Introduction to the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts – In this episode of Inside the BACB, join CEO Dr. Jim Carr and Director of Ethics Dr. Tyra Sellers as they discuss the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, an updated ethics Code for BCBAs and BCaBAs. Listen now to get the inside scoop on the revision process, important additions to the Code, and more.
You can find all of the BACB’s videos on our YouTube channel.
By the BACB
This educational resource breaks down the different elements of the applied behavior analysis profession—and how the BACB and other organizations operate within it.
You can find all of the BACB’s videos on our BACB Videos web page or our YouTube channel.
By the BACB
This video outlines the purpose of the BACB Certificant Registry and offers guidance on how to use it. Please watch at your convenience.
You can find all of the BACB’s videos on our BACB Videos web page or our YouTube channel.
Note: The information in this blog may be outdated. Please see the 5 Must-Know RBT Application Tips blog post for up-to-date information.
So, you’ve decided to take your career to the next level and pursue certification as a Registered Behavior Technician, or RBT.
Congratulations! We’re rooting for your success, so we’ve put together some tips that will make the RBT application process as quick and simple as possible.
Before completing your RBT application, it’s important to carefully review the RBT Handbook in full. In fact, we suggest that you review the handbook with the person who will become your RBT Supervisor or RBT Requirements Coordinator, as they will also be involved in the application process.
The RBT Handbook is a vital resource for potential RBT applicants because, among other relevant information, it includes:
The RBT Handbook should be your go-to resource when applying to sit for the RBT certification examination. If you take the time to review it in advance, you’ll become familiar with each requirement and every nitty-gritty detail, which can only mean one thing: smooth sailing ahead!
Be sure to create your BACB account yourself with your personal email address. Do not have anyone, including your future RBT Supervisor or employer, create your account on your behalf. Also refrain from using your work or school email address when signing up, as you may lose access to your BACB account if you lose access to that email address.
When you create your own BACB account with a personal email address, you will have full access to and control over your account when it’s time to renew your certification down the road. Your BACB account is the doorway to your certification, and that certification belongs to you and you alone!
Before you click submit, it’s important to double check that your application meets all the documentation requirements expected of RBT candidates. As stated earlier, it’s a good idea to review your application with your future RBT Supervisor. Another set of eyes will help ensure that all the documentation requirements are properly met.
Unfortunately, the BACB has been receiving a high volume of applications with documentation that fails to meet the proper requirements. Here are a few reminders based on the most frequent issues we’re seeing:
Here are a few reminders that only apply in certain circumstances:
In the mad dash to submit your application, it’s easy to accidentally forget a document, statement, or signature. But, if information is missing from your application or if the provided documentation doesn’t indicate that you meet the necessary requirements, you may experience delays beyond the standard two-week processing time.
We recognize how important it is to move through the application process quickly so that you can become certified and move forward in your career. That’s why it’s vital to double check that your documentation is complete and meets the appropriate requirements for RBT candidates. That way, we can send you off to sit for the RBT examination as soon as possible!
To view current application processing times, please visit the Customer Service Updates page on the BACB’s website.
The path to certification can be stressful and difficult at times, but being fully prepared can ease the pressure. If you take this advice and reach out to your supervisor for additional support when you need it, the application process will feel relatively painless and far less daunting. We sincerely hope that these tips improve your RBT certification application experience. Best of luck, future RBT!
Note: The information in this blog may be outdated.
Finding a specific piece of information online isn't always the easiest task. And sometimes you aren't even sure what you're looking for until you find it.
Whether you're already certified as a behavior analyst or researching your career options, the BACB website can be a valuable resource. But you may not have discovered these five time–saving gems yet.
When you're considering a career in behavior analysis, it's important to look at the big picture. Understanding the growth curves for RBTs, BCaBAs, and BCBAs can give you the confidence and insight to make informed choices about which certification is appropriate for you to pursue.
That's why the BACB publishes certificant trends on its Certificant Data page. You can quickly find answers to these questions:
Understanding ethics requirements is a vital part of the profession of behavior analysis. That's why the BACB is scaling up the resources on its Ethics page.
