RBT Certification Examination
The RBT exam is a 90-minute, computer-based test with 85 multiple-choice questions (75 scored, 10 unscored pilot items) across six content areas defined by the BACB's 3rd-edition Test Content Outline, effective January 1, 2026. Behavior Acquisition is the largest area at 19 questions (25%).
Content outline and weights
Passing: Result is based on overall performance across all 75 scored questions, not per domain; the BACB does not publish a raw cut score. (Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB))
What the 2026 RBT exam looks like
- 85 questions: 75 scored plus 10 unscored pilot questions you cannot identify during the test.
- 90 minutes, delivered at Pearson VUE test centers.
- Four answer options, one correct, all questions equally weighted.
- Six content areas from the 3rd-edition Test Content Outline (43 tasks):
| Domain | Questions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Data Collection and Graphing | 13 | 17% |
| Behavior Assessment | 8 | 11% |
| Behavior Acquisition | 19 | 25% |
| Behavior Reduction | 14 | 19% |
| Documentation and Reporting | 10 | 13% |
| Ethics | 11 | 15% |
Your result is based on overall performance, not on each domain separately, so a weak domain can be offset by a strong one; but the two largest domains (Acquisition + Reduction) are 44% of the scored items and are where most candidates should spend most of their time.
Retakes
You may attempt the exam up to 8 times within the 12-month authorization period after your application is approved, waiting at least 7 days between attempts. The retake application currently has no BACB fee, but each Pearson VUE appointment does.
What changed in 2026
The 3rd-edition outline replaced the 2nd edition on January 1, 2026, alongside a revised 40-hour training curriculum outline and a new Initial Competency Assessment. Study material written for the 2nd edition may not map to the 43 current tasks; the topic hubs on this site follow the 3rd edition task by task.
Exam guides
- How much the RBT exam and certification cost (2026)
In 2026 the BACB certification application fee is $65 and the Pearson VUE exam appointment fee is $45, a total of $110 before training costs. The 40-hour training is priced by third-party providers and is not set by the BACB.
- RBT requirements in 2026
To apply for RBT certification you must be at least 18, have at least a high-school education, pass a criminal background check and an abuse registry check (within 180 days of paying the application fee), complete a 40-hour training over 5–180 days, and pass the Initial Competency Assessment within 90 days before applying. Then you pass the exam.
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Primary references
- RBT Test Content Outline (3rd ed.), effective January 1, 2026 — Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) · primary · retrieved 2026-09-21, verified 2026-09-21
- RBT Handbook (updated June 2026) — Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) · primary · retrieved 2026-09-21, verified 2026-09-21
- RBT Ethics Code (2.0) — Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) · primary · retrieved 2026-09-21, verified 2026-09-21