Alright, so you’re preparing for the RBT exam, right?
A lot of things will be hitting your mind: “Where do I even start?” or “Will I succeed?”
You do not need to worry, as you’re not alone. That’s how a lot of candidates feel before they start preparing. The good news is that you found us.
Let’s go through our step-by-step guide to help you feel confident about passing the test.
What exactly is the RBT Exam?
First, let’s discuss the RBT exam in detail. RBT stands for Registered Behavior Technician.
The purpose of the exam is to assess your behavior analysis knowledge and abilities. If you have worked with clients in a behavioral setting, you probably already know some of the concepts, but this exam ensures you know both the theory and the practice.
Quick Info about the RBT Exam
- Format: Multiple-choice questions
- Length: 90 questions
- Time: 1.5 hours to finish
- Passing score: 80% or higher
Step 1: Know the Subject Areas
You need to know what you’re up against before you even consider starting your study plan. The RBT exam focuses on four main areas:
- Measurement: How is data gathered and recorded?
- Assessment: How do you evaluate the behavior of clients?
- Skill Acquisition: How do you impart new skills?
- Behavior Reduction: How do you deal with difficult behavior?
Focus on the Key Areas
Although the exam covers a lot of ground, you should spend the majority of your time on the topics listed above. It’s easy to get bogged down in the nitty-gritty, but if you focus on these major areas, the rest will follow.
Step 2: Get Familiar with the Task List
The RBT Task List is your blueprint for the exam. It’s like a “to-do” list that specifies precisely what you need to study.
The Task List lays out everything you need to know, like:
- How to collect baseline data
- Ways to reduce problem behaviors
- The right types of interventions
If you haven’t already, grab the Task List and read through it. It’s similar to your study plan. Concentrate on the sections that make you go, “What’s this about?” and then dig deeper.
Step 3: Use Study Guides and Resources
It’s time to collect some reliable resources now that you know what to study. Study guides save the day. They provide you with practice questions to work through and break down the material.
A couple of my personal favorites include:
- ABA Study Guide: This one is concise and extremely helpful for understanding the fundamentals.
- Online RBT Practice Tests: You must develop the habit of responding to timed questions. When you sit for the actual exam, I promise you, it will change everything.
Pro Tip: Practice tests are magic. They help you get used to the format and show you which areas need more work. Avoid skipping them.
Step 4: Create a Study Schedule
Time to put your plan into action.
No, you don’t need to dedicate 12 hours a day to studying, but consistency is key.
Here’s a simple plan that works:
- Week 1-2: Concentrate on measurement and assessment
- Week 3-4: Focus on behaviour reduction and skill acquisition
- Week 5: Review everything, take RBT practice exam, and work on weak areas that need improvement
- Week 6: Take more practice tests and conduct a final review.
The key is to break it down into manageable chunks so that does not feel overwhelming.
And, for the love of coffee, don’t cram the night before. It’s all about consistency and building confidence over time.
Step 5: Take Care of Yourself
Look after Yourself Although it may sound a little “mom advice-y,” bear with me: you must take care of your brain. You will exhaust yourself if you study continuously. You require rest. You require breaks.
Here are some self-care tips while preparing;
- Sleep: Get a solid 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. Your brain will thank you.
- Exercise: Taking a short walk or working out helps clear the mind
- Eat well: Eat well and provide your body with nutritious food. It is needed by your brain.
Trust me, you’ll feel better and study more effectively
Step 6: Stay Calm and Confident
On the day of the exam, stay cool.
