RBT Exam Study Guide
Comprehensive preparation guide for the Registered Behavior Technician certification exam. Master all essential concepts and ace your RBT exam preparation with confidence.
📚 Study Guide Units
Explore each unit of the RBT curriculum. Click on any unit to dive deep into specific topics and master the essential concepts.
Unit A: Measurement
12% of ExamLearn data collection methods, behavioral measurement techniques, and graph interpretation skills.
Unit B: Assessment
8% of ExamMaster preference assessments, functional behavior analysis, and individualized assessment procedures.
Unit C: Skill Acquisition
32% of ExamUnderstand teaching procedures, prompting strategies, and skill development techniques.
Unit D: Behavior Reduction
24% of ExamLearn intervention strategies, crisis procedures, and ethical approaches to behavior reduction.
Unit E: Documentation
10% of ExamMaster professional documentation standards, reporting procedures, and confidentiality requirements.
Unit F: Professional Conduct
14% of ExamUnderstand ethical guidelines, scope of practice, and professional responsibilities in ABA services.
📈 Study Progress Tracker
Complete each unit to build comprehensive RBT knowledge and exam readiness.
1. Introduction to RBT
1.1 What is an RBT?
The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a paraprofessional certified by the BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board) who practices under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or BCaBA. An RBT's role is to implement behavior-analytic services such as teaching new skills, recording data, and reducing challenging behaviors.
Example: An RBT may help a child with autism learn communication skills by using reinforcement and data tracking.
1.2 Role of an RBT
- Collect and record data on behaviors
- Implement behavior and skill acquisition plans
- Follow ethical standards
- Work under BCBA supervision
- Communicate progress with families and supervisors
1.3 Understanding Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
ABA is a scientific approach focused on improving socially significant behavior through systematic interventions. It uses principles like reinforcement, shaping, and extinction to teach or modify behaviors.
Core Concepts of ABA:
- Behavior is learned and can be changed
- Environmental changes affect behavior
- Data-driven decisions lead to effective results
1.4 Supervision and Ethics Overview
Every RBT must receive ongoing supervision from a BCBA or BCaBA for at least 5% of total work hours each month. Ethical guidelines ensure:
RBT Certification Process
| STEP | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Complete 40-hour RBT Training |
| Step 2 | Pass Competency Assessment |
| Step 3 | Submit Application to BACB |
| Step 4 | Pass the RBT Exam |
| Step 5 | Maintain Supervision & Ethics Compliance |
2. Exam Overview
2.1 RBT Exam Structure
(75 scored + 10 pre-test)
Multiple Choice
Minutes
Pearson VUE
2.2 Scoring
- Passing Score: Varies (scaled 200–800)
- Passing average: 70% or higher
2.3 Exam Topics Breakdown
Note: Skill Acquisition (32%) and Behavior Reduction (24%) have the highest weight in the RBT exam, making up 56% of all questions.
2.4 Exam Day Tips
3. RBT Task List (2nd Edition – BACB)
The RBT Task List defines what skills and knowledge an RBT must demonstrate.
3.1 Measurement
- Data collection (frequency, duration, latency, rate)
- Graphing and interpreting data trends
- Continuous vs. Discontinuous recording
Example: If a child shouts 5 times in 30 minutes, frequency = 5.
3.2 Assessment
- Conduct Preference Assessments (find motivators)
- Assist with Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA)
- Collect ABC Data (Antecedent–Behavior–Consequence)
3.3 Skill Acquisition
- Implement skill acquisition plans designed by BCBA
- Teach skills using DTT (Discrete Trial Training) or NET (Natural Environment Teaching)
- Use prompting, reinforcement, shaping, and chaining
3.4 Behavior Reduction
- Follow Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
- Identify triggers and consequences
- Use Differential Reinforcement and Extinction correctly
3.5 Documentation and Reporting
- Write session notes objectively
- Record data daily
- Communicate with supervisors about progress or incidents
3.6 Professional Conduct and Scope
- Follow BACB Code of Ethics
- Respect clients and maintain confidentiality
- Work only within your training scope
Ready to Practice?
Test your knowledge with our comprehensive RBT practice exams and track your progress.
RBT Study Guide - Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about RBT exam preparation, study materials, training requirements, and test-taking strategies.
Showing 20 of 20 questions
An RBT Study Guide is a structured resource that helps students prepare for the Registered Behavior Technician exam, covering all 6 BACB-approved competency areas.
The RBT Study Guide includes six main units: Measurement, Assessment, Skill Acquisition, Behavior Reduction, Documentation & Reporting, and Professional Conduct & Scope of Practice.
The RBT exam can be challenging but manageable with consistent study, practice tests, and understanding of ABA fundamentals and behavior principles.
Focus on data collection, reinforcement, behavior measurement, skill acquisition, and ethical conduct — these areas appear most frequently on the test.
Most candidates take 2–4 weeks to prepare, depending on prior ABA knowledge and daily study time.
Yes, most RBT study guides include practice tests and flashcards to help learners test their knowledge and simulate real exam questions.
To pass the RBT exam, you must score at least 80% on a 75-question multiple-choice test administered by Pearson VUE.
The RBT exam includes 85 questions, with 10 unscored pilot questions used for future testing development.
The best way is to study one unit per day, use flashcards, mock exams, and real-world examples, and review the BACB task list frequently.
Yes, several verified sources and training providers offer free or paid RBT Study Guide PDFs that include summaries, examples, and test tips.
The BACB RBT Task List outlines all the competencies and ethical requirements that RBTs must demonstrate during their training and exam.
You must complete 40 hours of RBT training from a BACB-approved provider before taking the exam.
Use a study planner or RBT checklist, breaking topics by units and marking your progress after each section.
Common mistakes include memorizing without understanding, skipping ethics sections, and not practicing data recording methods.
You can take online RBT practice exams from trusted ABA learning platforms or through official BACB partner sites.
Review each unit twice — once for understanding and once for retention. Reinforce learning using mock questions and case studies.
You'll need an RBT study guide, BACB task list, flashcards, mock exams, and access to training videos or supervision materials.
Yes, you can retake the RBT exam after a waiting period and paying the re-exam fee. You can attempt it up to 8 times per year.
No, the RBT exam is closed book and taken in a controlled environment at an authorized Pearson VUE testing center.
Stay confident by practicing daily, reviewing weak areas, managing stress, and using official RBT study materials rather than random notes.