You may already be familiar with the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, which outlines what behavior analysts must do—and must not do—to best protect clients and others. The Code provides guidance on many ethics–related situations you may encounter as a behavior–analytic practitioner, such as:
But there's much more to the BACB ethics resources than the Code documents. You'll also want to check out the following important sources of support for navigating ethics dilemmas.
In this section, you can access:
If you need support in deciding whether to report a violation, you'll find what you need in this section, including:
To learn about the steps that the BACB can take against someone's exam eligibility or certification, take a look at this section. The Code–Enforcement Procedures is your go–to resource, but you'll also see information about the types of and possible outcomes for disciplinary sanctions.
Ethics touches every aspect of a behavior analyst's professional life. The BACB's extensive ethics resources will help you obtain and maintain your certification so that you can continue changing lives.
The profession of behavior analysis is known primarily for its success in treating individuals with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities. However, behavior analysis also offers opportunities in a variety of other subspecialties. Staying aware and knowledgeable about these other areas as the profession grows is a good strategy for anyone researching a career in behavior analysis.
An RBT, BCaBA, or BCBA might work with a variety of clients, including:
To learn more about areas that would interest you, the BACB has published a library of informative videos and fact sheets focusing on a wide range of behavior analysis subspecialties.
Each BACB video features a subject matter expert who shares details about working in the subspecialty, such as problems a behavior analyst might treat and the science behind those methods. For example, if you like the idea of helping to improve performance in the workplace, you can learn about organizational behavior management (OBM) from Dr. John Austin, a leading expert in the field. He shares how research has shaped the industry and allowed OBM practitioners to empower employees and leaders for success.
If you want to see a snapshot of each subspecialty and associated sub–areas with resources and recommended reading, check out our handy Subspecialties Areas document.
We know that waiting is one of the hardest parts of obtaining certification, especially when submitting applications or other electronic documents. That's why our Customer Service team shares daily updates about processing times on the BACB website. Our team processes materials in the order they are received, so you can be sure we'll get to yours as soon as possible.
For example, if you submitted your renewal application electronically on May 20th, you can check the Customer Service page regularly to see if we're processing materials received on that date yet.
In addition to processing times, you'll see instructions for system errors or notifications related to your BACB account.
Still haven't found what you need? The Customer Service page also includes links to frequently accessed resources for each certification, such as renewals, requirements, and applications.
The BACB Resources page provides a wealth of information about job demand, BACB activities, past ethics violations, and much more. Here's what you'll find:
Finding the right links, documents, and data doesn't have to be an accident. Bookmark these indispensable BACB resources to stay in the know and save time.
Common Misunderstandings About the BACB – As one of the oldest organizations in a young profession, the BACB and its functions are often misunderstood. To combat this disconnect, CEO Dr. Jim Carr and Deputy CEO Dr. Melissa Nosik explore the BACB’s history and break down these common misconceptions in this episode of Inside the BACB.
You can find all of the BACB’s videos on our YouTube channel.
The BACB’s Role in the Profession of Behavior Analysis – As one of the oldest organizations in a young profession, the BACB and its functions are often misunderstood. To combat this disconnect, CEO Dr. Jim Carr and Deputy CEO Dr. Melissa Nosik explore the BACB’s history and break down these common misconceptions in this episode of Inside the BACB.
You can find all of the BACB’s videos on our YouTube channel.
The COVID 19 Pandemic: A March 2020 Update – In this episode, Drs. Jim Carr and Melissa Nosik discuss BACB resources and guidance available to certificants in the face of the COVID–19 pandemic, and provide an update on important testing activities.
You can find all of the BACB’s videos on our YouTube channel.
Refocusing BACB Support of Global Certification – In this episode, Dr. Melissa Nosik hosts a discussion with Drs. Jim Carr and Neil Martin‚ and Board President Dr. Bridget Taylor‚ about the upcoming changes to the BACB’s international focus, which includes answers to frequently asked questions.
You can find all of the BACB’s videos on our YouTube channel.
Welcome to Inside the BACB – In the inaugural episode of "Inside the BACB," Drs. Jim Carr and Melissa Nosik provide a brief history of the BACB and its evolution in the face of the profession's dramatic growth over the last decade. They also preview what to expect in future episodes.
You can find all of the BACB’s videos on our YouTube channel.