If you’re preparing for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification in 2026 or beyond, you’re in the right place.
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) has released a fully updated RBT Task List (3rd Edition), which forms the foundation for the RBT exam starting January 1, 2026.
In this post, we’ll break down the entire list of 43 tasks across 6 core domains, explain what’s new, and help you focus on exactly what to study to pass your exam the first time.
What Is the RBT Task List?
The RBT Task List outlines the skills, knowledge, and behaviors that every entry-level RBT must know and perform. It’s not just for the exam, it reflects real-life job responsibilities of behavior technicians working in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Each task is testable. If it’s on the list, it might show up on your exam. So understanding these tasks is the first step toward certification success.
3rd Edition RBT Task List Overview
The 3rd Edition introduces 43 clearly defined tasks, organized into six domains. These represent the areas you’ll be tested on:
| Domain | Tasks | % of Exam | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Data Collection and Graphing | 8 | 17% | 13 |
| B. Behavior Assessment | 3 | 11% | 8 |
| C. Behavior Acquisition | 11 | 25% | 19 |
| D. Behavior Reduction | 7 | 19% | 14 |
| E. Documentation and Reporting | 4 | 13% | 10 |
| F. Ethics | 10 | 15% | 11 |
| Total | 43 | 100% | 75 |
Let’s go through each domain in detail.
📊 A. Data Collection and Graphing (8 Tasks)
This domain focuses on Data Collection and Graphing — the cornerstone of evidence-based ABA practice. As an RBT, your ability to accurately measure and visually track client behavior plays a critical role in determining treatment effectiveness. From frequency counts to graph updates, these skills ensure that interventions are driven by reliable data.
Tasks:
1. Implement continuous measurement (e.g., frequency, duration, latency): Record behavior every time it occurs.
2. Implement discontinuous measurement (e.g., partial/whole interval, momentary time sampling): Capture samples of behavior over time.
3. Use permanent product recording: Track the outcome of a behavior (e.g., completed worksheets).
4. Enter data and update graphs: Input information and maintain visual records for progress review.
5. Describe behavior/environment in observable and measurable terms: Avoid vague terms like “angry”; be specific and objective.
6. Calculate/summarize data (e.g., rate, mean duration): Transform raw numbers into meaningful statistics.
7. Identify trends in graphed data: Notice patterns that show improvement or decline.
8. Describe risks of unreliable data and poor fidelity: Understand how bad data leads to bad treatment.
📌 New additions like trend analysis and data integrity show how important your data is to making informed decisions.
🧪 B. Behavior Assessment (3 Tasks)
You play a vital supporting role in assessing a client’s behavior. While you won’t be leading assessments, your observations, data collection, and assistance can shape the direction of behavior intervention plans. The better your input, the better the outcome for your client.
Tasks:
1. Conduct preference assessments (e.g., paired stimulus): Find out what motivates your client by systematically presenting choices.
2. Participate in skill assessments (e.g., curriculum-based tools): Assist in evaluating a client’s strengths and areas for improvement.
3. Support functional assessments (e.g., descriptive analysis, functional analysis): Help collect information about why challenging behaviors occur.
📌 These tasks ensure that RBTs can gather valid information, helping supervisors develop highly individualized interventions.
🎯 C. Behavior Acquisition (11 Tasks)
This is the heart of ABA therapy. RBTs are responsible for using evidence-based strategies to teach new skills. From simple communication requests to complex daily living routines, these tasks guide how to deliver instruction that leads to long-term, meaningful change.
Tasks:
1. Implement reinforcement procedures: Use rewards correctly to increase desired behavior.
2. Use conditioned reinforcers: Pair neutral items with known reinforcers to build new motivation.
3. Implement discrete-trial teaching (DTT): Use structured, repetitive teaching to build new skills.
4. Implement naturalistic teaching (NET): Teach skills in the real world, using a client’s natural interests.
5. Apply chaining procedures: Break tasks into smaller steps and teach them one at a time (e.g., hand washing).
6. Conduct discrimination training: Teach clients to tell the difference between similar stimuli.
7. Use prompting and fading strategies: Help clients respond correctly and gradually reduce support.
8. Promote generalization: Make sure clients can use skills across people, places, and materials.
9. Distinguish between maintenance vs acquisition: Know whether a skill is being learned or practiced.
10. Implement shaping: Reinforce gradual improvements toward a desired behavior.
11. Implement token economies: Use tokens as conditioned reinforcers to motivate multiple behaviors.
📌 This domain defines the majority of your time as an RBT — helping clients grow through consistent and compassionate teaching.
