The Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®) credential is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to enter the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). As demand for behavioral health professionals continues to grow, many aspiring RBTs are seeking free practice exams to prepare for the RBT certification exam. If you’re one of them, you’re in the right place.
In this in-depth guide, we will cover everything you need to know about RBT practice exams—where to find them for free, how to use them effectively, and what to expect on the actual exam. Whether you’re just beginning your RBT journey or need extra help to pass the test, this article is your go-to resource.
Table of Contents
- What Is the RBT Certification?
- Why Use RBT Practice Exams?
- What to Expect on the RBT Exam
- Best Free RBT Practice Exam Resources
- Sample Free RBT Practice Questions (With Answers)
- Study Tips to Maximize Practice Exams
- Mistakes to Avoid When Taking RBT Practice Exams
- How to Register for the RBT Exam
- Final Thoughts
1. What Is the RBT Certification?
The Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®) is a paraprofessional certification in behavior analysis. The credential is offered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) and is designed for individuals who implement behavior-analytic services under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA®).
Key Requirements to Become an RBT:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete a 40-hour training program based on the RBT Task List
- Pass a competency assessment
- Successfully complete a criminal background check
- Pass the official RBT exam administered by the BACB
The RBT credential is a great entry point into the ABA field and offers an opportunity to work directly with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
2. Why Use Free RBT Practice Exams?
RBT practice exams help bridge the gap between theoretical training and real-world testing. They allow you to:
- Familiarize yourself with exam format and question styles
- Assess your readiness and knowledge gaps
- Practice time management
- Reduce test anxiety
- Improve your confidence and performance
By incorporating free RBT practice exams into your study routine, you can approach the actual exam with a strategic mindset.
3. What to Expect on the RBT Exam
The RBT exam consists of 85 multiple-choice questions, with only 75 scored. The remaining 10 are unscored pilot questions. You have 90 minutes to complete the exam.
Exam Categories (based on the RBT Task List 2nd Edition):
- Measurement – 12 questions
- Assessment – 6 questions
- Skill Acquisition – 24 questions
- Behavior Reduction – 12 questions
- Documentation and Reporting – 10 questions
- Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice – 11 questions
The exam is administered through Pearson VUE at testing centers or online via remote proctoring.
4. Best Free RBT Practice Exam Resources
Here are some high-quality, free RBT practice exam resources to kick-start your preparation:
1. Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
- Official RBT Practice Exam available for download (PDF)
- Offers insight into question structure and format
- https://www.bacb.com
2. RBT Practice Test Free
- Free mini-quizzes and mock exam questions
- Great for reviewing task list items
- https://rbtpracticetest.co
3. ABA Rocks
- Offers a free RBT mock exam with 75+ questions
- Immediate feedback with answer explanations
- https://www.aba.rocks
4. StudyABA.com
- Free downloadable practice questions and worksheets
- Organized by task list category
- https://www.studyaba.com
5. YouTube Channels
- Channels like “ABA Made Easy” and “Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers” provide practice questions with explanations and study tips
6. Quizlet
- Flashcard sets and user-generated RBT practice quizzes
- Great for on-the-go review
5. Sample Free RBT Practice Questions (With Answers)
Here are 10 practice questions modeled after the RBT exam format:
1. Which of the following is an example of continuous measurement?
A. Whole interval recording
B. Frequency recording
C. Momentary time sampling
D. Partial interval recording
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Frequency recording is a continuous measurement that tracks how many times a behavior occurs.
2. A child receives a token every time they complete a task. This is an example of:
A. Punishment
B. Negative reinforcement
C. Positive reinforcement
D. Extinction
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Giving a token increases the likelihood of the behavior, which is positive reinforcement.
3. What should an RBT do if they suspect abuse?
A. Wait for the BCBA to take action
B. Inform the parents
C. Report it to the appropriate authorities
D. Ignore unless they have evidence
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: RBTs are mandated reporters and must report suspected abuse.
4. Which of the following is an example of permanent product recording?
A. Watching a child and noting every tantrum
B. Measuring how many math problems were completed
C. Timing how long a tantrum lasts
D. Recording behaviors during a 10-minute interval
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Permanent product recording measures the result of behavior (e.g., completed worksheets).
5. Which is NOT a principle of behavior analysis?
A. Reinforcement
B. Extinction
C. Diagnosis
D. Punishment
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Diagnosis is a medical concept, not part of behavior analytic principles.
6. An RBT should collect data:
A. Occasionally
B. Before and after each session
C. Continuously throughout the session
D. Only when the client is misbehaving
Correct Answer: C
7. When a behavior is no longer reinforced and gradually decreases, this is called:
A. Reinforcement
B. Shaping
C. Extinction
D. Generalization
Correct Answer: C
8. A written description of the steps involved in a specific skill is a:
A. Baseline
B. Behavior plan
C. Task analysis
D. Data sheet
Correct Answer: C
9. Who is responsible for designing RBT client programs?
A. RBT
B. Teacher
C. Parent
D. BCBA
Correct Answer: D
10. Which of the following is a response prompt?
A. Picture schedule
B. Gesture
C. Token board
D. Timer
Correct Answer: B
6. Study Tips to Maximize Practice Exams
Here are proven strategies to help you make the most of free RBT practice exams:
✔ Simulate Real Test Conditions
Time yourself to finish in 90 minutes without distractions. This will help with time management.
✔ Review Explanations
Don’t just mark correct or incorrect answers—read the explanation to understand the “why.”
✔ Focus on Weak Areas
Use practice exams to identify the task list areas where you struggle most.
✔ Mix Up Questions
Avoid memorizing answers. Instead, mix question orders and use different sources.
✔ Take Frequent Breaks
Study in focused blocks (e.g., 25 minutes) followed by short breaks. This improves retention.
7. Mistakes to Avoid When Taking RBT Practice Exams
❌ Relying on Just One Resource
Use a variety of tools—mock exams, flashcards, videos, and guides.
❌ Skipping the Task List
The BACB’s official RBT Task List (2nd Edition) is your blueprint. Understand each item.
❌ Ignoring Ethics and Conduct
Nearly 13% of the exam covers professional conduct—don’t skip this!
❌ Not Reviewing the Rationale
Learning from your mistakes is key. Go back and analyze each incorrect answer.
❌ Waiting Until the Last Minute
Give yourself at least 2–3 weeks to take multiple practice exams and revise properly.
8. How to Register for the RBT Exam
Once you’ve completed your training and passed your competency assessment, here’s how to register:
- Create a BACB account on https://www.bacb.com
- Upload your 40-hour training certificate and assessment verification
- Submit an RBT application and pay the $50 application fee
- Once approved, schedule your exam with Pearson VUE
- Pay the $45 exam fee and choose your test date/location
Make sure your supervising BCBA is aware and listed in your application.
9. Final Thoughts
Passing the RBT exam is a crucial step toward a meaningful and impactful career in ABA therapy. With the right preparation—especially by taking free RBT practice exams—you can build the confidence and competence you need to succeed.
These practice tools aren’t just about memorization—they’re about understanding how behavior analysis principles apply in real-world settings. Whether you’re practicing data collection methods, understanding reinforcement types, or preparing to uphold professional conduct, mock exams give you the experience you need before the real thing.
So, take advantage of the free resources, set up a smart study plan, and go into the test knowing you’re ready.