What to expect on RBT exam day

Bring the right ID

Bring one valid ID that is government-issued, original (not a photocopy or a digital ID), current, signed, and has a recognizable photo. The first and last name must match your BACB account exactly; any difference means you won't be admitted and you lose your fees. Acceptable examples:

• passport;
• driver's license;
• military ID;
• national, state or province ID card;
• alien registration card (green card, permanent resident card or visa).

Check-in

Arrive about 30 minutes early. Check-in includes ID verification, agreeing to the test center rules, a palm vein scan and a digital photo. It's in English only: translators and interpreters, including electronic ones, aren't allowed unless you have an approved accommodation, and staff won't translate. If you can't complete check-in, you're turned away and lose the fees.

What you can't take in

Only your ID and your locker key go into the testing room. Lockers are provided for a few items. Not allowed in the room:

• phones, watches, cameras, recording devices and any electronic device;
• notes, reference materials, textbooks, bags, briefcases and purses;
• scratch paper, calculators and rulers;
• food and drinks;
• visitors.

You'll get a dry-erase board, and earplugs on request (some centers also have noise-canceling headphones). Proctors may inspect items you wear, such as glasses, jewelry and head coverings. Using a prohibited item during the exam, inside or outside the testing room, ends your exam and can lead to disciplinary action.

Before the first question

You must read and accept the BACB's Terms and Conditions; refusing ends the session and forfeits the attempt and fees. The time spent on them, and on the navigation tutorial, comes out of your 90 minutes. The terms include a permanent ban on disclosing exam content, by any means, to anyone: the BACB can investigate, seek damages and report content theft to law enforcement. You're also video and audio monitored throughout.

During the exam

• 85 questions in 90 minutes. The time allowed includes reviewing your answers, so leave a few minutes for that at the end.
• You can take as many unscheduled breaks as you need, but the clock keeps running. During breaks you can have food, drink or medication, but not your phone, notes or other stored items, and you can't leave the building.
• You can't talk to anyone except test center staff, who won't comment on questions.

Your result

The exam is pass or fail and you get your result at the test center; the score report is also in your Pearson VUE account under View Score Reports. If something went wrong at the center, such as noise, bad lighting or long load times, you can file an appeal with the BACB within 7 days. See results and retakes.

The ethics side

The RBT Ethics Code applies to applicants as well as certified RBTs. Standard 3.03 forbids cheating or helping others cheat, and collecting, using or sharing exam materials without authorization. RBTs and applicants must also report suspected exam misconduct by others to the BACB.