Paraprofessionals with backgrounds in behaviour analysis are known as Registered Behaviour Technicians® (RBTs®). For individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), RBTs® are essential in the provision of medically necessary therapy.
It is necessary to get certification from the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) to begin a career as an RBT®. Completion of a competence exam is an essential part of the certification process. After finishing the 40-hour training, candidates are put through this test to make sure they have learnt all the skills required to provide ethical, high-quality care.
The Value of RBT® Assessment of Competency
As a key step on the path to licensing, the competency exam is crucial. To make sure they are ready for the final test and can use behavior-analytic methods correctly, candidates must show a wide range of skills. The ability to provide high-quality treatment in practical settings is more important than just passing this test.
The Competency Assessment Framework
The RBT® competence evaluation is administered by a BCBA® or another trained assessor to the aspiring technician. Since the competence evaluation requires the client to show proficiency in at least three activities, it is usually administered in the client’s home, school, or clinic. Observing a candidate in action with a customer is one way to gauge their competency in a certain area. Interviews or role-playing exercises may be used to evaluate others.
The assessor evaluates 20 items across four domains:
Measurement: The candidate will exhibit the ability to record data, update graphs, and implement continuous and discontinuous measurements.
Evaluation: Preference evaluations and data recording using ABC will be shown by the applicant.
Possessing a solid grasp of methods including antecedent interventions, naturalistic teaching, prompting, and token systems for skill acquisition and behaviour reduction is essential for this applicant.
Requirements and Professionalism: The candidate will exhibit an understanding of the RBT® supervision requirements, professional boundaries, maintaining client dignity, and the ability to write session notes.
What to expect during your RBT competency assessment?
One or more meetings can be used for the first skill review. Also, the candidate has to finish the 40 hours of training, among other prerequisites, before they can take part in the evaluation.
There are twenty items in the assessment. These items have been divided into sections, namely:
- Tasks 1-3: Measurement
- Continuous Measurement
- Discontinuous Measurement
- Data and Graphs
- Tasks 4-5: Assessment
- Preference Assessments
- ABC Data
- Tasks 6-15: Skill acquisition and behavior reduction
- DTT
- Naturalistic Teaching
- Chaining
- Shaping
- Discrimination Training
- Stimulus Transfer
- Prompting
- Token Systems
- Crisis/Emergency
- Antecedent Interventions
- Differential Reinforcement
- Extinction
- Tasks 16-20: Professionalism and requirements
- Session Notes
- Client Dignity
- Professional Boundaries
- Supervision Requirements
- Clinical Direction
For a candidate to pass the assessment, they have to demonstrate competency in the above areas.
What is the importance of an RBT Competency Assessment?
Before they may be officially recognised as certified registered behaviour technicians, applicants must complete the RBT competence evaluation. Additionally, RBTs are required to undergo a competence renewal process every time their licence is about to expire.
RBT Competency Assessment Study Guide
What is the best way to be ready to take the RBT competency test? Watch my video on the RBT competence evaluation for all the information you need for both the first and renewal exams. After that, get our study guide for the RBT competence test.
To prepare for your personal RBT Competency Assessment, use the study guide, which covers all of the questions. The question of how to study for the RBT Competency Test is now behind you.
To prepare for your own RBT competence testing, we also suggest buying the accompanying study guide. It covers all the bases. Together, the video and the study guide make up our RBT competence evaluation training program.
What’s Next After Passing the RBT Competency Assessment
After you’ve passed your preliminary competence test, you may go on to the application and test preparation stages. The last need for RBT certification is passing the RBT test. We provide comprehensive study materials for the RBT test.
After you pass the renewal competence testing, the last step is to provide the required documents to the BACB. After that, you will be good to go! As an RBT, you are free to keep working.
Conclusion
Making sure ABA experts are competent requires the RBT® competency test. To assist applicants in feeling more prepared for the testing, they may review the first competence assessment form and complete practice flashcards.
The 40-hour RBT® training course and accompanying study materials offered by CentralReach, an industry leader in applied behaviour analysis (ABA), enable behaviour technicians to become ready for successful careers in a growing industry.
FAQs
Is the RBT competency test hard?
How well you study and comprehend the concepts of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) will determine how challenging the RBT (Registered Behaviour Technician) competence test is. You can make it work if you’re well-prepared and have relevant work experience. On the other hand, some people find it difficult, particularly those who are just starting out.
How many questions are on the RBT competency assessment?
This is not a multiple-choice exam; rather, it is a skills-based examination of RBT ability. Measurement, evaluation, skill development, behaviour reduction, documentation, and ethics are all part of the necessary duties that include several aspects of ABA. How well you do on each activity will be determined by your assessor.
How do I prepare for a competency assessment test?
So that you may do well on the RBT competence test:
- For further information, see the RBT Task List that the BACB has put up.
- Take a look at these ABA training videos.
- Gathering data, using reinforcement processes, and developing behaviour intervention tactics are all crucial skills to practise.
- Seek advice from an experienced colleague or boss.
- Practise what you’ll teach by looking at typical behaviour treatment cases.
Can you fail the RBT competency assessment?
It is possible to fail if you don’t show that you have the necessary abilities. Having said that, a lot of evaluators will let you repeat or retake parts of the test inside the same session. You may always try again when you’ve trained and practiced more.
How to pass the RBT competency assessment?
- Take the time to study the RBT Task List.
- Learn ABA techniques via practical application.
- Seek for chances for practice from your supervisor.
- Maintain composure and self-assurance during the evaluation.
- Adhere to standards of conduct and ethical principles.
What is a passing score for the RBT exam?
A passing score on the RBT written test (which is distinct from the competence assessment) is 40 out of 75 (or about 53%). To pass the competence exam, you need to show that you have mastered all of the abilities that are on the list.