RBT Initial Competency Assessment
BACB-required RBT Initial Competency Assessment administered by Yilan Fernandez Perez, BCBA. Completed your 40-hour training elsewhere? Schedule your assessment here. Two-stage payment: $149 non-refundable review fee at booking, $100 assessment fee upon VSA signing.
Who this is for
RBT candidates who have completed a BACB-approved 40-hour training program and need to complete the Initial Competency Assessment step of the BACB certification process. Training must be verifiable and the BACB Gateway account must be active or pending.
How the assessment works
Stage 1 ($149, non-refundable): documentation review, BACB Gateway verification, and scheduling. Stage 2 ($100): a ~2-hour assessment session where Yilan directly observes you performing all 19 tasks on the RBT Task List 3rd Edition. Role-play and interview tasks may be completed virtually via live video. The three mandatory client-observation tasks (Tasks 6-14) require either an on-site session, or live virtual observation of a session with a client at your current ABA employer's organization. Upon passing, you receive the completed BACB 2026 RBT Initial Competency Assessment Packet, ready for upload to the BACB Gateway.
Documentation required
Certificate of completion from your 40-hour BACB-approved training provider; active or pending BACB Gateway account; valid government-issued photo ID; signed Spectrum Analytics Volunteer Service Agreement (provided at booking). All documentation is uploaded securely during the booking process.
90-day BACB window
Per BACB requirements, the Initial Competency Assessment is completed after your 40-hour training and no more than 90 days before you submit your RBT certification application. We help you time your assessment so it falls inside that window.
Who is this for?
- RBT candidates who completed a BACB-approved 40-hour training program
- Completed 40-hour training (certificate required)
- Candidates age 18 or older, eligible to pass a background check
- Candidates with an active or pending BACB Gateway account
Expected outcomes
- Completed BACB 2026 Initial Competency Assessment Packet
- Ready for BACB Gateway upload and RBT exam registration
- Direct observation and feedback from a practicing BCBA
- Clarity on any skill areas needing additional practice before the RBT exam
What's included
- Documentation review and BACB Gateway verification
- ~2-hour assessment session (on-site or live virtual; client-observation tasks require on-site or live observation at your current employer)
- Direct observation of RBT Task List 3rd Edition skills
- BACB 2026 RBT Initial Competency Assessment Packet
- Bilingual EN/ES administration and support
- Scheduled within 1-2 weeks of Stage-1 approval
Initial Competency Assessment: what the BACB requires
When does the Initial Competency Assessment have to be completed?
After you finish the 40-hour training, and no more than 90 days before you submit your RBT certification application. Your application also stays active for 90 days once submitted, so plan the assessment close to your application date. Source: BACB RBT Initial Competency Assessment Packet, effective January 1, 2026.
Who can conduct the assessment?
A responsible assessor who is a BCBA or BCaBA and has completed the BACB 8-hour supervision training. Our assessments are overseen by our Clinical Director, a BCBA who meets this requirement.
Can the assessor be the same person who delivered my 40-hour training?
Yes. The BACB permits the same person to deliver the training and conduct the assessment.