Free Printable RBT Practice Exam — 85 Questions (2026)
85 multiple-choice questions aligned with the BACB RBT Task List (2nd Edition). Print this page or save as PDF using your browser. An answer key is included at the end.
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RBT Practice Exam — 85 Questions
rbtpracticetest.help · Free · Updated 2026 · BACB RBT Task List (2nd Ed.)
Name: _________________________ Date: _____________ Score: _____ / 85
1. Essential components of a skill acquisition plan include:
A. Goal, measurement, teaching procedures
B. Punishment procedures, crisis plan
C. Staff schedule, billing codes
D. Parent interviews only
2. Dual relationships are problematic for an RBT because they:
A. Create conflicts of interest and compromise professional objectivity
B. Are allowed as long as the BCBA is informed
C. Are only a problem if the client is a minor
D. Are acceptable if both parties consent
3. RBTs work under the supervision of:
A. BCBA / BCaBA
B. Parent
C. Another RBT
D. School Principal
4. Which of the following is the BEST example of an objective session note entry?
A. Client was in a great mood today and worked hard.
B. Client engaged in 4 instances of hitting the table during the 30-minute session.
C. Client was upset about being asked to clean up.
D. Client made good progress overall.
5. Behavior analysts rely on _________ to make decisions.
A. Data / Evidence
B. Gut feelings
C. Parental advice only
D. Guesses
6. Momentary Time Sampling involves:
A. Checking if behavior is occurring at the end of interval
B. Checking if behavior occurred at all
C. Checking if behavior occurred the whole time
D. Counting every instance
7. Scenario: You arrive and the family is not home. You wait 15 mins. You should:
A. Follow company policy (Call/Wait/Document)
B. Break in
C. Leave immediately
D. Sleep in your car
8. Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI) reinforces:
A. A behavior that cannot happen at the same time
B. Any other behavior
C. Lower rates of behavior
D. The problem behavior
9. Inadvertent reinforcement is:
A. Accidental reinforcement
B. Planned reinforcement
C. Punishment
D. Shaping
10. Errorless learning aims to:
A. Prevent errors via immediate prompting
B. Let the learner guess
C. Punish errors
D. Use trial and error
11. Non-Contingent Reinforcement (NCR) functions as an:
A. Abolishing Operation (AO)
B. Establishing Operation (EO)
C. Punisher
D. Discriminative Stimulus
12. During an ABA session at the client's home, the client's neighbor stops by and asks the RBT how the child is progressing. What is the most appropriate response?
A. Give a brief, positive summary so the neighbor feels included in the child's progress.
B. Politely decline to discuss anything and suggest the neighbor speak with the parent directly.
C. Share only the data sheets, not the actual goals.
D. Tell the neighbor the child is "doing fine" — that is general enough to be allowed.
13. An RBT's certification is maintained through:
A. Annual renewal with ongoing supervision and a competency assessment
B. A one-time test with no renewal required
C. Renewal every 5 years like a driver's license
D. Automatic renewal as long as the RBT is employed
14. A parent confides in the RBT that she's considering taking the child off ABA services entirely. The RBT thinks this is a bad clinical decision. What should she do?
