✨ How to Prep for the RBT Exam Without Losing Your Mind ✨
Hey future RBT! 💼💙 If you’re reading this, you're probably somewhere between “I got this” and “Why is my brain leaking out of my ears from all this ABA stuff?” First of all, breathe, you’re not alone, and yes, you can 100% pass the RBT exam (even if you haven’t studied in a while and your flashcards are gathering dust on your desk).
Let’s break it down. No gatekeeping here. Just real, useful tips to help you crush that exam and officially join the RBT squad.
📦 What Even Is the RBT Exam?
Okay, quick rundown. The RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) exam is the final boss before you can officially work under a BCBA and do all the cool stuff in the world of behavior analysis.
Here's what you're up against:
85 multiple-choice questions (75 count toward your score, 10 are just vibe checks)
90 minutes to finish
Covers 6 major sections from the RBT Task List (Measurement, Assessment, Skill Acquisition, Behavior Reduction, Documentation & Reporting, and Professional Conduct)
It’s not meant to trick you—but it will test your understanding. So let’s make sure you’re ready.
🧠 Step 1: Knock Out Your 40-Hour Training
You need to complete a 40-hour training that goes over the entire RBT Task List. This is your official intro to ABA world: data collection, reinforcement, prompting, behavior plans, ethics, and more.
TIP: Don’t just click through it like it’s a YouTube ad. Take notes. Pause. Rewind. Actually learn it, future you (and your clients) will thank you.
📓 Step 2: Study Like You Actually Want This (Because You Do)
Here’s how to make the info stick:
✅ Print the RBT Task List and treat it like a study checklist ✅ Explain each term to your dog, mirror, or TikTok followers ✅ Make or steal Quizlet flashcards (there are tons out there) ✅ Write out real-life examples for each concept
You want to go from “I’ve heard of that term” to “Let me teach you about it over coffee.”
🎮 Step 3: Practice Tests = Your Best Friend
Don’t wait until the night before to wonder how the test is worded. Get cozy with mock exams and practice questions from:
Online RBT prep sites
YouTube breakdowns (some are free and amazing)
Study guides from your training
Reddit and Facebook RBT groups
Set a timer. Mimic the real test vibes. Feel the panic now, not later. 😅
🎧 Step 4: Learn How You Learn Best
Let’s be real some of us glaze over when reading textbooks. So don’t force it.
🎨 Visual learner? Make diagrams, color-coded notes, mind maps 🎧 Auditory learner? Listen to ABA podcasts or watch explainer vids 💬 Social learner? Start a group chat or study Zoom with other RBTs 🤹 Kinesthetic learner? Pretend you’re running a session and talk through the steps
Studying isn’t one-size-fits-all. Customize your strategy.
🫂 Step 5: Join a Study Group or Community (Internet Friends Count!)
Studying solo is fine, but studying with others? ✨Elite.✨
Join an RBT Study Facebook Group
Lurk on Reddit's r/ABA
Chat on Discord with other RBT hopefuls
Ask questions, swap resources, send memes when you're fried
Sometimes someone else’s way of explaining a concept will click faster than anything you read in a textbook.
💆♀️ Step 6: Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself
This is your gentle Tumblr reminder that you are a whole human being, not just a brain on a stick.
🧃 Stay hydrated 🍕 Eat something that isn’t microwave popcorn 😴 Sleep at least a little the night before 🧘♂️ Do some deep breathing if test anxiety hits (look up the 4-7-8 method)
Self-care helps your brain work better. Science said it. 🧪
🚀 Final Words: You’re Closer Than You Think
Passing the RBT exam isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being prepared. You’ve already done the hard part by deciding to start this journey. Now it’s just about finishing strong.
You’ve got the tools. You’ve got the heart. You’re about to have the certification. 🎉
Go get that pass letter, future RBT. 💪💙
Reblog if you’re on your RBT grind, and feel free to drop your fave study hacks in the comments! Let’s help each other grow. 💬🌱