What Is the RBT Competency Assessment?
The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Competency Assessment is a crucial step in becoming certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). This practical assessment ensures that an RBT candidate can demonstrate essential skills related to applied behavior analysis (ABA) in real-world settings.
Unlike the multiple-choice RBT exam, the Competency Assessment is performance-based. You’ll be asked to demonstrate ABA skills in front of a qualified BCBA or BCaBA—either in person or via role-play.
Completing this assessment is required both for initial certification and for annual renewal.
Why the RBT Competency Assessment Matters
The assessment ensures that an RBT candidate is:
- Trained in real-world ABA practices
- Ready to work under supervision
- Capable of applying ethical and professional standards
- Skilled in handling data collection, teaching skills, and reducing problem behavior
It’s not just a test of knowledge—it’s a test of performance and professionalism.
Who Can Administer the RBT Competency Assessment?
The BACB allows the following professionals to administer the assessment:
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)
The assessor must:
- Hold an active certification
- Be responsible for the direct supervision of the RBT candidate
- Conduct the assessment via in-person observation or live video (e.g., Zoom)
When Do You Complete the RBT Competency Assessment?
There are two types of RBT Competency Assessments:
| Type | When Completed | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Assessment | After 40-hour training, before applying for the RBT exam | Required for BACB application |
| Renewal Assessment | Annually, as part of recertification | Required for maintaining certification |
Each type evaluates a similar set of skills, but the initial assessment is typically more extensive and may include more modeled responses.
RBT Competency Assessment Requirements (Initial)
According to the BACB’s RBT Initial Competency Assessment Packet, the assessment includes skills grouped into 6 categories:
1. Measurement (2 Tasks)
- Implement continuous measurement procedures
Example: Record frequency or duration of behavior - Implement discontinuous measurement procedures
Example: Partial interval, whole interval, momentary time sampling
2. Assessment (1 Task)
- Conduct preference assessments
Example: Paired-choice, multiple-stimulus without replacement (MSWO), or free operant
3. Skill Acquisition (6 Tasks)
- Implement discrete-trial teaching (DTT)
- Implement naturalistic teaching procedures
- Implement task analysis procedures (e.g., chaining)
- Implement discrimination training
- Implement stimulus control transfer procedures
- Implement prompting and prompt fading procedures
4. Behavior Reduction (4 Tasks)
- Implement interventions based on antecedent modifications
- Implement differential reinforcement procedures
- Implement extinction procedures
- Respond appropriately to challenging behavior
5. Documentation and Reporting (2 Tasks)
- Effectively communicate with supervisor
- Actively seek supervision and feedback
6. Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice (3 Tasks)
- Describe the role of the RBT
- Respond appropriately to feedback
- Maintain client dignity
Format
- Assessment is completed live (in person or via video).
- Role-play is allowed for certain tasks.
- Assessment must be completed within 90 days of submission to BACB.
Sample Tasks in the Competency Assessment
Let’s take a closer look at a few example tasks:
✅ Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT)
Scenario: You are teaching a child to identify colors.
Expectations:
- Deliver an SD (e.g., “Touch red.”)
- Wait for the response
- Deliver reinforcement if correct
- Implement error correction if incorrect
- Record data
✅ Implementing Differential Reinforcement
Scenario: The client engages in hand flapping when excited. You use Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO).
Expectations:
- Set a timer for intervals (e.g., 2 minutes)
- Deliver reinforcement if the behavior does not occur
- Withhold reinforcement if it occurs
- Record data accurately
✅ Preference Assessment
Scenario: You conduct a Paired Choice assessment.
Expectations:
- Present two items at a time
- Record the item chosen
- Rotate the items
- Identify the most preferred item based on data
Tips for Passing the RBT Competency Assessment
Here are expert strategies to pass the assessment on your first attempt:
🎯 1. Practice Role-Play Before the Assessment
Simulate sessions with a friend, classmate, or mentor. Practice:
- Delivering SDs
- Reinforcement timing
- Implementing behavior plans
📋 2. Know the RBT Task List (2nd Edition)
Understand all 6 content areas thoroughly. Use flashcards, online videos, and mock sessions to reinforce each task.
🧠 3. Review Ethical Scenarios
Be ready to:
- Explain dual relationships
- Maintain confidentiality
- Respond to feedback
- Uphold client dignity
📈 4. Record Data Correctly
Many candidates forget to:
- Write frequencies or durations clearly
- Time intervals properly
- Use tally marks or symbols consistently
Practice with mock data sheets before your assessment.
🗣 5. Communicate Clearly with Your Assessor
Ask for clarification if needed. Speak confidently and describe what you are doing during the role-play (if allowed).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Not reviewing the BACB guidelines
✅ Always download the official assessment packet.
❌ Assuming it’s like the RBT written exam
✅ This is a hands-on, performance-based test. You must do, not just know.
❌ Failing to prepare for ethical questions
✅ Expect to be asked about your role, client dignity, and responding to feedback.
❌ Lack of confidence or preparation
✅ Practice until you’re comfortable performing each skill out loud and in action.
How Long Does the Assessment Take?
- The full RBT Initial Competency Assessment can take 1 to 3 hours depending on your proficiency and the assessor’s style.
- Each skill may take a few minutes to demonstrate, especially if role-play is involved.
- You may complete the assessment across multiple sessions, but it must be done within 90 days of submission to BACB.
What Happens If You Fail the Competency Assessment?
The assessment is not pass/fail in a traditional sense. If your assessor feels you are not proficient in a specific skill, they can:
- Review the skill with you
- Re-assess just that portion later
- Delay your certification application until all tasks are complete
Many assessors work collaboratively with candidates to help them improve and succeed.
Renewal Competency Assessment
Each year, RBTs must complete the Renewal Competency Assessment as part of their certification maintenance.
Key Differences:
| Initial Assessment | Renewal Assessment |
|---|---|
| Required before RBT exam | Required before recertification |
| Covers all skills | Focuses on skills used in current role |
| Includes role-play | Must be based on actual work with clients |
| Often longer | Often shorter and more targeted |
How to Prepare for the RBT Competency Assessment
Here’s a checklist for preparation:
✅ Review the RBT Task List
✅ Watch training videos (e.g., StudyNotesABA on YouTube)
✅ Attend mock assessments with peers
✅ Use flashcards for terminology
✅ Print mock data sheets for practice
✅ Read the BACB’s Professional and Ethical Compliance Code
Additional Resources
- ABA Rocks: Acing the RBT Exam
- Free RBT Practice Test
Conclusion: Be Confident and Prepared
The RBT Competency Assessment is your chance to demonstrate real-world ABA skills. It’s not about memorization—it’s about application, communication, and professionalism.
With the right preparation, you can approach the assessment with confidence and pass it on your first try.
Remember:
- Practice each task in real or role-played settings
- Ask your assessor questions if unsure
- Treat it like a job interview and show professionalism