How Much RBT Certification Costs

Becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) costs $110 in official fees for a first attempt: $65 for the certification application, paid to the BACB, and $45 for the exam appointment, paid to Pearson VUE. Your 40-hour training is not included: it is priced by whoever provides it, since the BACB does not offer the training. Once certified, keeping the credential costs $50 for each 2-year recertification cycle.

Written and reviewed by the LexPort exam-prep team, led by our Founder & Exam-Prep Lead. LexPort builds certification practice questions — this is exam-preparation material, not medical advice. Last reviewed October 2026.

How much does it cost to retake the RBT exam?

The BACB does not currently charge for a retake application, but each new exam appointment costs $45 at Pearson VUE. You can attempt the exam up to 8 times within 12 months of your application approval, with at least 7 days between attempts.

Are RBT fees refundable?

BACB fees are not: they are nonrefundable and nontransferable, and paid in US currency only. A Pearson VUE appointment follows its own cancellation schedule instead: free to cancel 31 or more days ahead, charged at $27 or $32 closer in, and no change or refund within 48 hours. If your application lapses after 90 days without every requirement met, you pay the $65 application fee again.

Does the GI Bill cover RBT certification?

Veterans who qualify for the GI Bill can be reimbursed by the Department of Veterans Affairs for BACB certification examination fees, whether or not they pass the exam.

How much is RBT renewal?

From January 1, 2026 the recertification fee is $50 for each 2-year cycle, and reinstating within 30 days of expiration adds a $50 late fee. Requesting voluntary inactive status costs $25, and so does returning from it. Before 2026 the renewal application fee was $35.

What other RBT fees might I pay?

Moving your Pearson VUE appointment costs $27 when done 30 to 5 days ahead and $32 inside 5 days, up to the 48-hour cutoff; changes 31 or more days out are free. A returned payment costs $45, and anyone can request written verification of your certification from the BACB for $25.