A. Persuade the parent to continue — ABA is evidence-based.
B. Document the conversation and notify the BCBA, then respect the family's decision.
C. Threaten to file a child welfare report if services are stopped.
D. Schedule extra sessions to show how much progress is possible.
15. The opposite of reinforcement is:
A. Punishment
B. Extinction
C. Negative Reinforcement
D. Shaping
16. Behavior analysts rely on _________ to make decisions.
A. Data / Evidence
B. Gut feelings
C. Parental advice only
D. Guesses
17. An RBT measures the time between a child's two consecutive self-injurious behaviors. This is:
A. Inter-Response Time (IRT)
B. Duration
C. Latency
D. Rate
18. A parent thanks an RBT with a $50 gift card after a productive month. What should the RBT do?
A. Accept — refusing would offend the parent.
B. Accept but share it with the whole team.
C. Politely decline, explain the policy, and document the offer.
D. Accept only if the BCBA gives written permission.
19. The x-axis represents:
A. Passage of time
B. Amount of behavior
C. Intensity
D. The intervention
20. Which graph is most commonly used in ABA?
A. Line graph
B. Bar graph
C. Pie chart
D. Scatterplot
21. Scenario: Client is crying. Mom gives cookie. Child cries more in future. Child was:
A. Positively Reinforced
B. Negatively Reinforced
C. Punished
D. Ignored
22. Backward Chaining involves teaching:
A. The last step first
B. The first step first
C. All steps at once
D. Only the middle steps
23. Generalization across PEOPLE is promoted by:
A. Training the skill with multiple different instructors
B. Using a single consistent instructor for maximum clarity
C. Always using the same materials and setting
D. Increasing the reinforcement rate in session
24. Generalization is:
A. Skill transfer to untrained conditions
B. Skill loss
C. Skill maintenance
D. Skill acquisition
25. The primary benefit of errorless teaching is:
A. Reducing errors and frustration while increasing correct responding
B. Eliminating the need for reinforcement
C. Allowing the learner to work independently from day one
D. Preventing stimulus generalization
26. Intraverbal behavior is controlled by:
A. Verbal SD, no point-to-point
B. Visual SD
C. Motivation
D. Non-verbal SD
27. An RBT finishes a session and realizes she has only 5 minutes before her next session begins. She typically takes 15 minutes to write notes. What should she do?
A. Write a brief on-the-spot note and complete the full note within 24 hours.
B. Skip the note — she'll remember the session for tomorrow.
C. Have the parent describe the session and use that as the note.
D. Estimate the data and write it later from memory.
28. A client engages in head-banging maintained by automatic (sensory) reinforcement. Which extinction procedure is indicated?
A. Sensory extinction (blocking or modifying the sensory consequence)
B. Planned ignoring
C. Escape extinction
D. Withholding all tangible items
29. In a Multiple Stimulus Without Replacement (MSWO) assessment, after the client selects an item, the RBT:
A. Removes the selected item and re-randomizes the remaining items
B. Returns the item to the array immediately
C. Records the item but keeps the array the same
D. Ends the assessment
30. Using hand-over-hand prompting is:
A. Physical prompting
B. Modeling
C. Gestural prompting
D. Verbal prompting
31. Which is an example of a Conditioned Punisher?
A. The word "No!"
B. Extreme heat
C. Electric shock
D. Loud noise
32. During a community-based instruction (CBI) session, a client’s guardian offers the RBT a $50 gift card as a token of appreciation for recent progress. Which ethical response is required?
A. Politely decline and cite the ethical code regarding gifts
B. Accept the gift but report it to the supervisor
C. Accept the gift and use it to buy materials for the client
D. Accept the gift only if the session was outside of regular hours
33. Using a token board is an example of:
A. Conditioned reinforcement system
B. Punishment
C. Unconditioned reinforcement
D. Reflexive conditioning
34. DRL reinforces behavior when it occurs at:
A. Or below a predetermined low rate criterion
B. Zero times (complete absence)
C. Higher rates than baseline
D. The same rate as an incompatible alternative
35. On a standard celeration chart, the slope represents:
A. Celeration
B. Frequency
C. Duration
D. Latency
36. Interrupted Chain Procedure:
A. Breaking chain to enable Manding
B. Punishment
C. Stopping therapy
D. Forgetting
37. Which graph is NOT typically used in ABA?
A. Pie Chart
B. Line Graph
C. Bar Graph
D. Scatterplot
38. IOA of 80% or above is generally considered:
A. Acceptable reliability
B. Poor reliability
C. Perfect reliability
D. Not a meaningful measure
39. Dual relationships are problematic for an RBT because they:
A. Create conflicts of interest and compromise professional objectivity
B. Are allowed as long as the BCBA is informed
C. Are only a problem if the client is a minor
D. Are acceptable if both parties consent
40. A BCBA wants a new RBT to learn to deliver discrete trials with high fidelity. After the RBT has watched the BCBA model trials, what is the next BST step?
A. Send the RBT to run trials with a client immediately.
B. Rehearsal — the RBT practices while the BCBA observes.
C. Give written feedback before any practice.
D. Have the RBT model for someone else.
41. Which differential reinforcement procedure is BEST for reducing a behavior while maintaining some acceptable rate of it?
