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Free RBT Practice Questions: Skill Acquisition Domain

Test your RBT knowledge with 10 free practice questions from the Skill Acquisition domain. Includes detailed explanations and answers.

RBT Practice Questions

Master the Skill Acquisition Domain

Test your knowledge in the Skill Acquisition domain with these 10 practice questions. Each question is designed to help you prepare for the RBT certification exam with detailed explanations to reinforce your learning.

Question 1

A behavior plan says: "During discrete trial training, present the SD, wait up to 5 seconds for a response, then provide a least-to-most prompt if needed." You present the SD, "Touch car," and the child does nothing for 5 seconds. What should you do NEXT?

A) Repeat the SD several times more before prompting

B) Immediately move to a different target without prompting

C) Provide the next level of prompt in the least-to-most sequence

D) End the session because the child is not responding

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The program specifies that if there is no response within 5 seconds, a least-to-most prompt should be used. After waiting the full 5 seconds, the next step is to deliver the appropriate prompt (C). Repeating the SD without prompting (A) ignores the written procedure and may lead to prompt delay or confusion. Switching to a different target (B) breaks the trial structure and does not follow the DTT plan. Ending the session (D) is not appropriate just because the child did not respond to one SD. This aligns with the Skill Acquisition section of the RBT Task List: correctly implementing discrete-trial teaching and prompting procedures as written.

Question 2

A behavior plan states: "During discrete trial training, present the SD, wait up to 5 seconds for an independent response, then provide a least-to-most prompt if needed." While working with Maya on identifying colors, you say, "Touch red," and she does nothing for 2 seconds. What should you do NEXT according to this skill acquisition procedure?

A) Repeat the instruction louder so she pays attention

B) Immediately move on to the next color without prompting

C) Wait up to the full 5 seconds, then provide the next level of prompt if she still doesn’t respond

D) Physically guide her hand to the red card right away

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The written program specifies to wait up to 5 seconds for an independent response before prompting. At 2 seconds, the full wait time has not passed, so the correct action is to continue waiting up to the full 5 seconds, then use the least-to-most prompt sequence if there is still no response. This follows discrete trial training (DTT) procedures and prompt use as described in the RBT Task List under Skill Acquisition. - A is incorrect because changing the volume of the instruction is not part of the written procedure and may not address the skill being taught. - B is incorrect because the program requires prompting after the specified wait time, not skipping the trial. - D is incorrect because immediately using a physical prompt ignores the least-to-most prompt hierarchy and the required wait time for an independent response.

Question 3

A BCBA has written a discrete trial training (DTT) program to teach Mateo to identify colors. The program says: (1) present one color card, (2) say “What color?”, (3) wait up to 5 seconds for a response, (4) provide reinforcement for correct responses, and (5) record correct or incorrect. During a trial, you show a red card, say “What color?”, and Mateo says “blue.” What should you do NEXT according to typical DTT procedures?

A) Say, “No, that’s wrong,” remove the card, and move on to a different program

B) Ignore the response, keep the card up, and wait silently for Mateo to correct himself

C) Mark the response as incorrect, represent the SD with the same card, and provide the prompted correct response as the program describes

D) Give partial reinforcement so Mateo doesn’t get discouraged and then move to the next trial

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: In discrete trial training, each trial has a clear sequence: SD (instruction), learner response, consequence, and data recording. When the learner responds incorrectly, the RBT follows the error-correction steps written in the program. Option C is correct because it includes (1) marking the response as incorrect (measurement) and (2) immediately re-presenting the SD and prompting the correct response, which is a common error-correction procedure described in many BCBA-written DTT programs. This matches the RBT Task List item of implementing skill acquisition plans, including DTT and prompting. Option A is incorrect because simply saying “that’s wrong” and moving on does not follow typical error-correction procedures and does not help Mateo learn the correct response. Option B is incorrect because just waiting silently does not provide teaching or prompting; it also may increase frustration and does not follow typical DTT structure. Option D is incorrect because giving “partial reinforcement” for an incorrect response would reinforce errors. RBTs should not decide to change reinforcement procedures on their own.

Question 4

A BCBA has written a discrete trial training (DTT) program to teach Mateo to identify colors. During the session, you present three cards (red, blue, yellow) and say, “Touch red.” Mateo looks away and starts playing with his shoelaces instead of responding. According to the program, you should wait 3 seconds and then give a prompt if he does not respond. What should you do next?

A) Repeat the instruction louder until Mateo looks at you, without prompting.

