Many people considering the Registered Behavior Technician certification wonder about the exam format and whether they can use study materials during the test. The RBT exam is not open book, and you cannot use notes, textbooks, or any reference materials during the examination.
The exam is administered in a controlled testing environment through Pearson VUE centers. You’ll need to rely on your knowledge from the required 40-hour training course and independent study.
Understanding the exam structure, content areas, and preparation strategies will help you feel confident on test day. This guide covers everything you need to know about the RBT exam format and how to prepare effectively.
Is the RBT Exam Open Book?
The RBT exam is a closed-book, proctored examination with strict security measures enforced by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and Pearson VUE testing centers. You cannot bring any study materials, notes, or reference guides into the testing environment.
BACB Examination Policies
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board maintains strict policies regarding examination materials and conduct. These policies ensure fairness and maintain the integrity of the RBT certification process.
You are prohibited from bringing any external materials into the exam room. This includes textbooks, study guides, notes from your 40-hour training, or any written materials. The BACB designed the exam to test your knowledge and understanding without assistance.
The exam tests your ability to apply concepts from memory. You must demonstrate mastery of the RBT Task List content without reference materials. This approach ensures that certified RBTs have internalized the knowledge needed for fieldwork.
Prohibited items include:
- Study guides and textbooks
- Handwritten or printed notes
- Electronic devices
- Calculators
- Reference materials
Testing Center Rules and Security
Pearson VUE testing centers enforce comprehensive security protocols during your RBT exam. These measures protect the exam content and ensure all candidates face identical testing conditions.
You will undergo identity verification before entering the testing area. Photo identification is required, and staff will confirm your identity matches your registration information. Some centers use biometric scanning for additional security.
The testing room is monitored continuously. Video cameras record your session, and proctors observe for any irregular behavior. You cannot leave the testing area during the exam without forfeiting your attempt.
Security measures include:
- Identity verification with photo ID
- Continuous video monitoring
- Restricted bathroom breaks
- Prohibited personal items storage
Materials Allowed During the Exam
Very few materials are permitted in the RBT exam testing environment. The testing center provides all necessary items, and you cannot supplement these with personal materials.
Pearson VUE provides a basic calculator if needed for specific questions. You will receive scratch paper for notes during the exam. These materials remain at the testing center and cannot be removed.
You may bring nothing into the testing room except your identification. Personal items like phones, watches, and bags must be stored in provided lockers. Even clothing with text or logos may be restricted.
The exam software includes all necessary information to answer questions. No external references or aids are available or needed to complete the 85 multiple-choice questions within the 90-minute time limit.
RBT Exam Format and Structure
The RBT exam follows a standardized computer-based format with 85 multiple-choice questions completed within 90 minutes. You’ll encounter both scored questions that count toward your final grade and unscored pilot questions used for future test development.
Multiple-Choice Question Design
The RBT exam contains 85 multiple-choice questions, with 75 questions counting toward your score and 10 unscored pilot questions. Each question provides four answer choices for you to select from.
You won’t know which questions are scored versus unscored during the exam. This means you should treat every question with equal importance and effort.
The questions test your knowledge across six content areas based on the RBT Task List. These areas include measurement, assessment, skill acquisition, behavior reduction, documentation and reporting, and professional conduct.
Question distribution breaks down as follows:
- Skill Acquisition: 24 questions (32%)
- Measurement: 12 questions (16%)
- Behavior Reduction: 12 questions (16%)
- Professional Conduct: 11 questions (15%)
- Documentation and Reporting: 10 questions (13%)
- Assessment: 6 questions (8%)
Most questions are scenario-based, requiring you to apply behavior analysis concepts to real-world situations. You’ll also encounter concept-based questions testing terminology and critical thinking questions involving data interpretation.
Exam Length and Timing
You have exactly 90 minutes to complete all 85 questions on the RBT exam. This gives you approximately one minute per question to read, analyze, and select your answer.
