If you could not pass the RBT exam—don’t worry, only 74% candidates qualify it in their first attempt. I know it’s frustrating to see “fail” on your score report, but Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) allow multiple retakes.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly what to do after failing the RBT exam—from understanding the retake policy to creating a targeted study plan—so you can come back stronger, more confident, and ready to see “pass” on your next score report.
What Happens If You Fail the RBT Exam?
According to recent BACB data, about 74% of candidates pass the RBT exam on their first attempt. That means more than a quarter of test-takers don’t make it the first time—so if you’ve failed, you’re far from alone.
The good news is that the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) has a clear retake policy in place, giving you multiple opportunities to try again.
You are allowed to retake the RBT exam up to eight times within your 12-month authorization period—and there are no extra BACB fees for retaking within that window.
After your failed attempt, a new re-application link will appear in your BACB account within about 48 hours. From there, you can schedule your next exam date as soon as 7 days after your previous attempt.
If you use all eight attempts within your authorization period and still haven’t passed, you’ll need to wait until that 12-month window ends before reapplying for certification. When reapplying, you must pay both the application processing fee and the exam appointment fee set by the BACB.
What To Do After Failing the RBT Exam?
Failing the RBT exam can feel discouraging, but remember—setbacks are a normal part of any learning journey. What matters most is how you respond. With the right approach, you can turn this experience into a stepping stone toward success. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for your next attempt with confidence.
1. Relax Your Mind
The first thing you need to do is give yourself time to breathe and reset. Many candidates make the mistake of rushing to schedule their retake just one week after failing—and the data shows why that’s risky. Only 41% of candidates pass on their second attempt, often because they didn’t allow themselves enough recovery time.
Failing an exam is mentally draining. A clear, relaxed mind is more receptive to learning and better able to absorb new information. Take a short break before diving back into your books, so you can return with renewed energy and focus.
2. Analyze Your Weak Areas
Once you feel ready to get back to studying, take an honest look at your previous performance and pinpoint exactly where you struggled. Identify the topics or question formats that gave you the most trouble. Often, candidates miss points due to simple errors.
Review your score report, note every mistake (big or small), and make a plan to correct them. Addressing these issues before rescheduling your next attempt will significantly boost your chances of passing.
3. Update Your Study Plan
A clear, updated study plan is the key to targeted and efficient preparation. Now that you know your weak spots, adjust your plan to address them directly.
Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Break your study sessions into small, focused chunks.
- Use a mix of resources—textbooks, online modules, flashcards, and videos.
- Set a consistent study schedule and stick to it.
4. Take More Practice Tests
The RBT exam is a computer-based test (CBT), and one of the biggest reasons candidates fail is simply not being familiarized to the exam format. Practicing on paper is helpful, but you also need to train your brain to answer multiple-choice questions on a computer.
Regular practice exams help you get comfortable with the format, manage your time better, and recognize common question patterns. You can access free RBT practice tests on our homepage.
Be sure to review your results carefully—especially the questions you got wrong—so you understand your mistakes and can avoid repeating them.
5. Schedule Your Retake
When you truly feel prepared, it’s time to schedule your retake. The BACB allows you to retake the RBT exam as soon as seven days after your previous attempt. But just because you can retake quickly doesn’t mean you should. Give yourself enough preparation time to ensure your next attempt is your best one.
Final Thoughts
Failing the RBT exam is a temporary setback, not a permanent failure. Use your score report as a guide, address your weak points, and prepare strategically for your retake.
When you return to the Pearson Vue test center, you’ll have more knowledge, better strategies, and the confidence to pass—and begin your career as a Registered Behavior Technician with success.