The RBT Test Content Outline (3rd Edition) defines the content that will be assessed on the RBT® certification exam beginning in 2026. This outline represents the knowledge, skills, and competencies required of entry-level behavior technicians, based on the most recent job task analysis in the field of behavior analysis.

The RBT exam consists of:

• 75 scored questions
• 10 unscored pilot questions

The content is organized into six primary domains, each contributing a specific percentage to the exam.

RBT Exam Domain Distribution

Domain	Number of Questions	Percentage
A. Data Collection and Graphing	13	17%
B. Behavior Assessment	8	11%
C. Behavior Acquisition	19	25%
D. Behavior Reduction	14	19%
E. Documentation and Reporting	10	13%
F. Ethics	11	15%
Total	75	100%

Domain A: Data Collection and Graphing

This domain focuses on the ability to accurately collect, record, and interpret behavioral data.

Key Topics:

• Implement continuous measurement procedures (frequency, duration, latency, interresponse time)
• Implement discontinuous measurement procedures (partial interval, whole interval, momentary time sampling)
• Permanent product recording procedures
• Entering data and updating graphs
• Describing behavior and environment in observable and measurable terms
• Calculating and summarizing data (rate, mean duration, percentage)
• Identifying trends in graphed data
• Understanding risks of unreliable data and poor procedural fidelity

Domain B: Behavior Assessment

This domain evaluates participation in behavioral and skill-based assessments.

Key Topics:

• Conducting preference assessments (multiple stimulus, paired stimulus, free operant)
• Participating in skill assessments (curriculum-based, developmental, social skills)
• Participating in functional behavior assessment components:
  • Descriptive assessments
  • Functional analysis

Domain C: Behavior Acquisition

This is one of the most heavily weighted domains, focusing on teaching new skills.

Key Topics:

• Implementing positive and negative reinforcement
• Using conditioned reinforcers
• Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT)
• Naturalistic teaching strategies (incidental teaching, NET)
• Task analysis and chaining procedures (forward, backward, total task)
• Discrimination training
• Prompting and prompt fading procedures
• Generalization across settings, people, and stimuli
• Distinguishing between maintenance and acquisition procedures
• Shaping procedures
• Token economies

Domain D: Behavior Reduction

This domain focuses on reducing challenging behaviors using evidence-based strategies.

Key Topics:

• Identifying functions of behavior
• Antecedent interventions:
  • Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR)
  • High-probability request sequences
  • Demand fading
• Differential reinforcement procedures:
  • DRO, DRA, DRI, DRL, Functional Communication Training (FCT)
• Extinction procedures
• Positive and negative punishment procedures
• Side effects of extinction and punishment:
  • Extinction burst
  • Response variation
  • Resurgence
  • Emotional responding
• Crisis and emergency procedures

Domain E: Documentation and Reporting

This domain emphasizes professional communication and accurate documentation.

Key Topics:

• Communicating concerns to supervisors in a timely manner
• Seeking clinical guidance and supervision
• Reporting variables that may affect client progress:
  • Illness
  • Medication changes
  • Schedule changes
• Objective session documentation
• Compliance with legal, regulatory, and workplace requirements

Domain F: Ethics

This domain covers ethical conduct and adherence to professional standards.

Key Topics:

• Core ethical principles:
  • Benefiting others
  • Treating others with dignity, compassion, and respect
  • Acting with integrity
• Providing services within scope of competence
• Working under appropriate supervision
• Effective supervision practices
• Confidentiality and data protection requirements
• Responsible use of public statements and social media
• Avoiding and managing multiple relationships
• Gift-giving and receiving guidelines
• Professional interpersonal skills (communication, collaboration, accepting feedback)
• Cultural humility and responsiveness in practice

Download the new task list

Conclusion

The RBT Test Content Outline (3rd Edition) provides a clear framework of the competencies required for Registered Behavior Technicians. Mastering these domains is essential not only for passing the certification exam but also for delivering ethical, effective, and high-quality services in the field of behavior analysis.