If you’re getting ready for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) exam, one of the most effective ways to study is by practicing with realistic questions. This exam, managed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), checks your understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), covering topics like skill acquisition, behavior reduction, data collection, and ethics in the field.
This practice test features 20 multiple-choice questions aligned with the RBT Task List (2nd Edition). Each question comes with detailed explanations to help you learn and get the most out of your study time. It’s a great way to prepare and boost your confidence as you approach test day.
Let’s take a look at the mock exam.
✅ RBT Exam Structure Overview
Before you begin the practice questions, it’s helpful to understand how the actual exam works.
- Total Questions: 85 (75 scored, 10 unscored)
- Format: Multiple-choice, scenario-based
- Time Limit: 90 minutes
- Domains Covered:
- Measurement
- Assessment
- Skill Acquisition
- Behavior Reduction
- Documentation and Reporting
- Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice
This practice test will reflect all domains, helping you prepare comprehensively.
🧠 RBT Practice Questions and Answers
Question 1: Measurement
Q1. 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
Answer: B. Frequency recording
Explanation: Frequency recording is a continuous measurement because it involves counting each occurrence of a behavior. Time sampling methods are discontinuous.
Question 2: Assessment
Q2. During a preference assessment, which procedure involves offering two items at a time?
A. Free operant
B. Multiple stimulus without replacement (MSWO)
C. Paired choice
D. Single stimulus
Answer: C. Paired choice
Explanation: Paired choice assessments involve presenting two items and recording which the individual selects. It helps identify relative preferences.
Question 3: Skill Acquisition
Q3. When teaching a child to brush their teeth using task analysis, what method is used when the technician completes all steps except the last one?
A. Forward chaining
B. Total task
C. Backward chaining
D. Prompt fading
Answer: C. Backward chaining
Explanation: In backward chaining, the last step is taught first, and earlier steps are gradually introduced as the learner becomes more independent.
Question 4: Behavior Reduction
Q4. A client begins yelling during a math task. The technician removes the worksheet. What is the likely function of the behavior?
A. Attention
B. Tangible
C. Sensory
D. Escape
Answer: D. Escape
Explanation: The behavior (yelling) results in the removal of the task, indicating the function is escape from demands.
Question 5: Documentation
Q5. Which of the following is the best example of objective documentation?
A. “She was mad.”
B. “He was annoying me.”
C. “The client screamed, threw his pencil, and left his seat.”
D. “The session was terrible.”
Answer: C. “The client screamed, threw his pencil, and left his seat.”
Explanation: This describes observable, measurable behavior without interpretation—exactly what’s needed in documentation.
Question 6: Professional Conduct
Q6. An RBT is invited to a client’s birthday party. How should they respond?
A. Accept to maintain rapport
B. Attend briefly without gifts
C. Decline the invitation professionally
D. Ask their supervisor to go in their place
Answer: C. Decline the invitation professionally
Explanation: Attending social events can create a dual relationship. RBTs must maintain professional boundaries.
Question 7: Measurement
Q7. If a technician records how long a tantrum lasts, they are measuring:
A. Frequency
B. Latency
C. Duration
D. Inter-response time
Answer: C. Duration
Explanation: Duration measures how long a behavior occurs from start to finish.
Question 8: Skill Acquisition
Q8. A stimulus that increases the likelihood of a behavior when presented is known as a:
A. Negative reinforcer
B. Discriminative stimulus
C. Punisher
D. Extinction cue
Answer: B. Discriminative stimulus
Explanation: A discriminative stimulus (SD) signals that reinforcement is available for a specific behavior.
Question 9: Assessment
Q9. What type of assessment uses interviews, questionnaires, and record reviews to gather information?
A. Functional analysis
B. Indirect assessment
C. Descriptive assessment
D. Preference assessment
Answer: B. Indirect assessment
Explanation: Indirect assessments gather data without direct observation and include tools like interviews or surveys.
Question 10: Behavior Reduction
Q10. Extinction occurs when:
A. You remove all prompts
B. A behavior is no longer reinforced
C. You punish a behavior
D. Reinforcement is delayed
Answer: B. A behavior is no longer reinforced
Explanation: Extinction involves withholding the reinforcement that previously maintained the behavior.
