The RBT Certification Is Changing in 2026: What the BACB Overhaul Means for You

In this must-listen episode of EveryDay ABA, hosts Paola (BCBA), Leslie and Brittanny (RBT) break down the major updates to the Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®) certification requirements coming January 1, 2026, from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). Listeners will learn what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and how to prepare. Whether you're a current RBT, a supervisor, or an aspiring behavior technician, this episode covers everything from eligibility and training updates to new exam content, supervision requirements, and international certification restrictions. ☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/EveryDayABA⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review! 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EveryDayABA.3📖 Get your CEU certificate by clicking THIS    Get a 10% Discount at Tiny Explorings Shoes HERE!   🎁 Earn Rewards every time you shop by using Shopkick 🤑 Earn $50 cash back by using Rakuten   📊   Earn 125,000 bonus points by opening a new Sapphire Reserve® account or 75,000 bonus points for opening a new Sapphire Preferred® account using EveryDayABA's code at Chase 📢 To advertise on this podcast please e-mail: [email protected] After listening to the episode, participants will be able to:Describe the key structural updates to the RBT certification process, including eligibility criteria, the revised 40-hour training curriculum, and updated competency assessment requirements.Summarize the changes to the RBT examination content based on the 3rd edition Test Content Outline, including changes to domain titles, task counts, and question distribution.Differentiate between acceptable types of professional development that satisfy the new 12-hour continuing education requirement, including in-service training, podcast CEUs, and university coursework.Identify the jurisdictions impacted by new BACB restrictions and explain how voluntary inactive status applies to affected RBTs and BCBAs.