- The exam has 185 questions, 175 scored, across nine domains.
- Study against the 6th edition outline, domain by domain.
- Practice applying concepts to scenarios, not just memorizing terms.
- Take timed mock exams and review every miss.
What's on the BCBA exam?
The 6th edition Test Content Outline covers nine domains:1
| Domain | Topic |
|---|---|
| A | Behaviorism and philosophical foundations |
| B | Concepts and principles |
| C | Measurement, data display and interpretation |
| D | Experimental design |
| E | Ethical and professional issues |
| F | Behavior assessment |
| G | Behavior-change procedures |
| H | Selecting and implementing interventions |
| I | Personnel supervision and management |
Check the outline for the number of questions per domain, and weight your study time to match.1
What's a good 12-week study plan?
- Weeks 1 to 2: read the outline, take a diagnostic mock exam, list your weakest domains.
- Weeks 3 to 8: one or two domains a week. Make your own examples for every term.
- Weeks 9 to 10: mixed practice questions and one timed full-length mock per week.
- Weeks 11 to 12: review missed questions, ethics scenarios and measurement calculations. Rest before test day.
What study habits help most?
Try
- Short daily sessions over long weekend cramming
- Writing your own client examples for each concept
- Timed mock exams to build stamina
- A study group that quizzes each other on scenarios
Skip
- Memorizing definitions without applying them
- Only doing questions you already get right
- Skipping ethics because it seems obvious
What should I do on test day?
- Arrive early at the Pearson VUE center with the right ID.
- Pace yourself; flag hard questions and come back.
- Read every option. Many questions hinge on one word.
- Eat and hydrate beforehand. It's a long exam.
What can I do this week?
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Read next: How do I become a BCBA?
