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RBT exam study sheets

One page per exam area of the RBT Test Content Outline (3rd ed.): key terms in plain words with a session example. Print them or save as PDF.

A. Data collection and graphing

Term	What it means	Example
Frequency / count	How many times a behavior happens.	The client raised a hand 7 times in the session.
Rate	Count divided by time.	7 hand raises in 35 minutes = 0.2 per minute.
Duration	How long a behavior lasts, start to finish.	A tantrum lasted 4 minutes.
Latency	Time from an instruction or cue to the start of the response.	12 seconds from "line up" to standing up.
Inter-response time (IRT)	Time between the end of one response and the start of the next.	40 seconds between two requests for a break.
Partial interval	Score the interval if the behavior happens at any point in it. Tends to overestimate.	Any scream during a 10-second interval scores a +.
Whole interval	Score only if the behavior lasts the entire interval. Tends to underestimate.	On-task for all 10 seconds scores a +.
Momentary time sampling	Score only if the behavior is happening at the moment the interval ends.	Check every 2 minutes: is the client in their seat right now?
Permanent product	Measure the result a behavior leaves behind.	Count completed worksheet problems after the session.

Term	What it means	Example
ABC data	Antecedent, behavior, consequence recorded each time the behavior occurs.	Asked to clean up → threw toy → task removed.
Functions of behavior	Attention, escape, access to tangibles, automatic (sensory).	Behavior that stops demands is likely escape-maintained.
Preference assessment	A structured way to find likely reinforcers.	Paired-choice: offer two items at a time and record picks.
Motivating operation (MO)	Changes how valuable a reinforcer is right now.	A client who skipped snack wants food more.
Discriminative stimulus (SD)	Signals that reinforcement is available for a response.	Grandma in the room signals that asking for cookies works.

Term	What it means	Example
Discrete trial training (DTT)	SD → response → consequence → short pause between trials.	"Touch red" → touches red → praise → reset materials.
Naturalistic teaching	Teaching inside play and everyday routines, following the client's lead.	Hold the swing until the client says "push".
Prompt hierarchy	Most-to-least or least-to-most help: physical, model, gestural, verbal.	Fade from hand-over-hand to pointing.
Prompt fading	Removing help so the response comes under the natural SD.	Point less and less until the client responds alone.
Shaping	Reinforcing closer and closer approximations of a target.	"Buh" → "bah" → "ball".
Chaining	Teaching a sequence step by step (forward, backward, total task).	Backward chaining handwashing: teach the last step first.
Generalization	The skill shows up with new people, places or materials.	Labels "dog" with pictures, toys and real dogs.
Maintenance	The skill continues after teaching stops.	Still ties shoes a month later.

Term	What it means	Example
Positive reinforcement	Something is added and behavior increases.	Praise after sharing → more sharing.
Negative reinforcement	Something is removed and behavior increases.	Break after asking → more break requests.
Positive / negative punishment	Something added / removed and behavior decreases.	Losing tablet time after hitting (negative punishment).
Extinction	Stop delivering the reinforcer that maintained the behavior. Watch for an extinction burst.	No longer giving attention for whining.
Differential reinforcement (DRA/DRO)	Reinforce an alternative behavior, or the absence of the behavior for a time.	DRA: reinforce "help please" instead of crying.
Antecedent interventions	Change what happens before the behavior.	Offer choices before transitions.
Crisis procedures	Follow the written plan and your training; get help when needed.	Use only the procedures in the client's plan.

Term	What it means	Example
Objective session notes	Describe what you saw and heard, not your interpretation.	"Cried for 3 minutes" not "was upset all day".
Timely reporting	Report changes and incidents to your supervisor promptly.	Tell the BCBA the same day about a new behavior.
Mandated reporting	Follow laws and agency policy for suspected abuse or neglect.	Report concerns through the required channel.
Communication with supervisors	Ask for direction when unsure; follow the plan as written.	Check with the BCBA before changing a procedure.
Data storage	Keep records secure and private.	Don't leave data sheets in a parent's living room.

Term	What it means	Example
Confidentiality	Protect client information everywhere, including online.	No client photos or stories on social media.
Multiple relationships	Avoid dual roles that could harm the client or your judgment.	Don't babysit for a current client's family.
Gifts	Follow the ethics code and agency policy; decline anything beyond it.	Politely decline a gift card from a family.
Scope of competence	Only do what you're trained and supervised to do.	Don't design a new behavior plan as an RBT.
Supervision	Get ongoing supervision as required for RBTs.	Track your supervised hours each month.
Dignity	Treat clients with respect and choice.	Ask before helping with personal care when possible.

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Study summaries, not official BACB materials. Always check the current RBT Handbook and Test Content Outline at bacb.com.