How to become a registered behavioral technician in Georgia
If you want to support individuals with behavioral conditions, learn how to become a registered behavior technician in Georgia. Understand training and licensing requirements to start your career.
Browse online behavioral science programs and courses
Are you interested in a career helping others through behavioral therapy? Becoming a registered behavioral technician (RBT) in Georgia may be a rewarding path, especially if you want to support clients with behavioral challenges. Discover what this career may entail and the common steps to follow to get started.
What does a registered behavioral technician in Georgia do?
RBTs work under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to support clients with behavioral conditions, often those with autism or developmental disorders.
They follow treatment plans to help clients improve:
- Behavior
- Social skills
- Emotional regulation
Key skills for a behavioral technician include empathy, patience, and strong communication.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), psychiatric technicians — another name for behavioral technicians — earn a median annual salary of $39,700 as of May 2023.
Steps to become a registered behavioral technician in Georgia
If you're ready to pursue this career, here are the steps to become an RBT in Georgia.
Step 1: Earn a high school diploma or equivalent and pass a background check
The minimum requirement to become an RBT is a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED). While additional education in psychology or special education can be helpful, it's not necessarily required to get started.
You'll also need a clean legal record, because you'll need to pass a background check and abuse registry check in the state of Georgia.
Step 2: Complete a 40-hour RBT training course
Before you apply for certification, you will need to complete a 40-hour RBT training course. This course covers key applied behavior analysis (ABA) concepts, ethics, and practical skills.
Many programs offer this training online, and some may give you the flexibility to complete the course at your own pace.
Step 3: Pass the competency assessment
After completing your 40-hour training, you'll need to pass an initial competency assessment conducted by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). This assessment tests your practical knowledge and ability to apply ABA techniques in real-life scenarios to make sure you're ready for hands-on work with clients.
Step 4: Apply for the RBT certification exam
Once your training and assessment are complete, you can apply for the RBT certification exam through BACB. This exam covers foundational ABA principles and assesses your understanding of behavioral intervention techniques. Passing the exam is a crucial step in becoming certified as an RBT.
Step 5: Maintain any RBT certification and licensure
Based on the latest update from the Georgia Behavior Analyst Licensing Board, as of March 19, 2024, RBTs in Georgia do not require state licensure. Instead, RBTs can maintain certification through the BACB.
However, the board is actively developing licensure requirements for behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts, which may impact related professions in the future.
Get started on edX
To build foundational skills and prepare for a career as an RBT in Georgia, compare edX's ABA programs.