Understanding the RBT Exam and How It Compares to the ABAT
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Overview of the ABAT Exam
Chapter 3: Overview of the RBT Exam
Chapter 4: Comparison: RBT vs ABAT
Chapter 5: Recognition and Use in the Field
The field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) plays a vital role in supporting individuals with autism and other developmental challenges, and as the demand for quality services continues to grow, so does the need for well-trained, competently certified behavior technicians. Two of the most commonly recognized entry-level certifications in this field are the Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) and the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). While both certifications equip professionals with the skills to implement behavior support plans under supervision, they differ in structure, oversight, and scope. This blog aims to provide a clear and balanced overview of both the ABAT Exam and the RBT Exam—exploring their requirements, content, and key differences—with the goal of equipping readers with information so that they can make informed decisions based on their goals and circumstances.
The Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) credential is an entry-level certification designed for individuals who want a ground level overview of the field of ABA with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ABATs will implement behavior-analytic services under the supervision of a qualified professional (known as Qualified Autism Service Practitioner – Supervisor (QASP-S) or a Qualified Behavior Analyst (QBA). This credential is administered by the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA), an organization committed to high standards in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis worldwide. The QABA provides evidence-based certification pathways. To be eligible for the ABAT exam, candidates must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a 40-hour training program based on the QABA ABAT Task List, and meet all ethical and background check requirements.
The Applied Behavior Analysis Technician’s (ABAT) Exam is a proctored, computer-based test that evaluates a candidate’s understanding of key concepts across multiple domains, including ABA Principles, ASD Core Knowledge, Skill Acquisition, Behavior Reduction, Data Collection, Antecedent Interventions, and Ethics. This exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. After achieving certification, ABATs must adhere to the QABA Code of Ethics, complete continuing education requirements (this consists of 12 Continuing Education Units or CEUs every two years), ensure that they are supervised for 5% of their behavior analytic hours worked each month, and complete a renewal application every two years.
For a more in-depth look at the ABAT Exam and its attendant requirements please visit:
https://qababoard.com/pages/aba-technician-credential-requirements/
The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential is another entry-level certification in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that showcases a foundational level of competence in implementing behavior intervention plans under the supervision of a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The RBT Exam is overseen by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), a nationally recognized American nonprofit organization that establishes professional standards in the field of ABA. The BACB no longer oversees certifications internationally. To be eligible for the RBT credential, candidates must be at least 18 years old, possess a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and complete a 40-hour training program that is in line with the RBT Task List outlined by the BACB.
Following the completion of training, candidates must then successfully complete a competency assessment administered by a BCaBA or BCBA before they can register for a seat to take the RBT Exam. The exam itself is a computer-based test consisting of 85 multiple-choice questions (with 75 scored items and 10 unscored pilot questions) that has a completion time of 90 minutes. The content covers key areas such as measurement, assessment, skill acquisition, behavior reduction, documentation and reporting, and ethics. Once certified, RBTs must continue to receive ongoing supervision from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA), and they must renew their certification annually by completing a renewal application, undergoing a background check, and demonstrating thorough competence through a renewal competency assessment. Starting in 2026, RBTs will need to complete 12 CEs in lieu of the competency assessment and they will need to apply for renewal once every two years.
For a more in-depth look at the RBT Exam and it’s attendant requirements please visit:
https://www.bacb.com/rbt/
When comparing the Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) exam and the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Exam, several important distinctions between the credentials emerge. The ABAT is administered by the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA), while the RBT credential is overseen by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Both certifications require a 40-hour training course that aligns with their respective task lists, but the format and oversight of training may vary by each board. The ABAT exam contains 125 multiple-choice questions and certificants are allotted a two-hour testing window. Exam fees generally range from $60 to $125 depending on the applicant’s country of residence. In contrast, the RBT Exam consists of 85 multiple-choice questions (75 scored and 10 unscored), and it must be completed in 90 minutes. The RBT application is $50 USD and it costs an additional $45 USD to schedule the exam.
Supervision and maintenance requirements of certifications also differ between the credentialing boards. ABATs require ongoing supervision by a Qualified Autism Service Provider – Supervisor (QASP-S) or a Qualified Behavior Analyst (QBA) or equivalent professionals with flexibility to obtain supervision from other equivalent professionals. RBTs can only be supervised by BCaBAs or BCBAs. RBTs must complete a competency assessment for the initial application and renewal annually until January 1st, 2026 at which time this will shift to requirements similar to that of the ABAT. In contrast, renewals one every two years with 12 CEs are available now for the ABAT. The ABAT is also offered in multiple languages, making it more accessible to a worldwide audience, but the RBT is currently only available in English to residents in the United States of America. Despite these differences, both the ABAT and the RBT certifications serve the same goal: preparing competent professionals to support individuals through use of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Individuals and organizations can review the similarities and differences between the two certifications and decide which is best for their individual goals, regional requirements, and employer preferences while being confident that they are working to uphold high standards and quality care in their practices.
When comparing the Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) exam and the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Exam, several important distinctions between the credentials emerge. The ABAT is administered by the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA), while the RBT credential is overseen by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Both certifications require a 40-hour training course that aligns with their respective task lists, but the format and oversight of training may vary by each board. The ABAT exam contains 125 multiple-choice questions and certificants are allotted a two-hour testing window. Exam fees generally range from $60 to $125 depending on the applicant’s country of residence. In contrast, the RBT Exam consists of 85 multiple-choice questions (75 scored and 10 unscored), and it must be completed in 90 minutes. The RBT application is $50 USD and it costs an additional $45 USD to schedule the exam.
Supervision and maintenance requirements of certifications also differ between the credentialing boards. ABATs require ongoing supervision by a Qualified Autism Service Provider – Supervisor (QASP-S) or a Qualified Behavior Analyst (QBA) or equivalent professionals with flexibility to obtain supervision from other equivalent professionals. RBTs can only be supervised by BCaBAs or BCBAs. RBTs must complete a competency assessment for the initial application and renewal annually until January 1st, 2026 at which time this will shift to requirements similar to that of the ABAT. In contrast, renewals one every two years with 12 CEs are available now for the ABAT. The ABAT is also offered in multiple languages, making it more accessible to a worldwide audience, but the RBT is currently only available in English to residents in the United States of America. Despite these differences, both the ABAT and the RBT certifications serve the same goal: preparing competent professionals to support individuals through use of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Individuals and organizations can review the similarities and differences between the two certifications and decide which is best for their individual goals, regional requirements, and employer preferences while being confident that they are working to uphold high standards and quality care in their practices.
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