RBT

Theregisteredbehaviortechnician(Rbt)Examination

The RBT examination is a computer-based, multiple-choice test developed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and delivered by Pearson VUE. It measures the entry-level knowledge a behavior technician needs to implement behavior-analytic services under supervision. The content is defined by the RBT Test Content Outline (3rd ed.), which organizes 43 tasks into six domains.

Exam Pattern

The exam contains 85 multiple-choice questions: 75 scored questions and 10 unscored pilot questions that are mixed in and cannot be identified, so treat every question as if it counts. You have 90 minutes, a little over one minute per question. Each question has four answer choices and one correct answer. The exam is given in English only, at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers (and on some U.S. military bases), in a computer-based format.

Domain	ScoredQuestions	Weight	WhatItCovers
A DataCollectionandGraphing .	13	17%	Measurementprocedures data ,
			calculations graphsandtrends data , ,
			reliability
B BehaviorAssessment .	8	11%	Preference skill andfunctional , ,
			assessmentprocedures
C BehaviorAcquisition .	19	25%	Reinforcement tokeneconomies DTT , , ,
			naturalisticteaching prompting chaining , , ,
			shaping generalization ,
D BehaviorReduction .	14	19%	Functions antecedentinterventions , ,
			differentialreinforcement extinction , ,
			punishment crisisprocedures ,
E DocumentationandReporting .	10	13%	Stakeholdercommunication clinical ,
			direction reportablevariables session , ,
			notes
F Ethics .	11	15%	RBTEthicsCode supervision boundaries , , ,
			gifts confidentiality culturalhumility , ,

Scoredquestionsbydomain(75Total)

Scoring

Results are reported as pass or fail, and you receive your result at the testing center when you finish. The passing score is set by a panel of subject-matter experts using the modified Angoff method, a criterion-referenced procedure: you are measured against the standard for minimally competent practice, not against other candidates, and there is no fixed "percent correct" to aim for. Only the 75 scored questions count, and there is no penalty for a wrong answer, so answer every question.

Eligibility and Application

Age and education

Be at least 18 years old and have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Background checks

Pass a criminal background check and an abuse registry check comparable to those required for home health aides, child care workers, and teachers, completed no more than 180 days before paying for the application.

40-hour training

Complete a 40-hour training that meets the current RBT 40-Hour Training Requirements and Curriculum Outline, finished in no less than 5 and no more than 180 days. Training is offered by employers, universities, and online providers, not by the BACB.

Initial Competency Assessment

Demonstrate the required tasks with a qualified assessor, no more than 90 days before submitting the application. An attesting certificant then confirms that the requirements were met.

Apply, then schedule the exam

Submit the application through a BACB account. Once it is approved, schedule the exam with Pearson VUE within one year of approval.

Exam at a Glance

Certifying body

Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)

Test delivery

Pearson VUE, in person at authorized testing centers; computer-based

Questions

85 multiple-choice (75 scored, 10 unscored); four options each

ExamAspect	Details
Time	90minutes
Contentbasis	RBTTestContentOutline(3rded):sixdomains 43tasks . ,
Scoring	Pass/fail;passingstandardsetbythemodifiedAngoffmethod
Fees	$65applicationfee;$45examappointmentfeepaidtoPearsonVUE
Testingwindow	Oneyearfromapplicationapproval
Retakes	Wait7daysbetweenattempts;upto8attemptswithin12monthsofapproval;nofeefortheretake
	application(theappointmentfeeapplies)
Arrival	Arrivingmorethan30minuteslatemeansyoucannottest
Afterpassing	CertificationstaysinactiveuntilanRBTSupervisororRBTRequirementsCoordinatoraddsyouasa
	supervisee
Maintainingthecredential	Ongoingsupervision(atleast5%ofservicehourseachmonth) theRBTEthicsCode(20) and , . ,
	recertification on a two-year cycle that includes 12 hours of professional development