BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Study Guide

BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Study Guide

217 Questions & Answers

111 Page PDF

The Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) exam is a comprehensive assessment administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). It evaluates an individual's knowledge and skills in applied behavior analysis (ABA) at the undergraduate level. BCaBAs provide behavior-analytic services under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Here's a breakdown of the BCaBA exam:

Exam Format:

• Format: Multiple-choice questions.
• Delivery: Computer-based testing (CBT) at Pearson VUE testing centers.
• Duration: 4 hours.
• Number of Questions: 175 questions, of which 150 are scored and 25 are unscored pilot questions.
• Language: English, with some translations available (e.g., Spanish, Chinese Simplified/Traditional, Hebrew, Italian, Polish).
• Passing Score: A scaled score is used. Candidates need to achieve a minimum passing score set by the BACB.

Exam Content (Based on the 6th Edition Test Content Outline): The exam content is based on the BACB's BCaBA Test Content Outline (TCO), which outlines the knowledge and skills expected of entry-level BCaBA practitioners. The 6th edition TCO includes nine domains:

• A. Behaviorism and Philosophical Foundations (7%): Basic principles and concepts of behavior analysis.
• B. Concepts and Principles (12%): Fundamental behavioral principles like reinforcement, punishment, extinction, and stimulus control.
• C. Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation (13%): Methods of data collection, graphing, and interpreting behavioral data.
• D. Experimental Design (7%): Basic principles of single-case research designs used in ABA.
• E. Ethical and Professional Issues (12%): Ethical guidelines and professional conduct in behavior analysis.
• F. Behavior Assessment (11%): Methods for conducting behavioral assessments, including functional behavior assessments (FBAs).
• G. Behavior-Change Procedures (15%): Principles and procedures for developing and implementing behavior change interventions.
• H. Intervention Development and Monitoring (13%): Developing, implementing, and monitoring the effectiveness of interventions.
• I. Supervisory Relationships (10%): Understanding the roles and responsibilities within supervisory relationships.

Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible to sit for the BCaBA exam, candidates must meet specific requirements set by the BACB, which generally include:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Completion of a minimum number of coursework hours in behavior analysis from a program that meets BACB standards (currently 225 hours based on the 4th Edition Task List; requirements may evolve with the 6th Edition TCO). This coursework must cover specific content areas outlined by the BACB.
• Accumulation of supervised fieldwork hours: Candidates need to complete a specific number of supervised experience hours under a qualified supervisor (BCBA). The required hours vary depending on the type of supervision (supervised fieldwork or concentrated supervised fieldwork). As of the 4th Edition Task List, this is typically 1000 hours of concentrated or 1300 hours of regular supervised fieldwork. Requirements may change with the 6th Edition TCO.

Benefits of BCaBA Certification:

• Professional Credibility: Demonstrates a standard level of knowledge and competence in behavior analysis.
• Career Advancement: Enhances employment opportunities in various settings providing ABA services (e.g., schools, clinics, homes).
• Contribution to the Field: Allows individuals to provide valuable support in the delivery of behavior-analytic services under BCBA supervision.
• Potential for Further Certification: Serves as a stepping stone for those who may wish to pursue BCBA certification in the future.

To prepare for the BCaBA exam, candidates should:

• Thoroughly review the BCaBA Test Content Outline (6th ed.).
• Study relevant behavior analysis textbooks and materials from their coursework.
• Understand the BACB Ethics Code.
• Consider utilizing study guides and practice exams.

It is crucial to refer to the official Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) website (www.bacb.com) for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding exam requirements, eligibility, and content, as these details can change. The BACB also provides handbooks and other resources for candidates.