Is an RBT Certification Worth It? Pros, Cons, and Career Outlook
The path to becoming a Registered Behavior Technician is an investment of your time, energy, and money. Before you commit, it's wise to ask the big question: is an RBT certification worth it?
For many, the answer is a resounding "yes," but the role isn't for everyone. To help you make an informed decision, we’vecreated a balanced, honest look at the pros and cons of pursuing a career as an RBT.
The Pros: Why an RBT Certification is a Great Move
Pro: You Make a Tangible Difference
This is the number one reason people enter the field. As an RBT, you are on the front lines, helping clients acquire life-changing skills. Witnessing a child say their first word, make their first friend, or master a self-care task because of the work you did is an incredibly powerful and fulfilling experience.
Pro: High and Growing Demand
The need for qualified ABA professionals is exploding. An RBT certification makes you a highly employable candidate in a growing field. This provides a level of job security that is hard to find in many other industries.
Pro: It's an Accessible Entry Point into a Professional Career
You only need a high school diploma to start the RBT certification process. This makes it one of the most accessible entry points into the healthcare and behavioral health fields. It allows you to start a professional career without years of expensive university education.
Pro: It's a Gateway to Higher Credentials
Many RBTs use their experience as a stepping stone toward becoming a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) or a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Working as an RBT provides invaluable hands-on experience and helps you confirm if a long-term career in ABA is right for you before committing to a master's degree.
The Cons: The Real-World Challenges to Consider
Con: The Work is Emotionally and Physically Demanding
Working with clients who have significant behavioral challenges can be stressful. The job requires immense patience, resilience, and emotional regulation. It can also be physically demanding, requiring you to be active, sit on the floor, and sometimes manage challenging physical behaviors safely.
Con: High Potential for Burnout
Due to the demanding nature of the work, burnout is a real concern in the field. It's crucial to work for a supportive company that provides excellent supervision, values its employees, and promotes a healthy work-life balance.
Con: Inconsistent Hours and Cancellations
Especially in in-home settings, client cancellations can lead to inconsistent hours and, for hourly employees, an unpredictable paycheck. Clinic-based or school-based positions often offer more stability in this regard.
Con: Compensation May Not Match the Demands
While the pay is competitive for an entry-level position, some feel that it doesn't fully compensate for the high level of skill, patience, and emotional labor the job requires. It's important to have realistic salary expectations. See our RBT Salary Guide for more details.
The Final Verdict: Who Is This Career For?
An RBT certification is absolutely worth it for individuals who are:
- Patient, compassionate, and resilient.
- Passionate about data-driven, evidence-based practice.
- Looking for a meaningful, hands-on career, not just a job.
- Interested in exploring the field of ABA before committing to higher education.
If you recognize yourself in that description, the rewards of being an RBT will far outweigh the challenges.
Ready to learn more about the role? Read our guide: What Does an RBT Do? A Day in the Life of a Behavior Technician.