RBT Exam Guide

On the path to becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), you must pass the official RBT examination. This test is the final part of RBT certification, testing the knowledge and skills you have been taught during the coursework program and during the competency assessment.

To work directly in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy), you will need to obtain your RBT certification. The first step of that process — after meeting all the prerequisite requirements — is completing 40 hours of coursework. Then, you must pass a competency assessment that will be overseen by a BCBA.

The RBT exam is the final step. Much like other standardized tests, it is a multiple-choice exam that will assess many different aspects of the field in which you want to work — including professional conduct, data collection and reporting, how to teach new skills and reduce certain behaviors, and general details about behavior analysis.

Passing this test, then, is crucial to your future prospects of working in the field. To help you be better prepared to take this test, we have provided an RBT exam guide below.

Learn more: Is RBT Certification Worth It?

Table Of Contents

What Does the RBT Exam Include?

To successfully prepare for the RBT exam, it’s a good idea to know what it’s all about. This test will assess your skills and knowledge as they relate to the field of behavior management.

As mentioned above, it will ask multiple-choice questions about a number of different topics that you learned during your 40 hours of coursework, as well as in your competency assessment.

There are four different content areas that the RBT exam covers.

The largest section deals with behavior reduction and skill acquisition, with 45% of the questions on the exam falling into this category. Next with 25% of the questions are behavior assessment and measurement.

The final two sections each account for 15% of the exam questions, and they are scope of practice and personal conduct, and data collection and reporting.

Knowing what the exam includes as well as the breakdown of the topic material will help you better prepare for what you will encounter.

What Should I Have to Study for the RBT Exam?

When studying for your RBT exam, there are a number of things you should have with you.

One of the most valuable sources you should acquire and review is the RBT Task List. Created by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), this document outlines all the skills and knowledge that you’ll need to have to pass your RBT exam.

Since it comes directly from the organization that’s responsible for the RBT certification process, the RBT Task List is an essential study guide source material.

In addition, you should also review any course material and notes that you took while you attended classes and as you took your competency assessment. You can supplement this information with other study guides and textbooks on the topic.

Then, review online videos and courses that focus specifically on preparing for the RBT exam. Luckily, there are many free resources available online.

Once you’ve done all that, take an RBT practice exam. This will simulate the experience for you, and help you better prepare when it’s time for the real thing.

How Can I Create an Effective Study Plan?

Anytime that you’re studying for a comprehensive and important test such as the RBT exam, it’s a good idea to create a study plan that’s structured in a way that keeps you organized and on task. This is especially important if you’re working a job and need to balance your studies with other professional and personal obligations.

There are a few different things that can help you create an effective study plan.

First, figure out how long you’ll have to study before you take your exam. Then, you can work backwards from that date and sketch out a plan that divides your time effectively.

Next, split up the different content categories into separate sections. This will allow you to dedicate sufficient time to each section, and ensure that you don’t spend too much time on one and not enough on another.

Then, schedule specific times that you are going to study. It may help to work this into your existing calendar, or create a new calendar for yourself if you don’t have one already.

These study sessions should be completely dedicated to studying in an environment that’s most conducive to you — whether it’s a quiet place at home, a library or a coffee shop, for instance. The important thing is to make sure that you are setting aside this time.

Finally, your study plan should have enough time at the end for practice exams — not just taking them, but reviewing the results in-depth. This way, you’ll be able to go back and freshen up on any content area where you want to improve your performance.

Trust Blue Gems ABA with Your Child’s ABA Therapy

Passing the RBT exam is an essential final step in becoming certified to work in the field of ABA therapy. The test itself is challenging, but if you follow the tips we have outlined above, you’ll put yourself in the best position to pass it with flying colors the first time.

At Blue Gems ABA, our dedicated and experienced RBTs support children with ASD by administering ABA therapy. We create personalized treatment plans that address the unique strengths and challenges of every patient.

To learn more, please contact us today.

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