Free RBT Training
Our free program teaches you practical, everyday tools to support children with autism. Through this 40-hour video training, you’ll learn how to effectively support a child’s learning, play, and communication.
Build the skills to help children thrive
Our free ESDM training program gives you practical tools rooted in compassion and evidence-based practice.
Designed for both aspiring RBTs and caregivers, it helps you support learning and development every day.
Start your journey toward making a meaningful difference in a child’s life.
About our ESDM-focused training
This 40-hour training series provides evidence-based tools and a compassionate approach to help children with autism thrive. Developed by world-class experts in the ESDM, it is designed to meet the 2026 training eligibility requirement for RBT certification.
We’ve made this training free and open to everyone, whether you’re an aspiring RBT or a caregiver eager to build your skills. The program is practical, interactive, and easy to navigate. Each module is designed to strengthen your understanding, build your confidence, and prepare you for both real-world application and the RBT exam.
Thinking about working at Soar? You don’t need to complete this training or hold an RBT certification to apply. We train every new Behavior Technician (RBT) in person.
What you’ll learn in this training
Foundations of the ESDM
Learn how to apply the ESDM, a play-based, evidence-backed, and compassionate approach that builds on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles.
Your Role in Supporting Learning
Discover fun, engaging ways to help children with autism learn through joint activities and play.
Helping Children Build New Skills
Understand how to teach children communication, social interaction, and everyday independence skills.
Handling Challenges with Confidence
Gain practical strategies to prevent and respond to challenging behaviors.
Reflecting on Your Practice
Learn how to evaluate what’s working, adjust, and celebrate progress.
Your Path to Becoming an RBT
Understand what it takes to become an RBT and prepare for the exam.
What makes our training different
Open to All
For aspiring RBTs and parents or caregivers alike.
Designed to Meet BACB Standards
Designed to meet the 2026 BACB 40-hour RBT training requirement. Helpful, but not required to apply at Soar.
100% Free Access
High-quality training at no cost.
Rooted in Compassion
Emphasizes relationship-building and play to help kids flourish.
Learn on Your Schedule
Move through the modules at your own pace.
Built by Experts
Developed by world-class ESDM trainers.
Four steps to becoming an RBT
Register for our free training
Get started by completing our quick registration form. You'll gain immediate access to the training.
Complete at your own pace
Work through the 40-hour training series on your own time to earn your certificate of completion.
Apply to become an RBT
Create an account on the BACB website and submit your RBT application. After approval, you’ll be able to schedule your exam.
Pass your RBT exam
Use our Exam Study Guide to prepare with confidence. Once you pass the exam, you’ll become an RBT!
Register for our free training
Click the link below to complete our registration form and get started!
Complete the training on your own time
After enrolling, you can log back in anytime to continue the 40-hour training toward earning your certificate of completion.
Apply to become an RBT
Click the link below to reach the BACB website. Follow the steps to create an account and complete your application. Once approved, you will be able to schedule your RBT exam.
Study for your RBT exam
Browse our Exam Study Guide linked below to help you prepare for the exam. Once you pass, you’ll become an RBT!
Ready to start your RBT career?
You don’t need to finish this training or hold an RBT certification to apply. Soar trains every new Behavior Technician in person. See our openings at centers in Colorado, Arizona, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
Coming soon
Our free ESDM Training Program is almost ready to launch! Be the first to know when it goes live and get early access to start learning.
FAQs
Is Soar’s free RBT training really free?
Yes. Our free RBT training costs nothing to register for or to complete, and you get immediate access after a quick sign-up. That means you can finish the training part of RBT certification online free. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) charges its own separate application and exam fees for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential, listed in the RBT Handbook on the BACB’s RBT page.
Does this 40 hour RBT training meet the BACB requirements?
Yes. Our 40 hour RBT training is designed to meet the BACB’s requirements for the 40-hour training. The BACB asks you to finish it in no less than 5 days and no more than 180 days, so plan your schedule around that window. You move through the video modules at your own pace and can log back in anytime to pick up where you left off.
Is this a free 40-hour RBT course with certificate of completion?
Yes. Our free 40-hour RBT course with certificate of completion gives you a certificate once you finish all of the modules. You upload that certificate with your RBT certification application to the BACB. Keep in mind the certificate shows you completed the training. It is not the RBT credential itself, so you still need to complete the competency assessment, apply, and pass the exam.
What are the steps for how to become an RBT?
Here is how to become an RBT, based on the RBT Handbook on the BACB’s RBT page. Be at least 18 with a high school-level education. Pass a criminal background check and an abuse registry check. Complete a 40-hour training, like ours. Complete the RBT Initial Competency Assessment. Then apply through the BACB. Once your application is approved, you have one year to take and pass the RBT exam.
Does the training include the RBT competency assessment?
No, our 40-hour training does not include it. The RBT competency assessment is a separate BACB step from the 40-hour training. After you finish the training, a qualified assessor (the BACB calls this person a Responsible Assessor) watches you perform the skills on the BACB’s competency list. You must complete it no more than 90 days before you submit your RBT application. The 40-hour training is where you learn and practice those skills first.
Can parents and caregivers take this free autism training?
Yes. Our free autism training is open to everyone, including parents and caregivers who have no plans to become an RBT. If you have been looking for free online autism courses, this one teaches practical ways to support a child’s learning, play, and communication through joint activity routines and everyday play. You can go through the modules on your own schedule.
Is this free ABA training?
Yes. This is a free ABA training with a focus on the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). At Soar, we provide naturalistic, play-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy built on the ESDM. This ESDM training was developed and is delivered by ESDM experts. Along with the full 40-hour RBT content, you learn how the ESDM uses play and relationships to teach new skills.
Is there free RBT training near me?
You do not need to search for free RBT training near me, because ours is fully online and you can take it from anywhere with an internet connection. If you would rather train on the job, you do not need a certification to apply for Soar’s RBT position, and Soar provides paid training toward RBT certification.