RBT Practice Exam 1

Preparing for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification exam requires practice with realistic test questions. Our free RBT practice exams mirror the actual certification exam format, covering essential topics like measurement procedures, data collection, and behavior interventions. Each question includes detailed explanations to help you understand the correct answers and improve your knowledge. Practice with multiple RBT exams to identify your strengths and build confidence before taking the official RBT certification test.

1. 

During a therapy session, an RBT records that a client engaged in vocal stereotypy for a total of 15 minutes out of a 60-minute session. Which measurement method is being used?

Count

Percent duration

Frequency

Rate

None

2. 

Sarah needs to track how many math problems her client completes correctly during each session. Which data collection method should she use?

Duration recording

Latency recording

Permanent product

Partial interval recording

None

3. 

During a 45-minute session, an RBT records that his client engaged in hand-flapping for 18 minutes total. What measurement did the RBT calculate?

Rate

Frequency

Percent duration

Inter-response time

None

4. 

An RBT divides her 20-minute observation into 2-minute intervals and records if her client engages in any self-injurious behavior during each interval. What type of recording is this?

Whole interval recording

Partial interval recording

Momentary time sampling

Duration recording

None

5. 

An RBT gives his client the instruction to "put on your backpack." He measures that it takes 25 seconds from the instruction until the client begins reaching for the backpack. What is being measured?

Duration

Frequency

Inter-response time

Response latency

None

6. 

An RBT observes that her client completes one worksheet, pauses for 3 minutes, then begins the next worksheet. What type of measurement is the 3-minute pause?

Inter-response time

Latency

Duration

Rate

None

7. 

During a 30-minute session, an RBT uses a timer to record that his client spent exactly 12 minutes reading aloud. What measurement method is being used?

Frequency recording

Rate recording

Duration recording

Latency recording

None

8. 

An RBT counts 8 instances of her client asking for help during a 40-minute session. She calculates this as 12 requests per hour. What measurement did she calculate?

Rate

Frequency

Duration

Percent occurrence

None

9. 

During a structured observation, an RBT looks at her client at exactly 30-second intervals to see if he is engaging with his materials. What type of data collection is this?

Partial interval recording

Whole interval recording

Momentary time sampling

Duration recording

None

10. 

An RBT wants to track whether his client remains in his seat for entire 5-minute periods without getting up. What recording method should be used?

Frequency recording

Partial interval recording

Momentary time sampling

Whole interval recording

None

11. 

An RBT observes that her client engages in hand-flapping for 5 seconds, stops for 2 seconds, then resumes for 8 seconds. Using whole interval recording with 5-second intervals, how many intervals would be scored as occurrences?

1

2

3

0

None

12. 

An RBT needs to measure how long his client takes to transition from one activity to another after being given a 2-minute warning. What should be measured?

The full 2 minutes until transition begins

From the warning until transition is complete

Only the physical movement time

The time between activities

None

13. 

An RBT presents her client with two toys at a time and asks him to choose one. After the client makes his selection, she records his choice and presents a new pair. What type of preference assessment is being conducted?

Free operant preference assessment

Single stimulus preference assessment

Paired stimulus preference assessment

Multiple stimulus without replacement

None

14. 

During a functional behavior assessment, an RBT interviews the client's parents about when problem behaviors typically occur at home. What type of assessment method is being used?

Direct assessment

Indirect assessment

Functional analysis

Descriptive assessment

None

15. 

An RBT places several preferred items in front of his client and allows her to freely choose and interact with any items she wants for 10 minutes while he observes. What assessment is being conducted?

Paired stimulus preference assessment

Multiple stimulus with replacement

Free operant preference assessment

Single stimulus preference assessment

None

16. 

An RBT is assisting with a VB-MAPP assessment for her client. What is the primary purpose of this assessment tool?

To evaluate verbal and social skills

To identify preferred reinforcers

To determine the function of problem behavior

To assess motor skills development

None

17. 

During an MSWO preference assessment, an RBT presents his client with 5 items. After the client selects one, what should happen next?

Replace the chosen item and present all 5 again

Remove the chosen item and present the remaining 4

End the assessment

Present only the chosen item again

None

18. 

