RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) is the BACB's entry-level certification for behavior technicians who deliver applied behavior analysis (ABA) services under supervision. The exam has 85 multiple-choice questions (75 scored and 10 unscored pilot questions) in 90 minutes. Since January 1, 2026, it has been based on the RBT Test Content Outline (3rd ed.), which has 43 tasks across 6 domains.
The Registered Behavior Technician credential is issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). RBTs work directly with clients, implementing behavior-analytic services under the close supervision of a BCBA, BCaBA or BCBA-D.
The RBT is the first step in the BACB career path and the most widely held BACB credential. It is often required by ABA employers and insurance providers.
What's new in 2026: The exam moved from the RBT Task List (2nd ed.) to the RBT Test Content Outline (3rd ed.). The number of tasks rose from 37 to 43, several domain names were updated, and Data Collection and Graphing now carries more weight. Practice material written for the old Task List no longer matches the exam.
Code : RBT
Exam Name : Registered Behavior Technician
Vendor : Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
Level : Entry level (paraprofessional)
Number of Questions : 85 (75 scored + 10 unscored pilot questions)
Duration : 90 minutes
Question Format : Multiple-choice, four options, one correct answer
Scoring : Pass/fail, using a criterion-referenced cut score
Delivery : In person at Pearson VUE testing centers
Content Outline : RBT Test Content Outline (3rd ed.), in effect since January 1, 2026
Exam Fee : $45 exam fee + $50 application fee
Status : Active
Domain : C. Behavior Acquisition
Questions : 19
Weight : 25%
Key Topics : Skill acquisition plans, discrete-trial teaching, naturalistic teaching, prompting and prompt fading, shaping, chaining, reinforcement, generalization and maintenance
Domain : D. Behavior Reduction
Questions : 14
Weight : 19%
Key Topics : Behavior reduction plans, functions of behavior, antecedent interventions, differential reinforcement, extinction and crisis procedures
Domain : A. Data Collection and Graphing
Questions : 13
Weight : 17%
Key Topics : Continuous and discontinuous measurement, permanent-product recording, data entry, updating graphs and spotting trends
Domain : F. Ethics
Questions : 11
Weight : 15%
Key Topics : The RBT Ethics Code, scope of practice, supervision requirements, confidentiality, professional boundaries and gift guidelines
Domain :E. Documentation and Reporting
Questions : 10
Weight : 13%
Key Topics : Objective session notes, communicating concerns to the supervisor, and reporting variables that affect client progress
Domain : B. Behavior Assessment
Questions : 8
Weight : 11%
Key Topics : Assisting with preference assessments, individualized assessments and functional assessments
To sit for the RBT exam, candidates generally must:
be at least 18 years old
hold a high school diploma or equivalent
pass a background check
complete the 40-hour RBT training, which follows the BACB's updated 2026 curriculum
pass an Initial Competency Assessment conducted by a qualified BCBA, BCaBA or BCBA-D
apply through the BACB and get approval before scheduling with Pearson VUE
New behavior technicians starting a career in ABA therapy
Paraprofessionals working with children with autism and other developmental needs
Students planning to become a BCaBA or BCBA
ABA clinic staff who need the credential for employment or insurance billing
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The exam has 85 multiple-choice questions: 75 scored and 10 unscored pilot questions. You have 90 minutes to complete it.
From January 1, 2026, the exam is based on the RBT Test Content Outline (3rd ed.), which replaced the RBT Task List (2nd ed.). It has 43 tasks across 6 domains, and the domain weightings have changed.
Behavior Acquisition carries the most weight, with 19 questions (25%). It is followed by Behavior Reduction (19%), Data Collection and Graphing (17%), Ethics (15%), Documentation and Reporting (13%) and Behavior Assessment (11%).
The RBT exam is pass/fail. The BACB sets the cut score using a criterion-referenced standard-setting process rather than publishing a fixed percentage.
The exam is taken in person at Pearson VUE testing centers after the BACB approves your application.
You need to be at least 18, hold a high school diploma, pass a background check, complete the 40-hour RBT training and pass an Initial Competency Assessment.
An RBT delivers ABA services under supervision and needs a high school diploma plus 40 hours of training. A BCBA is a graduate-level, independent behavior analyst who designs treatment plans and supervises RBTs.
Yes. Our RBT question bank is aligned to the BACB's RBT Test Content Outline (3rd ed.), which took effect on January 1, 2026.
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Everything you need to know about the Registered Behavior Technician Practice Exam certification
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Updated September 17, 2026
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