📋 RBT SOAP Note Trainer

Learn to write accurate, complete session notes

Score: 0 / 0

What is a SOAP Note?

A SOAP note is the standard format for documenting an ABA therapy session. Every session you deliver must have one. A well-written SOAP note protects the client, justifies billing, and helps your BCBA track progress.

SOAP stands for Subjective · Objective · Assessment · Plan. In our practice's ABA format, each section has a specific job:

💡 Our practice's format: We put the ABA strategies you used (and how you used them) in Subjective, and the client's measurable responses to those strategies in Objective. This connects what you did directly to what the client did — making your note a clear picture of the session.

⚠️ Funder Requirement: Every SOAP note must include the preference assessment you conducted and the client's identified top preference — documented in clinical language.
S

Subjective — What YOU Did

Describe the ABA strategies you implemented and exactly how you used each one. Minimum 3 strategies. Also include the preference assessment conducted and the client's top preference (in clinical language).

Think: "I used _____ by doing _____ in order to _____."

  • Ran DTT with a least-to-most prompting hierarchy across 30 trials for expressive labeling
  • Conducted MSWO preference assessment; client's identified top preference: preferred sensory activity (bubble play)
  • Used a 5-token board with edible backup reinforcement on an FR5 schedule
O

Objective — What the CLIENT Did

Report measurable, observable data about how the client responded. Use numbers: percentages, frequencies, durations, trial counts. No opinions — only what you can count or measure.

Think: "Client responded by _____ [with a number]."

  • Client achieved 8/10 correct responses (80%) on expressive labeling targets
  • Client initiated 4 spontaneous mands during snack — up from 1 in prior session
  • Floor-dropping occurred 3 times; average duration 90 seconds; all during transitions
A

Assessment — What It Means

Interpret the data. Is the client making progress? Are there patterns? What does today's session suggest about the treatment plan? Clinical thinking — not just facts, but what the facts mean.

Think: "Based on today's data, _____ suggests _____."

  • Client met 80% criterion on expressive labeling for the first time; two more sessions at criterion before mastery
  • Behavior pattern suggests escape function — all incidents during transitions, not during task demands
P

Plan — What Happens Next

Describe what will be done differently or continued in the next session, based on the assessment. Include prompt fading, new targets, BCBA consultation needed, or program adjustments.

Think: "Next session, I will _____ because _____."

  • If 80% criterion is maintained, consult BCBA about rotating in 3 new labeling targets
  • Add a transition warning (first/then board) before activity changes; discuss with BCBA
Before You Document — Scenario 1 of 3

1

Preference Assessment ★ Funder Required

You must conduct and document a preference assessment at the start of every session. Select what you did — it will be pre-placed in your S section.

📝 Clinical Language Rule: Always describe the activity type, not the colloquial name.
✗ "TV time" → ✓ "Preferred screen activity"   ✗ "Candy" → ✓ "Preferred edible reinforcer"
2

ABA Strategies Used This Session

Select every strategy you implemented today. Minimum 3 required. Your selections will appear as S-section items to document in your SOAP note.

Select at least 3 strategies to continue

Session Goals

Strategies Selected This Session

📦 Item Bank

Click an item to select it, then click a SOAP zone to place it. Or drag and drop. Click a placed item to return it here.

S
Subjective — Strategies YOU Used
ABA strategies + how you applied each one (includes preference assessment)
Drop strategies here
O
Objective — Client's Measurable Responses
What the client did, with numbers and data
Drop client data here
A
Assessment — What It Means
Clinical interpretation of the data
Drop assessment statements here
P
Plan — What Happens Next
Next session goals and BCBA consultation needs
Drop next-session plans here
🏆
Great Work!
Here's how you did across all 3 scenarios.
-
Total correct placements

🎓 Key Takeaways to Remember

🟣S = Choose your strategies first, then document HOW you used each one. Not just "I used DTT" — say how many trials, what prompt level, what reinforcer, and why.
⭐S always includes your preference assessment. Funder requirement: document which assessment you conducted AND the client's top preference using clinical language — not colloquial names.
🔵O = Numbers, not opinions. If it can be counted or measured, it belongs in Objective. If it's your interpretation, it belongs in Assessment.
🟢A = Connect data to progress. Tell the BCBA what the data means, whether goals are on track, and any patterns you noticed.
🟡P = Be specific about next steps. "Continue program" is not a plan. Say what you'll change, fade, or discuss at supervision.
📝Clinical language always. "Preferred sensory activity: bubble play" — not "bubbles." "Preferred screen activity" — not "TV time." Your words matter for billing and clinical defensibility.