When conducting a preference assessment, an RBT notices that her client consistently chooses the same item first but rarely engages with it for more than a few seconds. What should be concluded?

The item is highly reinforcing

The assessment needs to be repeated

The item should be removed from future assessments

Preference does not guarantee reinforcement

None

19. 

An RBT is teaching a child to request items using picture cards. She first provides hand-over-hand guidance, then gradually fades to just touching the child's elbow, and finally to just pointing to the communication board. This is an example of:

Chaining

Prompt fading

Shaping

Task analysis

None

20. 

An RBT teaches his client to wash hands independently. He breaks the task into steps: gather dishes, fill sink, add soap, wash each dish, rinse, and dry. What has been created?

Behavior intervention plan

Task analysis

Preference assessment

Data collection sheet

None

21. 

An RBT reinforces his client after every 3rd correct response during a matching task. What reinforcement schedule is being used?

Fixed interval

Variable ratio

Fixed ratio

Continuous reinforcement

None

22. 

An RBT is teaching her client to tie shoes. She has the client complete the final step (pulling the loops tight) and gradually adds earlier steps until he can complete the entire sequence. What chaining method is being used?

Forward chaining

Backward chaining

Total task chaining

Stimulus chaining

None

23. 

A client learned to say "more" during snack time and now uses it appropriately during playtime and art activities. What does this demonstrate?

Maintenance

Discrimination

Generalization

Acquisition

None

24. 

An RBT starts by physically guiding his client's hand to point to pictures, then just touches her wrist, then just points near her hand, and finally just gives the verbal instruction. What process is being implemented?

Prompt fading

Shaping

Chaining

Error correction

None

25. 

In a token economy, a client can choose between 10 minutes of tablet time, a small toy, or a preferred snack. These items serve as:

Tokens

Primary reinforcers

Conditioned stimuli

Backup reinforcers

None

26. 

An RBT provides hand-over-hand assistance for the entire eating motion when teaching a client to use a spoon. What level of prompt is being used?

Partial physical prompt

Full physical prompt

Gestural prompt

Positional prompt

None

27. 

An RBT reinforces his client on average every 5 responses, but sometimes after 3 responses and sometimes after 8 responses. What schedule of reinforcement is being used?

Fixed ratio

Variable ratio

Fixed interval

Variable interval

None

28. 

An RBT teaches her client to put on his jacket starting with picking up the jacket, then putting in one arm, then the other arm, and finally zipping it up. What chaining procedure is being used?

Backward chaining

Total task chaining

Response chaining

Forward chaining

None

29. 

An RBT wants to increase the length of time her client remains seated during instruction. She starts by reinforcing 30 seconds of sitting, then 45 seconds, then 1 minute. What procedure is being used?

Chaining

Shaping

Fading

Discrimination training

None

30. 

An RBT provides reinforcement to his client every 2 minutes regardless of how many tasks she completes. What reinforcement schedule is being used?

Fixed ratio

Variable ratio

Fixed interval

Variable interval

None

31. 

When a client correctly identifies "red," an RBT immediately says "Great job!" and gives him a high-five. What type of reinforcement is being provided?

Tangible reinforcement

Automatic reinforcement

Social reinforcement

Sensory reinforcement

None

32. 

An RBT teaches his client to request help by having her practice the skill during naturally occurring opportunities throughout the day rather than at a table. What teaching method is being used?

Natural environment teaching

Discrete trial training

Mass trial training

Structured teaching

None

33. 

A client learned to say "hello" to his RBT and now says "hello" to other staff members and his parents. What type of generalization is this?

Setting generalization

Stimulus generalization

Response generalization

Maintenance

None

34. 

An RBT is teaching her client to complete puzzles. She starts with 3-piece puzzles, then 5-piece, then 10-piece puzzles as the client masters each level. What principle guides this approach?

Errorless learning

Random presentation

Mass trials

Progressive difficulty

None

35. 

An RBT teaches his client to sort objects by color. Initially, he provides verbal prompts, then reduces to just pointing to the correct location, and finally provides no prompts. What is the goal of this process?

