If you’re preparing for the RBT exam, you’re probably wondering how many questions you can get wrong and still pass. You can miss approximately 13 to 15 questions out of the 75 scored items on the RBT exam and still achieve a passing score.
The exam uses a scaled scoring system that requires about 80% accuracy for success. This means you need to answer at least 60 questions correctly out of the 75 that count toward your final score.
Understanding the exam structure, scoring methods, and effective preparation strategies will help you approach test day with confidence and maximize your chances of passing on your first attempt.
How Many Questions Can I Miss on the RBT Exam?
You can miss up to 13-15 questions out of the 75 scored items and still pass the RBT exam. The exact number varies based on the scaled scoring system used by the BACB.
Number of Scored Questions Required to Pass
The RBT exam contains 85 total questions, but only 75 count toward your final score. The remaining 10 are pilot questions that don’t affect your result.
You need to answer approximately 60-62 questions correctly out of the 75 scored items to pass. This translates to about 80% accuracy on the scored questions.
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board uses a scaled score of 200 out of 250 as the passing threshold. Your raw score gets converted to this scaled score based on the difficulty of your specific exam version.
Key Numbers:
- Total questions: 85
- Scored questions: 75
- Pilot questions: 10
- Questions you can miss: 13-15
- Required correct answers: 60-62
Impact of Incorrect Answers on Your Result
Each incorrect answer on the 75 scored questions reduces your chances of reaching the passing scaled score of 200. However, the impact isn’t always equal due to the scaling system.
The BACB uses the modified Angoff method to set passing scores. This means harder exam versions may allow slightly more wrong answers while easier versions require higher accuracy.
You won’t know which 10 questions are pilot questions during the exam. This means you should treat all 85 questions as if they count toward your score.
Missing too many questions in specific content areas can also affect your performance report. The Registered Behavior Technician exam covers six major areas from the RBT Task List.
Typical Passing Rates and What They Mean
The RBT exam has varying pass rates, though the BACB doesn’t publish exact statistics. Most candidates who properly prepare using the RBT handbook and task list materials tend to pass on their first attempt.
Your preparation quality matters more than pass rates. Candidates who study all content areas thoroughly typically score well above the minimum passing threshold.
If you don’t pass initially, you can retake the exam after reviewing your score report. This report shows your performance in each content area, helping you focus your study efforts.
The 90-minute time limit gives you roughly one minute per question. Managing your time well helps ensure you can attempt all questions rather than leaving any blank.
Structure of the RBT Exam
The RBT exam has 85 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit, where only 75 questions count toward your score. The test covers six main areas from the RBT Task List to measure your knowledge of applied behavior analysis.
Total Questions and Timing
The RBT exam contains 85 multiple-choice questions that you must complete in 90 minutes. This gives you just over one minute per question.
You will take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. The computer-based format presents one question at a time on your screen.
The 90-minute time limit includes all exam activities. This covers reading instructions, answering questions, and reviewing your responses.
Most test-takers find the time limit reasonable. You can move between questions and change your answers before submitting the exam.
The timing works out to about 64 seconds per question. This allows enough time to read each question carefully and select your best answer.
Scored Versus Unscored Pilot Questions
Only 75 of the 85 questions on your RBT exam count toward your final score. The remaining 10 questions are unscored pilot questions.
These pilot questions look identical to scored questions. You cannot tell which questions are scored and which are unscored during the exam.
The unscored pilot questions help test developers evaluate new questions for future exams. Your answers on these questions do not affect whether you pass or fail.
Since you cannot identify pilot questions, you must treat every question as if it counts toward your score. Skipping questions because you think they might be pilot questions is a risky strategy.
The 75 scored questions determine your scaled score. You need to answer about 60 of these 75 questions correctly to pass the exam.
Core Domains from the RBT Task List
The RBT exam questions come from six main areas of the RBT Task List (2nd Edition). Each domain covers specific skills you need as a behavior technician.
The six domains include:
- Measurement – Data collection and recording procedures
- Assessment – Preference and skill assessments
- Skill Acquisition – Teaching new behaviors and skills
- Behavior Reduction – Managing problem behaviors
- Documentation and Reporting – Record keeping and communication
- Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice – Ethics and boundaries
Each RBT exam questions tests your knowledge of these core competencies. The questions focus on practical scenarios you might encounter working with clients.
The exam emphasizes real-world application over memorizing definitions. You will see questions about implementing behavior plans and collecting data accurately.
Scoring Methods and Passing Scores
The RBT exam uses a complex scoring system that goes beyond simple percentages. The BACB employs scaled scoring and the modified Angoff method to ensure fair assessment across different exam versions.
Scaled Scoring Explained
Scaled scoring adjusts your raw score based on the difficulty of your specific exam version. This means two people could answer the same number of questions correctly but receive different scaled scores.
The BACB uses a scale from 0 to 250 points. You need to score 200 out of 250 to pass the exam.
Your scaled score accounts for variations between different test forms. Some versions might have harder questions than others. The scaling process makes sure all test-takers face the same level of difficulty.
