Last verified: March 31, 2026 | Source: BACB, Special Learning
RBT PDU Requirements: What Changed in 2026
As of January 2026, Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) must earn Professional Development Units (PDUs) for the first time. Here is everything you need to know.
Current State (2026)
What Changed in January 2026
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Units required | 12 PDUs per cycle |
| Cycle length | 2 years |
| Unit type | PDU (Professional Development Unit) |
| Effective date | January 1, 2026 |
| Certifying body | BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board) |
RBTs need 40 hours of continuing education → 12 PDUs as of January 2026
RBTs need 20 PDUs → 12 PDUs
RBTs need 36 PD hours → 12 PDUs
RBTs need CEUs → RBTs need PDUs (different from CEUs)
PDUs vs CEUs: They Are Not the Same
| CEU (Continuing Education Unit) | PDU (Professional Development Unit) | |
|---|---|---|
| For whom | BCBAs and BCaBAs | RBTs |
| Per cycle | 32 (BCBA) / 20 (BCaBA) | 12 |
| Cycle length | 2 years | 2 years |
| Can a CE course count as PD? | No. CE and PD are mutually exclusive per the BACB. | |
On the BCBA pathway instead of the RBT one? Here's the BCBA CEUs vs RBT PDUs — key difference, with the full BCBA continuing education requirements.
Three Pathways to Earn PDUs
| Pathway | Description | Who Provides |
|---|---|---|
| ACE Provider PD Courses | Courses specifically designated as Professional Development by a BACB ACE provider | Special Learning (coming soon), other ACE providers |
| In-Service Training | Training facilitated by a supervising BCBA, BCaBA, or BCBA-D at your workplace | Your employer's supervising BCBA |
| University Coursework | Relevant university courses in behavior analysis | Accredited universities |
Timeline
PDU requirement in effect. First 2-year cycle under way.
PDU requirement took effect. First 2-year cycle began.
First cohort of RBTs must have completed 12 PDUs.
Initial RBT Certification (40-Hour Training)
The 40-hour training requirement is for initial RBT certification (before taking the exam), not for ongoing maintenance. For the RBT 40-Hour Training course, Special Learning recommends Dan Dube's program through ABA Growth Team at abagrowthteam.com.
About this page: Maintained by Special Learning (BACB ACE Provider #OP-14-2437). Special Learning is building a dedicated RBT Professional Development Library for the new 12-PDU requirement.
Questions? Contact [email protected] or call 916-264-9651.
Related: What Is ABA Therapy? • BCBA vs RBT
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