A. DRL
B. DRO
C. DRI
D. DRA
42. DRI (Incompatible):
A. Cannot happen simultaneously
B. Functional alternative
C. Absence of behavior
D. Low rates
43. Incidental learning refers to:
A. Unplanned learning in natural setting
B. DTT
C. Structured learning
D. Chaining
44. A preference assessment identifies:
A. Potential reinforcers
B. Actual reinforcers
C. Punishers
D. Behaviors
45. Which is NOT an unconditioned reinforcer?
A. iPad
B. Water
C. Food
D. Warmth
46. Simple discrimination involves:
A. Discriminating between 2 or more stimuli
B. Discriminating purely based on reflex
C. Generalization
D. Memorization
47. Permanent Product requires:
A. Tangible outcome
B. Direct observation
C. Video recording
D. A timer
48. Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA) involves:
A. Reinforcing a functional alternative to the problem behavior
B. Reinforcing any behavior other than the problem behavior
C. Reinforcing behavior when it is consistent with low rates
D. Punishing the alternative behavior
49. Scenario: Supervisor observes you. You get nervous and perform worse. This is:
A. Reactivity
B. Incompetence
C. Behavior contrast
D. Extinction
50. A preference assessment identifies:
A. Potential reinforcers
B. Actual reinforcers
C. Punishers
D. Behaviors
51. An RBT is utilizing a Variable-Ratio 3 (VR3) schedule of reinforcement. This means reinforcement is delivered:
A. After an average of every 3 correct responses
B. Precisely after every 3 correct responses
C. After the first response following a 3-minute interval
D. After an average of 3 minutes has elapsed
52. Which is an example of Negative Reinforcement?
A. Putting on sunglasses to stop glare
B. Getting a sticker
C. Being put in time out
D. Getting yelled at
53. A BCBA is preparing to conduct an initial developmental assessment using the VB-MAPP for a newly enrolled client. Which of the following tasks is appropriate and within the clinical scope of practice for the RBT to perform during this assessment?
A. Assisting the BCBA by preparing materials, organizing data sheets, and recording client responses under direct supervision
B. Selecting developmental subtests and independently scoring the developmental milestones
C. Interpreting assessment results and designing the client's skill acquisition curriculum
D. Diagnosing communication deficits and explaining developmental milestones to parents
54. Which measurement procedure records whether a behavior occurred at least once during each observation interval?
A. Partial Interval Recording
B. Whole Interval Recording
C. Momentary Time Sampling
D. Event Recording
55. The x-axis on a line graph typically represents:
A. Time (sessions/days)
B. Frequency of behavior
C. Percentage correct
D. Intensity
56. In an FA, the "Play" condition is the:
A. Control condition
B. Demand condition
C. Attention condition
D. Alone condition
57. Prior to initiating a standardized skill assessment protocol directed by the BCBA, what is the RBT's primary responsibility regarding the testing environment?
A. Minimize extraneous distractions, verify that all necessary stimuli and data tools are accessible, and establish rapport
B. Modify the assessment protocol questions if the client seems hesitant or uncooperative
C. Allow family members to answer test questions on behalf of the client to expedite scoring
D. Remove all potential reinforcers from the building so the client stays focused
58. Transcription is:
A. Writing spoken words
B. Reading
C. Copying text
D. Speaking
59. Session notes should be written:
A. Immediately after session
B. Once a week
C. Before the session
D. Whenever you have time
60. RBTs may share client information with:
A. Other clinical team members working with the client
B. The RBT's family
C. Friends on social media
D. Other clients
61. An RBT is invited to the wedding of a client's older sibling. Both the client's parents and the sibling have personally asked her to attend. How should the RBT respond?
