RBT State Board Exam Guide: My Personal Experience
The RBT State Board Exam tests knowledge of ABA principles, ethics, and the RBT Task List. It costs about $45, is computer-based with 85 questions, and follows the same national BACB standards across all U.S. states, including Washington.
By the way, if you are thinking about the RBT state exam, iam gonna help you with how the test works, how it differs (or doesn’t) by state, and exactly how to prepare so you don’t waste time or money.
I have personally taken the exam and passed it. So, you can be sure to get my first-hand experience.
| State | Exam Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | National RBT Exam | $45 – Same BACB exam nationwide |
| Alaska | National RBT Exam | $45 – No state version |
| Arizona | National RBT Exam | $45 – Uniform U.S. exam |
| Arkansas | National RBT Exam | $45 – Pearson VUE centers |
| California | National RBT Exam | $45 – Same in all states |
| Colorado | National RBT Exam | $45 – No variations |
| Connecticut | National RBT Exam | $45 – Standard format |
| Delaware | National RBT Exam | $45 – Same structure |
| Florida | National RBT Exam | $45 – Nationwide rules |
| Georgia | National RBT Exam | $45 – Uniform exam |
| Hawaii | National RBT Exam | $45 – Same everywhere |
| Idaho | National RBT Exam | $45 – No state changes |
| Illinois | National RBT Exam | $45 – BACB standard |
| Indiana | National RBT Exam | $45 – Same exam |
| Iowa | National RBT Exam | $45 – Uniform process |
| Kansas | National RBT Exam | $45 – Same structure |
| Kentucky | National RBT Exam | $45 – No state version |
| Louisiana | National RBT Exam | $45 – Standard exam |
| Maine | National RBT Exam | $45 – Nationwide |
| Maryland | National RBT Exam | $45 – Same cost |
| Massachusetts | National RBT Exam | $45 – Uniform exam |
| Michigan | National RBT Exam | $45 – No difference |
| Minnesota | National RBT Exam | $45 – Nationwide test |
| Mississippi | National RBT Exam | $45 – Same format |
| Missouri | National RBT Exam | $45 – Identical exam |
| Montana | National RBT Exam | $45 – Uniform |
| Nebraska | National RBT Exam | $45 – Same rules |
| Nevada | National RBT Exam | $45 – No state change |
| New Hampshire | National RBT Exam | $45 – Same exam |
| New Jersey | National RBT Exam | $45 – Nationwide |
| New Mexico | National RBT Exam | $45 – No variations |
| New York | National RBT Exam | $45 – BACB standard |
| North Carolina | National RBT Exam | $45 – Same format |
| North Dakota | National RBT Exam | $45 – No changes |
| Ohio | National RBT Exam | $45 – Uniform rules |
| Oklahoma | National RBT Exam | $45 – Same exam |
| Oregon | National RBT Exam | $45 – Standard |
| Pennsylvania | National RBT Exam | $45 – Same across U.S. |
| Rhode Island | National RBT Exam | $45 – No variation |
| South Carolina | National RBT Exam | $45 – Nationwide |
| South Dakota | National RBT Exam | $45 – Same content |
| Tennessee | National RBT Exam | $45 – Standard exam |
| Texas | National RBT Exam | $45 – BACB exam |
| Utah | National RBT Exam | $45 – No state version |
| Vermont | National RBT Exam | $45 – Uniform |
| Virginia | National RBT Exam | $45 – Same structure |
| Washington | National RBT Exam | $45 – Identical nationwide |
| West Virginia | National RBT Exam | $45 – Same content |
| Wisconsin | National RBT Exam | $45 – Nationwide |
| Wyoming | National RBT Exam | $45 – Uniform |
Is There a State RBT Exam vs. a National RBT Exam?
This is a common misunderstanding, and to answer the question. No, there’s only one official RBT exam, created and run by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
It’s national.
That means the content, format, and scoring are the same no matter where you live.
So why do people say “state RBT exam”? Well, that is because of a few reasons, such as:
- Some states (like Washington) add additional requirements before or after the national test.
- A few states may also require extra paperwork, background checks, or training hours.
But the exam itself? It is the same across the board, and there is no seperate state exam for RBTs.