🚫 D. Behavior Reduction (7 Tasks)
Managing and reducing problem behaviors is a critical part of ABA, but it must be done with care, ethics, and consistency. You’ll be responsible for implementing behavior plans created by supervisors to help clients replace harmful behaviors with positive alternatives.
Tasks:
1. Identify functions of behavior: Know that behavior happens for a reason (e.g., to escape a task, gain attention).
2. Apply antecedent interventions: Prevent challenging behavior by changing the environment or routine.
3. Use differential reinforcement: Reinforce desired behavior while withholding reinforcement for problem behavior.
4. Implement extinction: Remove reinforcement for unwanted behavior, following the behavior plan exactly.
5. Implement punishment procedures: Use time-out or response cost only as instructed by the supervisor.
6. Describe side effects of extinction/punishment: Recognize phenomena like extinction bursts or emotional outbursts.
7. Follow crisis/emergency procedures: Stay calm and follow protocols when safety is at risk.
📌 This domain highlights the importance of ethical, data-based decision-making and calm professionalism in high-stress situations.
📝 E. Documentation and Reporting (4 Tasks)
Documentation is more than paperwork — it’s a legal, clinical, and ethical obligation. Every session must be documented clearly, professionally, and honestly. Your supervisor depends on your notes to make decisions and monitor progress.
Tasks:
1. Report concerns from caregivers or team members: Speak up when something doesn’t seem right.
2. Seek clinical direction when unsure: Know your limits and ask for help when needed.
3. Document variables that affect client progress: Include illness, sleep problems, medication changes, etc.
4. Objectively report session events: Stick to the facts, avoid opinions, and follow legal/workplace rules.
📌 Accurate reporting not only ensures client safety and progress but also protects you as a professional.
⚖️ F. Ethics (10 Tasks)
This domain is new in structure but not in importance. RBTs must operate with integrity, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity. This domain now breaks the ethics code into actionable, testable tasks — a major step toward raising standards in the field.
Tasks:
1. Apply ethical principles (e.g., dignity, respect): Always act in the best interest of clients.
2. Work within your competence: Don’t do tasks you’re not trained for.
3. Operate under ongoing supervision: You cannot work independently as an RBT.
4. Understand supervision practices: Know what proper feedback and training look like.
5. Protect confidentiality: Handle client data and conversations with care.
6. Follow public communication rules: Avoid making misleading or unprofessional statements online or elsewhere.
7. Recognize/manage multiple relationships: Avoid dual roles (e.g., friend and therapist).
8. Follow gift-giving guidelines: Do not accept gifts unless allowed by BACB code.
9. Use professional communication: Accept feedback, collaborate respectfully, and be proactive.
10. Practice cultural humility: Identify and reflect on personal biases in your work.
📌 The Ethics domain ensures that your technical skills are matched with empathy, integrity, and cultural awareness.
When Will the 2026 Task List Be Used?
All RBT certification exams taken on or after January 1, 2026 will use the 3rd Edition Task List. If your exam is before that date, you’ll still use the older (2nd Edition) version.
🎓 Why Is the RBT Task List Important?
Understanding the RBT Task List means:
- You’ll know exactly what to study
- You’ll be ready for real-world job performance
- You’ll stay compliant with BACB expectations
More than just passing a test, this list helps ensure you deliver high-quality services that truly make a difference.
💡 Final Tips for RBT Exam Prep
- Study by domain, not just random topics
- Make flashcards for all 43 tasks
- Take practice exams built on this exact task list
- Ask your supervisor to model tasks during sessions
- Stay ethical, ask questions, and always keep learning
🚀 Ready to Start Practicing?
Get access to free full-length practice exams, quizzes by content area, and in-depth study guides — all based on the 2026 RBT Task List.