If you’re preparing for the RBT exam, scenario-based questions are the part that usually decides whether you pass or fail. Most new learners memorize definitions but freeze when the question turns into a real-life ABA situation. That’s where high-quality RBT scenario questions, realistic examples, and a solid RBT practice exam (75 questions) make the biggest difference.
This guide walks you through how scenario questions work, why they matter, how to think like an RBT during the exam, and what kinds of situations appear repeatedly. You’ll also get sample questions, study strategies, and a breakdown of what should be included in a strong 75-question RBT practice test.
Whether you’re a beginner or sharpening your skills before your competency assessment, this page gives you everything you need in one place.
Why Scenario Questions Matter More Than Simple Definitions
The RBT exam loves to test your judgment, not just memorization. Anyone can memorize a definition like “reinforcement increases the future likelihood of a behavior,” but can you recognize reinforcement when it shows up inside a story?
For example:
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A parent gives a child a cookie when they stop crying.
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A teacher removes a difficult worksheet after a student starts screaming.
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A child gets access to a tablet only after completing a task.
These are all reinforcement, but each looks different depending on the situation. That’s what the exam is checking: your ability to apply concepts in real ABA scenarios.
Scenario questions evaluate:
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Ethics and professionalism
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Correct prompting procedures
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Data collection accuracy
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Behavior reduction strategies
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Skill acquisition
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Working under BCBA supervision
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Handling parents, teachers, and environment settings
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Crisis or unsafe behavior
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What NOT to do as an RBT
If you can think clearly during these scenarios, the real exam becomes much easier.
What Makes a High-Quality RBT Scenario Question?
A powerful scenario question has the following elements:
1. Realistic environment
Think classrooms, homes, clinics, parks, or community outings.
2. A clear behavior event
Examples:
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Hitting peers during transitions
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Noncompliance during table work
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Elopement at school
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Screaming when denied access to reinforcement
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Stereotypy during independent play
3. Limited information
The exam often gives just enough for you to make the correct ABA-based decision.
4. Only ONE truly correct answer
A few options may sound “okay,” but only one matches actual RBT task list expectations.
How to Think During ABA Scenario Questions
Use this mindset:
A. “What is MY role as an RBT?”
You:
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follow the plan
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collect data
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use prompts as written
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reinforce correctly
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communicate professionally
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stay within your scope
You do not:
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change programs
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offer new reinforcers
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redesign interventions
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use punishment on your own
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counsel parents
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make diagnosis-style comments
B. Look for the core ABA principle hidden in the story
Every scenario is testing something specific:
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reinforcement
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prompting
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extinction
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measurement
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function of behavior
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motivating operations
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ethical boundary
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confidentiality
Identify the principle → choose the option tied to that principle.