Applying to Become an RBT

Verify against the official source. Rules change. Before you rely on dates, fees, or forms, confirm them in the current BACB RBT Handbook.

Once you meet eligibility requirements, you apply through the BACB's online system. This chapter walks through the full path: account setup, gathering documents, submitting the application, and scheduling the exam.

Training and the Initial Competency Assessment are part of applying — they are not separate credentials. Complete them before you pay the application fee.

The four application steps

Step 1: Create a BACB account

Create your account at the BACB Gateway. Treat this account as yours alone — it follows your certification for years.

Name: Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on government-issued ID. A mismatch will block you from testing. Name changes require BACB review and can delay your exam.

Email: Use a personal email address, not a work address. The BACB sends deadlines, approvals, and password resets to this inbox. Add BACB as a safe sender and check spam if you do not hear back within two weeks.

Profile: Set up the account yourself. Do not share login credentials — even with an employer. Keep your current residential address updated; your residence must be within BACB jurisdiction.

One account only: If you lose access, use the Contact Us form for identity verification. Creating duplicate accounts causes problems.

You receive a BACB Identification Number (BACB ID) when your account is created. Save it — you may need it on official paperwork.

Step 2: Complete required items

Before you apply, gather these three documents:

Training highlights (full detail in Training):

• 40 hours aligned to the current RBT task list
• Spread over at least 5 days and no more than 180 days (both start and end dates count)
• Certificate uploaded with your application
• Training provider cannot be related to you, subordinate to you, or employed by you

Competency assessment highlights (full detail in Competency):

• Completed after 40-hour training
• Within 90 days before you submit your application
• Assessor cannot be related to you, subordinate to you, or employed by you

Step 3: Submit the certification application

When all eligibility items are complete, apply through your BACB account. The handbook lists these steps:

1. Log into your BACB account.

2. Start an RBT Certification Application in the “RBT” tab — click “apply for RBT credential.” Individuals outside BACB jurisdiction cannot start a new application.

3. Upload required documents (fresh copies each time you apply; previously submitted documents are not reused):

   • RBT Certification Application Attestation form
   • Certificate of completion for 40-hour training
   • Completed Initial Competency Assessment (current packet version)

   Accepted formats: PDF or JPEG. Names on all documents must match your BACB account. If your name changed, complete a Name Change Request under Update Profile before applying.

4. Complete attestations in the Eligibility Affidavit and agree to the Application Processing Agreement. You affirm compliance with BACB requirements and disclose health, investigation, or disciplinary items if prompted. A “yes” may require an Ethics Self-Reporting Form and place your application on hold while BACB reviews.

5. Submit payment — credit card online or check by mail.

6. Wait for processing — allow about two weeks. Applications are processed in order received (Application Processing Updates).

90-day application window: Certification applications stay active for 90 days. If you do not meet all requirements in that window, you must reapply and pay a new processing fee. Wait to apply until eligibility items are complete.

After you submit:

• Approved: You receive email instructions to schedule your exam (Step 4).
• Not approved: You receive feedback by email — not in your BACB account. Your application shows “under review” until approved or expired. If you do not hear back within two weeks, check spam folders. You may appeal within 30 days under the Administrative Appeals Policy if you believe materials were rejected in error.

Regional exam delivery restrictions: BACB examinations are not delivered in Quebec (since November 2023) or Ontario (since July 2024). Check Ontario guidance if you live or plan to test there.

Examination accommodations (ADA or comparable law) are available — see Exam.

Step 4: Schedule the examination

After approval, you receive email instructions for scheduling through Pearson VUE.

See Exam for preparation, accommodations, and retake limits.

Fees (as of handbook 01/2026)

Use the fee listed for your application year in the BACB portal. BACB fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable (US currency only).

BACB fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable (US currency). Veterans eligible for the GI Bill may receive exam fee reimbursement — see the GI Bill test fees page.

Supervisee status: before and after the exam

While applying, you are an applicant — not yet listed as a supervisee on the Certificant Registry.

After you pass the exam, your certification begins as inactive. You cannot practice as an RBT until a qualified RBT Supervisor or RBT Requirements Coordinator adds you as a supervisee in their BACB account. That step activates your credential for supervised practice.

Your supervisor should follow the Process for Adding or Removing Supervisees. Plan this relationship before you test — see Supervision.

What you'll need

• BACB Gateway account with legal name matching your ID
• All three required documents uploaded and fees paid
• Pearson VUE account (created when you schedule)
• A supervisor lined up to add you after you pass

What happens next

• Approved: Schedule your exam → Exam
• Passed: Get added as a supervisee → Supervision
• Maintaining credential: Annual recertification → Renewal

Official forms and links: Resources