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Time Management Tips for RBT Candidates with Busy Schedules

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Sarah William
Time Management Tips for RBT Candidates with Busy Schedules

You’re juggling work, study, and personal life while trying to nail your RBT (Registered Behaviour Technician) certification. I get it – it's a lot. With everything you're involved in, time always seems to pass more quickly than you'd like. However, believe me, things don't have to be this way.

In fact, mastering time management can make all the difference between feeling overwhelmed and actually enjoying your journey to becoming an RBT.


Let me walk you through some practical time management tips that’ll work with your crazy schedule. No fluff, just actionable steps that’ll make a real impact.

Why Is Time Management Crucial for RBT Candidates?

As an RBT candidate, your to-do list is long, and deadlines are real. Whether you're working full-time or managing school, the clock doesn’t stop ticking.

You’ve probably faced days where you’re stuck in between a busy work shift and trying to cram in study time. I’ve been there. It’s hard.

But here’s the kicker: If you can master time management, you can take control of your schedule, reduce stress, and actually make progress toward your goals. You’ll work smarter, not harder.

1. Start with a Plan, Even if It’s a Simple One

If you’ve never had a solid plan, you might feel lost before you even start. So, here’s my first tip – start planning.

Grab a pen and paper (or use your phone – whatever works) and outline what you need to do. It doesn’t have to be a fancy, colour-coded masterpiece. Just get the basics down.

What to include in your plan:


  • Study time: Block out specific hours for your RBT study materials.
  • Work commitments: Note your shifts or hours spent on other jobs.
  • Personal Stuff: Don't forget to include time for food, sleep, and downtime.
  • Extra tasks: Meetings, errands, calls - the small stuff that still takes up times.


Having everything documented helps you better understand how your time is being spent. It will also help you identify any time slots in which you can fit in a little study session or break.

2. Make Prioritise

Not everything is created equal. Some tasks are more urgent or important than others.

Here’s a simple ways you must follow.

  • High priority: Deadlines, exam preparation, work meetings.
  • Medium priority: Things that could be moved around but need to get done soon.
  • Low priority: Tasks that can wait or are less critical


By prioritising, you focus on what really matters. No more getting caught up in things that won’t move the needle for your RBT certification.

Pro Tip:

  • Use time blocking to chunk tasks. For example, reserve 8 am to 9 am for study and 9 am to 10 am for work. This eliminates the stress of wondering what’s next.


3. Make the Most of Small Time Gaps

You know those random 10-minute breaks between classes or meetings? Well, they’re not just filler time – they’re opportunities.

Here’s how you can use those minutes:

  • Flashcard review: Quick quiz yourself on key terms or concepts.
  • Reading: Use that break to read a couple of pages from your RBT study guide.
  • Notes: Jot down any thoughts or ideas you have for later.

It might feel small, but when you add it all up, these little bursts of productivity can help you stay ahead.

4. Be Realistic About Your Energy Levels

It's simple to overestimate your abilities. Let's be honest: your brain won't take in anything if you're exhausted.

Determine when you are most productive during the day. Do you catch your second wind late at night, or are you an early riser? 

Pro Tip:

  • Don't fight your energy; use it. Plan time for difficult chores (such as taking notes or studying) when you're most productive. Save the simple, low-effort activities for when you're more exhausted.

5. Use Technology 

There are numbers of apps available that can help you track your study. Just choose the best one.

Here are a few you can try:

  • Trello: This is well-known for organising tasks and setting deadlines.
  • Google Calendar: Easy for blocking out study time and work hours.
  • Forest: A fun way to stay focused – you plant a virtual tree when you focus for a set period of time.

But a word of caution: Don’t fall into the trap of downloading 10 different apps thinking they’ll save you. Find what works and stick to it.

6. Say No When You Need To


Sometimes, you get useless requests or invitations that pull you away from your goals. At first, it might feel guilty saying no, but it's really important to set boundaries. If something’s going to eat into your time or mess with your schedule, don’t be afraid to pass.

Examples of where to draw the line:

  • Extra shifts at work (if it interferes with your study time). Social gatherings when you need to focus. Non-essential tasks that don’t help you progress toward certification.


The key is being okay with turning things down to protect your time.


Conclusion


Time management is all about making small changes that work for you. It’s not about being perfect, just about finding a routine that helps you keep moving forward.

Stay consistent, focus on what’s important, and you’ll get to that RBT certification in no time. You’ve got this!

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