How ABA Agencies Can Prepare for the 2026 RBT Renewal Changes

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) is overhauling how Registered Behavior Technicians® (RBTs®) renew their certification starting January 1, 2026.

Instead of completing a yearly Competency Assessment, RBTs will now need to complete 12 hours of continuing education (CEUs) every two years to maintain their certification.

For ABA agencies, this shift changes how you’ll support your clinical staff’s ongoing training and compliance. Here’s how to stay ahead of the RBT renewal process for 2026 and set your team up for success.

Understanding the 2026 RBT Renewal Process

Beginning in 2026, RBTs must:

• Complete 12 BACB-approved CEUs within a two-year cycle
• Submit proof of completion during recertification
• Maintain documentation for audit readiness

The annual renewal system and Competency Assessment will no longer apply after December 31, 2025. This transition emphasizes continuous learning, giving agencies a chance to build stronger internal development programs for their RBTs.

Why ABA Agencies Should Prepare Now

These updates don’t just affect RBTs — they directly influence how your organization manages compliance, supervision, and staff development.

Preparing now helps you:

• Avoid renewal delays or lapsed certifications
• Maintain uninterrupted client services
• Demonstrate leadership in professional development
• Strengthen retention by investing in your team’s growth

By putting systems in place before 2026, agencies can reduce stress, ensure compliance, and position themselves as high-quality employers.

4 Steps for ABA Agencies to Stay Compliant

1. Build an Internal CEU Tracking System

Use a simple spreadsheet, HR platform, or learning management system to track each RBT’s CEU hours, topics, and renewal dates. Add reminders at the 12-month and 18-month marks to ensure staff stay on pace.

2. Provide Access to BACB-Aligned CEU Courses

Offer approved courses that meet the BACB’s continuing education criteria. Online ABA Training provides a complete catalog of 2026-compliant RBT CEU courses designed for agencies.

We also offer bulk course purchases at a discounted rate per learner, so teams of any size can stay compliant affordably.

3. Train Supervisors to Reinforce Learning

Supervisors play a key role in helping RBTs apply what they learn. Encourage them to schedule brief check-ins or case reviews tied to CEU topics like ethics, communication, or data collection.

4. Communicate Early and Often

Share a simple internal memo or email template reminding staff about the upcoming changes:

• Subject: Important Update: RBT Renewal Changes for 2026
• Body: Starting January 1, 2026, the BACB will require all RBTs to complete 12 hours of CEUs every two years to maintain certification. Our agency will be partnering with Online ABA Training to provide easy, discounted access to approved CEU courses. Stay tuned for login details and course recommendations!

Clear, consistent communication helps everyone stay aligned and reduces confusion closer to renewal time.

Recommended RBT CEU Topics for Agencies

• Ethics and professional conduct
• Behavior data collection
• Client communication strategies
• Cultural competence in ABA
• Supervision and teamwork
• Safety and crisis response

These areas not only satisfy CEU requirements but also raise the standard of care your agency delivers.

Key Takeaways for 2026 and Beyond

Support Your Team’s Success

The upcoming RBT renewal process for 2026 marks a major opportunity for ABA organizations to modernize how they train, track, and support their staff.

At Online ABA Training, we make compliance simple:

• Fully online CEU courses that meet BACB standards
• Easy tracking for supervisors and HR teams
• Bulk pricing options that make professional development affordable for agencies