Two roles do most of the work in your child’s ABA therapy: the BCBA and the RBT. Families often meet both in the first week and wonder who does what. This guide explains each role, how they work together, and what to ask them.
The short answer: the BCBA designs the plan and oversees it. The RBT delivers most of the one-on-one sessions. Both train you.
What is a BCBA?
BCBA stands for Board Certified Behavior Analyst. It is a graduate-level credential awarded by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
To earn it, a person must:
- Hold a master’s degree or higher.
- Complete behavior analysis coursework.
- Finish a period of supervised fieldwork.
- Pass the BACB certification exam.
BCBAs also complete continuing education to keep the credential.
What a BCBA does
- Assesses your child’s skills and needs.
- Writes the individualized treatment plan and sets goals with your family.
- Recommends the number of therapy hours and the setting (center-based, in-home, or a mix) that fit those goals.
- Trains and supervises the RBTs on your child’s team.
- Reviews data, adjusts the plan, and reports progress to you.
- Teaches you the strategies from the plan so progress carries into daily life. See our parent guide for how this works.
What is an RBT?
RBT stands for Registered Behavior Technician. The BACB also awards this credential.
To earn it, a person must:
- Be at least 18 and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Complete a 40-hour training course.
- Pass a competency assessment with a qualified supervisor.
- Pass the RBT exam.
An RBT must keep working under ongoing supervision to hold the credential.
What an RBT does
- Runs therapy sessions with your child using the BCBA’s plan.
- Teaches skills through play, daily routines, and structured activities.
- Records data on each skill and behavior in every session.
- Shares what they see with the BCBA so the plan can change.
Your child usually spends the most time with their RBT. A strong bond with that person helps your child feel safe and ready to learn.
BCBA vs. RBT at a glance
| BCBA | RBT | |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Master’s degree or higher | High school diploma or equivalent, plus 40-hour training |
| Main job | Assess, design the plan, supervise | Deliver therapy sessions, collect data |
| Time with your child | Periodic observation and sessions | Most of the weekly hours |
| Works under supervision | No, supervises others | Yes, supervised by a BCBA |
| Who sets the therapy plan | Yes | Follows the plan |
How they work together
Think of the BCBA as the architect and the RBT as the builder who works on the site every day. The BCBA draws up the plan. The RBT carries it out and reports what happens. The BACB requires RBTs to receive regular supervision from a qualified supervisor, so the BCBA stays closely involved in your child’s care. When the data shows your child has mastered a skill, the BCBA updates the goals.
You are part of this team too. Your BCBA will ask what you see at home, which goals matter most to your family, and where you need help.
Other roles you may hear about
- BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst): holds a bachelor’s-level certification and works under a BCBA.
- Clinical director: a senior BCBA who leads clinical quality for a center or region.
Questions to ask your child’s team
- Who will be my child’s BCBA, and how often will they see my child?
- How often does the BCBA observe the RBT’s sessions?
- How will I see progress and data?
- When can I meet with the BCBA?
- How will you train me to use these strategies at home?
Next step
Want to meet the team? Read about our approach to care, or start with a free benefits check. We will answer your questions and explain the next steps.
This article is for general education. Credential requirements come from the BACB and can change, so check bacb.com for the current rules.
