Ultimate RBT Exam Study Guide

What is the RBT Exam?

The RBT exam is the test required of people who want to pursue careers as Registered Behavior Technicians, or RBTs.

This test follows the formal training aspiring RBTs undertake before applying for job openings at mental health facilities, hospitals and other places that treat people with autism and other similar mental health conditions.

The exam tests a person's understanding and skills in treating people with autism and implementing treatment plans that their supervising BCBA designed for patients.

People wanting to take the RBT exam after completing the required training must apply for and pay the required test fee, which is usually around $50 for the initial exam.

They can typically find out within a week whether or not they have passed the exam and can obtain RBT certification. People who do not pass the exam on the first try can take it again. They can retake it up to eight times in a single year to gain certification as an RBT.

Certified RBTs must also renew their certifications by taking another RBT exam a year after they pass the initial test. They are required to take tests yearly for as long as they continue to work as RBTs.

How to Practice for the RBT Exam

You can use a variety of methods to prepare for taking the RBT exam. You should use these tactics during the 40 days of BCBA-supervised training you are required to undergo before you can take the exam and become certified as an RBT.

Some of the tips you can use to prepare for taking the RBT certification exam include:

Making time during your training to study for the test
Getting rid of distractions while you study the test materials
Study all of the test's relevant information, including the BCBA checklist for treating patients
Use resources like flash cards, practice quizzes and online practice tests
Keep up your motivation to study and work toward your goal of passing the exam
Make sure you rest and eat well during your required training and study sessions

The required 40 hours of training prior to taking the test can be challenging and test your determination and competency.

Using these tips during your training can help you study progressively for the test and allow you gain your RBT certification successfully. They may also help you pass the test on the first attempt.

How Long Does It Take to Study for the RBT Exam?

No set amount of time is required to study for the RBT exam. It largely depends on your own effort and what kinds of results you want from your professional training and goals in taking the test.

Many people choose to study from the first day they begin RBT training. They take notes of what skills are required to work in this field and what information they need to remember when taking the exam.

Many people also choose to make full use of the full 40 days of required training, as well as several additional weeks, to study for each topic that the exam will cover. It can be helpful to dedicate an entire week to each topic so you fully understand all of the material it covers and what questions you might encounter on the test. You will also better retain this information for when you actually begin working as an RBT.

You should continue to study for the exam clear up to the day you actually take it. This diligence and dedication to studying better your chances of passing the exam on the first attempt. You may avoid having to retake it several times to pass it and gain certification to work as an RBT.

Can You Retake the RBT Exam?

If you fail the RBT certification exam on your first attempt, you are allowed to take it again. You can take it up to eight times during a 12-month period. After you fail for an eighth attempt, you must wait for the 12-month period to pass before applying to retake the test again.

Even if you fail the exam, you can view it as an opportunity to study harder and learn better the materials you did not succeed in remembering or utilizing correctly. About half of aspiring RBTs fail on their first attempts and need to retake the exam.

You need to learn how to retake the exam if you want to continue to pursue your RBT certification. Once you receive notification of your failure via email or by letter, you should log into your BACB account. You should then fill out and submit the Examination Retake Application.

Within 48 hours, you should receive notification of your ability to retake the test. The notification will remind you of the requirement of waiting at least seven days in between failing the prior test and taking a new one. During the time you wait to take the new test, you can continue to study and prepare yourself to pass it successfully.

What Does the Exam Measure?

The RBT certification exam measures a range of skills and competency levels that all certified RBTs are expected to master before working in this field. The exam itself lasts for 90 minutes. It comprises of 80 multiple choice of which test takers must answer at least 70 correctly.

A third-party administrator also gives the test and secures test takers information. Their information is kept secure and not provided or sold to third parties.

The third party administrator also scores your test, which measures topics like:

Reporting and documentation of patient treatment plans
Scope, practice and conduct while implementing BCBA-designed treatment plans
Reduction of undesirable behaviors in patients and how well you can achieve these results
Skills acquisition and how well you master new skills as an RBT
Assessment capabilities
Measurement of data after patient sessions

The topics scored on the test come from the approved BACB checklist. People who take this exam must complete it online. It is designed to mirror similar tests that are administered in an online format.

The RBT certification test is designed to be rigorous and fully scrutinize how well you are prepared to join this profession. You should study progressively and as thoroughly as possible for these topics while preparing for it.

Understanding Exam Day

Understanding what the actual exam day will be like can help you better prepare for it and also calm your nervousness about taking the test.

On the day of the exam, you are encouraged to get up early and make sure you are fully awake and ready for the testing session. It may even help you to get up earlier than you normally do that day to ensure you avoid oversleeping.

You also will be required to leave all items not related to taking the test outside of the classroom. This means you will not be allowed access to items like:

Your cell phone or tablet
Backpack or briefcase
Books
Food
Beverages

These items must be left outside of the classroom and stored in a locker to ensure your focus remains on the test and that no other test takers are distracted because of them.

Your test will be given on a computer and each question will be randomly presented so no cheating can occur during the test. You are encouraged to read each question carefully but also avoid spending too much time one each one. You will have 90 minutes to complete 80 multiple choice questions on the test.

How the RBT Exam is Scored

After you complete the online exam, it is sent to the third-party administrator to be scored. You may have to wait up to a week to find out whether or not you passed it. Your results will be sent to you in an email or by letter to let you know if you passed it or if you need to take the test again.

Your results will also include details about what parts of the tests you failed or did not perform as well in and what ones you passed. This information allows you to study certain topics more to ensure you can master them if you have to retake the test.

The results of your test will also tell you when and where you can retake the exam if you want. You can log into your BACB portal and find out how to take the test again as well.

If you fail the test on the first try, you should not dwell on it and believe you cannot pass it. About half of first-time test takers fail it on the first attempt. Many go on to pass it on the second try. You can take the test up to eight times in a year to ensure you have the best chances of passing it.