:
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Training certificates must now explicitly state:
“This training program is designed to meet the 2026 training eligibility requirement for RBT certification. The training is offered independent of the BACB.” -
Trainers must be active BCBAs or BCaBAs who have also completed the 8-hour supervision training.
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Trainers may use assistants, but these assistants must hold an RBT certification or higher.
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If you provide training, now is the time to review your curriculum and ensure it matches the new outline. If you are completing the training, double-check that your certificate includes the new statement.
2. Updated RBT Initial Competency Assessment
The Initial Competency Assessment has also been updated, with slight changes to both content and assessment options.
Key updates include:
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Assistant Assessors must now hold an RBT certification or higher.
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Small content updates and clarifications have been made to ensure alignment with current practice.
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Supervisors should review the new assessment requirements to ensure their practices are compliant. RBT applicants should expect a slightly updated process but no major changes to overall requirements.
3. New Professional Development Requirement
Starting in 2026, all newly certified or recertified RBTs will be required to complete 12 hours of professional development (PD) during their 2-year renewal cycle.
Ways to meet the PD requirement include:
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Attending a qualifying in-service event offered by your organization
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Participating in an Authorized Continuing Education (ACE) PD event
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Completing qualifying behavior-analytic coursework
- For organizations: if you’d like to provide in-service PD for your RBT employees, be sure to review the RBT Professional Development: In-Service Requirements to ensure your events qualify.
The BACB® has created a resource to provide support for individuals who are unsure whether they will be applying for RBT certification before or after January 1, 2026—when the new requirements go into effect—as well as for current RBTs who are uncertain how the new recertification requirements will affect them.
For more information, visit https://www.bacb.com/