Getting ready to take the International Behavior Therapist (IBT) exam through the International Behavior Analysis Organization (IBAO)? Whether you’re feeling confident or overwhelmed, smart preparation makes all the difference.
The good news? With the right strategy, resources, and mindset, you can absolutely pass the IBT exam on your first try—and we’ll show you how.
In this post, you’ll learn:
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What the IBT exam covers
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How to structure your study plan
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Tips to stay focused and motivated
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Free and low-cost tools to reinforce what you learn
What’s on the IBT Exam?
The IBT exam tests your understanding of the IBAO IBT Task List, including:
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Basic principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
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Data collection and measurement
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Teaching and behavior reduction strategies
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Ethics and professional conduct
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Cultural competence and diversity
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Documentation and communication
The exam includes 60 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in 90 minutes. Questions are scenario-based and focus on real-life application, not just memorization.
How to Study Effectively for the IBT Exam
1. Start With a Strong Training Course
The foundation of your success is the 40-hour IBT course you complete before applying for the exam. A high-quality course will:
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Align with the IBAO Task List
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Include real-world examples
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Provide interactive activities and practice questions
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Reinforce ethical and cultural guidelines
✅ Take the IBAO-Approved IBT Course Here and build confidence from day one.
2. Review the IBAO Task List Regularly
The IBAO IBT Task List is your study map. Print it out or make a checklist and go line by line, asking:
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Can I define this concept?
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Can I explain it to someone else?
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Could I apply this in a session with a client?
3. Use Spaced Repetition
Don’t cram. Space out your studying over several days or weeks. Try:
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Daily 20-minute review sessions
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Flashcards (digital or paper)
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Quizzing yourself on 5–10 topics per session
Apps like Anki or Quizlet are great for free spaced repetition tools.
4. Practice With Scenario-Based Questions
The exam will present real-life situations, not just definitions. Practice thinking like a therapist:
What should you do if a child refuses to transition between activities? What data would you collect during a tantrum?
Look for free practice questions in Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or inside your IBT course.
5. Watch Free Explainer Videos
Visual learner? YouTube is full of quick, digestible ABA content. Look for topics like:
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Reinforcement vs. punishment
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ABC data collection
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Prompt hierarchies
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Behavior momentum
Just make sure the content aligns with IBAO standards, not BACB (RBT) only.
6. Study With a Partner or Mentor
Studying with someone else keeps you accountable and helps you think out loud. If you don’t have a mentor, join online communities like:
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ABA Study Groups on Facebook
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IBAO candidate forums
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Behavior technician Reddit communities
7. Simulate Exam Conditions
Before the big day, take a full-length mock exam in a quiet room, timed for 90 minutes. Practice:
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Reading questions slowly
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Eliminating wrong answers
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Staying calm under pressure
Free Resources to Help You Pass
Here are some go-to resources for IBT exam prep:
| Resource | Link/Description |
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| IBAO Task List | Download it on the IBAO website |
| IBT Course | 40-Hour Online Course (IBAO-Approved) |
| Quizlet | Search “ABA flashcards” or “IBT study” |
| YouTube | Channels like PsychCore or The Behaviorist |
| ️ Facebook Groups | Search for “IBT Study Group” or “ABA Therapists Worldwide” |
| Anki | Free app for spaced repetition flashcards |
Final Tip: Believe in Your Skills
The IBT exam isn’t designed to trick you—it’s designed to confirm that you’re ready to support others ethically and effectively. If you’ve completed your training, reviewed the task list, and practiced applying your knowledge, you’re more prepared than you think.
Ready to begin? Enroll in our IBAO-Approved IBT Training Course and set yourself up for success on the exam—and in your career.