The invention discloses a preparation method of rivastigmine tartrate. The preparation method comprises the following steps: using (R, S)-3-(1-(dimethylamino)ethyl)phenol as a raw material, and carrying out resolution on the raw material by the use of S-(+)-camphorsulfonic acid so as to obtain enantiomerically pure (S)-3-(1-(dimethylamino)ethyl)phenol; letting enantiomerically pure (S)-3-(1-(dimethylamino)ethyl)phenol be in butt-joint with N-ethyl-N-methylcarbamyl chloride to obtain rivastigmine free alkali; and finally letting rivastigmine free alkali react with L-(+)-tartaric acid for salifying so as to obtain rivastigmine tartrate. Through process control such as treatment during the synthetic process of raw materials, acid-base alternative impurity removal during refining of an intermediate and acetone pulping for purification during later period, the preparation method of rivastigmine tartrate is obtained. By the method, purity and yield of the product are both raised, the isomer impurity can be more effectively controlled, and cost is greatly reduced and process is simplified. The preparation method is more suitable for industrial production.