RBT Initial Competency Assessment | 20 Practice Questions

RBT Initial Competency Assessment

RBT Initial Competency Assessment is a supervised, performance-based evaluation that assesses core competencies such as data collection, skill acquisition implementation, and behavior support strategies before applying for official RBT certification.

Prepare with confidence—our targeted practice exams help you master every competency and impress your supervisor from day one.

Thinking about becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)? Let’s break down one of your first major milestones: the RBT Initial Competency Assessment—and I promise, it’s simpler than it sounds.

Every career has a starting point—a place where you prove not just your potential, but your preparedness.

For aspiring RBTs, that first checkpoint is the RBT Initial Competency Assessment, a foundational step toward officially joining a field that helps individuals—often children with autism—grow, learn, and thrive.

RBT Initial Practice/ Mock Questions

During a one-hour therapy session, an RBT uses partial-interval recording (5-min intervals) to measure a client’s brief disruptive behaviors (only lasting a few seconds each). How would this measurement method likely affect the reported frequency of those behaviors compared to their actual frequency?

Hint
A client completes worksheets during a session. Instead of tracking each worksheet as it is done, the RBT waits until session end and then counts how many worksheets were completed. Which measurement procedure is this?

Hint
In a preference assessment using the paired-stimulus method, what does the RBT do?

Hint
Which of the following would not be included in a written skill acquisition plan?

Hint
Before beginning a teaching session according to a skill acquisition plan, what should the RBT do?

Hint
Which schedule of reinforcement typically produces a high, steady rate of responding with minimal pauses?

Hint
Which scenario best illustrates a discrete-trial teaching session?

Hint
Which example best demonstrates naturalistic (incidental) teaching?

Hint
Using backward chaining, which step does the learner complete first?

Hint
Teaching a skill in multiple settings (e.g., classroom and home) so the client uses it everywhere is an example of:

Hint
Which scenario best illustrates shaping?

Hint
In a token economy, students earn tokens to exchange for items. These tokens are examples of:

Hint
A key element of a behavior reduction plan is:

Hint
A student screams whenever the teacher turns away. The teacher immediately re-engages the student. The function of the screaming is most likely:

Hint
A child pinches peers to get teacher attention. The RBT ignores the pinching and instead praises the child when she raises her hand to get attention. This is an example of:

Hint
A toddler throws toys to get her parent’s attention. The parent stops responding when she throws (only responds when she asks politely). This procedure is called:

Hint
During a session, a child throws a heavy book at another child. According to emergency protocols, what should the RBT do first?

Hint
A student often tantrums to escape math work. Which antecedent strategy could help reduce this escape-maintained behavior?

Hint
According to RBT ethics, which action violates client confidentiality?

Hint
The BACB requires RBTs to receive supervision for at least what portion of their service-delivery hours each month?

Hint

What Is the RBT Initial Competency Assessment Exam?

Think of it as a skills-based evaluation—a checklist you’ll complete under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

This isn’t a written exam; it’s about showing, not just telling, that you know how to perform the core tasks of an RBT.

It’s called “initial” because it’s completed before you apply for your official certification.

Basically in short: it’s your chance to demonstrate you’re ready to move from learner to practitioner.

Who Conducts the Assessment?

You won’t do this alone.

A qualified supervisor—usually a BCBA—will guide and observe you through each task.

Some skills may be demonstrated in real-life sessions with clients, while others might involve role-playing.

Either way, you’ll be practicing how to provide care safely, ethically, and effectively.

What Do You Need to Be Eligible?

Before you can take the assessment, you must be:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Complete a 40-hour RBT training course (this covers the core principles of behavior analysis)
  • Pass a background check

What Will You Be Asked to Do?

This is where you put your training into action. Your supervisor will assess your ability to:

  • Take data on client behavior
  • Implement skill acquisition plans
  • Respond appropriately to problem behaviors
  • Follow instructions and procedures tied to behavior intervention plans

Whether it’s with a real client or a simulated scenario, the focus is on safe, ethical, and effective care.

You’re not expected to be perfect, but that you are competent, confident, and coachable.

When Should You Complete It?

Timing matters.

The RBT Initial Competency Assessment must be completed within 90 days before submitting your application for the RBT certification exam.

That means you shouldn’t wait too long or rush too early.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *