{
 "slug": "rbt-pdu-requirement-who-pays",
 "title": "12 PDUs: Who Pays for Your RBT Hours?",
 "seo_title": "RBT PDU Requirement: 12 Hours Every Two Years, Explained",
 "date": "2026-11-13",
 "modified": "2026-11-13",
 "author": "Liat Sacks",
 "publisher": "Pair ABA",
 "summary": "RBTs now need 12 PDUs every two years to recertify. What counts, what doesn't, and what to ask an employer about in-service training.",
 "audience": "Clinicians",
 "url": "https://pairaba.com/blog-posts/rbt-pdu-requirement-who-pays.html",
 "markdown_url": "https://pairaba.com/blog-posts/rbt-pdu-requirement-who-pays.md",
 "api_url": "https://pairaba.com/api/posts/rbt-pdu-requirement-who-pays.json",
 "text": "An RBT took to r/RBT with a question a lot of behavior technicians are probably asking: Where are we supposed to get all these new training hours, and do we have to pay for them ourselves?\n\nWhat's changing for RBTs?\n\nUnder the BACB's updated 2026 requirements, RBTs who certify or recertify in 2026 transition to a two-year recertification cycle.\n\nInstead of completing an annual competency assessment, RBTs will need to earn 12 professional development units (PDUs) over those two years to maintain their certification.\n\nAnd the good news? There are a few different ways to earn them.\n\n• Employer-provided training: In-service training offered through your workplace.\n• Continuing education events: Eligible events offered by BACB-approved continuing education providers.\n• College coursework: Behavior-analytic college courses completed with a grade of C or higher.\n\nWhat counts at work, and what doesn't\n\nFor in-service training, the BACB says it has to be real teaching, run by a BCaBA or BCBA. Each event needs at least 25 minutes of instruction.\n\nNot all training counts toward your 12 required PDUs. Regular supervision meetings, company policy reviews, CPR training, software training, and the initial 40-hour RBT training don't qualify.\n\nSo, who pays?\n\nThe rules don't say your employer has to provide PDUs. But a clinic that runs in-service training on the clock saves you money and time. That's worth asking about.\n\nQuestions to ask before you sign\n\n• Does your company offer training that counts toward my required PDUs? If so, how many can I earn each year?\n• Will I be paid for the time I spend completing professional development training? Is it offered during my regular work hours?\n• Does the company cover the cost of outside training? If I need additional PDUs, will you reimburse me for eligible courses or events?\n\nOur matchmakers can help you find a role that fits. Message us at u/PairABA.\n\n*Check current BACB rules for your own recertification ...",
 "markdown": "An RBT took to r/RBT with a question a lot of behavior technicians are probably asking: Where are we supposed to get all these new training hours, and do we have to pay for them ourselves?\n\n**What's changing for RBTs?**\n\nUnder the BACB's updated 2026 requirements, RBTs who certify or recertify in 2026 transition to a two-year recertification cycle.\n\nInstead of completing an annual competency assessment, RBTs will need to earn 12 professional development units (PDUs) over those two years to maintain their certification.\n\nAnd the good news? There are a few different ways to earn them.\n\n- Employer-provided training: In-service training offered through your workplace.\n- Continuing education events: Eligible events offered by BACB-approved continuing education providers.\n- College coursework: Behavior-analytic college courses completed with a grade of C or higher.\n\n**What counts at work, and what doesn't**\n\nFor in-service training, the BACB says it has to be real teaching, run by a BCaBA or BCBA. Each event needs at least 25 minutes of instruction.\n\nNot all training counts toward your 12 required PDUs. Regular supervision meetings, company policy reviews, CPR training, software training, and the initial 40-hour RBT training don't qualify.\n\n**So, who pays?**\n\nThe rules don't say your employer has to provide PDUs. But a clinic that runs in-service training on the clock saves you money and time. That's worth asking about.\n\n**Questions to ask before you sign**\n\n- **Does your company offer training that counts toward my required PDUs? If so, how many can I earn each year?**\n- **Will I be paid for the time I spend completing professional development training? Is it offered during my regular work hours?**\n- **Does the company cover the cost of outside training? If I need additional PDUs, will you reimburse me for eligible courses or events?**\n\nOur matchmakers can help you find a role that fits. Message us at u/PairABA.\n\n*Check current BACB rules for your own recertification ..."
}