Can I Take My RBT Exam Online 2025? Full Detail

Many newcomers preparing for the RBT exam ask this question: “Can I take my RBT exam online?” The short and exact answer is no. Until September 1, 2023, candidates could complete the test online through Pearson’s OnVUE system. However, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®) now requires all RBT exams to be taken in person at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers.

Online testing was originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was discontinued due to security, fairness, and consistency concerns.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn:

Why online testing is no longer available.
How the current exam works.
How to register for an examination appointment.
What the RBT Handbook says about testing policies.
The real costs, structure, and scoring rules.
Proven tips to pass on your first try.

But there is more to know. If you plan to be an RBT, you must see how this goes, what cost you will pay, and how much prep you need. This page will show each step, in a way that is clear but real, so you don’t get lost on the way.

What Is the RBT Exam?

The RBT exam is designed to measure entry-level competency for individuals who will implement behavior-analytic services under supervision. It ensures that candidates can apply the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in practice.

Exam overview:

Feature	Details
Total Questions	85 multiple choice questions
Scored Items	75 questions count toward your score
Unscored Items	10 pilot questions (do not affect your score)
Duration	90 minutes of seat time
Delivery	In person at Pearson VUE testing sites
Passing Score	A specified amount of correct answers, determined by BACB psychometric analysis

Why Can’t I Take the RBT Exam Online?

During the pandemic, the BACB temporarily allowed remote proctored exams using Pearson’s OnVUE platform. However, this policy changed.

Key reasons for the change:

Security: Maintaining exam integrity is harder in a home environment.
Standardization: Not all test-takers have access to the same technology or stable internet.
Fairness: In-person testing ensures all candidates are tested under 1 environment identical conditions.

As a result, candidates are now required to take the test at a testing center. This is one of the most important changes in exam delivery policies since 2022.

Eligibility Requirements

Before you even think about booking your exam, you must meet eligibility requirements. According to the BACB:

Be at least 18 years old.
Hold a high school diploma (or equivalent).
Pass a background check completed within 180 days of applying.
Complete a 40-hour training program aligned with the RBT Task List.
Pass the Initial Competency Assessment conducted by a qualified BCBA or BCaBA.

Once you’ve met these requirements, you can apply for the exam.

Application and Examination Appointment

The process is straightforward but has several steps:

Apply through the BACB portal
- Submit required documents.
- Pay the $50 application fee (rising to $65 in 2026).
Wait for approval
- Once approved, BACB authorizes you to test.
Schedule with Pearson VUE
- Log into your Pearson VUE account.
- Select a testing center.
- Pay the $45 examination appointment fee.
Confirmation
- You’ll receive an email with your exam details.
- Arrive at the center early with valid photo ID.

What Does the RBT Handbook Say?

The RBT Handbook is your official source of truth. It outlines:

ID requirements on exam day.
Rules for rescheduling or making changes to your appointment.
Retake policy (you may retest after 7 days if unsuccessful).
Score release timelines.

Reading the RBT Handbook thoroughly prevents costly mistakes on exam day.

Structure of the Exam

The exam covers six content areas from the RBT Task List (2nd Edition):

Measurement (e.g., data collection, graphing).
Assessment (e.g., preference assessments).
Skill Acquisition (teaching new behaviors).
Behavior Reduction (intervention strategies).
Documentation and Reporting.
Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice.

Each domain is represented by a set of multiple choice questions.

Time and Scoring

You have 90 minutes to complete the exam.
The passing score is not fixed but based on psychometric analysis — a specified amount of correct answers is needed.
Typically, first-time pass rates hover around 75–80%, based on BACB exam data.

Fees and Costs

Here’s a breakdown of the total costs you should budget:

Item	Cost
Application Fee (BACB)	$50 (will rise to $65 in 2026)
Examination Appointment (Pearson VUE)	$45
Background Check	$20–$50 depending on provider
40-Hour Training Program	$100–$300 on average
Retake Fee	$45 per attempt

What to Expect at the Testing Center

On exam day:

Bring a valid government-issued ID.
Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled examination appointment.
Expect security screening (pockets emptied, personal items stored).
The exam is computer-based, with easy navigation between multiple choice questions.

If you finish early, you may leave, but once you exit the testing room, your exam is over.

Short But Effective Tips to Pass the RBT Exam

Study the RBT Task List first because This is your blueprint.
Use the RBT Handbook Know the rules inside out.
Take practice tests with our updated resources and make sure complete in 90 minutes with 85 questions.
Focus on weak areas and Don’t just review what you already know.
Time management is your key, Practice pacing to answer each question in about 1 minute.
Join study groups Learning with peers helps retain information.

4-Week Study Plan

Week	Focus Area	Action
Week 1	Measurement & Assessment	Review notes, practice graphs, 30 practice items
Week 2	Skill Acquisition & Behavior Reduction	Create flashcards, role-play teaching scenarios
Week 3	Documentation & Professional Conduct	Mock reports, ethical decision scenarios
Week 4	Full Exam Practice	3–4 timed exams, review mistakes, rest before test day

Common Myths

“I can still take it online.” → False. Online delivery ended; only in-person testing is allowed.
“The exam is easy.” → False. Pass rates are ~75%; preparation is required.
“I can skip the 40-hour training.” → False. It’s mandatory before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: can i take my rbt exam online at home?
A: No. All exams are delivered at a testing center by Pearson VUE.

Q: How many multiple choice questions are there?
A: 85 total (75 scored, 10 pilot).

Q: What if I need to make changes to my appointment?
A: You can reschedule through Pearson VUE, but fees may apply.

Q: Who conducts the competency assessment?
A: A qualified BCBA or BCaBA.

Q: How long is the exam?
A: 90 minutes of seat time.