RBT Task List 2026: Complete Guide to All BACB Tasks

The RBT Task List is your official exam blueprint published by the BACB. Master every task item across all 6 sections to ensure you're fully prepared for the certification exam.

Updated for 202664 Task Items6 Sections

What is the RBT Task List?

The RBT Task List is the official document published by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) that defines every skill and knowledge area required for Registered Behavior Technician certification. Think of it as your exam blueprint—every question on the RBT exam is derived directly from this task list.

The BACB periodically updates the task list to reflect current best practices in applied behavior analysis. The current version (often called the "2nd Edition") contains approximately 64 task items organized into six content areas, each covering different aspects of behavior-analytic practice. Study these thoroughly using ourflashcards andcheat sheet.

Understanding and mastering each task item is the most effective way to prepare for the exam. When you understand the task list, you understand exactly what the BACB expects you to know and be able to do as a certified RBT. Test your knowledge with ourRBT practice tests.

Official BACB Task List

Download the official RBT Task List PDF directly from the BACB website. We recommend keeping this document handy throughout your studies.

Download from BACB

Task List Overview by Section

The RBT exam tests your knowledge across six content areas. Each section has a different weight on the exam, so allocate your study time accordingly.

SectionTasksExam WeightStudy Resources
Section A: Measurement
Data collection and measurement procedures
1010%
Section B: Skill Acquisition
Teaching new skills and behaviors
2430%
Section C: Behavior Reduction
Decreasing problem behaviors
1220%
Section D: Documentation and Reporting
Recording and communicating information
820%
Section F: Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice
Ethical and professional responsibilities
1020%

Deep Dive: Each Task List Section

Click on any section below to explore all task items in detail, with plain-English explanations and real-world examples for each competency.

Section A: Measurement

10% of exam

Data collection and measurement procedures

Sample Task Items:

A-01Prepare for data collection
A-02Implement continuous measurement procedures
A-03Implement discontinuous measurement procedures
A-04Implement permanent product recording procedures

+ 6 more task items

Section B: Skill Acquisition

30% of exam

Teaching new skills and behaviors

Sample Task Items:

B-01Identify the essential components of a written skill acquisition plan
B-02Prepare for the session as required by the skill acquisition plan
B-03Use prompting and prompt fading as indicated in the skill acquisition plan
B-04Use modeling and imitation training

+ 20 more task items

Section C: Behavior Reduction

20% of exam

Decreasing problem behaviors

Sample Task Items:

C-01Identify the essential components of a written behavior reduction plan
C-02Describe common functions of behavior
C-03Implement interventions based on antecedent manipulations
C-04Implement differential reinforcement procedures

+ 8 more task items

Section D: Documentation and Reporting

20% of exam

Recording and communicating information

Sample Task Items:

D-01Report events as they occur in session notes
D-02Report data as they are collected
D-03Report any changes in behavior or environmental conditions
D-04Report any incidents to the appropriate supervisor

+ 4 more task items

Section F: Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice

20% of exam

Ethical and professional responsibilities

Sample Task Items:

F-01Respond appropriately to feedback and supervision
F-02Maintain professional boundaries
F-03Maintain client dignity
F-04Implement behavioral procedures according to the BACB Ethics Code

+ 6 more task items

How to Use the Task List to Study

The task list is your most valuable study resource. Here's a proven 5-step system to master every task item before exam day:

Step 1

Read Each Task Carefully

Understand exactly what skill or knowledge is being described. Don't skim—read for comprehension.

Step 2

Define Key Terms

For each task, identify technical terms and make sure you can define them in your own words.

Step 3

Create Examples

Think of a clinical scenario where you would apply this skill. Real-world context aids memory.

Step 4

Practice Questions

Use our practice tests to see how task list items appear on the actual exam.

Step 5

Track Progress

Check off items as you master them. Focus extra time on your weak areas.

Pro Study Tip

Print the official task list and use it as a checklist. As you study each item, mark it with a checkmark (✓) if you're confident, a question mark (?) if you need review, or an X if you need significant work. Focus your study sessions on the X and ? items.

Frequently Asked Questions

The RBT Task List is the official document published by the BACB that outlines all the skills and knowledge areas an RBT must demonstrate. It serves as the exam blueprint—every question on the RBT exam is based on tasks from this list.
The current RBT Task List contains approximately 64 task items across 6 content areas: Measurement (10 tasks), Assessment (8 tasks), Skill Acquisition (24 tasks), Behavior Reduction (12 tasks), Documentation (8 tasks), and Professional Conduct (10 tasks).
Use the Task List as your study guide. Go through each task item, ensure you understand the concept, can define key terms, and can apply the knowledge to real scenarios. Check off items as you master them.
The official RBT Task List is available for free download from the BACB website (bacb.com). We recommend downloading the official PDF and using it alongside our study materials.