B) Immediately move on to a different target because Mateo is not paying attention.

C) Wait 3 seconds, then provide the specified prompt to help Mateo touch the red card.

D) End the DTT program for the day and switch to free play.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The BCBA’s DTT program specifies that if Mateo does not respond within 3 seconds, a prompt should be given. Waiting the correct latency (3 seconds) and then prompting is correct implementation of a DTT skill acquisition plan. - C is correct because it follows the written procedure: present SD, wait the specified time, then prompt. - A is incorrect because repeating the instruction louder without prompting does not follow the plan and may not help Mateo respond correctly. - B is incorrect because changing the target on your own is a treatment decision, which is outside an RBT’s role. - D is incorrect because ending the program and switching to free play is not part of the written plan and stops skill teaching without direction from the supervisor. This relates to the Skill Acquisition domain of the RBT Task List (implementing discrete-trial teaching procedures and using prompts as written in the program).

Question 5

A BCBA has written a shaping program to increase the clarity of Noah’s vocal request for “water.” The plan says to reinforce any sound that starts with a “w” when he is thirsty, and once that is consistent, the BCBA will update the plan to require a closer approximation (like “wah”). During a session, Noah reaches for his cup and says “wuh.” What should the RBT do according to the current shaping plan?

A) Provide access to water immediately because “wuh” starts with a “w,” and record that a reinforced approximation occurred.

B) Withhold water and wait until Noah clearly says “water” before reinforcing, even if he becomes upset.

C) Prompt Noah to say “water” three times in a row before giving him water so he practices the full word.

D) Ignore the vocalization and only reinforce when Noah points to the water without saying anything.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: In shaping, the RBT reinforces closer and closer approximations to the target behavior based on the BCBA’s current criteria. The plan currently states to reinforce any sound that starts with a “w” when Noah is requesting water. - **Option A is correct** because “wuh” begins with a “w,” which meets the current approximation criterion. The RBT should provide access to water and record that a reinforced approximation occurred, following the shaping plan. - **Option B** jumps ahead to the final goal (“water”) and ignores the current approximation level. This is not how shaping is implemented and may cause frustration. - **Option C** adds extra practice demands and changes the plan from reinforcing approximations to requiring multiple full words. RBTs should not change the response requirement without BCBA direction. - **Option D** ignores the vocal approximation and reinforces only pointing, which is the opposite of the shaping goal to improve vocal requests. This relates to the Skill Acquisition domain, specifically implementing shaping procedures as written by the BCBA.

Question 6

A token system is in place for 9-year-old Sara. The plan states: "Give 1 token every time Sara completes a math problem independently. When she earns 5 tokens, she can exchange them for 2 minutes of tablet time." During the session, Sara completes 5 math problems independently, but then asks to use the tablet after earning only 3 tokens. What should you do?

A) Let her use the tablet now so she stays motivated

B) Explain that she can use the tablet after she earns 5 tokens and show her how many she has

C) Take away the 3 tokens and restart the token board

D) Ignore her request and continue giving math problems

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The token system has a clear exchange rule: 5 tokens = 2 minutes of tablet time. When Sara asks early, you should calmly remind her of the rule and show her that she needs 5 tokens (B). Allowing tablet time at 3 tokens (A) breaks the contingency and weakens the token system. Taking away tokens (C) adds a punishment procedure that is not in the plan. Ignoring her request (D) misses a chance to teach the token rule and may increase frustration. This matches the Skill Acquisition task of correctly implementing token economies as written.

Question 7

A BCBA has written a discrete trial training (DTT) program to teach Mateo to identify colors. During a trial, you place three colored cards (red, blue, yellow) on the table and say, “Touch red.” Mateo looks at the cards but does not respond for about 3 seconds. According to the program, you should use a most-to-least prompting hierarchy. What is the BEST action to take next?

A) Repeat the instruction louder and wait another 5 seconds before doing anything else.

B) Immediately provide a full physical prompt to help Mateo touch the red card, then deliver reinforcement if he responds correctly.

C) Remove the cards, give Mateo a short break, and then try the same trial again later in the session.

