BACB 2026 RBT Changes Explained - What You Need to Know

Key Takeaways

The BACB is making major changes to RBT certification starting January 1, 2026. Here’s what matters most:

• No more yearly competency assessments - They’re being replaced with 12 hours of professional development every 2 years
• New 2-year renewal cycle - You’ll renew every 2 years instead of every year
• Noncertified supervisors are going away - Only BCaBAs and BCBAs can supervise RBTs after January 1, 2026
• New training for new RBTs - Anyone applying after January 1, 2026 must complete training based on the 3rd Edition Test Content Outline

This is the biggest update to RBT certification since 2018. Don’t worry - if you’re already certified, you have time to prepare.

What’s Changing (The Simple Version)

1. Goodbye Annual Competency Assessments

Before: Every year, your supervisor had to complete a competency assessment with you.

After: No more annual competency assessments. Instead, you’ll complete 12 hours of professional development every 2 years.

Why it matters: Less paperwork for supervisors. More flexibility in how you grow professionally.

2. Hello 2-Year Renewal Cycle

Before: Renew your RBT certification every year.

After: Renew every 2 years (like BCBAs and BCaBAs already do).

Why it matters: Fewer renewal deadlines to remember. More time to complete your professional development hours.

3. 12 PDUs Every 2 Years

PDU stands for Professional Development Unit. Starting in 2026, you’ll need to earn 12 PDUs during each 2-year cycle.

How to earn PDUs:

• ACE Provider Events - Workshops, webinars, or courses from BACB-approved providers
• In-Service Training - Professional development led by a BCBA, BCaBA, or BCBA-D at your organization
• University Coursework - Relevant college courses

Important details:

• Each in-service training must be at least 25 minutes (earns 0.5 PDUs)
• You must keep records for at least 2 years after your renewal
• Your records should include: event title, date, instructor, learning objectives, and duration

4. Noncertified Supervisors Are Going Away

Before: Some licensed professionals (who weren’t BCBAs or BCaBAs) could supervise RBTs with special BACB approval.

After: Starting January 1, 2026, only BCaBAs and BCBAs can supervise RBTs.

Why it matters: If your current supervisor isn’t a BCBA or BCaBA, your organization will need to make changes before January 2026.

5. New Training Requirements (For New RBTs Only)

If you’re already certified, this doesn’t affect you. But if someone applies for RBT certification after January 1, 2026, they must:

• Complete a 40-hour training program based on the 3rd Edition Test Content Outline (formerly called the Task List)
• Take the exam aligned with the new content outline

The 3rd Edition expands from 37 to 43 tasks and doubles the ethics section from 5 to 10 tasks.

Timeline: What Happens When

What This Means For You

If You’re Already an RBT

Good news: You don’t need to retrain or retake the exam. The new 3rd Edition content outline only applies to new applicants.

Your 2026 renewal: You’ll complete your renewal in 2026 just like before - including one final competency assessment. After that, you’ll switch to the new 2-year cycle with PDUs.

Start planning now:

• Think about topics you want to learn more about
• Talk to your supervisor about in-service training opportunities
• Look into ACE-approved courses in areas that interest you

If You’re a Supervisor

Before January 2026: Make sure you or another BCBA/BCaBA is set up to supervise all RBTs at your organization.

For 2026 renewals: Complete the annual competency assessment for your RBTs one last time.

Going forward: Consider developing in-service training programs that count toward your RBTs’ PDU requirements.

If You’re Thinking About Becoming an RBT

Apply before January 1, 2026 if you want to use a 2nd Edition training program. After that date, you’ll need training based on the 3rd Edition content outline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to retake the RBT exam?

No. If you’re already certified, you don’t need to retest. The 3rd Edition exam only applies to new applicants after January 1, 2026.

When do I start earning PDUs?

After your 2026 renewal. Everyone completes their 2026 renewal under the old rules (with a competency assessment). Your 2-year PDU cycle starts after that renewal is approved.

What if my supervisor isn’t a BCBA or BCaBA?

Your organization needs to arrange for BCBA or BCaBA supervision before January 1, 2026. Talk to your employer now if this applies to you.

Can my employer provide PDU training?

Yes. In-service training led by a BCBA, BCaBA, or BCBA-D counts toward your PDUs. The training must have specific learning objectives tied to the RBT content outline.

What documentation do I need for PDUs?

Keep records that include:

• Event title
• Date
• Instructor name and credentials
• Learning objectives
• Format (in-person, online, etc.)
• Duration

Keep these records for at least 2 years after your renewal cycle ends.

What if I’m on Voluntary Inactive Status?

If you go on VIS before your 2026 renewal, you’ll return under the old rules (including the competency assessment). After you return and renew, you’ll transition to the 2-year PDU cycle.

The Bottom Line

These changes give RBTs more flexibility in how they maintain certification. No more annual competency assessments. A 2-year renewal cycle. Professional development that you choose based on your interests and career goals.

The transition is straightforward: complete your 2026 renewal as usual, then start earning PDUs for your next renewal in 2028.

If you have questions about the changes, the BACB website has the official documentation. Your supervisor or employer should also be able to help you plan for the transition.