RBT Ethics (Content Area F): Tasks Explained

The 10 tasks

F.1 Core ethics principlesThe RBT Ethics Code rests on four core principles: benefit others; treat others with compassion, dignity, and respect; behave with integrity; and ensure their own competence. For an RBT, applying them means putting the client's welfare first, protecting their dignity, being honest in every record and conversation, and working only within the skills the supervisor has confirmed. When a situation is unclear, the RBT asks the supervisor.23 questions
F.2 Practicing within your competenceAn RBT provides behavior-technician services only after their supervisor confirms they have demonstrated competence, and only within that competence. Competence is first shown in the Initial Competency Assessment, then checked continually with the supervisor as new procedures, clients and settings come up. When a request goes beyond what you have been trained to do, tell your supervisor and document it.23 questions
F.3 Ongoing supervisionAn RBT may practice only under the close, ongoing supervision of a qualified RBT Supervisor or RBT Requirements Coordinator who is on record with the BACB. The RBT Handbook sets the minimum amount (5% of service hours each calendar month), the structure (at least two face-to-face, real-time contacts, one individual and one with observation), who may supervise, and how supervision is documented. The RBT shares responsibility for making sure these requirements are met.23 questions
F.4 Effective supervision practicesEffective supervision does more than meet the BACB's minimum hours. It sets clear expectations, trains skills with behavioral skills training (instructions, modeling, rehearsal and feedback), includes regular direct observation, and gives specific, timely feedback. An RBT should know what good supervision looks like, ask for it, and act on the feedback they receive.23 questions
F.5 ConfidentialityRBTs protect the confidentiality and privacy of clients, stakeholders and others in the workplace by following the requirements of the BACB, their employer and the law. In practice this means collecting only what is needed, using and storing records securely in approved systems, sharing information only under the supervisor's direction and only what is necessary, and never posting identifying client information online.23 questions
F.6 Public statements and social mediaAnything an RBT says or posts about their work is a public statement about professional activities, whether it appears on a résumé, a social media account, a job-fair table or in a conversation with a neighbor. RBTs keep these statements accurate: they do not misrepresent their credentials, behavior analysis, or what services can achieve, and they never share identifying client information online.23 questions
F.7 Multiple relationshipsA multiple relationship is a mixing of two or more of an RBT's roles, such as professional and personal, with a client, stakeholder, supervisor or coworker, or someone close to the client. RBTs avoid them because they can create conflicts of interest and risk harm to the client. When one develops or cannot be avoided, the RBT tells the supervisor right away, works to resolve or manage it, and documents those steps.23 questions
F.8 GiftsStandard 1.11 of the RBT Ethics Code limits gifts between RBTs and their clients, stakeholders and supervisors to a monetary value of no more than $10 US, and only as an occasional expression of gratitude that brings no financial benefit. Ongoing gifts can become a violation even when each is small, and a stricter employer policy always comes first.23 questions
F.9 Interpersonal and professional skillsAn RBT's work depends on good working relationships with supervisors, caregivers, coworkers and other providers. This task covers the interpersonal and professional skills that make those relationships work: accepting feedback, listening actively, seeking input, collaborating, communicating objectively, and following through on commitments, all within the RBT role.23 questions
F.10 Cultural humility and responsivenessCultural humility is an ongoing practice of examining your own assumptions and biases and learning from each client and family. Cultural responsiveness is how that practice shows up in service delivery: respecting each family's culture, language and values, and bringing them to the supervisor so services fit. The RBT Ethics Code asks RBTs to do this work with their supervisor and to identify and address personal biases.23 questions

Practise this content area

230 questions for ethics in 7 sets: start with Ethics practice set 1. The mock exams show your score in this area alongside the others.

The RBT Ethics Code (2.0)

The ethics tasks are built on the code's 29 standards, each explained with scenarios:

Key terms

Drill them with the flashcards.