EXAM GUIDES

Find your exam guide

Free, plain-language guides to the RBT, BCaBA and BCBA exams: what is on them, what they cost, and what happens if you retake. Every number is from the BACB’s own documents.

Which exam are you preparing for?

Pick one. Each opens the guide to start with.

RBTRegistered Behavior TechnicianEntry-level, working under supervision
  • Exam85 questions, 90 min
  • Content43 tasks, 6 domains
  • BACB fees$110 first try
  • Retake wait7 days
RBT guides ↓ BCaBABoard Certified Assistant Behavior AnalystUndergraduate level, supervised by a BCBA
  • Exam175 questions, 4 hrs
  • Content90 tasks, 9 areas
  • BACB fees$300 first try
  • Retake wait30 days
BCaBA guide ↓ BCBABoard Certified Behavior AnalystGraduate level, independent practice
  • Exam185 questions, 4 hrs
  • Content104 tasks, 9 areas
  • BACB fees$370 first try
  • Retake wait30 days
BCBA guide ↓

Question counts include unscored questions. Fees are the BACB application plus the Pearson VUE appointment, per the June 2026 BACB handbooks.

RBT guides

For people training to be, or becoming, a Registered Behavior Technician.

Start hereRBT exam format, fees and retakesHow many questions, how long, what it costs, and how retakes work.Read → FormatHow many questions are on the RBT exam?85 questions, 75 scored, 90 minutes, and how the passing score is set.Read → OutlineThe RBT outline, domain by domainAll 43 tasks in 6 domains in plain language, with how many questions each domain gets.Read → RulesWhat changed for RBTs in 2026New 40-hour training, new competency assessment, and the renewal timeline.Read → RulesThe RBT Initial Competency AssessmentWhen you do it, who can assess you, and how it fits with the 40-hour training and the exam.Read → DataRBT pass rates by training providerThe BACB’s 2025 table for 51 providers, and how to read it fairly.Read → StudySAFMEDS for RBT exam studyA one-minute-a-day flashcard routine with charting. A study method, not a pass guarantee.Read →

BCaBA guide

For assistant behavior analysts.

Start hereBCaBA exam format, content areas and retakes150 scored questions, the 9 content areas, fees and retake rules.Read →

BCBA guides

For behavior analysts and trainees.

Start hereBCBA exam format, content areas and retakes175 scored questions, the 9 content areas, fees and the 30-day retake rule.Read → RulesBCBA fieldwork hours and supervision2,000 or 1,500 hours, monthly supervision percentages, restricted vs unrestricted activity and forms.Read →

All three exams

Comparisons and trends across RBT, BCaBA and BCBA.

CompareExam costs and retake rules, side by sideFees, time limits, waiting periods and attempt limits for all three.Read → DataPass rates, 2020 to 2025First-time and retake pass rates and candidate counts, from the BACB annual reports.Read →

At a glance

RBTBCaBABCBA
Scored questions75150175
Time90 minutes4 hours4 hours
First-time pass rate, 202575%60%51%
Retake pass rate, 202538%30%23%
Wait between attempts7 days30 days30 days

Last checked 2026-10-22 against the BACB handbooks and annual data report linked on each guide. Behavior Celeration .CLICK! is not affiliated with or endorsed by the BACB. Confirm current requirements and fees on bacb.com.

Ready to study?

Behavior Celeration .CLICK! is an exam-prep tool for all three credentials. RBT $10, BCaBA $25, BCBA $35, or all three for $50, one time with lifetime access. Try the free sample of 3 lessons first, no email or account needed.

Try the free sample

All sales final: no refunds. The lesson content is AI-assisted and machine-validated, and has not yet been independently reviewed by a BCBA (details). It is a study aid, not an exam guarantee.