Where To Take RBT Competency Assessment?

If you plan to work as a technician in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), then you must clear two key steps. One is the RBT exam. The other is the RBT competency assessment, also called the RBT skills test. Many new applicants feel confused when they ask, “Where can I take the RBT competency assessment?” This is a very fair question because the process is not as clear as it looks at first.

The RBT competency assessment is not a multiple-choice exam that you take at a testing center like Pearson. Instead, it is done face to face with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). In this post, we will look at who can conduct the assessment, where it can be done, how to prepare, and what the statistics say about pass rates. The goal is to remove confusion so you can move one step closer to becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).

Where can I take the RBT Competency Assessment?

You can take it in a clinic, school, client’s home, or even remotely via Zoom—as long as it meets BACB requirements.

Who can administer the RBT Competency Assessment?

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) typically conducts it. Sometimes, an assistant may help under the BCBA’s supervision.

When can I take the RBT Competency Assessment?

Only after you complete the 40-hour RBT training. Also, it must be done within 90 days before submitting your certification application.

How long does the RBT Competency Assessment take?

It usually takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on how quickly you demonstrate the required skills.

What is assessed during the RBT Competency Assessment?

You’ll be evaluated on 20 tasks across 4 domains: Measurement, Assessment, Skill Acquisition & Behavior Reduction, and Professionalism.

Do I need to work with a real client during the assessment?

Yes. At least 3 tasks must be demonstrated with a client. The rest can be done via role-play or interview.

How is the assessment documented?

Your assessor will complete a BACB-approved form marking each task as observed via client, role-play, or interview, and will sign it at the end.

What happens after I pass the competency assessment?

Once signed off, you'll submit it to the BACB, then prepare for the RBT certification exam, which is the final step.

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What Is the RBT Competency Assessment?

The RBT competency assessment is a skills check. It is not just to confirm if you have read the task list. It is designed to see if you can demonstrate the skills in real-life situations. The assessment must be conducted by a BCBA, BCaBA, or an RBT who has official supervision approval.

Important facts:

The RBT competency assessment covers several core skills from the official rbt task list 2.0 created by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
You must pass this assessment in order to submit your application to the BACB and then sit for the RBT exam.

Without passing the competency assessment, you cannot even schedule the RBT exam.

Who Can Conduct the Assessment?

You cannot simply choose any training organization or instructor. The BACB is very strict about this requirement.

The assessment can only be conducted by:

A BCBA in good standing.
A BCaBA with active supervision rights.
An RBT who has been formally approved as a supervisor.

Your supervisor must also sign the official assessment form and submit it with your documents to the BACB.

Where Can You Take the RBT Competency Assessment?

This is the main question most people ask. The RBT competency assessment can be completed in different settings.

1. ABA Clinics or Agencies

Many new RBT candidates take the assessment at the ABA clinic or agency where they are training or working. The BCBA on-site acts as the supervisor. This is the most common option.

2. Universities or Training Programs

Some universities and training providers that run ABA programs allow students to take the competency assessment if they are enrolled in an RBT course. They usually have BCBA staff to supervise and evaluate your skills.

3. Online (Live Assessment)

In 2020, the BACB confirmed that the RBT competency assessment can also be conducted online using a secure video platform. This includes Zoom, Google Meet, or any reliable video call tool. The supervisor must observe you performing the skills live through video. So yes, you can take the assessment at home if you have a qualified supervisor available.

4. Independent BCBA

Some BCBAs offer private competency assessments for new RBT candidates who are not connected with an agency. The fees usually range from $50 to $150 per assessment, though in some cases it may cost up to $300 depending on location.

Cost of the Assessment

In agencies or clinics: Usually free if you are a new hire.
In universities or training programs: The fee is included in your RBT training package, which can vary widely (often $300 to $600 or more).
With a private BCBA: $50 to $150 on average, though some charge up to $300.

This fee only covers the competency assessment. The RBT exam itself has a separate $45 testing fee at Pearson that can be change.

What You Need to Bring

When you go for your RBT competency assessment, make sure you have:

A printed copy of the RBT Task List.
Any practice data sheets or skill plans (if requested).
A valid photo ID (for verification and form signing).
Reliable internet connection and webcam (if online).

Pass Rate and Statistics

According to official BACB data:

In 2023, the first-time pass rate for the RBT exam was about 74%.
The exact pass rate is not broken down by whether the assessment was done with an agency or independently. However, many training providers note that candidates with strong supervision and agency support tend to perform better.

This shows that having training support and ongoing supervision often improves your chances of success.

How to Prepare for the Assessment

Here are a few proven tips to prepare:

Practice role-play with a classmate or peer.
Make flashcards for the RBT Task List.
Request a mock assessment from your supervisor.
Watch demonstration videos of ABA skills in practice.

Most people who fail do so because they forget to demonstrate step-by-step actions such as prompting, fading, or recording data properly.

Key Rules from the BACB

You cannot assess yourself.
Only a qualified supervisor can sign the form.
The competency assessment must be completed and included in your BACB application (it is not valid indefinitely).
If you fail, you are allowed to retake it with the same supervisor or a new one.

Why the Location of the Assessment Matters

The place where you take the assessment can influence your career path.

If you complete it at an agency, you are more likely to get hired right away.
If you do it through a university program, you receive structured training but may still need to search for a job afterward.
If you take it with a private BCBA, you can complete it faster but without guaranteed employment.

Conclusion

The RBT competency assessment may sound stressful, but it is not as difficult as many fear. The important part is choosing the right supervisor and location. You can complete it at a clinic, a university training program, or even online through live video.

To summarize: you can take the RBT competency assessment anywhere you have access to a qualified BCBA or BCaBA who can observe you and confirm your skills. This may be in a clinic, a training organization, or even in your own home if done online. Once you pass, you are eligible to schedule the official RBT exam at Pearson. With preparation, the pass rate is strong, and your path to becoming a Registered Behavior Technician is well within reach.