What Score Do You Need to Pass the RBT Exam? Explained

As you prepare for the RBT certification exam, it’s natural to wonder about the finish line. You know you need to pass, but what does that mean in terms of numbers? What score do you need to pass the RBT exam?

Many people assume there's a simple percentage, like 70% or 80%, but the answer is a bit more complex. The BACB uses a method called "scaled scoring," and understanding it can help you focus your study efforts where they matter most.

The BACB's Official Answer: It's a Scaled Score

The BACB does not use a raw score or a simple percentage to determine if you pass. Instead, your result is determined by a scaled score. The passing score is set by a panel of subject-matter experts who analyze the difficulty of the exam questions.

While the exact number of correct questions needed can vary slightly between exam forms, a good rule of thumb is to aim for well above a raw score of 80% on high-quality practice tests.

Why Does the BACB Use a Scaled Score?

The main reason for scaled scoring is fairness. The BACB maintains a large bank of exam questions, and different candidates receive slightly different versions (or "forms") of the exam. It's possible that one form of the test might be marginally more difficult than another.

Scaled scoring adjusts for these minor differences in difficulty across different exam forms. It ensures that the standard for passing remains consistent, no matter which set of questions you receive. This way, your pass/fail result reflects your actual competency, not the specific luck of the draw on exam day.

So, What Should You Focus On?

Since you can't aim for a specific number of correct answers, trying to calculate a "magic number" is not a productive study strategy. Obsessing over a passing score can create unnecessary anxiety.

Instead, shift your focus from the score to the process. Your goal should be to achieve mastery of the content on the RBT Task List. If you can confidently explain and apply every item on that list, you will have the knowledge required to pass, regardless of the specific questions you get.

Forget the score. Focus on the learning. Your confidence on exam day will come from knowing the material, not from chasing a number.

Ready to build a winning strategy? See our guide: The 10 Best Study Tips to Pass the RBT Exam on Your First Try.