D) Change the instruction to “Touch blue” to see if that color is easier for Mateo before using any prompts.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The BCBA has already selected DTT and a most-to-least prompting hierarchy. The RBT’s job is to implement that plan consistently. Option B is correct because when Mateo does not respond within the specified time (usually a short prompt delay), a most-to-least prompt means you start with the most intrusive prompt (often full physical) to ensure a correct response, then reinforce according to the plan. This supports errorless learning and follows the written procedure. Option A is incorrect because simply repeating the instruction and waiting longer delays the prompt and allows more errors or non-responding, which is not consistent with most-to-least prompting. Option C is incorrect because removing the materials and giving a break changes the teaching trial instead of implementing the planned prompt hierarchy. Option D is incorrect because changing the target (from red to blue) is altering the program, which is outside the RBT scope. The RBT should follow the BCBA’s written targets and prompting plan. This aligns with the Skill Acquisition section of the RBT Task List (implementing DTT and prompting procedures as written).

Question 8

During a natural environment teaching (NET) session, you are working with Leo, who loves toy cars. The BCBA’s program goal is for Leo to request items using one-word vocal requests. Leo reaches toward the car on the shelf, looks at you, and whines. According to the program, you should prompt him to say the item name before giving it. What is the best way to respond?

A) Immediately give Leo the car so he stops whining.

B) Say, “Use your words,” and wait silently until he talks on his own.

C) Model the word by saying, “Car,” and then pause to let Leo try to repeat before giving the car.

D) Ignore Leo’s reaching and whining and start a different activity.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: In NET, teaching happens in the natural context using the child’s interests. The BCBA’s program says to prompt a one-word request before giving the item. Option C follows this by modeling the correct response (“Car”) and then giving Leo a chance to imitate before providing the car as reinforcement. This matches the RBT Task List skill acquisition tasks of implementing naturalistic teaching and prompting procedures. Option A is incorrect because giving the car without a prompted request misses the teaching opportunity. Option B is incorrect because “Use your words” is vague and does not provide a clear prompt for the specific word. Option D is incorrect because it ignores both Leo’s communication attempt and the program goal. Domain: Skill Acquisition

Question 9

A program is written to teach Lily to wash her hands using a task analysis with backward chaining. The last step is “turn off water and dry hands.” Lily can already do this last step independently when you bring her to the sink after you complete the earlier steps for her. Today, after you help her with all the earlier steps, Lily turns off the water and dries her hands without any help. What should you do next according to backward chaining?

A) Start teaching Lily from the very first step and have her do the whole chain independently.

B) Continue to complete all earlier steps for Lily and only have her do the last step independently.

C) Have Lily complete the last two steps independently while you complete the earlier steps for her.

D) Stop the handwashing program since she can do the last step on her own.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: In backward chaining, the learner is taught the last step first. Once the learner masters that step, more steps are added from the end of the chain moving backward. Since Lily can now independently complete the last step, the next step is to have her complete the last two steps while you complete the earlier ones. - C is correct because it matches how backward chaining is implemented: add one more step from the end once the last step is mastered. - A is incorrect because having her do the whole chain independently jumps ahead of the chaining plan and may be too difficult. - B is incorrect because it does not move the chain forward; it keeps Lily only on the last step even though she has mastered it. - D is incorrect because mastering one step does not mean the whole skill is mastered; the program should continue until all steps are independent. This relates to the Skill Acquisition domain (implementing chaining procedures as written in the skill acquisition plan).

Question 10

You are teaching Ava to say “hi” to peers. The BCBA’s plan says to practice with different people and in different places to promote generalization. Ava has learned to say “hi” to you in the therapy room when you wave. What is the best way to help her generalize this skill?

A) Only practice saying “hi” with you so she becomes perfect at it before changing anything.

B) Practice saying “hi” with different staff and peers in the hallway, playground, and classroom.

C) Stop practicing greetings now that she can say “hi” to you in one setting.

D) Wait for the BCBA to be present before practicing greetings with anyone else.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Generalization means using a learned skill with different people, in different settings, and with different materials. The BCBA’s plan specifically says to practice with different people and in different places. Option B follows this by practicing greetings with various staff and peers in multiple settings, which matches the RBT Task List skill acquisition task of promoting generalization as directed in the plan. Option A is incorrect because limiting practice to one person and one setting does not support generalization. Option C is incorrect because stopping practice too early may prevent the skill from being used in real-life situations. Option D is incorrect because the plan already allows practice with others; waiting for the BCBA each time is unnecessary and reduces learning opportunities. Domain: Skill Acquisition

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About RBT Certification

The RBT certification validates your expertise in skill acquisition and other critical domains. Our comprehensive practice questions are carefully crafted to mirror the actual exam experience and help you identify knowledge gaps before test day.

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