How Many Times Can You Fail the RBT Exam? What Every Candidate Needs to Know

Becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a rewarding step in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). As an RBT, you play a crucial role in helping individuals, particularly those with autism, learn vital life skills and manage challenging behaviors. But before you begin working in the field, there’s one major hurdle: passing the RBT exam.

If you’re preparing for the RBT exam—or you’ve already taken it and didn’t pass—you might be asking:

“How many times can I fail the RBT exam?”

It’s a fair question—and one many candidates are too nervous to ask out loud.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore:

• What the RBT exam is
• How often you can take it
• What happens if you fail
• How to improve your chances of passing
• What steps to take after multiple failed attempts

Let’s get into it.

What Is the RBT Exam?

The RBT exam is a national certification test administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). It’s designed to assess your knowledge of the RBT Task List, which outlines the essential skills and duties of a Registered Behavior Technician.

The exam consists of 85 multiple-choice questions:

• 75 scored questions
• 10 unscored pilot questions

You have 90 minutes to complete the exam, and it’s administered at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers or online through a secure proctoring system.

The Exam Covers Key Areas:

1. Measurement: Data collection and interpretation
2. Assessment: Assisting with behavior assessments
3. Skill Acquisition: Implementing behavior change plans
4. Behavior Reduction: Strategies to reduce maladaptive behaviors
5. Documentation and Reporting
6. Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice

Passing this test certifies you as an RBT for one year, after which you must renew your certification annually with continuing education.

How Many Times Can You Fail the RBT Exam?

The Short Answer:

You can take the RBT exam up to 8 times within one year of your RBT application being approved by the BACB.

Each failed attempt means you must wait 7 days before retaking the exam, but you must complete all attempts within your 12-month eligibility window.

Breakdown:

• Application approval is valid for 12 months
• Up to 8 attempts total
• Must wait at least 7 days between attempts
• If you don’t pass in 8 attempts or within 12 months, you must restart the application process, including:
• Completing a 40-hour RBT training program again
• Submitting a new competency assessment
• Paying application fees again

What Happens If You Fail the RBT Exam?

Failing the RBT exam is disappointing, but you’re not alone—and it’s definitely not the end of your journey. The BACB doesn’t publish official failure rates, but anecdotal evidence from candidates and RBT supervisors suggests that many people don’t pass on their first attempt.

Here’s what to expect:

1. You’ll receive a Pass/Fail notification immediately after completing the test.
2. If you fail, the BACB will send you a score report, including a breakdown of performance by content area.
3. You’ll use that feedback to better understand your strengths and weaknesses.

Then you can register for your next exam attempt through Pearson VUE after the 7-day waiting period.

Common Reasons Candidates Fail the RBT Exam

Understanding why people fail the exam is the first step to passing on your next try. Here are some of the most common challenges:

1. Inadequate Study Preparation

The RBT Task List is detailed and requires a strong understanding of behavioral principles. Skimming through materials or relying solely on videos often isn’t enough.

2. Test Anxiety

Some candidates know the material but struggle with the pressure of timed, multiple-choice tests. Anxiety can lead to second-guessing or rushing through questions.

3. Misunderstanding Key Terms

The exam includes a lot of technical language—discriminative stimulus, reinforcement schedules, antecedent interventions, etc. Misinterpreting these terms can cost you points.

4. Not Reviewing the Competency Assessment

Many candidates forget that the RBT Competency Assessment overlaps with the exam content. Reviewing those skills can reinforce the concepts needed to pass.

How to Pass the RBT Exam on Your Next Attempt

If you’ve failed the exam once—or even a few times—don’t worry. Many RBTs eventually pass after building a better study plan.

Here are 8 steps to increase your chances of success:

1. Review Your Score Report

This will show you where you struggled. Focus your study time on those areas.

2. Use the RBT Task List (2nd Edition)

Print it out. Highlight each skill. Look up definitions and examples. This is your exam blueprint.

3. Enroll in a Comprehensive Review Course

There are excellent paid and free online courses, including:

• Autism Partnership Foundation (free training and quizzes)
• Study Notes ABA
• RBT Exam Prep classes on Udemy

4. Practice with Flashcards and Mock Exams

Apps like Quizlet or Brainscape offer RBT-specific flashcards. Timed mock exams simulate the real thing and help reduce anxiety.

5. Study in Short, Focused Sessions

Use the Pomodoro method: 25 minutes of studying, 5-minute breaks. This keeps your brain engaged and prevents burnout.

6. Join RBT Exam Study Groups

Facebook groups or Reddit communities are great for tips, motivation, and practice questions.

7. Schedule the Exam When You’re Mentally Sharp

Avoid booking late in the day or when you're tired. Morning exams typically result in better focus.

8. Practice Self-Care

Good sleep, hydration, and nutrition help your brain retain and recall information.