BCBA Study Guide 2026

Everything you need to pass the BCBA exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.

📋 BCBA Exam Format at a Glance

185

Questions

240 min

Time Limit

70%

Passing Score

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📚 BCBA Topics to Study (21)

Foundational Knowledge and Interpretation · 11 cards Scope and Skills · 11 cards Reinforcement Schedules and Contingency Management · 7 cards Reinforcement Schedules and Contingency Management · 7 cards Reinforcement Schedules and Contingency Management · 7 cards Behavior Reduction and Antecedent Interventions · 6 cards Behavior Reduction and Antecedent Interventions · 6 cards Behavior Reduction and Antecedent Interventions · 6 cards Behavioral Assessment Methods · 6 cards Behavior-Change Procedures · 6 cards Ethics for Behavior Analysts · 6 cards Experimental Design · 6 cards Measurement and Data Interpretation · 6 cards Stimulus Control and Verbal Behavior · 6 cards Stimulus Control and Verbal Behavior · 6 cards Stimulus Control and Verbal Behavior · 6 cards Behavior Assessment Procedures · 6 cards Ethics and Professional Conduct · 6 cards Experimental Design · 6 cards Measurement, Data, Interpretation · 6 cards Supervision and Management · 6 cards

✍️ Sample BCBA Questions & Answers

1. The key distinction between a descriptive assessment and a functional analysis is that a descriptive assessment identifies _______, whereas a functional analysis identifies _______.

✓ correlation; a functional relation

Descriptive assessments involve observing and recording behavior as it naturally occurs, which can reveal correlations between environmental events and the behavior. A functional analysis goes a step further by systematically manipulating variables to demonstrate a causal, or functional, relation between those variables and the behavior.

2. A contingency contract:

✓ specifies how two people will behave toward each other

Explanation: A contingency contract is a formal agreement that outlines the expected behavior and responsibilities of two individuals towards each other. It sets clear expectations and consequences for both parties involved, ensuring that they understand their roles and obligations. This contract helps establish a structured and predictable environment, promoting accountability and cooperation between the individuals.

3. According to the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, under which of the following conditions is it ethical to discontinue services?

✓ The stakeholders are not complying with the intervention plan despite efforts to address barriers.

The BACB's 'Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts' (Code 3.15) explicitly states that services can be discontinued if 'relevant stakeholders are not complying with the behavior-change intervention despite appropriate efforts to address barriers.' The other options do not represent ethically permissible reasons for discontinuation. Slow progress may require a modification of the plan, not termination. Personal feelings or better job offers are not client-centered reasons for ending services.

4. The ____________ design consists of an initial baseline phase followed by an intervention phase followed by a return to baseline.

✓ All of the above

Explanation: This is because all three terms - A-B-A design, Reversal design, and Withdrawal design - refer to the same research design that involves an initial baseline phase, followed by an intervention phase, and then a return to baseline. These terms are used interchangeably to describe this type of experimental design.

5. Which of the following is the primary distinction between shaping and chaining?

✓ Shaping reinforces successive approximations of a single behavior, while chaining links a sequence of existing behaviors.

The fundamental difference is that shaping focuses on developing a new behavior that is not yet in the learner's repertoire by reinforcing gradual approximations toward the final behavior. Chaining, on the other hand, involves teaching a sequence of individual behaviors that are already in the learner's repertoire to form a more complex skill.

6. Overcorrection is classified as which type of behavior-reduction procedure?

✓ Positive punishment

Overcorrection (restitution and positive practice) is a positive punishment procedure because an aversive activity is added contingent on problem behavior.

🎯 Free BCBA Practice Tests

Scope and Skills · 11 questions Foundational Knowledge and Interpretation · 11 questions Reinforcement Schedules and Contingency Management · 7 questions Reinforcement Schedules and Contingency Management · 7 questions Reinforcement Schedules and Contingency Management · 7 questions Measurement, Data, Interpretation · 6 questions Experimental Design · 6 questions Supervision and Management · 6 questions Ethics and Professional Conduct · 6 questions Experimental Design · 6 questions

📖 BCBA Guides & Articles

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