The RBT exam has 85 multiple-choice questions, and 75 of them are scored. You get 90 minutes. Everything on this page comes from the BACB RBT Handbook (updated 06/2026); for fees, retakes and who can apply, see the full format and fees guide.
The numbers
| Item | What the BACB says |
|---|---|
| Total questions | 85, all multiple choice |
| Scored questions | 75 |
| Unscored questions | 10 |
| Answer choices | 4 per question, only 1 correct |
| Time | 90 minutes, which includes reviewing the terms and conditions, the exam navigation tutorial and the load time prompt, as well as the exam itself (plus any review) |
| Weighting | All questions are equally weighted |
| Language | English only |
Where the 75 scored questions come from
The exam follows the RBT Test Content Outline (3rd ed.): 43 tasks in 6 content areas. The 75 scored questions are spread like this:
| Content area | Scored questions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 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% |
Percentages are rounded. Your result is based on your overall performance, not on how you do in each content area. For what each area asks of you, see the outline explained by domain.
How much time per question?
This is our arithmetic, not a BACB figure: 90 minutes across 85 questions is about 63 seconds per question if every minute went to questions. Because the 90 minutes also covers the terms and conditions and the tutorial, plan on somewhat less than that. The handbook does not say how long those parts take.
How many do you need to get right?
The handbook describes how the passing score is set but we did not find a required number of correct answers in it. It says the BACB uses the modified Angoff method, which is criterion-referenced: a panel of BACB-certified subject matter experts determines the passing score, and the BACB Board of Directors approves it. A new passing score is established when something significant changes, such as a new test content outline. In most cases you receive a pass/fail report at the testing center.
The handbook also does not say which questions are the unscored ones. The practical takeaway is to answer every question as if it counts.
Details that affect your test day
- The exam is given at Pearson VUE. The BACB advises arriving about 30 minutes before your appointment. Arrive more than 30 minutes late and you are turned away and your scheduling fee is forfeited.
- If a new edition of the test content outline takes effect while your authorization period is active, you must test under the new edition.
- The handbook includes sample questions that appeared on earlier administrations of the exam and represent content areas currently on it.
- If you do not pass, you can retake after 7 days, up to 8 total attempts within 12 months of your application approval.
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Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the RBT exam?
85 multiple-choice questions: 75 scored and 10 unscored, according to the BACB RBT Handbook (updated 06/2026).
How long is the RBT exam?
90 minutes. The BACB says that time includes reviewing the terms and conditions, the exam navigation tutorial and the load time prompt, in addition to the exam and any review.
How many questions do I need to get right to pass?
The handbook explains that the passing score is set with the modified Angoff method by a panel of BACB-certified experts and approved by the BACB Board of Directors, but we did not find a required number of correct answers in it.
Can I tell which questions are unscored?
The handbook does not say. It states only that 10 of the 85 questions are unscored, so treat every question as if it counts.