Within the context of the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) role, Unit B: Assessment focuses on the RBT’s responsibilities related to evaluating client behaviors and preferences in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. This unit is a crucial part of the RBT Task List and is covered in the RBT certification exam and initial competency assessment.
Core Purpose and Importance of Assessment
Assessment is considered the backbone of ABA, enabling technicians to accurately assess, monitor, and analyze behavior changes. RBTs are pivotal in delivering high-quality ABA therapy as they work directly with clients to implement behavior plans that promote positive behavior change, fostering a supportive environment for learning new skills and improving quality of life. Without accurate data from assessments, it is impossible to track client progress effectively and modify therapy or behavior intervention plans. RBTs also serve as a link between the behavior analyst and the client, providing feedback on treatment effectiveness, which helps ensure personalized care.
Key Tasks and Procedures in Unit B: Assessment
The RBT Task List outlines specific procedures RBTs are expected to implement or assist with in the assessment domain.
Current RBT Task List (2nd ed.) includes:
- B-1 Conduct preference assessments.
- B-2 Assist with individualized assessment procedures (e.g., curriculum-based, developmental, social skills).
- B-3 Assist with functional assessment procedures.
The RBT Test Content Outline (3rd ed.), effective starting January 1, 2026, details these tasks further:
- B.1. Conduct preference assessments (e.g., multiple stimulus, paired stimulus, free operant).
- B.2. Participate in assessments of relevant skill strengths and deficits (e.g., curriculum-based, developmental, social skills).
- B.3. Participate in components of functional assessment procedures (e.g., descriptive assessment, functional analysis).
Assessment in RBT Certification
1. RBT Initial Competency Assessment: Before taking the RBT exam, candidates must pass an Initial Competency Assessment, which checks their skills in providing ABA therapy, including assessment methods. This assessment typically takes between 1 and 3 hours to complete and covers 20 tasks, including those in the Assessment section.
For the “Assessment” section of the competency assessment, the following tasks are evaluated:
- Preference Assessments: Assessed by performing the task with a client or through role-play.
- ABC Data: Assessed by performing the task with a client or through role-play. ABC data involves collecting information on Antecedents (what happens before the behavior), Behavior, and Consequences (what happens after the behavior).
If an applicant does not demonstrate competence in a task during the assessment, the assessor may provide corrective feedback and re-assess the task on another day until competence is demonstrated.
2. RBT Certification Examination: The RBT exam includes a dedicated section on “Assessment”.
- Under the 2nd edition RBT Task List, this section comprises 6 scored questions, making up 8% of the total examination content.
- Beginning January 1, 2026, with the RBT Test Content Outline (3rd ed.), the “Behavior Assessment” domain will account for 8 questions, representing 11% of the exam.
Thorough preparation for the exam involves understanding these concepts and practicing with mock exams to apply them to various scenarios. The exam is computer-based, has 85 multiple-choice questions (75 scored, 10 pilot), and a 90-minute time limit.