Question 11: Measurement
Q11. What is latency in behavior measurement?
A. Time between two behaviors
B. Time from instruction to response
C. Time behavior occurs
D. Number of behaviors in a period
Answer: B. Time from instruction to response
Explanation: Latency measures the time it takes for a behavior to start after a stimulus is presented.
Question 12: Skill Acquisition
Q12. A prompt that’s gradually removed over time is called:
A. Discrimination training
B. Prompt fading
C. Shaping
D. Backward chaining
Answer: B. Prompt fading
Explanation: Prompt fading reduces assistance gradually to promote independent responses.
Question 13: Behavior Reduction
Q13. A DRO procedure reinforces:
A. Any inappropriate behavior
B. The absence of a target behavior
C. Punishment strategies
D. The most frequent behavior
Answer: B. The absence of a target behavior
Explanation: DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior) provides reinforcement when the target behavior does not occur.
Question 14: Professional Conduct
Q14. If an RBT notices a safety hazard in the client’s home, they should:
A. Ignore it
B. Report it to their supervisor
C. Fix it themselves
D. Leave immediately
Answer: B. Report it to their supervisor
Explanation: RBTs should report safety concerns through proper channels and not take independent action.
Question 15: Assessment
Q15. What is the purpose of a functional analysis?
A. To identify preferred items
B. To measure skills
C. To test consequences to find behavior function
D. To track skill acquisition
Answer: C. To test consequences to find behavior function
Explanation: A functional analysis manipulates antecedents and consequences to identify what maintains a behavior.
Question 16: Documentation
Q16. After each session, RBTs are required to:
A. Call the client’s family
B. Submit a daily behavior chart
C. Complete session notes
D. Record test scores
Answer: C. Complete session notes
Explanation: Proper session notes are essential for tracking progress and maintaining ethical documentation.
Question 17: Skill Acquisition
Q17. What does generalization refer to in skill training?
A. Using punishment across settings
B. Behavior occurring in new environments
C. Testing with different staff
D. Avoiding error correction
Answer: B. Behavior occurring in new environments
Explanation: Generalization means the learner uses a skill in different settings, people, or materials beyond the teaching context.
Question 18: Behavior Reduction
Q18. Which is an example of automatic reinforcement?
A. Getting candy for finishing homework
B. Watching TV after cleaning
C. Scratching an itch
D. Asking for help
Answer: C. Scratching an itch
Explanation: Automatic reinforcement is when behavior is reinforced by sensory consequences, not socially mediated.
Question 19: Measurement
Q19. The time between two instances of the same behavior is called:
A. Frequency
B. Latency
C. Duration
D. Inter-response time (IRT)
Answer: D. Inter-response time (IRT)
Explanation: IRT measures the time between the end of one response and the beginning of another.
Question 20: Professional Conduct
Q20. Which behavior violates the RBT Ethics Code?
A. Requesting supervision
B. Texting a client about personal matters
C. Recording data daily
D. Reporting abuse
Answer: B. Texting a client about personal matters
Explanation: Personal communication with clients outside of session can violate boundaries and create dual relationships.
📊 Scoring and Evaluation
Each correct answer = 1 point.
Total your score out of 20.
- 18–20: Excellent – you’re ready for the exam
- 15–17: Good – a few areas need review
- 12–14: Fair – reinforce weak domains
- Below 12: Needs Improvement – revisit the Task List and study guides
🔁 How to Use This Practice Test for Exam Prep
- Review explanations after each question
- Identify weak domains (Measurement, Assessment, etc.)
- Use flashcards to reinforce missed topics
- Schedule full-length timed mock exams weekly
- Discuss confusing questions with your BCBA supervisor
📚 Continue Your RBT Exam Preparation
Here are additional resources to help you study:
Final Thoughts
Practicing with RBT test questions is a great way to get ready for the exam. These 20 questions are designed to mirror what you’ll actually face, both in difficulty and content. The explanations for the answers help clarify concepts and highlight which areas you might need to review.
Combining practice exams with flashcards and practical learning will really boost your confidence as you prepare to pass the RBT exam and start your journey in Applied Behavior Analysis.
