RBT 3

• Shaping


  1. Differential reinforcement of successive approximations of a response

  2. Reinforcing responses that sounds/looks more like target response (terminal response) over time

  3. Higher quality/quantity of reinforcement for response that is closer to desired response
• Shaping


  • Mands for ball - first "buh" then "bah" then "ball"
  • Listener responding to "Go to sink", client takes a step towards sink (provide reinforcement), client then immediately takes another step towards sink (provide reinforcement), etc.
• Chaining


  1. Methods for linking a sequence of behaviors into a complex sequence of behaviors

  2. Utilizes a task analysis

  3. Reinforcement is given at the end of the behavior chain

  4. Prompts are used to teach behaviors
• Forward chaining


  1. Beginning with successful completion of the first step in a chain (prompted or unprompted) to access reinforcement

  2. After the first step is mastered, the next steps are introduced in successive order, always beginning with the first step

  3. The reinforcement for completion of one step is the introduction of the next step, and reinforcement is also given at the completion of the last step
• Backward chaining


  1. Follows the steps of a chain forward, but with the behavior analyst or parent completing all except the last step

  2. This method allows the entire chain to be observed and reinforcement to be delivered upon completion of the last step

  3. After a client has mastered the last step, the behavior analyst completes all but the final two steps and so on
• Whole chaining (a.k.a., Total Task)


  1. Task presentation uses prompting, as necessary, to complete all the steps in a chain on every trial

  2. This is really a prompt fading procedure

  3. As you guide/prompt a client through all steps, you gradually fade these prompts to allow the client to demonstrate the skill without them

  4. Once the client has completed all steps without prompting, the task has been mastered
• Task Analysis


  The process of breaking down a complex behavior into smaller behaviors (steps)
• Task Analysis: Washing hands


  • Turn on water
  • Get soap
  • Scrub hands
  • Rinse hands
  • Turn off water
• Therapists will have to study the entire ethics code for the RBT exam
• For the competency assessment, therapist should be able to discuss how to maintain client dignity, how to maintain professional boundaries, and scope of practice
• The RBT Ethics Code describes the ethical requirements for both RBTs and RBT applicants
• All RBTs and RBT applicants must agree to abide by this code
• Because RBTs are not independent practitioners and must receive ongoing supervision of their practice, those who supervise RBTs must also be familiar with this code
• Requirements for RBTs and RBT applicants

  • Provide truthful and accurate information to the BACB
  • Report legal charges, investigations and disciplinary actions, physical or mental conditions, and changes of name/address/email to the BACB within 30 days
  • Adhere to all requirements regarding use of BACB intellectual property
  • Adhere to the rules of the BACB and approved testing centers
• Registered therapists are knowledgeable about and comply with intellectual property laws


  This includes obtaining permission to use materials that have been trademarked or copyrighted or can otherwise be claimed as another's intellectual property, providing citations, attributions, and/or trademark or copyright symbols, and not unlawfully obtaining or disclosing proprietary information
• Section 1-General Responsibilities

  • RBTs are honest and work to support an environment that promotes truthful behavior in others
  • RBTs conduct themselves in a professional manner, are accountable for their actions, and make an effort to follow through on work and contractual commitments
  • RBTs only provide services under their RBT certification within a clearly defined role under close, ongoing supervision
  • RBTs are never employers of their supervisor
• Section 1-General Responsibilities (continued)

  • RBTs do not knowingly make false, misleading, or exaggerated statements about their qualifications or behavior technician services
  • RBTs provide a current and accurate set of relevant credentials to employers and supervisors upon request
  • RBTs provide behavior-technician services only after their supervisor confirms that they have demonstrated competence
• Section 1-General Responsibilities (continued)

  • RBTs work directly with their supervisor to ensure that they are culturally responsive in their work
  • RBTs do not harass or discriminate against others
  • RBTs are aware that their personal biases or challenges may impact their ability to effectively carry out their behavior-technician services
• Section 1-General Responsibilities (continued)

  • RBTs avoid multiple relationships with clients, coworkers, and supervisors
  • RBTs do not give gifts to or accept gifts from clients, stakeholders, or supervisors with a monetary value of more than $10 US dollars
  • RBTs do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with current clients, stakeholders, or supervisors
• Section 2-Responsibilities in Providing Behavior-Technician Services

  • RBTs do no harm and work to support the best interest of their clients
  • RBTs follow the direction of their supervisors, accurately implement behavior-technician services, and accurately complete all required documentation
  • RBTs conduct themselves in a professional manner during all work activities
• Section 2-Responsibilities in Providing Behavior-Technician Services (continued)

  • RBTs do not use unfamiliar interventions or provide services to unfamiliar client populations unless they have received proper training
  • RBTs implement restrictive or punishment-based procedures only when included in a documented behavior-change plan and after their supervisor has verified their competence
  • RBTs direct any questions or concerns that they or others have about their behavior technician services to their supervisor
• Section 2-Responsibilities in Providing Behavior-Technician Services (continued)

  • RBTs take necessary actions to protect clients when they become aware that a client's legal rights are being violated or that there is risk of harm to a client
  • RBTs protect the confidentiality and privacy of their clients, stakeholders, and others in the workplace
  • RBTs do not share identifying information about clients on social media or websites
• Section 2-Responsibilities in Providing Behavior-Technician Services (continued)

  • RBTs only discuss confidential client information under the direction of their supervisor unless allowed by law for a valid reason
  • RBTs only share necessary client information in their job-related communications
• Section 3-Responsibilities to the BACB and BACB-Required Supervisor

  • RBTs comply with all requirements of the BACB and their supervisor
  • RBTs are honest and accurate in all communications with the BACB and their supervisor
  • RBTs do not cheat or help others cheat on RBT competency assessments or RBT examinations
• Section 3-Responsibilities to the BACB and BACB-Required Supervisor (continued)

  • RBTs are aware of the events they need to self-report to the BACB and any other required entities
  • RBTs do not misuse the intellectual property of the BACB or others
  • RBTs named in a Notice of Alleged Violation or who receive a required action from the BACB immediately share the document with their supervisor and work collaboratively to respond
• Section 3-Responsibilities to the BACB and BACB-Required Supervisor (continued)

  • RBTs regularly check their BACB account to ensure their personal information is accurate
  • Within 24 hours of becoming aware of a change to their certification status, RBTs report the change to their supervisor and subsequently comply with applicable BACB requirements