The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) exam is a critical step for individuals pursuing a career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), this certification validates the skills and knowledge required to work as a paraprofessional under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). One of the most frequently asked questions by aspiring RBTs is, “How many questions is the RBT exam?” This article provides a detailed exploration of the number of questions on the RBT exam, including its structure, the distinction between scored and unscored questions, and comparisons to other certification exams.
How Many Questions Are on the RBT Exam?
As of 2025, the RBT exam consists of 85 multiple-choice questions, with 75 questions scored and 10 questions unscored. These 85 questions must be completed within a 90-minute time limit at a Pearson VUE testing center. Below, we break down the structure and purpose of these questions to clarify common queries such as “how many questions on the RBT exam” and “how many questions are on the RBT exam.”
Scored Questions: The Core of the Exam (75 Questions)
The 75 scored questions form the basis of your final score and determine whether you pass or fail the exam. These questions are carefully designed to assess your competency in the six core domains outlined in the RBT Task List (2nd Edition, valid through 2025):
- Skill Acquisition (24 questions, 32%): Focuses on teaching new skills, including reinforcement strategies and instructional methods.
- Behavior Reduction (12 questions, 16%): Tests knowledge of interventions to decrease maladaptive behaviors.
- Measurement (12 questions, 16%): Covers data collection methods, such as frequency, duration, and latency.
- Documentation and Reporting (10 questions, 13%): Assesses skills in objective record-keeping and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
- Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice (11 questions, 15%): Evaluates understanding of the RBT Ethics Code and role boundaries.
- Assessment (6 questions, 8%): Involves conducting preference assessments and understanding behavioral functions.
Each scored question has four possible answers, with only one correct option. The questions may be concept-based (testing theoretical knowledge) or scenario-based (requiring application of ABA principles to real-world situations). The distribution of questions ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the skills required to perform effectively as an RBT.
Unscored Pilot Questions: The Hidden 10
The 10 unscored questions, often referred to as pilot questions, are included to test their validity for future exams. These questions are randomly distributed throughout the exam, and candidates cannot distinguish them from scored questions. The BACB uses pilot questions to refine the exam’s content, ensuring that new questions meet rigorous standards for clarity, difficulty, and relevance before they are included as scored items in subsequent exam versions.
Because pilot questions do not contribute to your score, the common question “how many questions on RBT exam are actually graded?” is answered by the 75 scored questions. However, since all 85 questions appear identical, candidates must approach each one with equal focus and effort. This structure can feel daunting, but it ensures the exam remains a reliable measure of competency over time.
Why 85 Questions? Understanding the Exam’s Design
The decision to include 85 questions, with 75 scored and 10 unscored, reflects the BACB’s commitment to creating a robust and fair assessment. Here’s why this structure is used:
- Balancing Depth and Breadth: The 75 scored questions cover the RBT Task List comprehensively, testing both theoretical knowledge and practical application across six domains. This ensures that certified RBTs are well-equipped to handle diverse responsibilities in ABA settings.
- Time Management Challenge: With 90 minutes to answer 85 questions, candidates have approximately 1 minute and 4 seconds per question. This time constraint tests not only knowledge but also the ability to think quickly and efficiently, a critical skill for RBTs working in fast-paced clinical environments.
- Continuous Improvement: The 10 pilot questions allow the BACB to update the exam without compromising its validity. By testing new questions alongside scored ones, the BACB gathers data on their performance, ensuring that future exams remain relevant to evolving ABA practices.
- Fairness Across Versions: The RBT exam uses multiple forms to prevent cheating and ensure fairness. The modified Angoff method, a criterion-referenced scoring approach, calibrates passing scores based on question difficulty. This means that even if one exam form is slightly harder, the required number of correct answers adjusts to maintain consistency. Typically, a score of 200 out of 250 points (approximately 80% of scored questions, or 60 correct answers) is needed to pass, though this can vary slightly.
Comparing the RBT Exam to Other Certification Exams
To contextualize the question “how many questions is the RBT exam,” it’s helpful to compare it to other certification exams in related fields. Below, we examine the RBT exam alongside the Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) exam and the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam.
RBT vs. ABAT Exam
The ABAT exam, offered by the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA), is an alternative credential for behavior technicians. Key differences include:
- Number of Questions: The ABAT exam has 125 multiple-choice questions, significantly more than the RBT’s 85. All 125 questions are scored, with no pilot questions.
