The RBT^® exam, explained in plain language

The RBT exam at a glance

All questions are multiple choice. The 10 pilot questions are mixed in with the scored ones and don’t count toward your result, but you won’t know which ones they are, so treat every question as if it counts.

The six sections and how they’re weighted

The outline groups 43 tasks into six domains. Here’s how many of the 75 scored questions come from each one:

Section A: Data Collection and Graphing 13 questions · 17%

Measurement, graphing, operational definitions, and reliable data. Here is what each task covers, in plain language:

• A.1Continuous measurement: frequency, duration, latency, and interresponse time
• A.2Discontinuous measurement: partial interval, whole interval, and momentary time sampling
• A.3Permanent product recording
• A.4Entering data and updating graphs
• A.5Describing behavior and the environment in observable, measurable terms
• A.6Calculating and summarizing data: rate, mean duration, and percentage
• A.7Identifying trends in graphed data
• A.8Risks of unreliable data and poor procedural fidelity

Take the free Section A quiz

Section B: Behavior Assessment 8 questions · 11%

Preference assessments, skill assessments, and functional assessment. Here is what each task covers, in plain language:

• B.1Preference assessments: multiple stimulus, paired stimulus, and free operant
• B.2Taking part in skill assessments: curriculum-based, developmental, and social skills
• B.3Taking part in functional assessment: descriptive assessment and functional analysis

Take the free Section B quiz

Section C: Behavior Acquisition 19 questions · 25%

Reinforcement, DTT, naturalistic teaching, prompting, chaining, and shaping. Here is what each task covers, in plain language:

• C.1Positive and negative reinforcement, schedules, and reinforcer dimensions
• C.2Establishing and using conditioned reinforcers
• C.3Discrete-trial teaching
• C.4Naturalistic teaching: incidental teaching and natural environment training
• C.5Chaining: forward, backward, and total task
• C.6Discrimination training
• C.7Stimulus and response prompts, and fading them
• C.8Generalization across settings, people, and stimuli
• C.9Maintenance versus acquisition
• C.10Shaping
• C.11Token economies

Take the free Section C quiz

Section D: Behavior Reduction 14 questions · 19%

Functions of behavior, differential reinforcement, extinction, and crisis plans. Here is what each task covers, in plain language:

• D.1Common functions of behavior
• D.2Antecedent interventions: NCR, high-p sequences, and demand fading
• D.3Differential reinforcement: DRO, DRA, DRI, DRL, and FCT
• D.4Extinction
• D.5Positive and negative punishment, such as time-out
• D.6Side effects of extinction and punishment
• D.7Crisis and emergency procedures

Take the free Section D quiz

Section E: Documentation and Reporting 10 questions · 13%

Communicating with supervisors, reporting variables, and objective notes. Here is what each task covers, in plain language:

• E.1Communicating team concerns and suggestions to your supervisor promptly
• E.2Seeking clinical direction from your supervisor and following the chain of command
• E.3Reporting variables that affect progress: illness, medication, and schedule changes
• E.4Objective session documentation that meets legal and workplace requirements

Take the free Section E quiz

Section F: Ethics 11 questions · 15%

Core principles, supervision, confidentiality, gifts, and multiple relationships. Here is what each task covers, in plain language:

• F.1Core principles of the RBT ethics code
• F.2Practicing only within demonstrated competence
• F.3Working only under qualified, ongoing supervision
• F.4Effective supervision practices
• F.5Confidentiality: collecting, storing, protecting, and disclosing information
• F.6Public statements, social media, and representing your credentials
• F.7Multiple relationships and how to reduce their risks
• F.8Giving and receiving gifts
• F.9Interpersonal and professional skills
• F.10Cultural humility and responsiveness

Take the free Section F quiz

Study tips that actually work

• Study by weight. Sections C and D make up 44% of the exam together. Give them the most time.
• Learn the “why”. Read every explanation, even for questions you got right. Scenario questions test understanding, not memorization.
• Know the vocabulary cold. Positive vs. negative, reinforcement vs. punishment, and DRA vs. DRI vs. DRO appear again and again.
• Practice under time pressure. Use Exam mode to get comfortable at a little over one minute per question.
• Think like an RBT. When in doubt, the best answer usually involves following the plan, protecting the client, and checking with your supervisor.
• Space it out. Short daily sessions beat one long cram session.

Test-day checklist

• Read Pearson VUE’s BACB exam page (opens in a new tab). RBT exams are taken in person at a Pearson VUE test center, and the page covers scheduling, fees, accepted ID, check-in rules, and accommodations.
• Confirm your appointment time, location, and ID requirements the day before.
• Get a good night’s sleep, and eat before you go.
• Arrive early so you aren’t rushed.
• Read every answer choice before choosing, and watch for words like first, best, and most appropriate.
• Don’t get stuck. Mark your best guess and keep moving, since unanswered questions can’t earn points.

Official BACB^® resources

Always check the source for the most current requirements:

• BACB® RBT certification page (opens in a new tab)
• RBT® Test Content Outline (3rd ed.) PDF (opens in a new tab)
• RBT® Handbook (opens in a new tab)
• BACB® examination information (opens in a new tab)
• Pearson VUE: scheduling and test-day information for BACB® exams (opens in a new tab)

Quick answers