The exam is administered through Pearson VUE testing centers or online with remote proctoring. You must schedule your exam appointment through Pearson VUE after meeting all eligibility requirements with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
Time management becomes critical during the exam. You should move through questions at a steady pace and mark difficult questions to return to later if time permits.
The computer-based format allows you to navigate between questions and change answers before submitting your final exam. No penalty exists for guessing, so you should answer every question even if unsure.
Scoring and Results
You need to achieve approximately 80% accuracy on the scored questions to pass the RBT exam. This translates to answering roughly 60 out of 75 scored questions correctly.
Your results appear immediately after completing the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. Online proctored exams provide results within 24 hours through your candidate account.
The scoring system uses a scaled score ranging from 0 to 250 points. You must earn at least 200 points to achieve RBT certification from the board certified behavior analyst certification board.
If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam up to eight times within a 12-month period. You must wait seven days between attempts and pay the $45 Pearson VUE scheduling fee each time.
Your performance report identifies specific content areas where you struggled. This feedback helps you focus your study efforts for retake attempts.
Content Areas Covered on the RBT Exam
The RBT exam tests your knowledge across three main content areas based on the RBT Task List. These areas include data collection methods, client preference evaluation, and teaching procedures that form the foundation of applied behavior analysis practice.
Measurement
Measurement questions make up 16% of the RBT exam with approximately 12 questions. This section tests your ability to collect and record behavioral data accurately.
You need to understand different measurement procedures used in applied behavior analysis. Frequency recording counts how many times a behavior happens. Duration measurement tracks how long a behavior lasts. Latency measurement records the time between a signal and when the behavior starts.
The exam covers inter-response time which measures gaps between behaviors. You must know event recording for discrete behaviors and time sampling methods for continuous observation.
Data collection tools are important topics. You should understand how to use data sheets, timers, and counting devices. Questions test your knowledge of when to use each measurement type.
The RBT Task List includes competencies for taking accurate data during sessions. You need to know how to measure behavior without interfering with teaching or treatment.
Assessment
Assessment questions represent 8% of the exam with about 6 questions. This area focuses on evaluating client preferences and identifying their specific needs.
Preference assessments are key topics you must master. These include paired choice assessments where clients choose between two items. Multiple stimulus assessments present several options at once.
You need to understand reinforcer assessments that test which items motivate clients. Free operant assessments let clients access preferred items freely to see what they choose most.
The exam tests your knowledge of skill assessments that identify what clients can already do. These help create appropriate teaching goals and starting points for instruction.
Data collection during assessments is crucial. You must know how to record client responses accurately and objectively. Questions cover proper documentation methods and reporting procedures.
Assessment competencies from the RBT Task List include conducting preference evaluations under supervision. You should understand how assessment results guide treatment planning.
Skill Acquisition
Skill acquisition represents the largest section with 32% of exam questions or about 24 questions. This area covers teaching procedures and methods for helping clients learn new skills.
Prompting strategies are essential topics. Physical prompts provide hands-on guidance. Verbal prompts use spoken instructions. Visual prompts include pictures or demonstrations. Prompt fading gradually reduces assistance as clients become independent.
Reinforcement procedures strengthen desired behaviors. You need to understand positive reinforcement that adds something good after behavior. Token systems use points or symbols that clients exchange for preferred items.
The exam covers discrete trial training which breaks skills into small steps. Each trial includes instruction, client response, and consequence. Natural environment teaching uses everyday situations for learning opportunities.
Shaping procedures reward small improvements toward target behaviors. Chaining methods teach multi-step tasks by connecting individual skills together.
Applied behavior analysis principles guide all skill acquisition methods. You must understand how to implement teaching procedures exactly as written in behavior plans.
Behavior Reduction and Documentation Requirements
The RBT exam tests your knowledge of behavior reduction strategies and your ability to document and report information accurately. Both areas are critical parts of the BACB requirements and appear throughout the RBT Task List.
