The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Task List is a document that encompasses the content that RBTs are expected to understand and competently demonstrate. To become certified as an RBT, you need to pass an exam. The questions on that exam are based on the RBT Task List. Therefore, having a solid understanding of each task is essential.
If you are pursuing RBT certification or supervising aspiring technicians, read on for an overview of the RBT Task List.
Don't forget that the first step in the process is a 40-hour RBT Training Course! Register for your training, then come back and learn more about the task list.
What is the format of the RBT task list?
The RBT task list is comprised of 6 domains:
Measurement
Assessment
Skill Acquisition
Behavior Reduction
Documentation and Reporting
Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice.
Each section has between 3 and 12 individual tasks. The sections with a higher number of tasks make up a more significant portion of the exam. For example, Section C has 12 tasks, making up 32% of the exam. Compare that to Section B, which only has 3 tasks, making up 8% of the exam. While you should thoroughly study every section, it makes sense to focus more on the domains that make up a larger percentage of the test.
Now, let's dive into each domain.
RBT Task List Section A: Measurement
The first section of the task list covers data collection and measurement. ABA is all about data! We use data to better understand our learners' behaviors and abilities. As an RBT, you will take data every day. Your BCBA will analyze the data and use it to inform the progression of your learner's care.
The specific tasks included in section A include:
A-1 Prepare for data collection.
A-2 Implement continuous measurement procedures (e.g., frequency, duration).
A-3 Implement discontinuous measurement procedures (e.g., partial & whole interval, momentary time sampling).
A-4 Implement permanent-product recording procedures.
A-5 Enter data and update graphs.
A-6 Describe behavior and environment in observable and measurable terms.
Take a deep dive into what each task entails with this full-length RBT Study Guide!
RBT Task List Section B: Assessment
Section B encompasses assessments that RBTs must know. This section only includes three tasks, accounting for the smallest portion of the exam (8%). BCBAs conduct most of the assessments in ABA. RBTs usually play a supportive role.
The specific tasks in section B include:
B-1 Conduct preference assessments.
B-2 Assist with individualized assessment procedures (e.g., curriculum-based, developmental, social skills).
B-3 Assist with functional assessment procedures.
RBT Task List Section C: Skill Acquisition
Section C covers skill acquisition tasks. These are the concepts and principles you will need to understand to teach your learners new skills. In ABA, we teach a wide range of skills, from communication and social skills to adaptive living, self-advocacy, and more. Understanding how to teach these skills is paramount.
The specific tasks in Section C include:
C-1 Identify the essential components of a written skill acquisition plan.
C-2 Prepare for the session as required by the skill acquisition plan.
C-3 Use contingencies of reinforcement (e.g., conditioned/unconditioned reinforcement, continuous/intermittent schedules).
C-4 Implement discrete-trial teaching procedures.
C-5 Implement naturalistic teaching procedures (e.g., incidental teaching).
C-6 Implement task analyzed chaining procedures.
C-7 Implement discrimination training.
C-8 Implement stimulus control transfer procedures.
C-9 Implement prompt and prompt fading procedures.
C-10 Implement generalization and maintenance procedures.
C-11 Implement shaping procedures.
C-12 Implement token economy procedures.
RBT Task List Section D: Behavior Reduction
Section D of the RBT Task List covers the ABA strategies we use to reduce behaviors. Many of our learners engage in behaviors that interfere with their ability to learn and live fulfilling lives. For example, they may engage in aggression toward others or self-injurious behaviors (SIB). Behavior analysts create behavior reduction plans (AKA behavior intervention plans) to reduce behaviors and teach more adaptive ones. RBTs are responsible for implementing these plans.
The specific tasks in Section D include:
D-1 Identify essential components of a written behavior reduction plan.
D-2 Describe common functions of behavior.
D-3 Implement interventions based on modification of antecedents such as motivating operations and discriminative stimuli.
D-4 Implement differential reinforcement procedures (e.g., DRA, DRO).
D-5 Implement extinction procedures.
D-6 Implement crisis/emergency procedures according to protocol.
RBT Task List Section E: Documentation and Reporting
Section E encompasses RBTs' responsibilities in documenting services and reporting variables that affect their learners. One task in this section also highlights compliance with laws and regulations as they relate to documentation. Compliant documentation and professional communication with supervisors are vital for establishing high-quality services and ensuring the best possible outcomes.
The specific tasks in Section E include:
E-1 Effectively communicate with a supervisor in an ongoing manner.
E-2 Actively seek clinical direction from supervisor in a timely manner.
E-3 Report other variables that might affect the client in a timely manner.
E-4 Generate objective session notes for service verification by describing what occurred during the sessions, in accordance with applicable legal, regulatory, and workplace requirements.
E-5 Comply with applicable legal, regulatory, and workplace data collection, storage, transportation, and documentation requirements.
RBT Task List Section F: Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice
The final section of the RBT task list covers expected professional conduct and an RBT's scope of practice. This information is critical for maintaining compliance with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and for providing ethical care.
The specific tasks in Section F include:
F-1 Describe the BACB’s RBT supervision requirements and the role of RBTs in the service-delivery system.
F-2 Respond appropriately to feedback and maintain or improve performance accordingly.
F-3 Communicate with stakeholders (e.g., family, caregivers, other professionals) as authorized.
F-4 Maintain professional boundaries (e.g., avoid dual relationships, conflicts of interest, social media contacts).
F-5 Maintain client dignity.
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Prepare for the RBT Exam
According to the most recently released RBT pass rate data, only 74% of first-time test-takers pass the RBT exam on their first try. This highlights the need for candidates to take their time in preparing for the examination. While it is not an easy test for many, you can pass it with dedication and effort!
Passing the exam shows that you understand behavior-analytic principles and how to apply them to real-life scenarios. Passing on your first try will allow you to begin working as an RBT sooner and make meaningful changes in the lives of your future clients.
Consider the following resources to ensure you are well-prepared and comprehensively understand the task list.
Study Prep materials:
Learn more about the exam (Blog): RBT Exam: What to Expect
Choose a high-quality RBT Course (Blog): RBT 40-Hour Training Pass Rates
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