A large amount of time and energy is needed in order to pass the BCBA exam. Learn how to pass it in this guide.
The BCBA exam is a test you must take in order to become a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA).
Passing the exam is the final step in the BCBA certification process.
According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, the purpose of this exam is to ensure that every person who is aspiring to be working as a BCBA possesses entry-level behavior analyst knowledge.
Many BCBAs specialize in working with specific conditions, such as autism, in addition to having more broad knowledge of applied behavior analysis.
The four main requirements or prerequisites for becoming a BCBA are:
You're allowed to apply to the BACB to take the BCBA exam once the first three prerequisites have been satisfied. Your application will include the following:
The full application payment must be sent at the same time you submit the above documents.
BCBA exam applications are accepted on a regular basis. Once you've submitted an application, it should be approved shortly after, and once it's approved, you can register online to take the exam through Pearson Vue. This is the only platform in which BACB exams are offered on.
The BACB explains the specifics about how the exam works:
There are a couple of things that happen once you pass the BCBA exam:
Yes, you are allowed to retake it if you don't pass up to eight times within a two-year period that starts when you initially received your initial authorization to take the exam. There are a couple of guidelines you must follow in order to retake the exam:
There are three primary resources the BACB identified to help you prepare:
The BACB highly recommends these resources to help you prepare for and pass the BCBA exam.
Once you pass the BCBA exam, you are officially certified to work as a BCBA. You will have two main career paths:
As a BCBA, you have numerous responsibilities, including designing and overseeing the implementation of ABA therapy programs. You'll also be able to work in different settings, including:
As a certified BCBA, you may carry out your treatment plan yourself and work 1-on-1 with clients. Another option you have is to supervise other professionals who implement the actual ABA sessions.
You can dive deep into your career as a BCBA, but make sure you don't forget to keep your certification up-to-date by meeting continuing ethics, education, and self-reporting requirements. You also must renew your certification every two years.
To help you prepare to take the BCBA exam, we've put together some general study tips to help you perform best and pass on the first try. Some general BCBA exam study tips are:
To pass the BCBA exam, you must get at least 114 out of 150 questions correct, which is a 76% score.
It takes the average BCBA around 3 months of studying before taking the exam. The amount of time you'll need to study will depend on your focus and consistency. We recommend studying for at least one hour a day when preparing for the exam.
So many people fail the BCBA exam due to a lack of depth in the field and understanding of behavior analysis. Many who struggle to pass the exam don't spend nearly the amount of focused study time that they needed to pass.
The national average BCBA exam pass rate on the first try is 65 percent.
Yes, there is a calculator that you can if necessary on the BCBA exam.