The field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) uses data collection on client behaviors to create and implement behavior intervention plans geared toward helping those with developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and other challenges navigate life and relationships. The people who craft and implement those behavior intervention plans are ABA therapists. But can you become an ABA therapist without a college degree or graduate degree? The short answer is yes. The longer answer is yes, but it depends. Let’s break down the different options.
Types of ABA Therapists
The term “ABA therapist” is a catch-all for two different professionals in the field of behavioral analysis. The first is a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) and the second is a registered behavior technician (RBT). Their roles are related but slightly different, and both have different requirements and qualifications for successful earning of the certification that leads to the title. Both types of ABA therapists work in multiple settings (such as mental health clinics, ABA clinics, hospitals, schools, etc.) and both work with clients ranging from children to adults with challenges spanning developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injuries, eating disorders, and other behavioral challenges. Here’s how they’re different:
BCBA
BCBAs are approved through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), which is the overseeing non-profit agency in charge of credentialing of ABA therapists. BCBAs analyze data related to client behaviors and craft plans based on that analysis to help teach clients habits and skills to manage behaviors, developmental delays, and challenges. While BCBAs can and do work with clients directly to implement these plans, BCBAs generally work with an RBT to implement the plans and oversee multiple clients. BCBAs also supervise RBTs and others involved in the behavior analysis of clients and coordinate with educators, caregivers, clients, and other professionals (like doctors and mental health therapists) to ensure clients are getting the help they need.
RBT
An RBT is boots on the ground for behavior analysis. They work under the supervision of a BCBA and are certified through the BACB. RBTs tend to work with fewer clients than a BCBA because they spend more time with individual clients on average implementing behavioral intervention plans made by the BCBA and collecting data that the BCBA can examine to make sure the current intervention plan is working and tweak the plan as needed. An RBT also works with caregivers and educators to educate them on behavior interventions and help them implement the interventions beyond the RBTs influence to reinforce learning and functionality.
Degree needed or not?
BCBA and RBT are the only two professional roles recognized by the BACB, and both have their own separate qualifications that candidates need to meet in order to earn the title and work in the field. A BCBA is required to earn a master’s degree in a related field, including ABA, psychology, or education. The ABA program needs to meet the minimum requirements set by the BACB, and these are satisfied automatically if they are approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), which oversees and regulates accreditation for ABA programs. BCBAs then need to do 2,000 of supervised fieldwork and pass an exam to become a fully certified BCBA. RBTs, on the other hand, do not need a master’s degree. While a bachelor’s degree is encouraged, it is not required to become registered as an RBT.
How to become an RBT?
All that’s needed to begin the journey of seeking RBT is a high school degree and being at least 18 years old. In addition, candidates need to do the following:
- Complete an approved 40-hour training in no less than 5 days and no more than 180 days.
- No more than 90 days before submitting an RBT certification application, candidates must complete the RBT Initial Competency Assessment.
- Submit a criminal background and abuse Registry check no more than 180 days prior to paying the fee for the RBT certification application.
- Send in an RBT application.
- Once approved, the candidate will be sent an email with instructions on how to register for the RBT examination.
- Candidates who pass the test will have their registration activated upon finalization of scores. However, the RBT can’t practice using the registration until they have been signed up with a supervising BCBA.
- Once the RBT has a supervisor, they are then able to practice in the field of ABA.
Where to get RBT training?
RBT training can be obtained from a few sources, including the candidate’s place of work if it is in the field, their university as part of an ABA curriculum, and other available training programs. The program itself should:
- Be overseen by a qualified Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA), BCBA, or Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D);
- Be 40 hours in length;
- Cover the tasks included on the RBT Task List (2nd ed.);
- Have content including at least three hours of RBT Ethics code;
- Include 1 hour of supervision (at least).
Why become an RBT?
Entering the field of ABA can feel daunting, but it is a fairly accessible field to work in, considering a high school degree or equivalent is all that is required to enter the ground floor. In many cases, RBT-hopefuls can begin working in the field without being officially registered as long as they are actively being monitored by their place of work and pursuing the coursework, supervision, and training through their job. Here are a few other reasons to pursue work as an RBT:
- Helping people
People in the ABA field are in a unique position to help those who struggle with developmental and behavioral challenges. For many of these people, functioning day-to-day can be a bigger barrier than it is for others, and an RBT gets to work alongside them to live lives more in line with their goals and needs, whether the clients are adults or children. - Upward trajectory
Once a person becomes an RBT, they are in the field, and there are opportunities within organizations to get further training and even opportunities to pursue education to become a BCBA, depending on where the RBT works. There are plenty of ways a person in the field of ABA therapy can grow professionally. - Often supportive work environment
While never a given, the people who go into ABA therapy tend to be empathetic individuals who want to help others, increasing the likelihood of having a supportive work environment. - Potentially more independent
While an RBT can’t work independently of a supervisor, their work often requires them to function on their own. While many RBTs work in a clinical setting, plenty go to client’s homes and operate fairly independently beyond meetings with their supervisors to consult about client behavior intervention plans and implementation. - Salary
The average national salary for an RBT in the United States is $56,657 per year as of February 2025, according to both ZipRecruiter and GlassDoor.com, making the RBT position a more stable and lucrative option for those who are looking for careers they can pursue without a college or graduate degree.
The bottom line
If you’re interested in ABA therapy but don’t have a college or graduate degree, you can still be a part of the field as an RBT. The RBT works directly with clients on multiple issues and has the potential for upward professional growth.