- Time Limit: Candidates have 2 hours to complete the ABAT exam, compared to 90 minutes for the RBT exam. This allows roughly 57 seconds per question, slightly less time per question than the RBT’s 1 minute and 4 seconds.
- Content: Both exams cover similar ABA concepts, but the ABAT exam includes additional topics specific to QABA’s task list, such as cultural competency. The RBT exam’s focus is narrower, aligning strictly with the BACB’s RBT Task List.
The RBT exam’s smaller question count and inclusion of pilot questions make it more concise, but the inability to identify unscored questions adds a layer of complexity. Candidates preparing for the RBT exam may find its structure more manageable due to the shorter duration and fewer total questions.
RBT vs. BCBA Exam
The BCBA exam is a higher-level certification for behavior analysts, requiring a master’s degree and extensive supervised experience. Comparing it to the RBT exam highlights their differing scopes:
- Number of Questions: The BCBA exam has 185 multiple-choice questions, with 150 scored and 35 unscored pilot questions. This is more than double the RBT exam’s total.
- Time Limit: Candidates have 4 hours to complete the BCBA exam, providing roughly 77 seconds per question, slightly more than the RBT’s 64 seconds.
- Content: The BCBA exam tests advanced ABA concepts, including experimental design and supervision, whereas the RBT exam focuses on foundational skills for direct intervention.
The RBT exam’s 85 questions are appropriate for an entry-level credential, requiring less preparation time than the BCBA exam’s rigorous demands. However, both exams use pilot questions and the modified Angoff method, ensuring standardized scoring.
Preparing for the 85 Questions: Strategies for Success
Understanding “how many questions on the RBT exam” is only the first step. Effective preparation is crucial to navigate the 85 questions confidently. Here are key strategies:
- Master the RBT Task List: The 75 scored questions are directly based on the RBT Task List (2nd Edition). Download it from the BACB website and study each domain thoroughly. Create flashcards for terms like “differential reinforcement” and “functional assessment.”
- Practice with Mock Exams: Take full-length practice tests with 85 questions to simulate exam conditions. Resources like Mometrix and RBTPracticeTest.com offer free and paid mock exams updated for 2025. Review incorrect answers to identify weak areas.
- Hone Time Management: Practice answering questions at a pace of 1 minute each. During the exam, flag difficult questions and return to them later to avoid running out of time. Unanswered questions are scored as incorrect, so pace yourself carefully.
- Study Pilot Question Impact: Since you can’t identify the 10 pilot questions, treat all 85 questions seriously. However, knowing that 10 are unscored can reduce pressure, as missing a few questions won’t necessarily jeopardize your score.
- Focus on High-Weight Areas: Skill Acquisition (24 questions) and Behavior Reduction (12 questions) account for nearly half the scored questions. Prioritize these domains while ensuring a solid grasp of all areas.
Common Misconceptions About the Number of Questions
Aspiring RBTs often encounter myths about the exam’s structure. Here, we address common misconceptions related to “how many questions on RBT exam”:
- Myth: All 85 Questions Are Scored: Some candidates believe all 85 questions count toward the score. In reality, only 75 are scored, with 10 pilot questions excluded.
- Myth: You Can Skip Pilot Questions: Since pilot questions are indistinguishable, skipping any question is risky. Each question could be scored, so answer all 85 to maximize your chances.
- Myth: The Exam Has Fewer Questions in 2024/2025: Posts on X and outdated sources may claim changes to the question count. As of 2025, the structure remains 85 questions (75 scored, 10 unscored), with no changes announced until the 3rd Edition Task List rollout in 2026.
Conclusion – Questions on the RBT Exam
The RBT exam’s structure—85 multiple-choice questions, with 75 scored and 10 unscored pilot questions—is designed to rigorously assess the competencies required for a Registered Behavior Technician. By understanding the breakdown of scored and unscored questions, comparing the RBT exam to others like the ABAT and BCBA, and adopting targeted preparation strategies, candidates can approach the exam with confidence. Whether you’re wondering “how many questions is the RBT exam” or seeking clarity on its format, this guide equips you with the knowledge to succeed. Study diligently, manage your time effectively, and take the first step toward a rewarding career in ABA.
Sources:
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) RBT Handbook
- RBT Exam Information from rbtexam.org
- Blossom ABA Therapy
- RBT Practice Exam