If you’ve typed “RBT certification Texas” into Google lately, you’re likely overwhelmed by the options for registered behavior technician training near me in Texas.
Truth is, becoming a Registered Behavior Technician here isn’t just about passing a test.
Texas has its own rules, its own red tape, and thankfully, its own shortcuts.
Whether you’re switching careers, fresh out of school, or just passionate about working with kids on the spectrum, this guide breaks down exactly what you need to do for RBT certification Texas.
We’ll cover step-by-step RBT certification Texas online, where to find top-rated and Texas-approved training programs.
We’ll also learn how the Texas-specific competency assessment process works, and why local training can actually improve your job prospects.
Access free RBT mock tests that mirror the actual exam format. It is a game-changer for passing on your first attempt.
Let’s dive in.
RBT Eligibility Requirements in Texas
If you’re looking to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in Texas, it’s important to understand the national certification process set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB):
- Age & Education: Must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. This is a national requirement.
- Background Check: Texas employers often require fingerprinting and child abuse registry clearance, in line with Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) safety standards.
- 40-Hour Training: You must complete a BACB-approved 40-hour training course. Many Texas-based providers offer this through state universities and regional training centers, making it easier to find quality RBT certification Texas options.
- Initial Competency Assessment: Conducted by a qualified supervisor (BCBA or BCaBA). In Texas, supervisors must also be licensed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), giving an extra layer of professional oversight not required in every state.
- Ongoing Supervision: All RBTs must practice under continuous supervision. In Texas, this is typically provided by a licensed LBA (Licensed Behavior Analyst), which ensures compliance with both BACB and state-level ethical standards.
Approved Training Programs in Texas
Several institutions in Texas offer reputable, BACB-compliant RBT certifications Texas. Example:Â
- UTSA (University of Texas at San Antonio) PaCE Program: Offers a 5-week online course with flexible scheduling. Designed for working professionals seeking RBT certification Texas online options.
- Texas A&M International University (Laredo): Provides a fully online RBT training program that includes one-on-one feedback from a Texas-based BCBA and an exam voucher.
- UTA, Texas State University, University of Houston, and Houston-area clinics also provide RBT courses near me with Texas-specific competency support and field supervision.
Many of these programs include access to licensed BCBAs for competency assessments and offer partnerships with local clinics for job placement. This is something that is not commonly bundled in out-of-state or generic online courses.
Competency Assessment Process (Texas-specific)
The Initial Competency Assessment is a hands-on evaluation required by the BACB. Texas-specific practice standards add a few important differences:
- Assessments must be conducted by a BCBA or BCaBA who is also licensed in Texas (LBA/LaBA).
- Texas-based training programs often embed this step in their curriculum by connecting you with an in-state licensed assessor, which is why searching for registered behavior technician training near me in Texas can be more beneficial than choosing out-of-state programs.
- Texas emphasizes direct observation and documentation due to regulatory oversight by the TDLR, which ensures ethical delivery of ABA services.
Once complete, the assessor signs the official form verifying competency, which is submitted with the certification application.
Application and Certification Steps
Once you’ve completed your training and assessment, here’s how the RBT certification Texas process works:
- Apply Online: Create a BACB account and submit the RBT Certification Application. Upload proof of education, training completion, and a signed competency form. Pay the $50 BACB application fee.
- Schedule the Exam: Once BACB approves the application, schedule the RBT exam through Pearson VUE. (Pearson requires a $45 exam appointment fee). The RBT exam is computer-based: 85 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes.
Before taking your scheduled exam, take advantage of free RBT mock tests to familiarize yourself with the question format and timing. These practice tests simulate real exam conditions and can significantly boost your confidence and pass rate.
- Pass the Exam: Take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. Immediate results are provided on-site, with official confirmation emailed within a week.
- Receive Certification: Upon passing, the BACB issues the RBT credential (digital and searchable in their registry). RBTs must then follow continuing requirements (annual renewal, BCBA supervision, and adherence to the RBT Ethics Code). In Texas, renewal involves maintaining supervision under a licensed Behavior Analyst and staying in good standing with BACB rules.
State Resources and Contact Information
Understanding the regulatory framework in Texas is key to maintaining compliance and accessing career support:
- Texas Behavior Analyst Licensing (TDLR): The Texas Dept. of Licensing & Regulation oversees Behavior Analyst licensure. While RBTs aren’t licensed by TDLR, their supervisors (BCBAs) are.
- Website | Phone Number ((512) 463‑6599)Â
- Texas Association for Behavior Analysis (TxABA): The state’s professional ABA association provides resources and advocacy.
- Website | Email: txaba@txaba.org
- Website | Email: txaba@txaba.org
- Health and Human Services (HHSC): For ABA services in Medicaid or the Children’s Autism Program. For policy manuals and provider contacts (e.g., children’s autism program office), visit this:
- BACB (Behavior Certification Board): Although national, the BACB website contains the official RBT Handbook, ethics code, and exam info essential for Texas applicants. (Texas follows BACB rules verbatim.)
Job Opportunities and Employers Hiring RBTs in Texas
Texas has one of the fastest-growing ABA markets in the U.S., with high demand for RBTs in urban centers like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio.
- Over 1,800 employers in Texas are actively seeking RBTs across clinical, school, and home settings.
- Average Pay: $17–$18/hour (~$36,000/year), with top employers offering up to $23/hour in cities.
- Top Hiring Employers in Texas:
- Life Skills Autism Academy (Plano)
- BlueSprig Pediatrics
- Trumpet Behavioral Health
- Behavioral Innovations
- Range Behavioral Therapies (East Texas)
Many clinics prefer candidates who’ve completed RBT courses near me and already have a relationship with licensed supervisors. Training with a Texas-based program can improve job placement and retention compared to generic online programs.
Candidates should watch national job boards and Texas workforce sites (e.g. Workforce Solutions, VAAD job listings), as well as TxABA’s own job listings – to connect with hiring agencies.
Conclusion
Becoming a Registered Behavior Technician in Texas isn’t complicated, but it is specific.
From required training to Texas-based licensing rules, each step matters if you want to get RBT certification Texas approval and get hired fast.
Choose a local, BACB-approved program when searching for registered behavior technician training near me, complete your competency assessment with a licensed supervisor, and apply through the official BACB process. The convenience of RBT certification Texas online options makes it easier than ever to balance training with your current schedule.
Once you’re approved, the final step is passing the exam.
Don’t walk into it blind.
It’s free. It’s smart. It’s how serious candidates prepare.