Can You Take the RBT Exam Online or in Person? Latest Update
No, the RBT exam is not taken online. As of September 2023, it must be taken in person at a Pearson VUE testing center. Schedule your exam after receiving authorization and selecting a nearby test location.
When I first prepared for the exam, my initial question was, “Can I take the test online, or do I have to go somewhere?”.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I take the RBT exam online? | No |
| When did that change? | September 1, 2023 |
| Where do I take it now? | Pearson VUE testing centers |
| Can I request an online version? | No exceptions allowed |
| Do I need to bring ID? | Yes, photo ID is required |
No, You Can’t Take the RBT Exam Online Anymore
As of September 1, 2023, the BACB has removed the online testing option. This means you have to take it offline in person.
The only way to take the RBT exam now is in person, at a Pearson VUE test center.
- There’s no remote testing.
- No laptop-at-home option.
- No Zoom-style proctor watching you from a screen.
- It’s all face-to-face now, and fully supervised.
Why Did They Stop Offering the RBT Exam Online?
The short version? Security issues.
I personally wasn’t a fan of it either, and there were too many test-takers who were trying to cheat using help and even fake their ID to pass the exam.
So, when all these things are going around, you can’t expect BACB to just lie low and let it play out.
When the BACB allowed online testing (mostly during COVID), things got messy fast:
- Identity fraud increased
- Questions were leaked
- Proctors couldn’t fully monitor the room
The solution?
They brought the test back into controlled testing centers, where you have to prove who you are and take the exam the right way.
Where Do You Take the Exam Now?
You’ll go to a Pearson VUE testing center near you.
It’s not like a school exam room.
Basically, these centers are secure, professional, and they all follow strict rules.
You’ll be checked in, possibly fingerprinted, and watched by a real person while you are taking the test.
To find a center:
- Go to PearsonVUE.com
- Search for available RBT test locations
- Choose one near your city
- Schedule your preferred time
If you live in a rural area or a bit far from your nearest testing centre, be prepared as you might need to drive a bit.
What You’ll Need on Test Day
Before you even show up, you need to:
- Get your Authorization to Test (ATT) from BACB
- Log in to Pearson VUE
- Pick your date and test center
- Pay the exam fee ($45 as of now)
Then, on the day of the exam:
- Bring a valid photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
- Show up early
- Leave phones, notes, and bags behind—nothing goes into the room
- Be prepared to follow their rules exactly
Once you enter the test centre, you’ll be in a quiet, secure room with other test-takers, and the computer will walk you through everything.
What If I Still Want to Take It Online?
You simply can’t.
As of now, there’s no exception—not for distance, not for convenience, not for disability (though accommodations can be arranged for testing in person).
So, now you know, and if you see anyone offering an “online RBT exam,” it’s a scam.
I know it might feel like a hassle, but trust me, it’s a change designed to protect your certification and ensure testing integrity.
