If you’re preparing for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) exam, one of the most common questions you might ask is:
“How many questions can I miss and still pass the RBT exam?”
The good news is, you can miss several questions and still pass—let’s break it down.
RBT Exam Structure
The RBT exam is administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and consists of:
- 85 multiple-choice questions
- 75 scored questions
- 10 unscored pilot questions
- Time Limit: 90 minutes
The 10 pilot questions are scattered throughout the exam and are not counted toward your final score. However, you won’t know which questions are unscored, so it’s important to treat every question seriously.
What Is the Passing Score?
The passing score is not based on a fixed number of correct answers. Instead, the BACB uses a scaled scoring system. According to available data and estimates from training providers and test-takers:
- You need to score approximately 80% or higher on the scored questions to pass.
Since there are 75 scored questions, this means you need to get about:
- 60 correct answers out of 75
- Which allows you to miss up to 15 scored questions
What About the 10 Pilot Questions?
Because the 10 pilot questions are not scored, they do not impact your ability to pass. But since you don’t know which ones they are, it’s important to try your best on all 85 questions.
Summary: How Many Can You Miss?
To simplify:
- Total questions: 85
- Scored questions: 75
- Estimated passing score: 80%
- Minimum correct answers needed: ~60
- Maximum scored questions you can miss: ~15
- Total questions you can miss (if some are pilot): Up to 25 (but only 15 scored)
Tips for Maximizing Your Score
- Don’t skip any questions. There’s no penalty for guessing, so answer every question.
- Pace yourself. You have about 1 minute per question. If stuck, mark it and return later.
- Understand the core concepts. The exam emphasizes application, not just memorization.
- Practice with mock exams to identify weak areas before test day.
Final Thoughts
While it may seem stressful to think about how many questions you can miss, remember: the RBT exam is designed to test your practical knowledge as a behavior technician—not to trick you. If you’ve studied the RBT Task List (2nd Edition), reviewed key ABA terms, and practiced with real scenarios, you’re already on the right path.
So yes, you can miss up to 15 questions and still pass. Focus on doing your best on all 85—and you’ll maximize your chances of success.
