Becoming a Registered Behavior Technician is an extremely rewarding career for those with a passion for helping individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities. In order to become a certified Registered Behavior Technician, you must first pass the RBT exam. RBT’s are proficient in ABA therapy and are overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Earning this certification demonstrates your ability to provide behavior analysis services under the supervision of a BCBA. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to prepare for the RBT exam.
What is the RBT Exam?
The Registered Behavior Technician exam is a standardized test that is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of an individual seeking to be a certified RBT. This exam tests the individual’s ability to understand and apply behavior principles that are outlined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). The test includes 85 multiple choice questions that cover various topics such as measurement, assessment, skill acquisition, behavior reduction, reporting, and professional conduct. The RBT exam must be completed within 90 minutes which means the test taker has roughly 1 minute per question.
What are the Requirements to Take the RBT Exam in New Jersey?
In order to be eligible to take the RBT exam each individual must meet a list of requirements. This list of requirements is the same across the board regardless if the candidate is looking to become an RBT in New Jersey or any other state. The following requirements include:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High school diploma
- Pass background check
- Complete 40 hours of an RBT training program
- Complete RBT competency assessment
How to Prepare for the RBT Exam
Understanding the RBT Exam Content
Before diving into studying, it’s important to get a clear understanding of what you will be tested on. The Registered Behavior Technician exam covers multiple topics. Below is a breakdown of what you will encounter on the RBT exam.
- Measurement – Since RBTs observe behaviors and collect data by observing these behaviors, measurement questions account for approximately 10 – 12 questions. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is about gathering data from sessions done, graphs and data sets. Therefore, you will be tested on your ability to collect and analyze data on behavior.
- Assessment – BCBA are generally responsible for most diagnostic and assessment processes in behavioral therapy but RBT’s have a hand in these tasks as well therefore it’s important to have these skills. The assessment portion of the test is around 6 questions that include conducting preference assessments, assisting with individualized assessment procedures, and assisting with functional assessment procedures.
- Skill Acquisition – The largest category on the exam is the skill acquisition portion. This category includes basic behavioral training procedures such as stimulus control transfer procedures, discrimination training, shaping procedures, task analyzed chaining procedures, and more. This portion of the exam is approximately 24 questions.
- Behavior Reduction – This category of the exam tests your knowledge and skills on reducing undesirable behaviors that require specific techniques and strategies. This includes identifying essential components of a written behavior reduction plan, describing common functions of behavior, implementing differential reinforcement procedures, and more. There are approximately 10 questions on this topic.
- Documentation and Reporting – A crucial part of being an RBT is ensuring that clients receive the highest quality services with accurate documentation and reporting. The documentation is a part of a client’s medical records therefore it’s crucial for RBTs to know HIPPA regulations and state laws. This category has 10 questions.
- Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice – This portion of the exam assesses your understanding of professional conduct and ethical guidelines. Professional conduct for RBTs and the scope of their competence are governed by the RBT Ethics Code 2.0. There are 11 questions regarding this category on the exam.
Format and Structure of the RBT Exam
As most certification exams, the RBT exam follows a specific format and structure to ensure a general assessment of a candidate’s skills and knowledge as a behavior technician. This exam consists of approximately 85 multiple-choice questions. Out of the 85 questions, 75 of those questions are scored and the other 10 questions are unscored trial questions. Each question is multiple choice with four possible answer choices. Candidates must choose the most appropriate answer. The exam is timed and test takers have exactly 90 minutes to complete the assessment.
The exam is scored on a scale of 0-250 points. In order to pass the exam, the test taker must receive a score of at least 200 points. The RBT exam uses a scoring method based off the Angoff method. The Angoff method is a panel of experts who review each question on the exam and determine a level of competency in order to answer correctly. Candidates must meet or exceed the passing score criteria implemented by the BACB in order to pass the exam. Once the exam is completed, testers will immediately find out if they have passed the exam or not.
Gather Study Materials
In order to effectively prepare for the RBT exam, it’s important to create a study plan and gather your resources. By being well prepared you will increase your chances of success. Here are some resources you should use to prepare effectively:
- RBT Practice Exams: Taking practice exams will simulate the actual exam format and will help you identify any areas that require more focus. Accessing these will help you familiarize what to expect on the actual exam.
- Study Guides and Textbooks: Utilize the study guides and textbooks available to you online. Gathering these resources will provide in-depth coverage of the exam’s content and will enhance your understanding.
- RBT Exam Task List: The BACB conveniently provides a task list that outlines the skills and knowledge required to pass the exam. The RBT task list serves as a basis for the RBT examination and RBT training requirement. The BACB organizes the task list by the primary content areas including: measurement, assessment, skill acquisition, behavior reduction, documentation and reporting, and professional conduct and scope of practice.
Conclusion
Earning your RBT certification is the last step towards starting your career and will show any potential employers that you have what it takes to provide adequate care. Passing the certification exam is a very achievable goal especially if you take the time to prepare. In order to increase your chances of passing, take the time to understand the exam content, the format and structure of the exam, and gathering study materials. Becoming a Registered Behavior Technician is an extremely rewarding career. If you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of those with disabilities, this is a perfect career to pursue. If you’re looking for an RBT job in New Jersey, take a look at our current open jobs and apply online today!
