If you're interested in a career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), you've likely come across two main certifications: the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT®) and the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®). While both work in ABA therapy, they differ significantly in education, responsibilities, and earning potential. Here's how they compare:
Choose RBT® if you:
- Want to start working in ABA quickly
- Enjoy hands-on, direct client work
- Don't have (or don't want) a master's degree
- Want to explore ABA before committing to a BCBA path
Choose BCBA® if you:
- Want to design and lead behavior programs
- Interested in higher earning potential
- Have or plan to get a master's degree
- Want to supervise other ABA professionals
The step in between: BCaBA
Between the two sits the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA®), the BACB's undergraduate-level certification. It needs a bachelor's degree, behavior-analytic coursework (or a degree from an ABAI-accredited program) and 1,300 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,000 if concentrated. The exam is 175 questions in 4 hours. A BCaBA can supervise RBTs but must always practice under a BCBA's supervision.
For an RBT with a bachelor's degree, the BCaBA is a way to take on more responsibility and pay without waiting for a master's — and the fieldwork can be earned while working.
Keeping each certification
- RBT: since January 1, 2026, a 2-year recertification cycle with 12 professional development units, earned through employer in-service training, BACB-authorized ACE providers or university coursework. RBTs recertifying in 2026 still complete the recertification competency assessment. Ongoing supervision of at least 5% of service hours each month continues.
- BCaBA: 20 CEUs every 2 years (4 in ethics; 3 in supervision if you supervise), plus ongoing supervision by a BCBA.
- BCBA: 32 CEUs every 2 years (4 in ethics; 3 in supervision if you supervise).
About the pay figures
Pay figures come from two different kinds of data. PayScale reports what RBTs say they earn; Indeed averages the salaries employers post, which usually assume full-time hours. Many RBT jobs are part-time or pay by the session hour, so compare offers by their hourly rate. See the RBT salary guide for more on what RBTs earn and what certification costs.
Sources (checked September 2026)
- BACB — RBT Handbook (updated June 2026)
- BACB — Guidance for the 2026 RBT requirements
- BACB — BCaBA Handbook (updated June 2026)
- BACB — BCBA Handbook (updated June 2026)
- BACB — Examination information
- PayScale — Registered Behavior Technician hourly pay
- Indeed — Registered behavior technician salaries
- Indeed — Board certified behavior analyst salaries
Start Your ABA Journey
Whether you choose RBT® or BCBA®, ABA Sprout has the tools to get you certified.