RBT Initial Competency Assessment Packet - Effective January 1, 2026

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Cipher

RBT Initial Competency Assessment Packet outlines requirements for qualifying for RBT certification through completion of an Initial Competency Assessment. It specifies assessor eligibility and relationship expectations, including restrictions on reporting lines and employment status, and allows delegation to assistant assessors with active RBT certification or higher. It defines timing after the 40-hour training (within 90 days of application), acceptable assessment delivery formats, task evaluation methods, documentation and attestation steps, and mandatory retention of assessment records for at least seven years.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Overview

Qualified Assessor(s) and Relationship Expectations

Timing

Structure

Administration

Documentation

RBT Initial Competency Assessment

Responsible Assessor Checklist

RBT Initial Competency Assessment Packet Effective January 1, 2026 Requirements Overview All RBT® applicants must demonstrate that they can competently perform the tasks on the Initial Competency Assessment as part of the requirements to qualify for RBT certification. Qualified Assessor(s) and Relationship Expectations Responsible Assessor: A BACB® certificant (BCaBA® or BCBA®) who has completed the 8-hour supervision training is responsible for overseeing the Initial Competency Assessment. The responsible assessor must: • be employed at the same organization as, or have a contractual relationship with, the applicant and client(s) involved in the assessment (Note: If the responsible or assistant assessor is a BCaBA, their supervisor must also be employed at, or have a contractual relationship with, the same organization where the client(s) are receiving services.); • ensure that the assessment is conducted in accordance with these requirements; • sign the Initial Competency Assessment; • maintain records of all assessments conducted; AND • ensure that the assessment meets quality standards, even when assistant assessor(s) are involved in conducting the assessment. Assistant Assessor(s): The responsible assessor may delegate some or all of the assessment to an assistant assessor who has demonstrated proficiency in the material through direct observation and holds an active RBT certification or higher. The responsible assessor may utilize multiple assistant assessors for a single Initial Competency Assessment. The responsible assessor and assistant assessor(s) (hereafter referred to as “assessor”) may not be related to, subordinate to, or employed by the applicant during the assessment. Employment does not include compensation paid to the assessor by the applicant for assessment services. Note: It is permissible for the assessor to be the same person who delivered the RBT 40-hour training. Relationship Expectations: The responsible assessor, assistant assessor(s), and RBT applicant must be employed at (or all have a contractual relationship with) the same organization. That organization must also be the entity providing services to the client involved in the assessment. Any BCaBAs serving as the responsible or assistant assessor, and any RBTs serving as the assistant assessor, must have a supervisor who is also employed by—or has a contractual relationship with—the same organization where the client is receiving services. This relationship requirement applies to the entire assessment and not just the portions involving clients. Version 01/2026, Copyright © 2025, BACB® Timing The Initial Competency Assessment must be completed after the 40-hour training is complete and cannot be completed more than 90 days before submitting an RBT certification application. Structure The Initial Competency Assessment: • may be conducted over one or more sessions • may be conducted in person, live via the internet, or through observations of recorded videos created specifically for the purpose of the assessment Administration The assessor will provide an opportunity for the applicant to perform each task and evaluate whether the task was performed in a competent manner. Based on the instructions in each section of the assessment, one of three assessment types might be used to evaluate each task: • With a Client: The assessor observes the applicant performing the task with a client who is receiving behavior-analytic services. • Role-Play: The assessor observes the applicant performing the task in a situation similar to what might occur with a client (i.e. , with another person acting in the role of the client) . This method may be used when circumstances do not permit conducting the evaluation with a client. • Interview: The assessor must conduct a live interview (in person or via the Internet) during which the applicant must accurately describe or discuss the relevant concept and provide examp

FAQs

Who is allowed to serve as the responsible assessor for the Initial Competency Assessment?

The responsible assessor must be a BACB certificant (BCaBA or BCBA) who has completed the 8-hour supervision training and oversees the assessment under the stated requirements.

When must the Initial Competency Assessment be completed for an RBT certification application?

It must be completed after the 40-hour training is finished and no more than 90 days before submitting an RBT certification application.

What assessment methods can be used to evaluate each task?

Tasks may be assessed with a client, through role-play, or via an interview where the applicant describes/discusses concepts and provides examples and nonexamples when applicable.

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Cipher