Behavior Reduction Techniques
You need to understand various behavior reduction methods for the RBT exam. These techniques help decrease problem behaviors while teaching appropriate alternatives.
Antecedent-based strategies prevent problems before they happen. You might change the environment, provide clear instructions, or offer choices to reduce challenging behaviors.
Consequence-based procedures address behaviors after they occur. These include extinction, differential reinforcement, and timeout procedures.
Differential reinforcement is especially important to know. This means you reinforce appropriate behaviors while withholding reinforcement for problem behaviors. Types include DRA (alternative behavior), DRO (other behavior), and DRI (incompatible behavior).
Extinction procedures involve removing the reinforcement that maintains a problem behavior. You must understand that extinction can cause temporary increases in behavior before it decreases.
Crisis procedures are used when safety becomes a concern. You need to know when to implement these procedures and how to follow your supervision guidelines.
Documentation and Reporting Expectations
Accurate documentation is a core professional responsibility that the BACB requires from all RBTs. Your documentation must be timely, objective, and complete.
Data collection requirements include recording behavior frequency, duration, and intensity. You must know how to measure behaviors consistently and accurately.
Session notes should describe what happened during each session. Include the client’s response to interventions, any changes in behavior, and environmental factors that might have influenced performance.
Incident reporting is required when unusual events occur. This includes aggressive behavior, injuries, or significant changes in the client’s condition. You must report these events to your supervisor immediately.
Professional communication standards apply to all written reports. Use objective language, avoid personal opinions, and focus on observable behaviors rather than interpretations.
Confidentiality rules govern how you handle and share client information. Only discuss cases with authorized team members and follow HIPAA guidelines at all times.
Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice
Professional conduct governs how RBTs must behave during certification exams and in practice. Your scope of practice defines the specific activities you can perform as a certified behavior technician.
Ethical Guidelines on Exam Conduct
Exam integrity is strictly enforced by the BACB for all RBT certification tests. You must follow specific conduct rules during your exam.
The exam is not open book. You cannot use any reference materials, notes, or outside resources during testing. This includes textbooks, study guides, or electronic devices.
Prohibited behaviors during the exam include:
- Using phones, tablets, or computers for reference
- Taking screenshots or photos of exam questions
- Sharing exam content with others
- Looking up answers online
- Having another person help you
You must complete the exam independently. Any violation of these rules can result in your exam being invalidated.
The BACB monitors exam sessions electronically. Suspicious behavior triggers automatic reviews of your test session.
Cheating consequences are severe. You may be banned from retaking the exam for months or years. Your certification application could be permanently denied.
RBT Roles and Responsibilities
Your scope of practice as a Registered Behavior Technician has clear boundaries. You work under direct supervision of a BCBA or BCaBA.
Core RBT responsibilities include:
- Implementing behavior intervention plans
- Collecting data on client progress
- Teaching skills using approved programs
- Following treatment protocols exactly as written
You cannot make treatment decisions independently. Only BCBAs and BCaBAs can modify intervention plans or make clinical recommendations.
Supervision requirements are mandatory. You need at least 5% of your monthly work hours supervised. This includes face-to-face meetings twice per month minimum.
You must maintain professional boundaries with clients and families. Dual relationships are prohibited while you provide services.
Communication limits apply to your role. Direct clinical questions from families to your BCBA supervisor. You can share basic updates but cannot provide clinical advice or modify treatments.
RBT Exam Preparation Tips
Success on the RBT certification exam requires focused study materials, proven test prep strategies, and regular practice testing. The 85-question computer-based exam demands 80% accuracy across five core areas of behavior-analytic services.
Recommended Study Materials
Your 40-hour training program serves as the foundation for all RBT exam content. This training covers every concept and principle you need for certification.