To increase prompt dependency

To achieve stimulus control

To slow down learning

To increase errors

None

36. 

A client learned to identify shapes using picture cards and can now identify the same shapes in his environment. This demonstrates:

Stimulus generalization

Response generalization

Maintenance

Discrimination

None

37. 

An RBT teaches her client to wash his hands by having him practice all steps of the task during each training session with varying levels of assistance for different steps. What chaining procedure is being used?

Forward chaining

Backward chaining

Total task chaining

Partial task chaining

None

38. 

An RBT wants to teach his client to use different ways to request a break (saying "break," pointing to a break card, or raising her hand). This approach promotes:

Prompt dependency

Response generalization

Stimulus generalization

Maintenance

None

39. 

During discrete trial training, what should happen immediately after the client gives the correct response?

Present the next trial

Record the data

Give a prompt

Provide the reinforcer

None

40. 

An RBT reinforces her client each time he sorts a shape correctly, without any delays. What type of reinforcement schedule is being used?

Variable reinforcement

Negative reinforcement

Intermittent reinforcement

Continuous reinforcement

None

41. 

When designing a skill acquisition plan, what is MOST important to consider when selecting targets?

Ease of data collection

Social significance for the client

Staff preference

Program duration

None

42. 

An RBT teaches her client to say "I want water" by providing reinforcement for each correct response. Once the client consistently says "I want water," she reinforces him for using the full sentence "I want water, please." What procedure is being used?

Discrete trial training

Task analysis

Chaining

Shaping

None

43. 

What is the primary goal of implementing a differential reinforcement procedure?

To punish inappropriate behavior

To increase appropriate behavior while decreasing inappropriate behavior

To extinguish all behaviors

To provide continuous reinforcement

None

44. 

In a DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior) procedure, reinforcement is provided when:

The target behavior occurs

An alternative behavior occurs

The target behavior does not occur for a specified period

Any behavior occurs

None

45. 

What is the most likely result when a behavior that was previously reinforced is no longer reinforced?

The behavior will immediately stop

The behavior will continue at the same rate

An extinction burst may occur

The behavior will increase permanently

None

46. 

Which type of punishment involves removing a preferred stimulus after a behavior occurs?

Negative punishment

Positive punishment

Response cost

Time-out

None

47. 

A functional behavior assessment reveals that a child's tantrums are maintained by escape from demands. Which intervention would be most appropriate?

Provide attention during tantrums

Give preferred items during tantrums

Implement escape extinction

Remove all demands permanently

None

48. 

What is the key difference between DRA and DRI procedures?

DRA uses punishment, DRI uses reinforcement

DRA reinforces any alternative behavior, DRI reinforces incompatible behavior

DRA is used for skill acquisition, DRI is used for behavior reduction

There is no difference between DRA and DRI

None

49. 

Which of the following best describes a response interruption procedure?

Stopping a behavior before it is completed

Providing consequences after a behavior

Teaching a replacement behavior

Removing reinforcement for a behavior

None

50. 

In which situation would time-out be contraindicated as an intervention?

When the problem behavior is maintained by access to attention

When the problem behavior is maintained by escape from demands

When the child enjoys social interaction

When used as part of a comprehensive behavior plan

None

51. 

What does the term "response cost" refer to in behavior analysis?

The energy required to perform a behavior

The time it takes to complete a behavior

The removal of a specific amount of reinforcer contingent on problem behavior

The cost of implementing an intervention

None

52. 

Which of the following is a potential side effect of punishment procedures?

Increased compliance

Emotional responses such as crying or aggression

Faster skill acquisition

Improved social relationships

None

53. 

What is the most important factor to consider before implementing any behavior reduction procedure?

The age of the client

The function of the behavior

The frequency of the behavior

The setting where the behavior occurs

None

54. 

Which procedure involves reinforcing behaviors that cannot occur at the same time as the problem behavior?

DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior)

DRA (Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior)

DRI (Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior)

DRL (Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates)

None

55. 

Which of the following should be documented immediately after each session?

Specific behavioral data and intervention implementation

Client's mood and emotional state only

Personal observations about the client's family

Recommendations for program changes

None

56. 

