Is RBT Certification Worth It?
Find out if RBT certification is worth it in this guide. Spoiler: it is!
Is RBT certification worth it?
Yes, RBT certification is worth the time, energy, and money for someone looking to enter a career that has room for growth through education, certifications, and experience.
How does the RBT certification process work?
RBT certification is one of the early-entry positions in the behavior analysis field. It is one of many certifications that you can get to start working with children and ABA therapists.
Anyone who works with children providing behavior analysis services must have a Behavior Analyst Certification Board certification.
Unlike with higher positions in the field, a person who wishes to become an RBT only has to be 18 years of age and have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
This is one reason why being an RBT is so appealing to many people. It can allow them to get their feet in the field and see if working in the area is right for them.If you meet the age and educational requirements, the next step in the process is to pass a background check.
If you are going through an employment agency, this is usually done through them.Next, you will be required to obtain a total of 40 supervised hours of training before you can register to take the competency exam.
This exam has to be taken at a qualified testing center, but after passing the RBT exam, you will be certified as a registered behavior technician.
Is RBT certification hard?
After you make the decision that you wish to be an RBT, many people ask themselves if they are capable of passing the certification exam. The answer to this is it varies from person to person.
The certification itself is not hard, but it is important to pay attention during your supervised training hours and asks questions.
Just like when you were in school, the person you are training under is there to help you pass your certification.
They should welcome any questions that you have and help by providing you answers to your questions.
The hands-on part of the training is also a plus. Since you are required to do supervised training before taking the RBT certification exam, you should make the most of your time and pay attention to what is expected of you.
The experience you gain will be one of your best resources when taking the test.
Plus, you can find different information on your own time that might also help you prepare for the exam.
The best advice to ensure you will succeed and pass your exam is to listen, study, and commit to memory the things you learn so that when you are taking the exam you have plenty of knowledge stored to think back to.
What does it mean to be RBT certified?
Being RBT certified does not mean that you have to work strictly as an RBT. RBTs can work in a wide range of locations from schools, hospitals, health care clinics, and community organizations.
One of the best things about being RBT certified is that there are a variety of jobs where RBTs can use their skills.
Many childcare administrators get their RBT certification, and group home special needs staff also can benefit from having RBT certification.
The job you get doesn't have to be specifically for an RBT position, you can find that having an RBT certification on your resume could open up doors in a variety of other positions.
There are also a number of professional jobs, like clinical social workers and EMTs, that can benefit from having an RBT certification.
It can broaden their career prospects and even help them negotiate for a higher wage than someone who doesn't have one.
Also, anyone that is going into pediatrics, like nurses and doctors can benefit from having their RBT certification, since they could come in contact with children who suffer from behavioral issues, like autism.
So, having your RBT certification means that you could negotiate your way into a larger salary or wage bracket in different fields where you might come in contact with a child with autism or other behavioral issues.
How long is RBT certification good for?
After you pass your RBT certification exam, it will expire one year from that day. You must have your certification renewed every year to keep it on your resume.However, this is always subject to change.
You will need to make sure you keep current on any changes to your RBT certification because it is subject to change if deemed necessary by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
When you first go for your RBT certification, you will be expected to pay two parts.
First, you will have to pay $50 for the application fees, and then the RBT exam will cost you $45. After this, you will be required to submit a renewal application every year with a $35 renewal fee. This is the current price set by the BACB, but it could change from year to year.
You should never wait until the last minute to renew your certification because if it lapses, you will be required to go through the exam again to reinstate your RBT certification.
Remember that your certification will expire one year after the day you passed your exam or one year after the last renewal date of your certification.
Are there different types of jobs available for RBTs?
There are many types of jobs available for RBTs to take advantage of. To be an RBT, you just have to pass the RBT certification exam after doing 40 hours of supervised training, but that doesn't mean that you have to be a full-time RBT.
For instance, if you are a clinical social worker, you might want to get RBT certified because not only will it look good on your resume, but it could help you with some of the kids that you are sent to check on and help.
Many ABA therapists depend on RBTs to help them with their clients because it allows the therapist to observe while the RBT interacts with the child.
Although the RBT might not come up with the behavioral plan and strategy, they can be paramount to it working effectively. If you plan on going into any sort of medical position in pediatrics, having your RBT certification could come in handy.
Children with autism can have issues when they visit doctors, but with an RBT certification, you can learn how to interact with these children easier, which can help them to relax and trust you while they are under your care.
Being an Emergency medical technician or EMT could also benefit from RBT certification.
Not only could it provide you with a higher pay wage than someone without the certification, but it could help you to understand and deal with patients you come in contact with who suffer from autism.
However, it is important to note that not all RBT jobs have to be medical-related. Many childcare administrators and reading specialists can also benefit from RBT certifications, especially if they work closely with special education teachers and programs.
It can help to give them the insight that they need and the training they need to work effectively in these types of environments, which is important for anyone that works with children diagnosed with behavioral issues and diagnoses, as autism.
What is an RBT?
RBT stands for registered behavior technician.
These technicians work under board-certified behavior analysts or a BCBA, and they work to help children with behavior deficits, like autism, one on one in different settings.
They might work with the child in school, at home, in the community, or one of their activity groups. Plus, RBT is not an end-of-the-road position.
Certified RBTs can go through other types of certifications, experience, and supplemental education programs to allow for job growth.
Insights and Takeaways
If you have a passion for working with children with autism or other behavior issues, it might be beneficial for you to look into getting your RBT certification.
This certification is a gateway certification for ABA therapists, but it can be used in different career paths for anyone that chooses to work closely with children in one form or another.
References