Welcome to this helpful guide for anyone preparing for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) exam. Whether you have been just starting your ABA journey or you are already deep into the exam preparation, these tips will help you study effectively and pass with confidence.
As a former RBT who is now dedicated to helping others enter the Applied Behavior Analysis(ABA) field, I want to share proven strategies that have helped many trainees just like you.
How to Study and Pass the RBT Exam | Practical Tips from a Former RBT
#1 Your 40 Hour Training is the Foundation of Your Success
It may not be the most exciting news, but your 40-hour RBT training is the most essential resource you have. Every concept, term, and principle you need for the RBT board exam is covered in this training. Even if the content feels repetitive or overwhelming at times, do not underestimate it.
Pro Tip:
- Take notes during your training.
- Highlight topics you don’t fully understand.
- After the training, go back and review weak areas.
- Still confused? Reach out to your trainer for clarification before you attempt the exam.
Remember, you will most likely see this material again during the actual exam.
#2 Make Studying Fun with RBT Jeopardy
If you’re tired of endless reading, RBT Jeopardy is a fun and interactive way to reinforce your knowledge. This free resource turns studying into a game, allowing you to review important topics while breaking away from the usual study routine.
Whether you study alone or with peers, creating teams and competing can make preparation enjoyable while still being productive.
#3 Get a High-Quality RBT Study Guide
Your 40 hour training covers a lot and sometimes too much. Think of it like a college textbook: full of information, but not all equally important for the exam. This is where a condensed study guide becomes your best friend.
A well-designed study guide will:
- Summarize the key points from the 40 hour training.
- Filter out the fluff.
- Help you focus on exam-relevant content.
There are many RBT study guides available, but make sure you choose one that is:
- Up-to-date with BACB guidelines.
- Reviewed by other successful RBT candidates.
- Clear and easy to navigate.
#4 Build Fluency – It’s Not Just About Knowing, It’s About Knowing FAST
Many RBT candidates struggle not because they don’t know the content, but because they can’t recall it quickly enough. The RBT exam has:
- 85 questions
- 90 minutes to complete
That’s just over 1 minute per question and trust me, it flies by.
How to Improve Fluency:
- Use flashcards to drill vocabulary and key concepts.
- Take timed mock exams to simulate the real testing environment.
- Practice skipping and returning to difficult questions to maximize your time.
When I took my own exam, I ran out of time and barely finished. Learning how to answer efficiently could make the difference between passing and failing.
Bonus Tip: Stay Calm and Confident
Nerves can eat up valuable exam time. Practicing with mock exams and mastering fluency will help you walk into the testing room calm, collected, and ready.
#5 Take Practice Exams and Time Yourself
Since the RBT exam is timed (you’ll have 90 minutes for 85 questions), you should practice answering questions under time pressure.
Take multiple practice exams and quizzes while timing yourself. This will:
- Help you get comfortable with the exam environment.
- Teach you how to pace yourself properly.
- Reduce anxiety on exam day because you’ll already know what to expect.
#6 Recommended Study Books
If you’re looking for additional study materials, here are two highly recommended books:
- “Training Manual for Behavior Technicians Working with Individuals with Autism” of ABA, this book covers everything you’ll ever need about applied behavior analysis. While it may feel overwhelming at first, it’s a must-read for anyone serious about the field.
- Simplified ABA Study Guide – If the above book feels too advanced, start with this beginner-friendly book. It explains ABA concepts in simple language, includes examples, and gives step-by-step guidance on implementing procedures. Many people, including myself, found it incredibly helpful to build confidence before moving on to more technical materials.
#7 Don’t Overthink During the Exam
One of the most common mistakes RBT aspirants make during the exam is second guessing.
I used to constantly go back and re-check answers during practice exams and it often left me more confused and stressed. So, trusting your instinct is more imporant to avoid the confusion. If you confidently select an answer, stick with it and move on. Overthinking can waste precious time and increase the chance of making mistakes you wouldn’t have otherwise.
Final Thoughts
These study strategies have worked for many RBT candidates and will work for you too if you stay consistent. Prioritize understanding the 40 hour training, make studying fun, use quality materials, and most importantly work on your speed.
Good luck, and remember, you’ve got this!