Failed RBT Exam? Here’s What To Do Next!

Failed the RBT exam? Don’t worry—it’s more common than you think! This article will provide some actionable steps that help you bounce back stronger. Read on to turn your setback into a stepping stone for success in your journey to becoming a Registered Behavior Technician.

What Happens If You Fail the RBT Exam?

According to the recent annual report data, only 74% of candidates passed the RBT exam on their first attempt. If you have failed the RBT exam, don’t be stressed out because the Behavior Analyst Certification Board has made provisions to retake the RBT exam.

You can retake the RBT exam eight times in 12 months without paying extra fees. After the failed attempt, a reapply application will be available within 48 hours on your BACB account. You can re-schedule the next examination after 7 days of the failed attempt.

Suppose you failed all 8 attempts and still have time in your 12-month authorization period. In that case, you must wait until your 12-month authorization period is over to reapply for RBT certification. You must again pay the certification application processing fee and exam appointment fee decided by BACB.

What is the RBT Exam Pass Rate?

According to official annual report data published by BACB, 73,690 candidates appeared in the RBT exam in 2023, and approximately 74% passed on their first attempt. The data also reveals that only 41% of candidates have passed the RBT exam on the next attempt.

The RBT exam pass rate was 84% in 2020 and has gradually declined in the past few years. This indicates that candidates are not paying attention to the study guides or practicing enough. We recommend you thoroughly read all sections of our free RBT study guide and take more and more practice exams.

What To Do After Failing RBT Exam?

Failing the RBT exam can be a disappointing experience, but it’s important to remember that setbacks are part of any journey. Here’s a guide to help you get back on track and ensure your next attempt is successful.

1. Relax Your Mind

First and foremost, give yourself time to relax your mind. Most people often make the mistake of rescheduling the retake examination after a week, but that’s a horribly bad idea. That’s why less than half of the candidates (41%) pass in the second attempt.

Failing an exam is stressful, and your mind needs a break to recover. A clear, relaxed mind is more receptive to new information and better equipped to handle the next round of studying.

2. Analyse Your Weak Areas

Once you feel ready, analyze your performance on the previous exam and identify the areas where you struggled the most.

Ask yourself:

• Which topics did I find most challenging in the previous attempt?
• Were there certain types of questions that were particularly difficult?
• Did I have trouble managing my time?

Identifying your weak areas will help you focus your study efforts more effectively. However, revise the whole study guide again.

3. Update Your Study Plan

A well-structured study plan is essential for targeted and effective learning. With a clear understanding of where you need improvement, it’s time to update your study plan.

Here’s how:

• Break down your study sessions into smaller, manageable tasks.
• Read textbooks, online courses, flashcards, and other resources.
• Dedicate regular, consistent time slots for studying and stick to them.

4. Take More Practice Tests

RBT exam is a computer-based test (CBT), and most people often fail it because of a lack of practice. Your mind should be trained to choose correct answers on a computer-based test.

Practice tests familiarize yourself with the exam format, improve time management skills, and identify recurring question patterns.

Take our free practice tests and review your answers thoroughly, especially the incorrect ones, to understand and learn from your mistakes.

5. Schedule Your Retake

When you feel prepared, schedule your retake. The BACB allows candidates to retake the RBT exam as soon as seven days after the previous attempt. However, ensure you give yourself enough time to prepare for the next attempt.

Conclusion

Failing the RBT exam is not the end of your journey; it’s merely a detour on your path to success. By relaxing your stressful mind, analyzing your weak areas, updating your study plan, and practicing diligently, you can significantly improve your chances of passing on your next attempt.