What Is the RBT Competency Assessment?

The RBT Competency Assessment is a standardized, in-person skills evaluation required by the BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board) as part of the RBT certification process. It is separate from the written RBT exam — you must pass both to become a certified RBT.

Key facts about the assessment:

• Must be completed within 90 days before applying for RBT certification
• Conducted by a qualified BACB assessor — typically a BCBA or BCaBA who is responsible for your training supervision
• You demonstrate each skill from the RBT Task List either with an actual client or a live-action role-play simulation
• The assessor evaluates each skill as demonstrated adequately or not yet demonstrated
• All skills must be demonstrated adequately to pass — you cannot skip or partially pass the assessment
• The assessment can be completed in a single session or across multiple sessions (the BACB does not mandate a single sitting)

The competency assessment is designed to verify that you can actually perform the skills of an RBT in a real clinical setting — not just answer questions about them. Think of it as the clinical practicum portion of RBT certification.

Skills Evaluated in the RBT Competency Assessment

The RBT Competency Assessment covers the five major sections of the RBT Task List (2nd edition). For each skill, you must demonstrate the behavior, not just describe it.

A — Measurement:

• Prepare for data collection (select correct data sheet, materials)
• Implement continuous measurement procedures (frequency/event recording, duration recording)
• Implement discontinuous measurement procedures (interval recording, momentary time sampling)
• Implement permanent product recording procedures
• Enter data and update graphs

B — Skill Acquisition:

• Prepare for skill acquisition sessions (materials, environment)
• Use contingency-based reinforcement correctly
• Implement discrete trial training (DTT)
• Implement naturalistic environment training (NET)
• Implement task analysis and chaining procedures
• Implement discrimination training (simple and conditional)
• Implement stimulus control transfer procedures
• Implement prompt and prompt fading procedures
• Implement generalization and maintenance procedures

C — Behavior Reduction:

• Implement differential reinforcement procedures (DRA, DRI, DRL, DRO)
• Implement extinction procedures correctly
• Implement crisis or emergency procedures per behavior support plan

D — Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain client dignity and confidentiality
• Generate objective session notes
• Report observations and issues to supervisor

E — Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice:

• Describe the BACB's RBT ethics code
• Respond to feedback from supervisors
• Communicate with stakeholders (families, staff) within scope

What Happens If You Don't Pass the RBT Competency Assessment?

If you do not demonstrate one or more skills adequately during the RBT Competency Assessment, you do not fail the entire assessment permanently — but you must demonstrate those specific skills adequately before the assessment can be certified as complete.

If you don't pass specific skills:

• Your assessor will note which skills were not demonstrated adequately
• You receive additional training and supervised practice on those skills
• The assessor re-evaluates those specific skills in a follow-up session
• There is no BACB-mandated waiting period between assessment attempts, but the 90-day validity window still applies — the completed assessment (all skills passing) must be within 90 days of your RBT application

Important: The RBT Competency Assessment is a training milestone, not a punitive test. Most assessors work collaboratively with candidates and provide additional coaching before marking skills as not yet demonstrated. The assessment reflects your readiness to work independently with clients — honest feedback serves both you and the clients you'll serve.