What is the most important characteristic of effective behavioral documentation?

It includes personal opinions about client progress

It uses technical jargon to sound professional

It is objective and measurable

It focuses on the client's emotional responses

None

57. 

When should an RBT report a significant change in a client's behavior to their supervisor?

Only during scheduled team meetings

At the end of the week

When specifically asked by the supervisor

As soon as possible after the session

None

58. 

Which type of information should NOT be included in session documentation?

Frequency of target behaviors

Speculation about why behaviors occurred

Interventions used during the session

Environmental conditions during the session

None

59. 

What is the primary purpose of collecting baseline data?

To establish a comparison point for measuring progress

To determine the client's preferences

To assess the effectiveness of reinforcers

To identify potential safety concerns

None

60. 

Which statement represents appropriate documentation of a behavioral incident?

"Client became frustrated and had a meltdown"

"Client engaged in 3 instances of hitting peers during group activity"

"Client was having a bad day and acted out"

"Client seemed upset and couldn't handle the demands"

None

61. 

What should an RBT do if they forget to document a session immediately after it ends?

Skip the documentation since time has passed

Make up approximate data to fill in the gaps

Document as soon as possible and note the delay

Wait until the next session to document both together

None

62. 

Which of the following requires immediate supervisor notification?

A client reaches a program goal

A client exhibits novel aggressive behavior

A preferred reinforcer loses effectiveness

A client completes a task independently

None

63. 

What is the correct way to handle an error in written documentation?

Use correction fluid to cover the mistake

Cross out the error with a single line and initial

Erase the error completely

Start a new document from the beginning

None

64. 

Which principle guides the sharing of client information with other professionals?

Information should be shared freely among all staff

Only positive information should be shared

Information should only be shared on a need-to-know basis

Client information should never be shared with anyone

None

65. 

Which of the following activities is outside the scope of practice for an RBT?

Implementing behavior intervention plans as designed by a BCBA

Collecting data on client progress

Following protocols established by supervisors

Designing new behavior intervention strategies

None

66. 

What is the minimum percentage of direct service hours that must be supervised each month for RBTs?

8 %

3 %

10 %

5 %

None

67. 

Which action represents a violation of professional boundaries?

Declining a client's family invitation to a holiday party

Maintaining professional communication with parents

Accepting a client's family invitation to a holiday party

Seeking supervision when uncertain about procedures

None

68. 

What should an RBT do if a parent asks them to modify a behavior intervention plan?

Make the requested changes immediately

Explain why the current plan is better

Refer the parent to speak with the BCBA

Implement the changes temporarily

None

69. 

Which statement best describes the RBT's role in team meetings?

Lead discussions about treatment modifications

Make clinical decisions for the client

Determine discharge criteria

Provide data and observations as requested

None

70. 

What is required when an RBT identifies a potential ethical violation by a colleague?

Report the concern to the appropriate supervisor

Ignore the situation if it doesn't directly affect their clients

Confront the colleague directly before taking any action

Document the incident but take no further action

None

71. 

Which type of relationship is prohibited between RBTs and former clients?

Professional consultation relationships

Therapeutic relationships with family members

Sexual or romantic relationships

Referral relationships

None

72. 

What should an RBT do if they lack competence in a required skill area?

Attempt to learn through trial and error

Seek additional training and supervision

Decline to work with that type of client

Use techniques from other therapeutic approaches

None

73. 

Which communication is appropriate for an RBT to have with a client's school staff?

Sharing confidential information without consent

Providing unauthorized clinical recommendations

Coordinating as directed by the BCBA

Making independent decisions about school accommodations

None

74. 

What is the RBT's responsibility regarding continuing education requirements?

Complete requirements only when specifically reminded

Track and complete required continuing education units

Rely on employers to automatically enroll them in courses

Complete requirements only during renewal years

None

75. 

Which situation requires immediate notification to a supervisor?

A client reaches a treatment goal ahead of schedule

A client exhibits signs of possible abuse or neglect

A session needs to be rescheduled due to illness

A preferred reinforcer becomes less effective

None

1 out of 75

Time's up