This system protects you from getting an unusually difficult exam. It also prevents others from getting an unfair advantage with easier questions.
You won’t see your raw score on the results. The BACB only reports your scaled score and whether you passed or failed.
The Modified Angoff Method
The BACB uses the modified Angoff method to set the passing score. This process involves a panel of experts who review each question on the exam.
The panel includes Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts. These experts have different backgrounds and work in various settings.
Each expert estimates how many minimally qualified RBT candidates would answer each question correctly. They consider what knowledge a basic-level technician should have.
The experts review their estimates multiple times. They discuss difficult questions and adjust their predictions. This creates a fair cut-off score for passing.
This method ensures the passing score reflects real-world competency requirements. It’s not based on how well other test-takers perform.
How Pass/Fail Status Is Determined
Your pass/fail status depends on reaching the scaled score of 200 out of 250. This typically means answering about 80% of the scored questions correctly.
The exam has 85 total questions, but only 75 count toward your score. The other 10 are pilot questions that don’t affect your results.
You need to answer roughly 60 out of 75 scored questions correctly to pass. However, the exact number can vary slightly between exam versions due to scaling.
You cannot know which questions are scored during the test. Treat every question as if it counts toward your final score.
The BACB provides a detailed score report after your exam. This shows your performance in different content areas, helping you identify strengths and areas for improvement if you need to retake the test.
Content Areas Evaluated on the Exam
The RBT exam tests your knowledge across six main areas based on the RBT Task List. These areas focus heavily on skill acquisition and behavior reduction techniques, measurement and assessment procedures, and professional standards for documentation and conduct.
Skill Acquisition and Behavior Reduction
Skill Acquisition makes up the largest portion of your exam with 24 questions. This section tests your ability to implement teaching procedures and reinforcement strategies.
You need to know different types of reinforcement schedules. These include continuous reinforcement and intermittent schedules like fixed ratio and variable interval.
The exam covers prompting strategies you use during training. You should understand physical prompts, verbal prompts, and visual cues. Know when to fade prompts to help clients become independent.
Behavior reduction focuses on managing problem behaviors safely and effectively. You must know how to implement behavior intervention plans created by your supervising BCBA.
The exam tests your knowledge of replacement behaviors. You need to understand how to redirect clients toward appropriate actions instead of problem behaviors.
Never use punishment procedures unless specifically trained and supervised. The exam emphasizes positive approaches to behavior change through ABA principles.
Measurement and Assessment Sections
Measurement accounts for 12-16 questions on your exam. This section tests your data collection skills across different recording methods.
You need to know frequency recording for counting specific behaviors. Duration recording measures how long behaviors last. Latency recording tracks time between instruction and response.
Interval recording includes partial interval and whole interval methods. Momentary time sampling checks behavior at specific moments. Practice these methods before your exam.
Assessment covers 6-8 questions about evaluation procedures. You should understand preference assessments that identify what motivates your clients.
Know the difference between formal and informal preference assessments. Free operant methods let clients choose freely. Forced choice assessments compare two items at once.
Skill assessments help identify what clients can already do. You collect baseline data before starting new programs.
Documentation, Reporting, and Professional Conduct
Documentation and reporting requires accurate record keeping of client progress and incidents. You must write objective descriptions without personal opinions or judgments.
Data sheets need complete and timely entries. Never falsify information or leave blanks in client records. Report any concerns to your supervising BCBA immediately.
Session notes should describe what happened during therapy. Include client responses, behaviors observed, and interventions used. Use professional language in all written communication.
Professional conduct covers ethical guidelines and scope of practice boundaries. You work only under BCBA supervision and follow their treatment plans exactly.
Maintain client confidentiality at all times. Never discuss clients with unauthorized people or post about work on social media.
Stay within your training level and never exceed your competencies. Ask supervisors questions when unsure about procedures or protocols.
Exam Preparation Strategies
Getting ready for the RBT exam requires a smart plan and the right tools. Strong study habits, practice tests, and tackling tough topics will boost your chances of passing.
Study Tips and Resources
Start with the RBT Handbook from the BACB. This is your main guide for all exam content. Read through each section carefully.
Break your study time into short sessions. Study for 30-45 minutes, then take a break. This helps you remember more information.
Focus on these key areas:
- Measurement and data collection
- Skill acquisition programs
- Behavior reduction procedures
- Professional conduct
Use multiple study methods. Read the handbook, watch videos, and make flashcards. Mix up your learning style to stay engaged.
Join online study groups or forums. Other students can share tips and answer questions. You can also find helpful study guides and materials.
Set up a study schedule. Plan which topics to cover each day. Stick to your timeline to cover everything before test day.
Using Practice Exams to Gauge Readiness
Take an RBT practice exam at least 2-3 weeks before your test date. This shows you which topics need more work.
Aim for 85% or higher on practice tests. This gives you a safety buffer for the real exam. Remember, you need about 80% to pass.
