top of page

RBT Exam Study Guide: How To Pass

​

​

​

​

​

If you're planning to take the RBT exam, you'll need to study hard and prepare yourself thoroughly. Here are some tips to help you pass the RBT exam:

What Is The RBT Exam?

The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) exam is a challenging test that requires a lot of preparation.

The exam is designed to test your knowledge of the principles of behavior analysis, as well as your ability to apply those principles in real-life situations.

​

Tips For Acing The Exam

​

1. Understand the Exam Format

​

The RBT exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions that you'll need to answer in 90 minutes. The questions are divided into three sections: measurement, assessment, and intervention. Each section has a different number of questions, and each question is worth one point. You'll need to score at least 80% to pass the exam.

 

2. Study the Task List

​

The RBT exam is based on the RBT Task List, which is a list of the skills and knowledge that RBTs are expected to have. You can download the Task List from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) website. Make sure you study the Task List thoroughly and understand each item on the list.

 

3. Use Study Materials

​

There are many study materials available for the RBT exam, including textbooks, online courses, and practice exams. You can also find study groups and study partners to help you prepare. Make sure you use a variety of study materials and focus on the areas where you need the most help.

 

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

​

One of the best ways to prepare for the RBT exam is to practice answering multiple-choice questions. You can find practice exams online or in study materials. Make sure you time yourself and simulate test conditions as closely as possible. This will help you get used to the format of the exam and build your confidence.

​

5. Get Enough Rest

​

Finally, make sure you get enough rest before the exam. A good night's sleep can help you stay focused and alert during the exam. Avoid cramming the night before the exam and try to relax as much as possible.

 

Tips for Staying Focused During the Exam

 

The RBT exam is not only challenging but also time-limited. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain focus during the entire duration of the test. Here are some tips that can help you stay focused:

  1. Take deep breaths: Taking a few deep breaths before and during the exam can help calm your nerves and increase oxygen flow to your brain, keeping you alert and focused.

  2. Use positive self-talk: The way you talk to yourself affects your mindset and confidence levels. Using positive self-talk can help reduce anxiety and keep you motivated throughout the exam.

  3. Manage your time effectively: As mentioned earlier, the RBT exam is time-limited, so it's essential to manage your time effectively. Make sure you allocate enough time for each section and question, avoiding spending too much time on one question or section.

  4. Read questions carefully: It's important to read each question carefully to understand what it's asking for before answering it. Rushing through questions may cause you to miss critical details or misunderstand what is being asked.

  5. Take breaks if necessary: If you feel overwhelmed or need a quick break, take a few seconds to close your eyes, stretch, or take a sip of water before continuing with the exam.

 

Common mistakes to avoid when taking the RBT exam

 

Even if you have studied hard and prepared well, there are some common mistakes that can trip you up during the RBT exam. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

  1. Not reading questions carefully: As mentioned earlier, it's important to read each question carefully before answering it. Rushing through questions may cause you to miss critical details or misunderstand what is being asked.

  2. Overthinking or second-guessing your answers: It's important to trust your instincts and knowledge when answering questions on the RBT exam. Overthinking or second-guessing your answers can lead to confusion and lower scores.

  3. Focusing too much on one section: Each section of the RBT exam is equally important, so it's essential to allocate enough time for each section and question. Focusing too much on one section may cause you to run out of time or miss crucial questions in other sections.

  4. Not managing time effectively: Time management is crucial during the RBT exam since you only have 90 minutes to answer 75 questions. Make sure you allocate enough time for each section and question, avoiding spending too much time on one question or section.

  5. Forgetting about ethics: Ethics is an essential component of behavior analysis, so it's vital to keep ethical considerations in mind when answering questions on the RBT exam. Make sure you review the BACB Ethics Code before taking the exam and apply ethical principles throughout.

 

How to Effectively Use Flashcards to Study for the RBT Exam

 

Flashcards are a popular and effective study tool for many students preparing for exams, including the RBT exam. Here are some tips on how to use flashcards effectively when studying for the RBT exam:

  1. Create your own flashcards: While there are pre-made flashcard sets available online or in study materials, creating your own flashcards can be more effective. By creating your own cards, you can tailor them to your specific needs and focus on the areas you need the most help with.

  2. Keep it simple: When creating flashcards, keep them simple and easy to read. Use bullet points or short phrases instead of long paragraphs. This will make it easier for you to review the information quickly and efficiently.

  3. Organize by category: Organizing your flashcards by category can help you focus on specific areas of knowledge that require attention. For example, you could organize them by measurement, assessment, and intervention sections.

  4. Use visuals: Adding visual aids such as diagrams or images can help reinforce concepts and make them easier to remember.

  5. Review regularly: Regularly reviewing your flashcards is crucial to retaining information. Make sure you set aside time each day or week to review your cards and track your progress.

 

Can You Retake The RBT Exam?

​

Yes, you can retake the RBT exam if you don't pass it on your first attempt. However, there are some limitations to how many times you can retake the exam.

According to the BACB, candidates are allowed to take the RBT exam up to three times in a year. If you fail the exam three times in a year, you'll need to wait one year before attempting it again.

It's important to note that each time you retake the exam, you'll need to pay the examination fee again.

Therefore, it's crucial to prepare thoroughly and give yourself enough time between attempts to increase your chances of passing successfully.

If you do need to retake the exam, don't get discouraged. Use your previous experience as a learning opportunity and focus on areas where you need more improvement. With dedication and hard work, you can pass the RBT exam and become a Registered Behavior Technician!

 

How To Retake An RBT Exam

​

If you don't pass the RBT exam on your first attempt, don't worry. You can retake the exam up to three times in a year. However, if you fail three times within a year, you'll need to wait for one year before attempting it again.

To retake the RBT exam, you'll need to follow these steps:

  1. Wait at least 30 days: You cannot retake the RBT exam until at least 30 days have passed since your last attempt.

  2. Pay the examination fee: Each time you retake the exam, you'll need to pay the examination fee again.

  3. Re-study and prepare: Use your previous experience as a guide and focus on areas where you need more improvement. Make sure you study and prepare thoroughly before attempting the exam again.

It's important to note that each time you retake the RBT exam, the questions will be different from those on your previous attempts. Therefore, it's crucial to study and prepare thoroughly each time.

 

How The RBT Exam Gets Scored/Graded

​

The RBT exam is scored using a computerized system that calculates the number of correct answers out of the total number of questions. Each question is worth one point, and there is no penalty for guessing. To pass the exam, you must score at least 80%.

Once you complete the exam, your results will be available immediately on-screen.

If you pass, you'll receive a notification that you've passed and your certification will be processed within two weeks. If you don't pass, you'll receive a diagnostic report indicating which sections and topics you need to focus on for future attempts.

It's important to note that the BACB takes exam security seriously and employs measures to ensure that all candidates are tested fairly and equitably.

This includes monitoring test-taking behavior, reviewing test results for irregularities, and investigating any suspected violations of test security policies.

 

Quick Summary

​

Passing the RBT exam requires a lot of preparation and hard work. Make sure you understand the exam format, study the Task List, use study materials, practice answering multiple-choice questions, and get enough rest. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to passing the RBT exam and becoming a Registered Behavior Technician.

 

References

​

  1. https://www.hopebridge.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/RBT-Exam-Study-Guide-1.pdf

  2. https://btexamreview.com/rbt-exam-practice-questions/

  3. https://www.test-guide.com/rbt-practice-exam.html

RBT exam study guide, how to pass
bottom of page