Free resources / ACE vs. in-service
Guide for agencies
ACE events vs. in-service PD: which is right for your RBTs?
The two workplace pathways to RBT PDUs, compared side by side.
Your RBTs can earn PDUs through work in two ways. You can bring in an ACE provider, or your own BCBAs can run in-service training. Many agencies use both.
| ACE provider events | In-service training | |
|---|---|---|
| Who teaches | The ACE provider's instructors | Your own BCaBA, BCBA or BCBA-D |
| Who it's for | Usually open to any RBT | Only RBTs employed by your organization |
| When | Usually on the RBT's own time | Usually on company time |
| Content work | Built and maintained by the provider | Your BCBAs research, write and update it |
| Documentation | Provider issues the RBT Professional Development: ACE Event form | Your agency completes the RBT Professional Development: In-Service Event form |
| Your agency needs ACE status? | No | No |
| Best for | Consistent, documented PD without pulling BCBAs off the schedule | Training tied closely to your setting, if you have BCBA time to build it |
Rules that apply to both
- Content has to cover or expand on the RBT 40-hour curriculum, the RBT Ethics Code (2.0), other BACB requirements, or other behavior-analytic topics appropriate for RBTs.
- Client-specific training, company policy reviews, software training and supervision meetings don't count.
- Instructors must hold an active BCaBA, BCBA or BCBA-D and write learning objectives for every event.
- RBTs must attend the whole event.
The hidden cost of in-service
In-service looks free because there's no invoice. But a BCBA has to build each hour of content, deliver it, often more than once for different shifts, and complete the forms, while RBTs are paid for the time. Our calculator puts a number on it for your agency.
Source: BACB, RBT Professional Development. Educational information, not legal or certification advice.