Official Resources:
- BACB Behavior Technician Task List (2nd Edition)
- Official BACB practice exams
- Applied Behavior Analysis textbooks by Cooper
Commercial Study Guides:
- Registered Behavior Technician Exam Preparation Guide
- RBT study guide materials with practice questions
- Online learning platforms like Relias Learning
Choose materials that cover all five exam domains. Look for resources with detailed explanations of Applied Behavior Analysis principles. Your study materials should include measurement techniques, behavior reduction strategies, and professional conduct guidelines.
Avoid relying on free online summaries. Invest in comprehensive RBT study guide materials that provide accurate, up-to-date information aligned with current certification standards.
Test Prep Strategies
Create a structured study schedule that allocates time across all exam domains. Focus on measurement (20%), behavior reduction (25%), and skill acquisition (25%) as these represent 70% of exam content.
Use active recall techniques instead of passive reading. Test yourself regularly with flashcards and self-quizzes. Create concept maps to visualize relationships between ABA principles.
Effective Study Methods:
- Spaced repetition over 6-8 weeks
- Group study sessions for complex topics
- Mnemonic devices for terminology
- Real-world application exercises
Break study sessions into 45-60 minute blocks with short breaks. This prevents mental fatigue and improves information retention.
Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorization. The exam tests your ability to apply behavior-analytic principles in practical situations.
Taking Practice Exams
Practice exams reveal knowledge gaps and build test-taking confidence. Take your first practice test early to establish a baseline score.
Schedule practice exams under timed conditions. The real RBT certification exam allows 2 hours for 85 questions. This gives you approximately 1.4 minutes per question.
Practice Test Strategy:
- Take initial diagnostic test
- Study weak areas identified
- Retake practice exams weekly
- Track score improvements
Use practice exams that mirror the actual test format. Computer-based practice tests prepare you for the digital interface you’ll encounter on exam day.
Review both correct and incorrect answers. Understanding why wrong answers are incorrect strengthens your grasp of ABA concepts and ethical standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
The RBT exam has strict policies about materials and resources during testing. You cannot bring any outside materials or access reference texts while taking the exam.
What are the allowed materials during the RBT examination?
You cannot bring any personal materials into the RBT testing room. The testing center provides all necessary items for the exam.
You will receive a dry erase board and marker for calculations or notes. These materials must stay at the testing center when you finish.
No personal calculators, phones, or electronic devices are permitted. The computer-based exam includes any tools you need to answer questions.
Are there any reference texts permitted while taking the RBT test?
No reference texts are allowed during the RBT exam. You cannot access textbooks, manuals, or any printed materials.
The exam tests your knowledge without outside help. You must rely on what you learned during your training program.
All questions are designed to be answered using your training knowledge. No additional reference materials are needed or provided.
What is the policy on using study aids during the RBT exam?
Study aids are completely prohibited during the RBT examination. You cannot use flashcards, notes, or any learning materials.
The testing center has strict security measures. They check for unauthorized materials before you enter the testing room.
Bringing study aids can result in exam cancellation. Your certification application may also be affected by policy violations.
Can examinees consult any notes or manuals during the RBT certification test?
You cannot consult personal notes or manuals during the RBT test. All written materials must be left outside the testing area.
The exam is closed-book in all aspects. This includes handwritten notes from your training program.
Testing centers use security cameras and proctors. They monitor for any attempts to access unauthorized materials.
Is it possible to use any educational resources while sitting for the RBT exam?
No educational resources are available during the RBT exam. You cannot access online materials or digital resources.
The testing computer only allows access to the exam questions. Internet browsing and external programs are blocked.
Educational apps on phones or tablets are also prohibited. All personal electronic devices must be secured before testing.
What types of support materials, if any, are candidates allowed to access during the RBT examination?
The only support materials are those provided by the testing center. This includes the dry erase board and marker mentioned earlier.
You cannot bring your own support materials from home. Personal items like pens, pencils, or paper are not allowed.
The exam interface includes basic computer functions like highlighting text. These built-in features are the only tools available during testing.