RBT® Task List 3.0 Study Guide
Exhaustive clinical reference and syllabus breakdown across all 6 BACB® domains. Use the interactive task browser below to search concepts, track reviewed competencies, and master high-yield board terminology.
RBT® Task List 3.0 Curriculum Breakdown
Comprehensive 43-task guide covering all 6 domains tested on the board exam.
Prepare for data collection
Implement continuous measurement procedures
Implement discontinuous measurement procedures
Implement permanent-product recording procedures
Enter data and update work environment
Conduct preference assessments
Assist with individualized assessment procedures
Assist with functional assessment procedures
Describe behavior and environment in observable and measurable terms
Identify essential components of a written skill acquisition plan
Prepare for the session as required by the skill acquisition plan
Use contingencies of reinforcement
Implement discrete trial teaching (DTT) procedures
Implement naturalistic teaching procedures (NET / Incidental Teaching)
Implement task analyzed chaining procedures
Implement discrimination training
Implement stimulus control transfer procedures
Implement prompt and prompt fading procedures
Implement generalization and maintenance procedures
Implement shaping procedures
Implement token economy procedures
Identify essential components of a written behavior reduction plan (BIP)
Describe common functions of behavior (SEAT)
Implement interventions based on antecedent modifications / motivating operations
Implement differential reinforcement procedures
Implement extinction procedures
Implement crisis / emergency procedures
Describe behavior reduction considerations
Effectively communicate with a supervisor in an ongoing manner
Actively seek clinical direction in a timely manner
Report other variables that might affect the client
Generate objective session notes
Comply with applicable legal, regulatory, and workplace requirements
Describe the BACB’s RBT ethics code and requirements
Respond appropriately to feedback and maintain or improve performance
Communicate with stakeholders as authorized
Maintain professional boundaries (avoid dual relationships)
Maintain client dignity
Respect role boundaries and scope of practice
Identify and avoid conflicts of interest
Ensure confidentiality and data security
Promote assent and self-determination
Commit to cultural responsiveness and non-discrimination
Test Your Knowledge in the Full 85Q RBT® Board Simulator
Put your 43-task list mastery into practice with our full-length timed mock examination featuring real-time diagnostic score analysis.
The 6 Core Domains of Applied Behavior Analysis front-line Practice
The RBT® 3.0 curriculum outlines the clinical scope of practice for behavioral technicians. Technicians are primarily responsible for the direct implementation of behavior-analytic services, assisting in functional assessments, collecting reliable data, and upholding ethical boundaries under the continuous supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®).
Domain 1: Measurement (Tasks 1.1 – 1.5 • 14% Exam Weight)
Covers continuous measurement procedures (Frequency, Rate, Duration, Latency, and Inter-Response Time) and discontinuous interval sampling (Partial-Interval, Whole-Interval, Momentary Time Sampling). Understanding when to select each measurement method based on the behavior's topography and setting is vital for board success.
Domain 2: Assessment (Tasks 2.1 – 2.4 • 10% Exam Weight)
Focuses on preference assessments (Single Stimulus, Paired Stimulus / Forced Choice, Multiple Stimulus With/Without Replacement, and Free Operant) and assisting the BCBA with direct descriptive ABC data collection (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence).
Domain 3: Skill Acquisition (Tasks 3.1 – 3.12 • 32% Exam Weight)
The cornerstone domain. Encompasses Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT), Naturalistic Environment Teaching (NET / Incidental Teaching), Task Analyzed Chaining (Forward, Backward, and Total Task), discrimination training ($S^D$ vs $S^\Delta$), prompt hierarchies, shaping, and token economies.
Domain 4: Behavior Reduction (Tasks 4.1 – 4.7 • 16% Exam Weight)
Details the four functions of behavior (Sensory, Escape, Attention, Tangible / SEAT), antecedent modifications (Motivating Operations, Establishing Operations, Non-Contingent Reinforcement), Differential Reinforcement (DRA, DRI, DRO), and extinction bursts.
Domain 5 & 6: Documentation, Reporting & Ethics (Tasks 5.1 – 6.10 • 28% Combined)
Covers objective SOAP session notes, HIPAA confidentiality, the 5% monthly BACB supervision requirement (min 2 face-to-face contacts), mandated abuse reporting, dual relationship avoidance, and client dignity safeguards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RBT® Task List 3.0? ▼
The RBT Task List 3.0 is the official curriculum framework published by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) detailing the 43 core competencies across 6 domains required of practicing Registered Behavior Technicians.
Which domain has the most questions on the exam? ▼
Domain 3: Skill Acquisition is the largest domain, representing approximately 32% of the exam (around 24 questions). It covers discrete trial teaching (DTT), naturalistic environment teaching (NET), task analyzed chaining, prompting hierarchies, and reinforcement schedules.
How should I use this 43-task guide to prepare? ▼
Begin by taking our 85-question diagnostic mock exam. Use your Domain Radar score to identify deficit areas, then review the corresponding task modules here to master operational definitions and clinical applications.
What is the difference between continuous and discontinuous measurement? ▼
Continuous measurement records every instance of a behavior (frequency, rate, duration, latency, IRT). Discontinuous measurement divides observation time into intervals and samples whether behavior occurred (partial-interval, whole-interval, momentary time sampling).