RBT Documentation and Reporting
Updated October 27, 2026
Documentation and Reporting has 10 of the 75 scored questions on the RBT exam. It’s about writing accurate, objective notes, telling your supervisor what they need to know, and protecting client information. Here’s what to know, followed by free practice questions. Always follow your employer’s policies, the RBT Ethics Code and the law where you work.
Objective session notes
Write what you saw and measured, not your opinions or guesses.
| Subjective (avoid) | Objective (use) |
|---|---|
| “He was angry all session.” | “He yelled 6 times and threw materials twice during the 45-minute session.” |
| “She did great today.” | “She correctly labeled 9 of 10 colors with no prompts.” |
Notes should be accurate, timely and complete, written soon after the session.
What to report to your supervisor
- Changes in the client’s behavior, health or circumstances
- Anything that might affect treatment, such as a missed medication or a family event
- Problems carrying out the plan, or if a procedure isn’t working
- Injuries, incidents or safety concerns, right away
- Any ethical concern
Confidentiality
- Share client information only with people who are authorized to have it.
- Don’t discuss clients in public or post about them on social media.
- Store and send records securely, following your employer’s policies.
Mandated reporting
If you suspect abuse or neglect, follow your legal obligations and employer policy for reporting it, which can mean reporting directly to the authorities. Let your supervisor know as your employer’s policy requires.
Free practice questions
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Which session note is the most objective?Answer: BAn objective note describes observable, measurable behavior. The others are opinions or interpretations.
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A parent tells the RBT the client started a new medication this week. What should the RBT do?Answer: CChanges that could affect behavior or treatment should be reported to the supervisor, who decides whether anything needs to change.
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When should session notes be written?Answer: ANotes should be accurate, complete and timely, written soon after the session while details are fresh.
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An RBT is at a coffee shop with a friend. What may they share about their clients?Answer: DClient information is confidential. Don't discuss clients in public or with people who aren't authorized to receive the information.
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An RBT suspects a client is being abused. What should they do?Answer: BSuspected abuse or neglect must be reported according to the law and employer policy. Many professionals are mandated reporters, which can mean reporting directly to the authorities.
Pass your RBT exam on the first try
- All 172 questions on data collection, assessment, skill acquisition, behavior reduction, documentation and ethics
- An explanation for every answer, with the outline task, ethics standard or textbook principle behind it
- Unlimited full 75-question practice exams, with each content area in its real share