RBT Ethics: Key Principles for the Exam
Updated October 27, 2026
Ethics has 11 of the 75 scored questions on the RBT exam, and the questions follow the BACB’s RBT Ethics Code (2.0) along with the supervision rules in the RBT Handbook. Most questions describe a situation and ask what the RBT should do. Here are the key principles, followed by free practice questions. Read the RBT Ethics Code itself on the BACB website before your exam; this page is a summary, not a substitute.
Key principles
- Work under supervision. RBTs deliver services under the direction and close supervision of a qualified supervisor, and follow the plans the supervisor designs.
- Stay in your role. Don’t design or change treatment plans, do assessments you’re not trained and directed to do, or give clinical advice outside your role.
- Avoid multiple (dual) relationships. Avoid personal, social or financial relationships with clients and their families that could affect your objectivity or harm the client.
- Protect confidentiality. Share client information only with authorized people.
- Treat clients with dignity and respect. Put the client’s welfare first.
- Be honest and accurate in your data, notes and billing.
- Represent your credential accurately. Only describe yourself as an RBT while your certification is active.
- Report concerns. Bring ethical concerns to your supervisor, and follow the BACB’s reporting requirements.
Free practice questions
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A client's parent asks the RBT to babysit the client on weekends for extra pay. What is the most appropriate response?Answer: CBabysitting a client creates a multiple relationship that can affect objectivity and the client's welfare. Decline politely and inform your supervisor.
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An RBT thinks a different reinforcer would work better than the one in the plan. What should they do?Answer: ARBTs follow the plan their supervisor designs. Share the idea with the supervisor, who decides whether to change the plan.
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An RBT missed recording data during part of a session. What should they do?Answer: DData and documentation must be honest and accurate. Never make up data; note what was missed and inform the supervisor.
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Whose welfare comes first in ABA services?Answer: AThe client's welfare and dignity come first in every decision.
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An RBT's certification has lapsed. How should they describe themselves?Answer: COnly people with an active RBT certification may represent themselves as RBTs.
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
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