Introduction
If you’re getting ready to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), one of the best resources you can use is the RBT Practice Exam. This isn’t just any old quiz; it closely resembles the actual RBT certification exam created by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Taking the RBT Practice Exam allows you to get comfortable with how the test is structured, check your understanding of the material in the RBT Task List (2nd edition), and see where you might need to focus your studies. Practicing in conditions similar to the real exam can really boost your chances of passing on your first try.
In this guide, you’ll find 10 well-crafted practice questions for the RBT Practice Exam that hit important topics like Measurement, Assessment, Skill Acquisition, Behavior Reduction, Documentation, and Professional Conduct, each with detailed explanations to help you grasp the concepts better.
Top 10 RBT Practice Exam Questions with Answers and Explanations
Question 1: Measurement
Which of the following is a type of continuous measurement?
A. Partial Interval Recording
B. Momentary Time Sampling
C. Frequency ✅
D. Whole Interval Recording
Correct Answer: C. Frequency
Explanation:
Continuous measurement refers to recording every instance of a behavior during a specified observation period. Frequency counts how many times a behavior occurs and is one of the most common continuous measurement systems used in ABA. It is ideal when the behavior has a clear beginning and end.
In contrast, partial interval recording, whole interval recording, and momentary time sampling are discontinuous measurement methods. They involve observing whether a behavior occurred during specific intervals rather than capturing every occurrence.
Question 2: Assessment
What is the goal of a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)?
A. To reduce tantrums
B. To evaluate language skills
C. To identify the function of a behavior ✅
D. To determine intelligence
Correct Answer: C. To identify the function of a behavior
Explanation:
An FBA is a critical assessment tool in ABA used to uncover the why behind challenging or problematic behaviors. It helps identify the function of behavior—whether it is to gain attention, escape a task, access a tangible item, or fulfill a sensory need.
Understanding the function allows BCBAs and RBTs to develop effective behavior intervention plans (BIPs). The RBT’s role during an FBA is to assist in collecting data, observing behaviors, and reporting findings to the supervising BCBA.
Question 3: Skill Acquisition
Which best describes Discrete Trial Training (DTT)?
A. Open-ended learning
B. Natural environment teaching
C. Structured learning with stimulus, response, consequence ✅
D. Peer-based instruction
Correct Answer: C. Structured learning with stimulus, response, consequence
Explanation:
Discrete Trial Training is a structured method of teaching skills by breaking them down into small, manageable parts. Each trial consists of a clear stimulus or instruction, the child’s response, and a consequence (reinforcement or correction). It is especially effective in teaching foundational skills to individuals with developmental delays.
DTT is frequently addressed in the RBT Practice Exam because it is a cornerstone teaching strategy in ABA.
Question 4: Behavior Reduction
When an RBT withholds reinforcement following a behavior, what is this called?
A. Reinforcement
B. Extinction ✅
C. Generalization
D. Prompting
Correct Answer: B. Extinction
Explanation:
Extinction occurs when a previously reinforced behavior is no longer followed by reinforcement, leading to a gradual decrease in that behavior. For example, if a child screams to get attention and the adult no longer responds to the screaming, the behavior may decrease over time.
The RBT Practice Exam tests your ability to recognize these basic behavior change principles and apply them in practical settings. It’s important to note that extinction can initially cause an extinction burst—a temporary increase in the behavior before it decreases.
Question 5: Documentation and Reporting
What’s the correct way to correct a mistake on a data sheet?
A. Use white-out
B. Erase and rewrite
C. Cross out with a single line, write correction with initials ✅
D. Ignore the mistake
Correct Answer: C. Cross out with a single line, write correction with initials
Explanation:
Accurate documentation is critical in ABA services, and altering records improperly can violate ethical standards. The correct method is to make the change visible—cross out the error with a single line (so it’s still legible), write the correction clearly, and initial it.
Using white-out or erasing is strictly discouraged because it can appear as if data is being altered unethically, something the RBT Practice Exam emphasizes in Professional Conduct sections.
Question 6: Professional Conduct
Which task is within the RBT’s scope of practice?
A. Creating new treatment goals
B. Diagnosing clients
C. Implementing programs created by a BCBA ✅
D. Changing reinforcement schedules
Correct Answer: C. Implementing programs created by a BCBA
Explanation:
As an RBT, your scope of practice is clearly defined. You may implement behavior-analytic interventions and collect data, but you may not design interventions, diagnose, or modify plans. Those tasks are reserved for the supervising BCBA or BCaBA.
The RBT Practice Exam often includes questions testing your understanding of these professional boundaries. Violating this scope can result in ethical violations.
Question 7: Measurement
What does latency measure?
A. How long a behavior lasts
B. The time between stimulus and response ✅
C. Number of behaviors
D. Percentage of correct responses
Correct Answer: B. The time between stimulus and response
Explanation:
Latency refers to the elapsed time between the presentation of a stimulus (e.g., instruction or cue) and the initiation of the behavior. It is commonly used when measuring how quickly a learner responds to directions.
In the RBT Practice Exam, you’ll often need to differentiate between measurement types—duration (how long), frequency (how often), latency (how soon), and rate (frequency over time).
Question 8: Behavior Reduction
What should an RBT do when a dangerous new behavior appears during a session?
A. Try a new intervention
B. Ignore it
C. Ensure safety, notify BCBA ✅
D. Punish the behavior
Correct Answer: C. Ensure safety, notify BCBA
Explanation:
Safety is always the top priority. If an RBT observes a dangerous or unexpected behavior, they must follow protocol by ensuring everyone’s safety and immediately reporting the incident to their supervising BCBA.
You may see similar safety and reporting scenarios on the RBT Practice Exam, so remember: RBTs don’t design interventions, and immediate communication with supervisors is essential.
Question 9: Skill Acquisition
What prompting strategy starts with the most help and fades to less?
A. Least-to-most
B. Prompt delay
C. Most-to-least ✅
D. Graduated guidance
Correct Answer: C. Most-to-least
Explanation:
Most-to-least prompting is used when teaching new skills and ensuring high success rates. It begins with full physical prompts and gradually fades to partial prompts or independent responses. This strategy minimizes errors and builds confidence.
Understanding prompting hierarchies is essential for success on the RBT Practice Exam, as they are key components in teaching programs.
Question 10: Documentation and Reporting
When should RBTs collect behavior data?
A. Occasionally
B. Only during assessments
C. Every session ✅
D. Only when a behavior occurs
Correct Answer: C. Every session
Explanation:
Consistent and accurate data collection is one of the most important responsibilities of an RBT. Behavior data must be collected in every session to monitor progress and ensure that interventions are effective.
Expect questions on documentation standards to appear in your RBT Practice Exam, especially regarding when and how to record behavior data.
Additional RBT Practice Exam Study Resources
To reinforce your preparation, explore the following tools:
- BACB Official RBT Handbook – Official exam structure and task list
- Therapist Development Center – Full RBT exam prep programs with mock exams and data collection tools
Master the RBT Practice Exam with Confidence
The RBT Practice Exam is a valuable resource that helps you get a grip on your ABA knowledge and skills. Those 10 questions aren’t just about testing yourself; they really help you learn the reasoning and principles behind the answers. If you dedicate some time to studying, understanding ethics, and getting to know typical RBT situations, you’ll boost your chances of passing the exam and starting a rewarding career as a Registered Behavior Technician.
