Are you preparing for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) exam? One of the best ways to prepare is by taking realistic practice tests. In this guide, we’ve compiled 75 free RBT practice exam questions with detailed answers to help you pass with confidence. You’ll also find expert study strategies and tips to help maximize your results.
Whether you’re nearing the end of your 40-hour training or reviewing before your test day, this RBT exam guide will keep you on track.
What Is the RBT Exam?
The RBT exam, created by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), measures your knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concepts and your ability to apply them in real-world scenarios. It is the final step toward becoming a certified RBT and starting your career in behavior analysis.
RBT Exam Quick Facts:
- Total Questions: 85 (75 scored, 10 unscored pretest items)
- Question Format: Multiple-choice
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Exam Location: Pearson VUE Testing Centers (or online proctored)
- Cost: $50 application + ~$45 exam fee
- Passing Score: Varies (Scaled score, 200–800; ~400 to pass)
What Does the RBT Exam Cover?
The RBT exam consists of 6 key domains based on the RBT Task List (2nd Edition):
- Measurement (12%)
- Assessment (6%)
- Skill Acquisition (32%)
- Behavior Reduction (24%)
- Documentation and Reporting (12%)
- Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice (14%)
Each domain is tested with multiple-choice questions that assess your knowledge and practical understanding of behavior analytic principles.
How to Use This 75-Question RBT Practice Exam
Below are 75 RBT practice exam questions covering all 6 domains. Each question includes four choices and a correct answer with a brief explanation. At the end of the exam, review the scoring and study tips.
RBT Practice Exam Scoring Guide
To estimate your readiness:
- 65–75 Correct: Excellent! You’re ready.
- 50–64 Correct: Review weaker domains and retake the test.
- Below 50: Strengthen your foundation in key areas like measurement and skill acquisition.
🧠 RBT Study Tips to Pass the Exam
1. Master the Vocabulary
Many RBT exam questions use ABA jargon. Learn the definitions of key terms like reinforcement, extinction, prompting, chaining, etc.
2. Take Multiple Mock Exams
Practice exams like this help you identify weak areas and build confidence. Repeat tests weekly for best results.
3. Watch ABA Training Videos
Visual learners benefit from seeing ABA in action. YouTube has excellent channels like Autism Therapy Career College or Master ABA.
4. Use Flashcards
Quiz yourself on definitions and examples. Create your own or use platforms like Quizlet.
5. Don’t Cram
Spread your study sessions over several weeks. Cramming increases anxiety and reduces retention.
Tips and Guides to Help You Prepare
- How to Become an RBT in 2025
- Is the RBT Exam Hard? Complete Guide
- How many questions can I miss on the RBT exam?
Conclusion: Use These 75 Questions to Pass the RBT Exam
By practicing with these 75 free RBT questions, you’re building the foundation needed to pass your RBT certification exam and launch your career in behavior analysis. Pair this test with our recommended study tools and you’ll be more than prepared.
11. What is a preference assessment used for?
A. Teaching new skills
B. Identifying reinforcers
C. Reducing problem behavior
D. Increasing task difficulty
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Preference assessments help identify items or activities that can function as reinforcers, which increase the likelihood of a behavior occurring.
12. Which of the following is a direct assessment method?
A. Functional analysis
B. Interview with caregivers
C. Review of previous records
D. Behavior checklist
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Direct assessments involve observing the client’s behavior, and functional analysis directly manipulates variables to identify functions of behavior.
13. What is the purpose of ABC data collection?
A. To determine skill level
B. To track duration of behavior
C. To identify antecedents and consequences
D. To measure prompting level
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: ABC data records the Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence to understand what triggers and maintains a behavior.
14. What is an example of indirect assessment?
A. ABC data
B. Scatterplot recording
C. Interview with teacher
D. Functional analysis
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Interviews and questionnaires are forms of indirect assessments because they do not involve direct observation.
15. What is the main goal of conducting assessments in ABA?
A. To diagnose disorders
B. To punish behavior
C. To gather data for treatment planning
D. To replace the BCBA’s work
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Assessments provide data that help behavior analysts design appropriate interventions and teaching programs.
26. What is the goal of behavior intervention plans (BIPs)?
A. Diagnose mental illness
B. Reduce challenging behaviors
C. Increase academic scores
D. Remove reinforcement
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: BIPs are designed to decrease problem behavior and increase appropriate alternatives.
27. What is extinction in ABA?
A. Punishing behavior
B. Ignoring desired behavior
C. Withholding reinforcement for a behavior
D. Providing more prompts
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Extinction involves discontinuing reinforcement of a previously reinforced behavior.
