Are you preparing for the RBT certification exam? The RBT exam is challenging. Approximately 25% to 30% of candidates couldn’t pass it despite 40 hours of coursework and competency assessment. However, you can easily pass this exam with the right approach and hard work.
This guide provides proven strategies and a step-by-step study plan to pass the RBT exam on your first attempt. Ready to turn your anxiety into confidence and get RBT certification from BACB?
Let’s get started..!
How to Prepare for the RBT Exam
The pass rate for the RBT exam has decreased in the last few years. This indicates that the RBT exam is becoming challenging, and candidates must put in extra effort to pass it. We have created a list of important tips to help you pass the RBT exam on your first attempt.
Here are some important tips you must follow:
1. Understand Exam Format
Before start studying blindly, you should understand the exam format. The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a computer-based exam that contains 85 multiple-choice questions. Only 75 will be counted in your final score; the remaining 10 are pilot questions that BACB pre-tests for future examination.
These pilot questions are scattered throughout the exam, and you don’t know them. Hence, you must attempt all 85 questions. The exam time is 90 minutes, which means you’ve approximately 1 minute and 3 seconds for each question.
2. Read RBT Task List 2.0
The RBT Task List 2.0 outlines the essential tasks you need to be proficient in as a Registered Behavior Technician. This document is your roadmap to the exam content. Study each task thoroughly, as the exam questions are based directly on this list.
You should divide your study time accordingly and allocate more study time to study important topics.
| Section | Percentage of Questions | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement | 16% | 12 |
| Assessment | 8% | 6 |
| Skill Acquisition | 32% | 24 |
| Behavior Reduction | 16% | 12 |
| Documentation & Reporting | 13% | 10 |
| Professional Conduct & Scope of Practice | 15% | 11 |
3. Make a Study Plan
A structured and personalized study plan is crucial for effective preparation. Firstly, divide the content into manageable sections and set a clear weekly goal. Skill acquisition is a crucial topic for the RBT exam, and you should allocate more study time to this section. Remember that consistency is key to success. Set aside specific times to study and review what you’ve learned daily or weekly.
3. Take Online Course
Taking an online course can significantly enhance your preparation for the RBT exam by providing structured learning and expert guidance.
Our free RBT study guide is a great start, covering all the sections of RBT Task List 2.0. Still, we recommend you take this course to enhance your preparation and ace the RBT exam on your first attempt.
4. Take Practice Test
Taking practice tests is incredibly helpful for preparing for the exam. They let you get used to the format and types of questions you’ll face. Practice tests also help you spot areas where you need more study so you can focus on improving.
Our website provides four practice quizzes and two full-length practice exams for RBT certification. The practice exams will boost your confidence and reduce test anxiety, making you feel more ready and calm on exam day.
5. Stay Calm and Confident
Staying calm and confident is crucial for doing well on your exam. Test anxiety can affect your performance, so thorough preparation is key; the more you study, the more confident you’ll feel.
Maintain a positive mindset by reminding yourself that you are prepared and capable of passing the exam. Following these tips will make you more relaxed and ready to succeed on exam day.
How Many Questions Are on the RBT Exam?
The RBT exam has 85 questions, but only 75 are scored. The remaining 10 unscored questions are pre-tested for future exams and scattered throughout. So, you should attempt all questions because you don’t know which are pilot questions.
Is the RBT Exam Hard?
The difficulty of the RBT exam varies depending on your preparation. While some candidates find it challenging, others pass with thorough preparation. Understanding the content areas, consistent study, and practice tests can significantly increase your chances of passing on the first attempt.
How Long to Study for RBT Exam?
The RBT exam prep time depends on your prior knowledge and experience. On average, candidates spend 2-4 weeks to prepare for the RBT exam. If you have experience in the field or feel confident with the content, you may need less study time than someone new.
Can You Retake the RBT Exam?
Yes, you can retake the RBT exam if you do not pass on your first attempt. The BACB allows candidates to retake the exam 7 times in a 12-month period (8 total tries). We have already written a detailed guide on this.
Conclusion
If you’ve completed 40 hours of coursework and an initial competency assessment, you must study to pass a computer-based test to get your RBT certification. We’ve provided valuable exam prep tips to ensure you pass the RBT certification exam on your first attempt. Make a study plan and start your preparation today.