RBT State Board Exam
- Administered by: Pearson VUE testing centers nationwide
- Format: 85 multiple-choice questions (75 scored, 10 unscored)
- Time Limit: 90 minutes
- Cost: $50 application fee (to BACB) + $45 exam fee (per attempt)
- Passing Score: Based on scaled scoring (varies slightly, but generally around 80%)
So, as you can see, it is the same RBT format you see in your regular exam; there is no separate format or exam just for the state.
RBT Exam Syllabus (National + State Requirements)
The exam is based on the RBT Task List (2nd Edition).
- Measurement – Data collection, graphing, interpreting results
- Assessment – Conducting preference assessments, skill probes
- Skill Acquisition – Teaching procedures, prompting, reinforcement
- Behavior Reduction – Strategies to decrease problem behaviors
- Documentation & Reporting – Writing notes, communication, compliance
- Professional Conduct – Ethics, boundaries, client rights
By the way, for some states, it may tack on additional requirements, like state-specific ethics training or extra supervision, but the test questions themselves are always drawn from the BACB task list.
RBT State Exam Practice Tests
Don’t just study, you need to practice under exam conditions.
- Take timed practice tests (75–85 questions) to build stamina.
- Review your wrong answers immediately.
- Focus on ethics and professional conduct, as they make up a heavy portion.
- Use flashcards for definitions (reinforcement, prompting, data collection).
RBT State Exam Study Guide
- Daily Review: 20–30 minutes on one topic (measurement, skill acquisition, etc.).
- Weekly Practice Test: Check your progress.
- Note Cards: Write key definitions and examples.
- Behavior Scenarios: Practice applying concepts, not just memorizing.
Tip: STOP cramming the night before. Do a light review, rest, and walk into the exam sharp.
RBT Exam in Washington State
Washington gets special mention because many candidates think there’s a “state-only RBT exam.” Here’s the reality:
- You take the same BACB national exam as everyone else.
- Washington requires a state license to practice after passing.
- That means you’ll need to apply through the Washington Department of Health with extra steps like fingerprinting, background checks, and fees.
- Fees: Application ~$50, Exam $45, Licensing ~$80–100 (varies).
So yes, you’ll face extra steps, but not a different test.
How to Apply for the RBT Exam
Follow this order or you’ll get stuck:
- Complete 40-hour RBT Training Course (must be from a BACB-approved provider).
- Get a Competency Assessment signed off by a BCBA.
- Submit Application through the BACB portal.
- Background Check if required by your state.
- Schedule Exam at Pearson VUE (online or in-person).
RBT Exam Fees
Here’s the money breakdown:
- Application Fee (BACB): $50
- Exam Fee (Pearson VUE): $45 per attempt
- Retake Fee: $45 each time
- State Licensing Fees: Varies ($50–150 depending on the state)
My Experience Preparing for the RBT State Exam
Personally, when I was preparing for the RBT state exam, I didn’t want to just memorize terms; I needed to truly understand them.
1. Using Videos That Simplified Everything
I watch the ABA Made Easy YouTube channel all the time, and they become my go-to. Each video broke down the task list with clear examples.
I’d watch one, pause, then repeat the concept back in my own words to clear my basics and understanding of the term and vocabulary.
Funny story, I gave myself a solid week. Each day, I picked a different chunk of the task list.
I’d review the terms, watch a video, then do practice questions that night. It wasn’t about endless hours; it was about focused, active studying.
2. Practice Tests Changed Everything
I lived on practice exams and did tons of mocks.
Anytime I missed a question, I’d read the explanation and write down why the right answer made sense.
After a few rounds, I started noticing patterns in how the questions were written. That boosted my confidence fast.
3. Flashcards, Notes, and Rewriting the Task List
I also wrote out the entire RBT Task List in my own words.
Rewriting it forced me to actually process the material instead of just reading.
I also made quick flashcards, nothing fancy, just terms on one side and short definitions with examples on the other.
4. Learning to Apply, Not Just Memorize
What surprised me was how scenario-based the exam really was.
Most questions weren’t asking for definitions; they wanted to know what I’d do in a real-life situation as an RBT. So I practiced by turning terms into examples.
For instance, instead of just knowing “positive reinforcement,” I’d picture a kid earning extra playtime after completing tasks.
5. Ethics Were Trickier Than I Expected
The ethics section had the sneakiest questions. But always remember your limits as an RBT; refer anything outside your role to a BCBA.
I kept repeating that to myself before the test, and it saved me from some tricky questions.