28. What does antecedent intervention focus on?
A. After behavior occurs
B. Teaching consequences
C. Changing what happens before the behavior
D. Ignoring behavior
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Antecedent interventions change environmental conditions that trigger behavior.
29. Which is an example of differential reinforcement?
A. Reinforcing all behaviors
B. Punishing unwanted behavior
C. Reinforcing appropriate behavior while withholding reinforcement for problem behavior
D. Using extinction only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Differential reinforcement strengthens desired behaviors by reinforcing them and not reinforcing undesired ones.
30. What is the function of behavior?
A. The motivation behind a behavior
B. How long it lasts
C. The consequence of a behavior
D. A description of topography
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The function is the reason a behavior occurs—usually attention, escape, access, or sensory.
31. A child screams to avoid brushing teeth. The behavior is maintained by:
A. Attention
B. Tangible
C. Escape
D. Sensory
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: If the child avoids a task through behavior, the function is escape.
32. What is a replacement behavior?
A. A less noticeable behavior
B. A more problematic behavior
C. A desirable behavior that serves the same function
D. A behavior that stops reinforcement
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Replacement behaviors serve the same function as the challenging behavior but are socially acceptable.
33. A DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior) procedure means:
A. Reinforce the inappropriate behavior
B. Reinforce specific inappropriate behaviors
C. Reinforce the absence of the problem behavior
D. Punish the behavior
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: DRO involves reinforcing when the undesired behavior does not occur during a specified time.
34. What is a common side effect of extinction?
A. Behavior disappears instantly
B. No behavior change
C. Extinction burst
D. New skills appear
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Extinction burst is a temporary increase in the behavior before it decreases.
35. What is punishment in ABA?
A. Reinforcing good behavior
B. Increasing undesired behavior
C. Adding or removing something to decrease behavior
D. Ignoring a behavior
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Punishment decreases the future likelihood of a behavior by applying or removing stimuli.
36. Why is objective documentation important in ABA?
A. To write stories for parents
B. To share opinions
C. To ensure accurate data for treatment decisions
D. To replace supervision
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Objective documentation provides reliable data that helps guide treatment plans and decision-making.
37. Which of the following is a good example of objective reporting?
A. “The client was upset.”
B. “I felt the client was aggressive.”
C. “The client screamed loudly and kicked the chair.”
D. “The client was being difficult.”
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Objective reporting includes observable and measurable facts, not opinions or interpretations.
38. When should RBTs document session notes?
A. At the end of the week
B. Before the session starts
C. Immediately after the session
D. Only when requested
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Documentation should be completed immediately after a session to ensure accuracy and completeness.
39. Which of the following is considered subjective documentation?
A. “Client said ‘hi’ 4 times.”
B. “Client made eye contact for 5 seconds.”
C. “Client was annoying.”
D. “Client completed 3 of 5 tasks.”
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: “Annoying” is a subjective opinion, not an observable or measurable behavior.
40. What should RBTs do if they make a mistake in documentation?
A. Erase it and rewrite
B. Use correction fluid
C. Follow agency protocol for corrections
D. Leave it as is
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Corrections should be made following ethical and agency-specific protocols to ensure transparency.
41. Which of the following is NOT part of a session note?
A. Interventions used
B. Date and time of session
C. Personal opinion of progress
D. Client’s response to intervention
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Personal opinions should be excluded. Notes should be factual and professional.
42. How should RBTs report signs of abuse?
A. Wait for confirmation
B. Tell only the client
C. Report to the BCBA or supervisor immediately
D. Post it in the team chat
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: RBTs are mandated reporters and must report suspicions of abuse to their supervisor and appropriate channels.
43. What is the primary purpose of session notes?
A. Record staff absences
B. Track billing
C. Provide a written record of what happened during the session
D. Evaluate supervisor performance
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Session notes document client performance, behavior, and interventions for transparency and accountability.
44. What should be avoided in ABA documentation?
A. Precise times and descriptions
B. Personal judgments or opinions
C. Names of staff present
D. Description of behavior interventions
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ABA documentation must remain objective and should avoid subjective language or personal judgments.
45. Which statement best describes ethical documentation?
A. Writing vague notes to save time
B. Falsifying data for consistency
C. Accurately recording what occurred
D. Using emojis for behavior description
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ethical documentation must reflect accurate, clear, and truthful records of client sessions.
Continue practicing all 75 questions by accessing our free tests online.
