RBT Plan

RBT exam practice question: Behavior Acquisition

Behavior AcquisitionDifficulty 3/5

In an errorless-learning program using progressive time delay, the RBT initially presents the SD and the prompt at the same time. After several correct trials, what should happen next?

  1. AIncrease the prompt to full physical guidance
  2. BWait for an error on each trial, then deliver the prompt as an error correction
  3. CStop prompting entirely and record every error the learner makes from that point on
  4. DInsert a short delay between the SD and the prompt
Show answer and rationale

Correct: D. Progressive time delay starts at 0-second delay (prompt with the SD) and gradually inserts a delay before the prompt. If the learner responds correctly before the prompt, stimulus control has transferred to the SD. Waiting for errors defeats the purpose of errorless teaching.

  • C — Removing prompts abruptly produces errors and prompt-dependence data you cannot use.
  • A — Increasing intrusiveness moves in the wrong direction after correct responding.
  • B — Errorless learning is designed to prevent errors, not wait for them.

Concept being tested

19 questions, the largest domain. Reinforcement, conditioned reinforcers, DTT, naturalistic teaching, chaining, discrimination training, prompting and fading, generalization, maintenance, shaping, token economies. — 25% of the exam. Study guide for Behavior Acquisition.

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Primary references

  1. RBT Test Content Outline (3rd ed.), effective January 1, 2026 — Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) · primary · retrieved 2026-09-21, verified 2026-09-21
Draft — pending editorial reviewHow we verify facts