A. Accept — being invited shows trust and strengthens the therapeutic relationship.
B. Politely decline and notify the BCBA supervisor of the invitation.
C. Attend but stay only briefly and avoid talking about ABA.
D. Accept only if the BCBA also attends.
62. Behavior analysts rely on _________ to make decisions.
A. Data / Evidence
B. Gut feelings
C. Parental advice only
D. Guesses
63. A preference assessment identifies high-preference items. These items are then tested to determine if they actually increase target behavior frequency. This second test is called:
A. Reinforcer assessment (reinforcer probe)
B. MSWO assessment
C. Functional behavior assessment
D. Stimulus control transfer
64. When utilizing a Partial Interval Recording (PIR) procedure, the RBT should document the occurrence of the behavior if it manifests:
A. At any point during the pre-defined interval
B. Continuously for the entire interval duration
C. Precisely at the moment the interval terminates
D. Within the first five seconds of the session
65. Positive practice Overcorrection:
A. Repeatedly practicing correct behavior
B. Fixing the environment
C. Saying sorry
D. Sitting in time out
66. Contriving opportunities refers to:
A. Setting up environment to create learning trials
B. Waiting for natural events
C. Forcing the client
D. Discrimination training
67. Distractor trials involve:
A. Inserting known targets/distractors
B. Only using new targets
C. Punishment
D. Physical prompts
68. Which is a continuous measurement?
A. Latency
B. Partial Interval
C. Whole Interval
D. Momentary Time Sampling
69. Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO) reinforces:
A. The absence of behavior
B. Specific alternative behaviors
C. Incompatible behaviors
D. Low rates of behavior
70. Skill Acquisition Plan goal:
A. Teach new skills
B. Reduce behavior
C. Punish behavior
D. Graph data
71. A prompt should be delivered:
A. With or immediately after the SD
B. After the behavior
C. Before the SD
D. During the consequence
72. Scenario: Supervisor observes you. You get nervous and perform worse. This is:
A. Reactivity
B. Incompetence
C. Behavior contrast
D. Extinction
73. When comparing two observers' frequency counts, Scored-Interval IOA is preferred over Total Count IOA because it:
A. Excludes non-occurrence intervals, giving a more conservative estimate
B. Accounts for all intervals including non-occurrences
C. Is always higher than Total Count IOA
D. Is calculated using Kappa to control for chance agreement
74. Determining what a client prefers is called:
A. Preference Assessment
B. Reinforcer Assessment
C. Functional Assessment
D. Skill Assessment
75. A BCBA instructs an RBT to complete scatterplot data collection over a two-week period. What is the primary purpose of this assessment tool?
A. To identify temporal patterns and time intervals when the target behavior is most and least likely to occur
B. To confirm the exact neurological cause of the client's challenging behavior
C. To test whether sensory stimulation reinforces vocal stereotypy in an analog setting
D. To determine whether the client's academic performance meets grade-level standards
76. A behavior intervention plan (BIP) developed by a BCBA is best described as:
A. A written plan specifying function-based interventions for problem behavior
B. A log of all behaviors observed during sessions
C. A reinforcement menu chosen by the client
D. A punishment protocol designed by the parent
77. Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA) involves:
A. Reinforcing a functional alternative to the problem behavior
B. Reinforcing any behavior other than the problem behavior
C. Reinforcing behavior when it is consistent with low rates
D. Punishing the alternative behavior
78. Extinction burst is a:
A. Predictable increase
B. Sign of failure
C. Reason to stop
D. Permanent change
79. An RBT considers posting a generic ABA educational article on her personal Instagram. The post does not reference any client or her workplace. Is this allowed?
A. No — RBTs cannot post anything ABA-related online.
B. Yes, generally — generic, non-client-identifying educational content is acceptable (check agency policy too).
C. Only if the RBT has BACB pre-approval.
D. Only if posted on LinkedIn, not Instagram.
80. An RBT finishes a session and realizes she has only 5 minutes before her next session begins. She typically takes 15 minutes to write notes. What should she do?
A. Write a brief on-the-spot note and complete the full note within 24 hours.
B. Skip the note — she'll remember the session for tomorrow.
C. Have the parent describe the session and use that as the note.
D. Estimate the data and write it later from memory.
81. If a client reports abuse, you are a:
A. Mandated Reporter
B. Bystander
C. Counselor
D. Supervisor
82. Percent of occurrence is calculated by:
A. Occurrences divided by Opportunities x 100
B. Occurrences plus Opportunities
C. Opportunities minus Occurrences
D. Occurrences times Opportunities
83. The "Trend" of a data path refers to:
A. Direction (Increasing, Decreasing)
B. Variability
C. Level
D. Total count
84. Satiation refers to:
A. Reduced value of reinforcer due to overuse
B. Increased value of reinforcer
C. Hunger
D. Denial of access
85. Which of the following is an unconditioned reinforcer?
A. Food when the learner is hungry
B. Tokens
C. Verbal praise
D. Stickers
Answer Key
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