Don’t Give Up: A Message of Encouragement for RBT Exam Repeaters
Heyy, BCBA Ruby here!
If you’ve been struggling to pass the RBT exam, I want to start by saying: I see you, and I get it. The RBT exam is no easy feat, and the journey to becoming a certified behavior technician can be full of ups and downs. But if you're reading this right now, it means you're still pushing forward, and that's something to be proud of!
If you’ve found yourself facing disappointment after the exam results come back, know that you are not alone. Many people don’t pass on their first try, and that doesn’t mean you're not capable or cut out for this work. In fact, it might just be a sign that you need to adjust your approach and find a different path forward. So, let’s break it down and get motivated together!
1. Failure Isn’t Permanent – It’s Part of the Process
First things first: failing doesn’t define you. It’s part of the process, and it’s a natural part of learning and growing. Even the most successful behavior analysts out there have failed at something along the way. It might feel discouraging right now, but think of each attempt as a step forward, a new opportunity to refine your approach and get closer to your goal.
Remember, failure is not a reflection of your worth or your ability. It’s simply a chance to take a step back, adjust, and come back even stronger.
2. Reflect and Learn from Each Attempt
Instead of focusing on the failure itself, take a moment to reflect on what didn’t work. What areas did you struggle with the most? Are there particular topics that seem to trip you up every time? Identifying those weak spots can be a great starting point to plan your next move.
This is a moment to learn—what resources or strategies can you adjust to make your next attempt more successful? Maybe it’s adding more time to your study schedule, practicing more with ABA terms, or using a different study guide. Everyone learns differently, so it might be time to experiment with what works best for you.
Some ideas to try:
Create a study schedule: Break your study sessions into manageable chunks, making sure to cover every section of the exam over time.
Practice, practice, practice: Test yourself regularly with mock exams to get comfortable with the question format.
Find a study group: Sometimes, discussing questions and concepts with others can help reinforce your understanding and give you fresh perspectives.
3. Reach Out for Support
You don’t have to do this alone. If you’re feeling stuck, it’s totally okay to reach out for support. There are tons of resources available to help you succeed! Whether it’s talking to a mentor, joining a study group, or getting extra tutoring, sometimes a little guidance can make all the difference.
Think about reaching out to others who’ve been where you are. Ask them how they overcame their own challenges with the RBT exam. You’ll likely find that others have faced similar struggles, and hearing their stories could give you the motivation you need to keep going.
4. Believe in Your Progress
You’re already making progress! Every time you study, you’re building a deeper understanding of behavior analysis and the concepts that are tested on the exam. Even if it feels like you’re not quite there yet, don’t forget that progress is progress.
Take a moment to reflect on how far you've come. Think back to when you first started this journey—did you ever imagine you’d have the level of knowledge and experience you have now? The fact that you're even working toward this certification shows that you’re dedicated and capable of achieving your goals. Don’t let a temporary setback hold you back from that.
5. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
Passing the RBT exam is a huge accomplishment, but it’s not the only thing that defines you as a behavior analyst. The knowledge you’re gaining now will set the stage for your future in the field. The work you do with clients, the progress you help them achieve—it all matters, and your ability to learn and improve will help you make a lasting impact on those you serve.
Think of the long-term goal. Getting that certification is just one milestone in your career, but the skills and resilience you build along the way will last a lifetime.
6. Never Lose Hope
You’ve got this. There will be hard moments, but they don’t last forever. Keep your passion alive for the work you do, and remember why you started this journey in the first place. Every time you face a challenge, remember it’s an opportunity to grow.
You might not pass the exam on your next try, but keep going. It’s not about how many attempts it takes to pass; it’s about the dedication you bring, the effort you put in, and the drive you have to continue moving forward. And when you finally get that passing score, the sense of accomplishment will be worth every bit of the effort.
In Conclusion
If you're struggling with the RBT exam, take a deep breath. Don’t give up on yourself. Use this moment to adjust, learn, and come back stronger. Surround yourself with support, focus on what needs improvement, and most importantly, believe in your ability to succeed.
I know you’ve got what it takes to pass that exam. Keep pushing, and remember that every step forward—no matter how small—brings you closer to your goal. You’re on the right path, and I believe in you!
Until next time, stay strong and keep going!
