Is RBT a career path?

Aug 14 / Tara Zeller, MS, BCBA

A Registered Behavior Technician, aka RBT, is a paraprofessional, working with clients of all abilities in a variety of settings. Some settings include: schools, behavior therapy clinics, autism centers, group homes, mental health facilities/hospitals, family homes and within the communities where clients live. RBTs play a vital role in any company they are employed by. The average annual salary for a RBT is $48,206 (source GlassDoor: June 14, 2023). This is $12,000 higher than the average entry-level practitioner. The minimum education requirement is a high school diploma. It is an excellent way to enter the field of human behavior as early as the age 18.


RBT professionals impact the lives of their clients by teaching essential skills to succeed in life. Many work to improve social skills and communication skills of young children. Others work in schools with older children transitioning from an education setting to a work setting. Some RBTs support adults in their work setting to ensure they can perform tasks independently. Some even work in sports settings….and these are just a few of the types of roles they play.

The training foundation for RBTs is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This study of human behavior and learning provides knowledge and insight on how to set up a person’s world for success. The skillset gained during RBT training is transferrable to many industries and often leads to RBTs pursuing higher degrees. In other instances, professionals certified as Registered Behavior Technicians choose to stay in this role and advance to lead positions. The title gets your foot in the door, the skillset carries you as far as you desire.

There are a few pre-requisites to becoming a RBT. You must be 18 with a High School Diploma. You must pass a: 40-hour course, Competency Assessment. Once those requirements are met, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) administers the Board Exam.

At AppleTree Connection, we Train, Mentor and Empower practitioners of all levels to follow their passion to a helping career. Whichever path you follow, we hope you lead with compassion!
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When you are ready, AppleTree Connection can help you get to work quickly:

1. Empowered RBTTM - self-paced 40-hour Training: Complete in as little as 5 days, This course satisfies the 40-hour requirement to become a RBT and International Behavior Technician* Graduates gain access to our Exclusive Employer Partner database. Join a career with over 120k people making a difference and leading with compassion. (*Once you are certified as a Registered Behavior Technician, you can apply for the IBT addition through the IBAO).

2. RBT Competency Assessment: We offer live Competency Assessment cohorts throughout the year*. You are assigned a BCBA mentor and a pathway to employment. Gain confidence and access to our Exclusive Employer Partner database. Free bonus: RBT Board Exam review course. 

Over 550+ students have successfully completed our programs. Individual outcomes include: RBT certification, grad school focus, advancement in current role, confidence in supporting others to live their best life and gaining a skillset that applies to their own life!

*Competency Assessments are offered exclusively to Empowered RBTTM students and graduates. If you completed your 40-hour training with another provider, and need a Competency Assessment you can register for one of our Empowered RBTTM courses here. 

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