The Road to Becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in Oklahoma: Beginning the ABA Adventure
Updated: Sep 4
Thinking about becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in Oklahoma? This is still one of the clearest entry paths into Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), especially if you want hands-on work with kids in Broken Arrow and greater Tulsa.
Below is a practical 2026 overview of the usual BACB path, plus what that looks like locally at The Sunshine Academy. Always double-check current BACB requirements before you enroll or apply, because board rules can change.
Step 1: Education
You need a high school diploma or equivalent. That is the baseline for starting RBT training.
Step 2: Complete a 40-hour training
Next comes a 40-hour training program aligned with the BACB RBT Task List, led by a qualified instructor. Many approved options are fully online.
Examples of commonly used training providers:
Pick a program that matches current BACB requirements and your schedule. Confirm the training is accepted before you pay.
Step 3: Competency assessment and supervision
After training, you complete a competency assessment and work under a BCBA or BCaBA. Supervised practice is where the job becomes real: prompting, data collection, session structure, and professional feedback.
In Oklahoma clinics, that usually means learning alongside a clinical team rather than studying alone. At The Sunshine Academy, RBTs support therapy teams across our Broken Arrow locations.
Step 4: Background check
Expect a background check, and possibly fingerprinting, before certification and employment. Clinics take this seriously because the role involves working with children.
Step 5: Pass the RBT exam
Once eligibility requirements are met, you schedule the RBT exam through Pearson VUE. Passing is required for certification.
Step 6: Apply for BACB certification
After you pass, apply for RBT certification through the BACB and pay the application fee. Keep your certification active with ongoing supervision and renewal requirements.
Working as an RBT in Broken Arrow / Tulsa
If you want a local clinic home, The Sunshine Academy is an ABA clinic with two Broken Arrow sites:
2208 W Detroit St, Broken Arrow, OK
304 N Beech Circle, Broken Arrow, OK
Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8am to 6pm. Call 918-900-6237 or email hello@thesunshine.academy to ask about openings, shadowing, or what a day looks like on the floor.
Want a realistic picture of the role first? Read What a Day Looks Like for an RBT at The Sunshine Academy.
Quick checklist before you apply
Confirm your diploma or GED is ready.
Choose a current BACB-aligned 40-hour training.
Plan who will supervise your competency assessment.
Budget for the exam and certification fees.
Reach out to Broken Arrow / Tulsa clinics about hiring timelines and start dates.
Becoming an RBT is serious work, and it is also one of the fastest ways to start making a difference for autistic kids and their families in our community. If Oklahoma ABA is where you want to grow, start with the steps above, then talk with a local team about fit.
