Frequently Asked Questions

The RBT examination is available at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide. You can also take the exam online through OnVUE, Pearson's online proctoring service, which allows you to test from home or another private location.

The RBT exam consists of 85 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 75 questions are scored, and 10 are unscored pilot questions that are being evaluated for inclusion in future exams. You will not know which questions are scored and which are pilot questions.

The passing score for the RBT exam is 35 out of 50 questions, which is 70%. This means you need to answer at least 53 of the 75 scored questions correctly to pass.

You have 90 minutes to complete the RBT exam. This gives you just over 1 minute per question.

Yes, the BACB allows at-home testing through Pearson VUE's OnVUE system. However, you must meet certain technical and environmental requirements:

• A quiet, private room
• A reliable internet connection
• A computer with webcam and microphone
• The ability to install the OnVUE software

You will be monitored by a proctor throughout the exam, and your testing environment will be checked before you begin.

The RBT exam is based on the RBT Task List (2nd ed.) and covers six content areas:

• Measurement (12%)
• Assessment (12%)
• Skill Acquisition (24%)
• Behavior Reduction (24%)
• Documentation and Reporting (14%)
• Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice (14%)

Most candidates study for 4–8 weeks alongside their required 40-hour training. The 40-hour training is mandated; the additional study time depends on your prior background. Plan 1–2 hours per day in the final two weeks for question practice and weak-area review.

Yes. The BACB allows online proctored testing through Pearson VUE's OnVUE platform. You'll need a quiet private room, a reliable internet connection, and a webcam. The exam is identical to the in-person version.

The RBT exam fee through Pearson VUE is $50 (as of the most recent BACB fee schedule). Note this does not include the 40-hour training course, the application fee paid to the BACB, or the cost of supervised competency assessment with a qualified supervisor. Verify current fees on the BACB website before applying.

Three steps: (1) complete a 40-hour BACB-approved training program, (2) pass an RBT competency assessment with a qualified supervisor, and (3) pass the RBT exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or via OnVUE. You also need to be at least 18 and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Apply through the BACB after meeting these requirements.

The exam is widely considered moderately challenging — not designed to fail well-prepared candidates, but not a formality either. The pass rate varies but typically sits around 85% for first-time test-takers who completed their training and used quality practice materials. Scenario-based questions tend to be the hardest portion.

You can retake the exam, but the BACB requires a waiting period (currently 7 days) before retaking. There is a fee for each retake. After 8 unsuccessful attempts in one year, you must wait an additional 90 days. Use your score report to focus your study on weak content areas.

Three pillars: (1) work through the BACB RBT Task List 2.0 systematically, ensuring you can define and apply every competency; (2) take section-by-section quizzes to identify weak areas, then drill those; (3) take full-length timed practice exams in the final week to build pacing. Mix passive review (study guides) with active recall (questions with explanations).

The exam covers six content areas from the RBT Task List 2.0: Measurement (12%), Assessment (12%), Skill Acquisition (24%), Behavior Reduction (24%), Documentation & Reporting (14%), and Professional Conduct & Scope of Practice (14%). Expect a mix of definition recall, procedural application, and clinical-scenario judgement.

Yes. The BACB requires ongoing supervision (at least 5% of hours worked, monthly), an annual renewal application, and adherence to the RBT Ethics Code. Lapsed certifications require requalification, which may include retaking the exam.