Comprehensive Guide to the RBT Competency Assessment

If you’re working toward becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), you’ll need to pass the RBT Competency Assessment. This is a hands-on evaluation to make sure you understand and can use ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) skills in real-world situations.

Think of it like a practice test, but instead of just answering questions, you’ll show that you know how to actually do the job.

What’s in This Guide?

We’ll break down everything you need to know, including:
✅ What the assessment is and why it matters
✅ How it’s structured (what you’ll be asked to do)
✅ What skills you’ll be tested on
✅ Sample questions and answers to help you prepare

Whether you’re just starting or getting ready for your assessment, this guide will help you feel confident and prepared. Let’s get started!

What is the RBT Competency Assessment?

The RBT Competency Assessment is a practical skill evaluation that must be completed after the 40-hour RBT training but before applying for the RBT exam. It is conducted by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA), or an RBT Supervisor.

Purpose of the Assessment

• To verify a candidate’s ability to apply ABA concepts in real-world settings.
• To ensure proficiency in skill acquisition, behavior reduction, and data collection.
• To uphold ethical standards in ABA practice.

Assessment Format

• Direct observation and role-play scenarios.
• Covers tasks based on the RBT Task List (2nd edition).
• Can be conducted in person or via video conferencing.

Core Areas of the RBT Competency Assessment

The RBT Competency Assessment is structured around four key domains:

1. Measurement ✅
2. Assessment ✅
3. Skill Acquisition & Behavior Reduction ✅
4. Professionalism & Ethics ✅

Each of these categories contains specific competencies that candidates must demonstrate. Below is an overview of each domain, along with sample questions and answers.

1. Measurement

A. Continuous Measurement (e.g., Frequency, Duration)

➡️ Read more: Continuous Measurement in ABA

Question: How do you collect frequency data in a session?

Answer: Frequency data is collected by counting how many times a specific behavior occurs. For example, if tracking how often a child claps their hands, I would record each instance and report the total at the end of the session.

B. Discontinuous Measurement (e.g., Partial Interval, Whole Interval, Momentary Time Sampling)

➡️ Read more: Discontinuous Measurement Explained

Question: What is the difference between partial and whole interval recording?

Answer:

• Partial interval – Record if the behavior occurs at any point in the interval.
• Whole interval – Record only if the behavior occurs throughout the entire interval.

2. Assessment

A. Preference Assessments

➡️ Read more: How to Conduct a Preference Assessment

Question: What is a multiple stimulus preference assessment?

Answer: It involves presenting multiple items at once and recording which ones the client selects first. This method helps identify preferred reinforcers.

B. ABC Data Collection

➡️ Read more: ABC Data Collection in ABA

Question: What does ABC stand for in behavior data collection?

Answer:

• Antecedent – What happens before the behavior.
• Behavior – The actual behavior observed.
• Consequence – What happens after the behavior.

3. Skill Acquisition & Behavior Reduction

A. Implementing Skill Acquisition Plans

➡️ Read more: Writing Effective Skill Acquisition Plans

Question: What are the steps in a Discrete Trial Training (DTT) session?

Answer:

1. Present the discriminative stimulus (SD).
2. Wait for the client’s response.
3. Provide reinforcement if correct or a prompt if incorrect.
4. Record data and repeat.

B. Prompting and Prompt Fading

➡️ Read more: Types of Prompts in ABA

Question: What are the different types of prompts?

Answer:

• Physical (Full/Partial Assistance)
• Verbal (Spoken cues)
• Gestural (Pointing)
• Modeling (Demonstrating the action)
• Visual (Using pictures or written cues)

C. Managing Crisis and Emergency Situations

➡️ Read more: Crisis Management in ABA Therapy

Question: How should you handle aggressive behavior in a session?

Answer: Follow the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), use de-escalation techniques, ensure everyone’s safety, and document the incident.

4. Professionalism & Ethics

A. Maintaining Client Dignity

➡️ Read more: Ensuring Client Dignity in ABA

Question: How do you uphold client dignity during sessions?

Answer:

• Respect the client’s choices.
• Maintain privacy.
• Use person-first language (e.g., “a child with autism” instead of “an autistic child”).

B. HIPAA & Confidentiality Compliance

➡️ Read more: HIPAA Guidelines for RBTs

Question: How do you ensure confidentiality in ABA therapy?

Answer:

• Avoid discussing client information outside authorized settings.
• Use secure data storage methods.
• Follow HIPAA regulations.

Tips to Pass the RBT Competency Assessment

✅ Study the RBT Task List – Familiarize yourself with all required competencies. ✅ Practice with a BCBA Supervisor – Conduct mock assessments. ✅ Understand Key ABA Principles – Reinforcement, prompting, and measurement. ✅ Demonstrate Professionalism – Ethical conduct and client dignity are crucial.

Final Thoughts

The RBT Competency Assessment is a vital step toward becoming a certified RBT. By mastering ABA principles and preparing thoroughly, you can successfully complete this assessment and move forward in your career.

Next Step: Full-Length RBT Mock Examination practice. ➡️ Read more: PTCB Practice Test 100 Questions