Ultimate Guide to the RBT Exam | Therapeutic Pathways

You’ve trained and studied extra hard to reach this moment – the moment you put your knowledge to the test and take the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) exam. Once you pass the exam, you can begin working as an RBT.

Keep reading to learn all the ins and outs of the RBT exam. In addition to the training and practice opportunities Therapeutic Pathways provides, we’ll show you what’s on the exam and how you can best prepare for examination day.

Let’s dive into the RBT exam.

What’s on the RBT Exam

The RBT exam measures your ability to perform the six primary duties of a Registered Behavior Technician as defined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. The duties are detailed in the RBT Task List. The training you’ve received is based on the task list, so you should be familiar with the concepts and expectations.

You’ll have 90 minutes to complete the exam.

There are 85 computer-based questions on the RBT exam, 75 of which make up your final score. The questions are divided into sections based on the six primary duties of an RBT: 10 questions on measurement; eight questions on assessment; 24 questions on skill acquisition; 12 questions on behavior reduction; 10 questions on documentation and reporting, and 11 questions on professional conduct and scope of practice.

They are multiple-choice questions with one correct answer only.

In addition, 10 unweighted questions help the BACB make improvements to the exam in the future.

Preparing for Exam Day

The exam is mainly focused on the RBT Task List, and the BACB doesn’t provide specific study methods. You’ll have to find a study method that works best for you, and remember to give yourself as much time as you need to fully understand the material.

Follow these tips if you tend to have testing anxiety or just want some ways to best prepared before the exam:

Partner with a study buddy so you can quiz one another before the big day.
Make use of reliable study tools like flashcards and practice exams.
Get plenty of sleep the night before.
Try to wake up early so you can go over the RBT Task List one more time.
Eat a healthy, filling breakfast. Berries, eggs, and nuts are all good brain-loving options to boost mental clarity.

Exam Day

First, be ready to verify your identity. You will need to provide two forms of ID. Your name on these documents must match the name on your testing application.

You have two ways to take the test – remotely or at a Pearson VUE live center. Please review the instructions and requirements for remote testing before it’s time to take the exam. This will help you avoid misunderstandings and technical difficulties.

If you take the exam at a live center, you should arrive approximately 30 minutes early on the day of the exam to complete the sign-in process. You’ll be directed to a computer and told that you have 90 minutes to complete the exam.

Upon completion, you’ll be notified immediately whether you passed or failed the exam. If you passed, expect to receive your RBT certification within a week.

If you failed, you can retake the exam. You’ll receive an email with instructions on scheduling another exam, as well as information about your performance and areas for improvement. Study this information closely; it’ll help you prepare for your next attempt.

Good Luck on the RBT Exam!

Earning an RBT certification will show potential employers and families that you have what it takes to provide high-quality, intensive yet compassionate care.

Although you’ll do most of the prep work for the exam in your 40-hour training course, you should take the time to study and fully understand the material on the exam. This will give you a better chance of passing the exam on your first try and helping you find a job faster.

Therapeutic Pathways is with you every step of the way, providing the training and helping you practice and pay for your RBT exam. We’re always hiring RBTs, and we offer competitive benefits packages to show our employees how much we value their work.

Check out our Open Positions page or contact us today to learn more.

Readiness

Your answers indicate that your child may be best treated in the Readiness program. This individualized, evidence-based program teaches young children skills they need to accelerate their learning and gain independence. Using imitation and naturalistic learning techniques, your child will develop useful skills in the areas of speech and language, cognition, and self-awareness. A program for children ages 0-3. *This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Foundations

Your answers indicate that your child may be best treated in the Foundations program. This program gives preschool and school-age children the structure to achieve important social, emotional, and intellectual milestones, helping them test within their peers’ range. With 25+ hours of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy per week, your child will develop social skills and better self-awareness for school and home. A program for children ages 4-7. *This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Breakthroughs

Your answers indicate that your child may be best treated in the Breakthroughs program. Specifically designed for children who have limited hours due to school schedules, this program removes life barriers by developing communication, social, and self-help skills. We teach your child to engage in appropriate behaviors, helping them interact with peers and develop relationships. A program for children ages 8-11.

Interactions

Your answers indicate that your child may be best treated in the Interactions program. Through guided social skills groups twice a week, this program helps improve social functioning in children ages 5 to 16. Parent or caregiver participation is crucial to this program; our certified staff provides training for successful participation.

Independence

Your answers indicate that your child may be best suited for the Independence program. Geared toward older children, this program includes more in-depth skills that will help your child function independently. Taught skills include functional communication, self-management, and financial literacy. A program for individuals ages 12-25. *This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Your Child My Be Suited to Multiple Programs

Independence

Strategies

Your answers indicate that your child may be best suited for the Strategies program. The most age-encompassing of our programs, the goal of Strategies is to reduce challenging behaviors and issues with aggression. These behaviors interfere with independence and community participation, so we work to mitigate those challenges and encourage safe, appropriate behavior for individuals of any age. *This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Strategies

Breakthroughs and/or Interactions

Your answers indicate that your child may be best suited to the Breakthroughs or Interactions programs. These programs treat similar symptoms, so Therapeutic Pathways will need to meet with you and your child before we can place them within the appropriate program.

Specifically designed for children who have limited hours due to school schedules, Breakthroughs removes life barriers by developing communication, social, and self-help skills. We teach your child to engage in appropriate behaviors, helping them interact with peers and develop relationships.

Through guided social skills groups twice a week, Interactions helps improve social functioning in children. Parent or caregiver participation is crucial to this program; our certified staff provides training for successful participation.

*This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Your Child My Be Suited to Multiple Programs

Breakthroughs and/or Interactions

*This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.