A Registered Behavior Technician performs several practical roles as a part of the job that requires them to possess advanced skills and updated knowledge in multiple fields, including psychology, special education, caregiving, a vocation for the differently abled, etc.
RBT professionals must maintain and renew a license that enables them to perform under a BCBA or BCaBA. The renewal competency assessment is not a written assessment but rather a holistic method to determine the practical abilities of an RBT. A 40-hour training course precedes the examination. Upon passing the exam, the professional receives a renewed certificate and continues to provide services to clients, patients, and social groups.
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RBT Renewal: When Do I Need To Get This Done?
An RBT’s job is to promote behavioral health interventions among those who find adjusting to the complex social norms that govern human lives difficult. To maintain a decent and constantly improving professionalism, RBTs are required by the laws of their profession to renew their certificate once a year.
This is something other than something reserved for inexperienced newbies – indeed, every RBT must carry an active certificate and ID.
RBT Renewal Application Process
RBT certificate renewal assessment must be conducted within 45 days of the renewal date. Any assessment conducted before that does not qualify for certificate renewal.
As an applicant, you will be required to do the following:
- Contact your supervisor and set up a Competency Assessment Date. A BCBA, BCaBA, and BCBA-D often qualify as specified accountable assessors.
- The assessment may take multiple sessions. The applicant must prepare accordingly. The appraisal will include field studies (with a client), interviews, and role-playing situations.
- The assessor will likely provide constructive feedback, and in case the performance of the applicant does not meet the standard expectation, the assessment will be conducted again after a few days.
- The applicant and the supervisor must ensure proper documentation of every task is maintained.
- A final document, the Renewal Competency Assessment, will be created and signed by the assessor, which the applicant will provide when filling out the certificate renewal application. (Assessment and measurement should include both quantitative and qualitative results.)
- After passing the competency assessment, the RBT will fill out the renewal application and register for a certificate on the BACB website.
- A renewal fee of 35 USD is applicable on the submission of renewal forms.
RBT Renewal Application Assessment – Eligibility Criteria
Naturally, RBT certification only applies to some. Those who need this application must be:
- An active and practising Registered Behavior Technician for the last 365 days.
- Must be above 18 years of age
- Must have an RBT certificate that is expiring in under 45 days.
- Must have a minimum educational qualification of a High School Diploma.
- I passed the national RBT certification test.
- Show evidence of constant supervision by specific and qualified supervisors.
- Must not be involved in any legal or ethical case that might be grounds for license removal.
Tips To Ace Your RBT Renewal Assessment
An RBT assessment will typically involve different fields against which the professional will be assessed. These can include assessment of Discrete-Trial Teaching, Differential Reinforcement Teaching, Emergency Handling, Maintaining Client Dignity, assessment of Clinical Direction, etc.
Every assessment experience is unique to an RBT professional. Some general tips that can help them perform better include:
- Pay attention to your body language, tone, and conduct
- Study the Task List beforehand and prepare a preliminary knowledge of theoretical and practical concepts
- Always remember to perform a client-oriented session in both field studies and role plays
- Be well-rested and as confident as possible
- Build an appropriate and professional friendliness with your supervisor to receive open feedback and criticism
- Take time to understand questions and problems carefully
- Always follow the code of ethics
- After the examination is over, go through the events of the day and try to recognize how to perform better next time
Conclusion
An RBT professional is highly likely to find themselves in sensitive situations now and then with the sessions they conduct with clients. More and more behavior technicians have started recognizing the importance of social and systemic support, especially in developing differently-abled children.
Bringing a dynamic, critical approach to the study of psychology and social behavior is a must for Registered Behavior Technicians today, and this should be reflected not only during competency assessments but also in day-to-day communication with clients and supervisors.
