A passing score on the RBT test is required for accreditation as a registered behaviour technician (RBT). You may repeat the test as many times as you like, but each one-year permission term only allows you to make eight tries.
How to Become an RBT
Becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) involves several steps and requirements. First, you must complete the required education and training. This typically involves completing a 40-hour RBT training course that covers the principles and techniques of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Once the training is complete, you need to pass the RBT competency assessment, which evaluates your knowledge and skills in implementing ABA interventions ethically and effectively.
After passing the competency assessment, you can apply for the RBT certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). The application process includes submitting the necessary documentation, such as proof of training completion and supervisor attestation forms. You will also need to undergo a criminal background check.
Once your application is approved, you will receive your RBT certification from the BACB. As an RBT, you will work under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) to provide behavior analysis services to individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities.
It’s important to note that maintaining RBT certification requires ongoing professional development and adherence to the BACB’s ethics code. This may include completing continuing education requirements and adhering to supervision and ethical guidelines.
Overall, the process of becoming an RBT involves completing the necessary training, passing the competency assessment, and obtaining certification through the BACB. It is a rewarding and valuable credential for individuals interested in working in the field of behaviour analysis and supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Some individuals continue their education and obtain their BCaBA or BCBA certification.
What is the RBT Exam?
The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) exam is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate the knowledge and competency of individuals seeking certification as an RBT. The RBT exam is based on the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) task list, which outlines the skills and competencies required for effective behaviour analysis practice. This exam assesses an individual’s understanding of fundamental behaviour analytic principles, ethical considerations, and practical applications of behaviour analysis techniques. Successful completion of the RBT exam is an important step towards becoming a certified RBT and working under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to provide behaviour intervention services to individuals with autism and related developmental disabilities.
Obtaining a passing score on the RBT Exam
The RBT exam is scored using a computerized system based on multiple choice questions that calculates the number of correct answers out of the total number of questions. Each question is worth one point. To pass the exam, you must score at least 80%.
The majority of those who are eligible to take the RBT test pass on their first attempt. The BACB’s historical RBT test statistics reveal that between 2016 and 2020, 84 percent to 88 percent of students who took the exam passed on their first attempt.
However, don’t be worried. You still have choices if you do not pass the test on your first attempt.
Is it possible to retake the exam?
Because all BACB tests are delivered through computer-based testing, you will get your exam results as soon as you finish. This is very relieving as previously, we would need to wait a few months to receive our test scores in the mail! You have the option to repeat the test if you do not pass the first time.
To pass the test, you may retake it as many times as you need to. Within the one-year period that you are allowed to take the test, you are allowed eight tries. If you fail the test after eight attempts but still have time remaining on your 12-month authorization period, you must wait until the year is over before applying for certification again.
The following are the RBT exam retake procedures:
- An Examination Retake Application will be accessible in your online BACB account after 48 hours of failing the test.
- You will obtain a new examination permit within 48 hours after completing the Examination Retake Application online.
- Between test attempts, you must wait at least one week.
You do not have to pay an extra cost to retake the test right now. You will have to pay to reapply for RBT certification if your 12-month exam authorization term ends before you pass the test.
How to Improve Your RBT Exam Preparation
To be properly prepared for the RBT test, you must have a thorough comprehension of all of the RBT Task List’s components (2nd edition). The BACB provides the task list as a foundation for RBT training and the test. The BACB suggests studying both the RBT Task List and all materials offered during your necessary 40-hour training to prepare for the test.
Here are a few pointers to help you get the most out of your studies:
- Begin studying as soon as possible. You don’t need to put aside a lot of time, start off by reading a few pages.
- Revise your course notes so they are easy to refer to. Try colour coding!
- Organize your routine and slot in certain times to study.
- To prevent being fatigued, take pauses when studying.
- To improve comprehension and memory, rewrite course notes in your own words. Apply acronyms that makes sense to you.
- Make a list of practice questions to put your knowledge to the test. You can use flashcards.
- Before studying broad topics that involve terminology you don’t understand, define any terms you don’t understand.
- Rather of attempting to learn everything at once, focus on one item of knowledge at a time.
- Set study objectives for how much you’ll get done in each study session and how often you’ll study.
- Assemble a study group.
- Examine old papers, examinations, and practice tests.
In addition to the aforementioned study abilities, knowing what style of learner you are, such as visual, auditory, or interactive, is critical. Create diagrams and illustrations if you prefer visuals, or listen to audio recordings if you prefer aural learning. I am personally a visual learner but my colleague that was my study partner back in the day was an auditory learner.
If you’re not sure what sort of learner you are, experiment with several learning styles to find which one works best for you. A mix of learning methods is often the most successful.
Resources for RBT Exam Preparation
There are various tools available online to assist you prepare for the test in addition to the content you learned in your RBT training session. To assist you learn the RBT Task List, several websites provide free practice tests, flashcards, video lectures, and glossaries.
Here is a selection of helpful Resources for RBT Exam Preparation:
- The RBT Handbook
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) official RBT Handbook is a good place to start for future RBTs. It covers how to obtain and maintain the RBT certification, including information on taking the exam. You won’t want to miss out on anything as you prepare for your exam. - ABA.Rocks: A Behavior Analysis Blog
This blog is a great resource for ABA therapists interested in learning more about behaviour analysis while studying for the RBT exam. It is a popular resource for test preparation, as they offer many free practice quizzes. Other benefits include vocabulary-building exercises and timed fluency tests which are important as the RBT exam is timed. - Study Notes ABA
Prefer on-the-go studying? The StudyNotes ABA app is great for those moments when you may not have the time or means to for a full-fledged cram session. Centered around the RBT Task List, there are over 2500 fluency, application, and scenario questions organized by each task list item (yes, all 163) or randomized for a quick review session. - CABAcast’s RBT® Exam Prep Series podcast
Another on-the-go studying option. Join Dr. Taylor, CABA, and her colleagues as they dive into a variety of topics related to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, in hopes of increasing the independence and quality of life of all of her listeners.
For the RBT test, there is a wide range of free and paid study resources accessible online. Exploring the many sorts of materials available and which ones best suit your study requirements can aid you in passing the RBT test.
FAQ
How many times can you take the RBT?
You can take the RBT exam for up to 8 times per 12 month year. After that you will need to reapply your application.
How many can you miss on the RBT exam?
To pass the RBT competency assessment, you must score at least an 80% on the exam. There are 85 multiple choice questions. Therefore, if you get all 68 questions correct, you can miss no more than 17 questions.
Do you have to take the RBT exam?
Yes, if you want to be a certified RBT, you will need to take the RBT exam and pass with at least 80%.
How long does it take to complete RBT?
There is a 40-hour training program that covers the RBT task list, the relevant ethical code elements and an overview of BCBA, BCABA and RBT roles. For the RBT exam, you have 90 minutes to complete the 85 questions on the RBT exam.
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Janice is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Special Education. She also holds a Master of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) from Queen’s University, Belfast. She has worked with and case managed children and youth with autism and other intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in home and residential setting since 2013.
