RBT Behavior Reduction Procedures
Updated October 27, 2026
Behavior Reduction is the second-largest content area on the RBT exam: 14 of the 75 scored questions. It covers how RBTs carry out the parts of a behavior plan that reduce problem behavior. Here are the main procedures, followed by free practice questions. Always follow the behavior reduction plan your supervisor writes, and your employer’s crisis procedures.
Antecedent interventions
Changes made before the behavior happens, to make it less likely:
- Offering choices
- Giving warnings before transitions
- Using visual schedules
- Breaking tasks into smaller parts
- Providing access to reinforcers on a schedule, regardless of behavior (noncontingent reinforcement)
Differential reinforcement
Reinforcing one behavior while withholding reinforcement for another:
| Procedure | What gets reinforced |
|---|---|
| DRA (alternative behavior) | A more appropriate behavior that serves the same function, such as asking for a break instead of throwing materials |
| DRI (incompatible behavior) | A behavior that can’t happen at the same time, such as hands in lap instead of hitting |
| DRO (other behavior) | The absence of the problem behavior for a set time |
Extinction
Stopping the reinforcement that kept the behavior going. Expect an extinction burst, a short-term increase in the behavior, before it decreases. Consistency is essential: reinforcing the behavior during a burst can make it stronger.
Crisis and emergency procedures
If behavior becomes dangerous, follow the crisis plan and your employer’s procedures exactly, and report to your supervisor. RBTs don’t create new procedures on their own.
Free practice questions
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A child who used to hit to get a break is taught to say "break please" and receives a break each time. This is:Answer: BDifferential reinforcement of an alternative behavior teaches a more appropriate behavior that serves the same function (here, getting a break).
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A client receives a token for every 5 minutes without any aggression. This is:Answer: CDifferential reinforcement of other behavior delivers reinforcement for the absence of the problem behavior over a set time.
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Giving a 5-minute warning before ending recess, to reduce problem behavior at transitions, is an example of:Answer: AThe warning is given before the behavior would occur, changing the situation to make problem behavior less likely.
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During extinction, a client's yelling temporarily gets louder and more frequent. What should the RBT do?Answer: DAn extinction burst is expected. Giving in during a burst can strengthen the behavior. Follow the plan consistently, keep everyone safe and keep the supervisor informed.
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Reinforcing a child for keeping their hands in their lap, which can't happen at the same time as hitting, is:Answer: BDifferential reinforcement of incompatible behavior reinforces a behavior that physically can't occur at the same time as the problem behavior.
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A client's behavior becomes dangerous to themselves and others. What should the RBT do?Answer: BRBTs follow the crisis or emergency plan and their employer's procedures, keep everyone safe, and report to the supervisor promptly. They don't design new procedures on their own.
Pass your RBT exam on the first try
- All 172 questions on data collection, assessment, skill acquisition, behavior reduction, documentation and ethics
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