Time yourself during practice tests. The real exam gives you 90 minutes for 85 questions. Practice working at this pace.
Review every wrong answer carefully. Understand why you missed each question. Look up the correct information in your study materials.
Take multiple practice exams from different sources. This exposes you to various question styles and formats.
Keep track of your scores over time. You should see steady improvement as you study more.
Addressing Common Challenges
Many students struggle with ABA therapy terms and concepts. Make a glossary of important words. Review these terms daily until you know them well.
Data collection questions trip up lots of test-takers. Practice reading graphs and charts. Learn to identify different measurement types.
Ethics and professional conduct can be tricky. Think about real workplace situations. How would you handle difficult scenarios?
Time management is another big challenge. Don’t spend too long on hard questions. Mark them and come back if you have time.
Test anxiety affects many people. Practice deep breathing and stay calm. Get plenty of sleep the night before your exam.
If you’re struggling with specific topics, get extra help. Ask supervisors, take online courses, or find a tutor who knows RBT content.
Important Considerations for RBT Candidates
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board oversees strict standards for registered behavior technicians, and understanding your professional duties within applied behavior analysis settings is crucial for exam success and career development.
Role of the BACB and Certification Process
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) sets all standards for registered behavior technician certification. This board creates the exam content and maintains professional requirements.
You must meet specific training requirements before taking the RBT exam. These include completing a 40-hour training program and passing a competency assessment.
The BACB uses a scaled scoring system for the exam. This means your raw score gets adjusted based on the difficulty of your specific test version.
You need supervision from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst. This supervision must continue throughout your career as an RBT.
Key BACB Requirements:
- Complete 40-hour training program
- Pass competency assessment
- Pass the 85-question exam
- Maintain ongoing supervision
- Complete annual renewal requirements
Responsibilities of RBTs in Applied Behavior Analysis Settings
As an RBT, you work directly with clients under supervision in applied behavior analysis programs. Your main job involves implementing behavior intervention plans created by behavior analysts.
You must collect data accurately during all sessions. This data helps track client progress and guides treatment decisions.
Primary RBT Duties:
- Implement treatment plans
- Collect session data
- Assist with assessments
- Follow ethical guidelines
- Communicate with supervisors
You cannot create treatment plans or make independent decisions about interventions. All your work requires oversight from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst.
Professional conduct standards apply to all interactions with clients and families. The BACB can revoke your certification for ethical violations or misconduct.
Frequently Asked Questions
The RBT exam has 85 total questions with 75 that count toward your score. You can miss about 15 questions and still pass, since you need roughly 80% accuracy on scored items.
What is the passing score for the RBT examination?
The BACB sets a scaled passing score of 200 out of 250 points for the RBT exam. This translates to approximately 80% accuracy on the 75 scored questions.
You need to answer about 60 questions correctly out of the 75 scored items to pass. The exact number may vary slightly due to the scaled scoring system.
How is the scoring for the RBT exam tabulated?
The RBT exam uses a scaled scoring system rather than a simple percentage. The BACB uses the modified Angoff method to determine cut-off scores.
Subject matter experts estimate how well a minimally competent candidate would perform on each question. This creates a benchmark that accounts for variations in exam difficulty across different versions.
Your raw score gets converted to a scaled score between 0 and 250 points. You receive a pass or fail result rather than a specific percentage.
Can you breakdown the RBT exam structure and the allotment of questions per section?
The RBT exam contains 85 multiple-choice questions total. Each question has four answer choices for you to select from.
75 questions count toward your final score. The remaining 10 are unscored pilot questions used to test new items for future exams.
You cannot identify which questions are scored versus unscored during the test. You must answer all 85 questions as if they count toward your result.
The exam covers topics from the RBT Task List created by the BACB. Questions test your knowledge of behavior analysis principles and practical applications.
Are there any penalties for incorrect answers on the RBT exam?
No penalties exist for wrong answers on the RBT exam. You should answer every question even if you need to guess.
Unanswered questions count as incorrect responses. Making an educated guess gives you a better chance than leaving items blank.
The scaled scoring system adjusts for exam difficulty. A wrong answer on a harder question may have less impact than on an easier one.
How many attempts are allowed for the RBT exam, and what happens if I do not pass on the first try?
You can retake the RBT exam if you do not pass on your first attempt. The BACB allows multiple testing opportunities.
You must wait a specific period before retaking the exam. Check the BACB retake policy for current waiting periods and requirements.
Your score report shows performance across different content areas. Use this feedback to focus your study efforts for the next attempt.
What are the best strategies to prepare for the RBT exam to minimize the number of missed questions?
Study the RBT Task List thoroughly since it covers all exam topics. This document serves as your primary study guide.
Practice with realistic sample questions that match the exam format. Focus extra time on areas where you feel less confident.
Manage your time during the 90-minute exam period. Answer questions you know first, then return to difficult ones if time allows.
Use multiple study resources including official BACB materials and reputable third-party guides. Join study groups to discuss challenging concepts with other candidates.