Changes to 2026 RBT Certification

Last updated: November 23, 2025

New rules for RBT certification start on January 1, 2026!

📝 For All Current and Aspiring RBTs

The BACB is making two main types of changes: how the exam works and how you keep your certification.

1. The RBT Exam and Training Changes

If you are studying to become an RBT, or if you need to retake your training:

  • New Study List: The exam is changing to a new official study list. Please make sure the 40-hour training you are completing is updated to match this new list (3rd edition).

  • New Topics: The exam will now focus more on collecting data and making graphs. It will have a little less focus on teaching new skills.

  • Ethics is Clearer: The ethics part of the exam will be based on 10 specific tasks, making it clearer what you need to study.

  • Higher Cost to Apply: The first time you apply for your RBT certification, the fee will go up from $50 to $65.

2. Changes to Keeping Your RBT Certification

These changes make renewing your RBT easier and happen less often!

  • You Renew Less Often: The certification cycle is changing from 1 year to 2 years.

  • Competency Assessment Moves to 2 Years: The Renewal Competency Assessment will now be required every two years instead of every year, aligning with the new renewal cycle.

  • (Note: You still need to complete the assessment if your certification has expired and you want to start over.)

  • New Learning Requirement: You must complete 12 hours of Professional Development (PD) over the 2-year cycle.

  • Recertification Fee: The fee changes from $35 every year to $50 every two years.

📝 For All BCBAs and BCaBAs (Supervisors)

These changes impact how you train and supervise new RBTs.

  • Trainers Need Required Training: If you are a Responsible Trainer (teaching the 40-hour course), you must now complete the 8-hour supervision training to continue teaching.

  • Assistant Staff Must Be Certified: Any staff member helping you with the RBT training or the initial competency assessment (Assistant Trainer or Assistant Assessor) must now be RBT certified or higher.

  • 40-Hour Course Updates: The 40-hour training course is being updated to follow a new outline, which includes specific minimum time requirements for certain sections (like 20 hours for Behavior-Change Interventions).

  • Training Record Retention: Responsible Trainers are required to maintain training logs for 10 years

❓ Important Transition FAQs (What if my paperwork is already started?)

  • If your RBT application was approved BEFORE January 1, 2026: You do not need to complete the new 40-hour training. You can still take your exam within your 12-month approval period.

  • If you let your RBT certification expire on or after January 1, 2026: You will need to complete the full new 40-hour training and the updated competency assessment to reapply. There is no "bridge" course.

  • If you complete the new training early (before 2026): You must wait until January 1, 2026, to apply unless your training certificate also lists the current (pre-2026) approval statement

Next Step: Please reach out to your supervisor or the HR team if you have specific questions about your individual renewal date or the new Professional Development requirement. You can reach out via hr@finnihealth.com.