How to Be Registered Behavior Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 8, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The growth of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has created a demand for qualified professionals, such as Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), to provide therapy to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. As a result, RBTs are trained to use evidence-based techniques and interventions to help individuals reach their goals. Through the use of ABA principles, RBTs can assess behavior, create and implement behavior plans, collect data, and modify programs to ensure that the individual is making progress.

RBTs collaborate with other members of the treatment team, such as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), to ensure that the individual is receiving the most effective treatment. the use of RBTs in ABA therapy helps individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities lead more independent and productive lives.

Steps How to Become

Research and understand the role of a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Understand the responsibilities, qualifications, and educational requirements for the job.
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. RBTs must have a high school diploma or GED before they can become certified.
Complete an approved RBT training course. The 40-hour course must include instruction in the six core task list areas. (1) discrete trial training, (2) measurement, (3) skills acquisition, (4) behavior reduction, (5) generalization, and (6) ethical, legal and professional behavior.
Pass the RBT Competency Assessment. This assessment is designed to ensure that an individual has the knowledge and skills required to function as an RBT. It consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.
Submit an application for certification and supporting documentation to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). The application must include proof of completing an approved RBT training course and passing scores from the RBT Competency Assessment.
Receive an official letter of certification from the BACB. Congratulations! You are now a Registered Behavior Technician!

Given the complexity of the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) field, it is essential that a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) possess reliable and competent skills. To achieve this, an RBT has to go through rigorous training, intensive supervision, and pass a certification exam. Training includes a comprehensive curriculum on the principles of behavior analysis, implementation of interventions, data collection and recording, ethical and professional conduct, and safety.

Intensive supervision allows RBT's to practice their skills in real-life settings and make sure that they are applying the methods correctly. Finally, passing the certification exam ensures that the RBT is knowledgeable and competent in the field. As a result of these efforts, RBT's are able to provide evidence-based practices to clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities.

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Job Description

Provide one-on-one behavior intervention services to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities in accordance with their individualized behavioral plans.
Monitor, document, and report client progress, behaviors, and other relevant data to supervising behavior analysts and other members of the treatment team.
Implement behavior intervention plans and other treatment plans as prescribed by a supervising behavior analyst.
Collect data and document behaviors accurately and thoroughly.
Follow safety and health regulations as outlined by state and federal laws and regulations.
Participate in agency trainings and in-service programs.
Participate in team meetings and other relevant meetings with the treatment team.
Provide positive reinforcement techniques to support client progress in reaching goals.
Maintain ethical standards of professional conduct as outlined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Maintain client confidentiality according to agency policies and procedures.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Understanding of behavior analytic principles and methodology
Knowledge of behavior modification techniques
Ability to develop and implement behavior plans
Ability to observe, measure, and record behavior
Ability to teach new skills and manage problem behaviors
Ability to collaborate with other professionals in a team setting
Understanding of ethical and legal requirements related to the practice
Strong communication skills
Ability to work with a diverse population of individuals
Understanding of the principles of ABA therapy

Behavioral technicians are expected to have a wide range of skills, but the most important skill is the ability to effectively communicate. Developing strong communication skills is essential for a behavioral technician to be able to interact with individuals on the autism spectrum. Effective communication plays a critical role in helping individuals with autism develop self-regulation, problem-solving and social skills.

When a technician is able to communicate effectively with an individual, they are able to identify and understand behaviors that need to be addressed, and then use positive reinforcement strategies to help modify them. by establishing clear expectations and providing positive reinforcement, the technician can create an environment in which individuals are more likely to display appropriate behaviors. The technician can then use data-driven decision making to develop a comprehensive behavior plan that will help the individual reach his or her goals.

the ability to communicate effectively is essential for a behavior technician to successfully and safely carry out their duties.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with individuals with special needs?
How would you handle a situation in which a client is displaying disruptive behavior?
How do you stay up-to-date on new developments in the field of applied behavior analysis?
Describe a challenging situation you have faced in your previous experience as a Registered Behavior Technician.
How do you go about creating individualized behavior plans that are tailored to specific clients?
What strategies do you use to build rapport with clients and their families?
How do you ensure that behavior plans are implemented correctly and safely?
How do you assess a clients progress and modify their behavior plan as needed?
What skills do you possess that make you an effective Registered Behavior Technician?
How do you handle conflicts that arise between co-workers or clients and their families?

Common Tools in Industry

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). A behaviorally-based intervention used to teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviors. (e. g. Task analysis, reinforcement, and prompting)
Positive Behavior Support (PBS). A systems-level approach to addressing challenging behaviors by focusing on environmental factors. (e. g. Identifying triggers and teaching replacement behaviors)
Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA). A process used to identify the function of a behavior in order to develop an effective intervention. (e. g. Hypothesis testing and interviews with teachers, parents, and the individual)
Reinforcement Strategies. A method used to increase desirable behaviors and decrease undesirable behaviors. (e. g. Token economy, positive reinforcement, and differential reinforcement)
Task Analysis. A systematic approach used to break down a skill into smaller, more manageable steps. (e. g. Breaking down a goal into smaller steps and using visual supports)
Visual Supports. A visual cue used to support learning and communication. (e. g. Picture schedules, choice boards, and social stories)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
National Association of Registered Behavior Technicians (NARBT)
International Association for Behavior Analysis (IABA)
Association for Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA)
Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS)
International Organization for the Advancement of Applied Behavior Analysis (IOABA)
Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis (SABA)
International Society for Autism Research (INSAR)
The American Psychological Association (APA)

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Common Important Terms

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). A science-based approach to understanding and modifying behavior, based on the principles of operant and classical conditioning.
Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP). A plan that outlines a series of specific strategies and interventions intended to change the behavior of a child or adult with a disability.
Discrete Trial Training (DTT). A form of behavioral therapy in which a therapist or caregiver presents a stimulus and the patient responds with a specific action.
Positive Reinforcement. The addition of a positive stimulus to increase a favorable behavior.
Extinction. A technique used to reduce or eliminate an unwanted behavior by not providing reinforcement for that behavior.
Functional Analysis. An assessment that looks at the antecedents and consequences of a behavior to determine why it occurs and how to modify it.
Token Economy. A system of reinforcement in which a token or symbol that can be exchanged for a reward is given for desired behaviors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Registered Behavior Technician? A1: A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a paraprofessional who practices under the close supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and is responsible for implementing behavior-analytic intervention plans designed by the BCBA. Q2: What qualifications are required to become an RBT? A2: To become an RBT, individuals must complete a minimum of 40 hours of training, pass a national competency assessment, and be at least 18 years of age. They must also be supervised by a BCBA or BCBA-D. Q3: What type of activities does an RBT typically perform? A3: RBTs typically provide direct behavioral intervention services, collect data on behavior, assist with developing behavior plans, and provide feedback to clients and families. Q4: How much do RBTs typically earn? A4: The average salary for an RBT is $17.50 per hour, but this can vary greatly depending on the location, experience, and other factors. Q5: What type of job setting do RBTs typically work in? A5: RBTs typically work in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, residential treatment centers, mental health facilities, and private practices.