Prepping for the BCBA exam? You’re in the right place. These 10 free BCBA practice questions aren’t just a brain workout—they come with detailed rationales that explain why the correct answer is right (and why the others aren’t). It’s the perfect preview of our full-length mock exams and study tools.
These questions are aligned with the 5th Edition Task List and crafted to reflect the real exam style—scenario-based, precise, and full of opportunities to spot subtle errors in logic.
Let’s sharpen your skills and your confidence. Ready?
Question 1: Measurement
A behaviorBehavior refers to any activity or action that living organ... More analyst is tracking the number of times a student raises their hand during a 60-minute class. Which is the BEST measurement system for capturing this data?
A. DurationDuration refers to the total amount of time a specific beh... More
B. RateRate is a measure of how often a behavior occurs within a... More
C. LatencyLatency refers to the time between the presentation of a st... More
D. Interresponse time
✅ Correct Answer: B. Rate
Rationale: Rate = frequencyFrequency or Count is a simple measure of how often a par... More/time. Since the analyst is measuring how often the behavior occurs during a set period (60 minutes), rate is the most informative metric. Duration tracks how long behavior occurs, latency is the time between a cue and responseA response is a single occurrence or instance of a behavi... More, and IRT measures the time between responses.
Question 2: Experimental Design
A BCBA introduces an intervention after 3 stable baselineIn behavior analysis, baseline refers to the level of a spec... More sessions, then removes the intervention to see if the behavior returns to baseline levels. What design is being used?
A. Reversal (ABAB)
B. Multiple baseline
C. Changing criterion
D. Alternating treatments
✅ Correct Answer: A. Reversal (ABAB)
Rationale: The hallmark of a reversal design is implementing, withdrawing, and possibly reintroducing the intervention (ABAB). This allows demonstration of functional controlControl in behavior analysis refers to the ability to inf... More. Multiple baseline never removes the intervention. Changing criterion gradually shifts the performance goal, and alternating treatments compares interventions across short time frames.
Question 3: Ethics
A client’s parent asks their child’s RBT to provide therapy privately on weekends. What should the supervising BCBA do?
A. Allow it, as long as the RBT uses the same procedures.
B. Report the parent to the funding source.
C. Review boundaries and instruct the RBT not to accept.
D. Modify the service agreement to include weekend services.
✅ Correct Answer: C. Review boundaries and instruct the RBT not to accept.
Rationale: Providing services outside the BCBA’s oversight violates ethical standards regarding supervision, dual relationships, and client safety. The BCBA must maintain professional boundaries and ensure all services are delivered under proper supervision.
Question 4: Skill Acquisition
When teaching a client to brush their teeth using forward chainingForward Chaining is a teaching method used in behavior an... More, which step comes FIRST?
A. The BCBA models the full routine before teaching.
B. The learner is taught the first step independently.
C. All steps are prompted and then faded.
D. The learner practices the last step first.
✅ Correct Answer: B. The learner is taught the first step independently.
Rationale: In forward chaining, the learner is taught the first step of the task analysisTask Analysis is the process of breaking down a complex ski... More and receives help with the remaining steps. Over time, each next step is taught in sequence. Backward chaining starts with the last step.
Question 5: Reinforcement
Which of the following is the BEST example of a conditioned reinforcerConditioned Reinforcer refers to a stimulus that increases ... More?
A. Food
B. Escape from loud noise
C. A token that can be exchanged for a prize
D. Access to a favorite toy
✅ Correct Answer: C. A token that can be exchanged for a prize
Rationale: Conditioned reinforcers (aka secondary reinforcers) acquire value through learning. Tokens have no value on their own but become reinforcing because they can be exchanged for desired items. Food and escape are unconditioned (primary) reinforcers.
Question 6: Supervision
A BCBA supervises four RBTs and reviews data weekly. Which supervision requirement is being met?
A. Providing performance feedback monthly
B. Conducting parent interviews
C. Observing the RBT with clients regularly
D. Delivering group supervision only
✅ Correct Answer: C. Observing the RBT with clients regularly
Rationale: Direct observation of the RBT implementing services is a key BACB requirement. While feedback and group supervision are important, they must include real client interaction review.
Question 7: Graphing and Data Interpretation
Which trendIn Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), trend refers to the over... More suggests the intervention is having a positive effect?
A. Stable flatline data
B. Data variabilityIn Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), variability refers to th... More increases
C. Upward trend in desirable behavior
D. Downward trend in problem behavior
✅ Correct Answer: C. Upward trend in desirable behavior
Rationale: An upward trend in a desired behavior indicates improvement. Alternatively, a downward trend in problem behavior would also suggest success—but this question asked specifically about desirable behavior.
Question 8: Verbal Behavior
What is the primary function of a mandA mand is a type of verbal operant in behavior analysis wh... More?
A. To label objects and actions
B. To request items or actions
C. To repeat what others say
D. To respond to questions
✅ Correct Answer: B. To request items or actions
Rationale: A mand is a request controlled by motivating operations and specific reinforcement. Tacts are labels, echoics are imitations, and intraverbals are responses to language cues.
Question 9: Stimulus ControlStimulus Control occurs when a behavior is modified—ei... More
A child only greets their teacher when she wears glasses. This suggests:
A. GeneralizationGeneralization refers to the ability of a learner to apply a... More
B. Stimulus fadingStimulus Fading is a procedure in which a particular physi... More
C. Stimulus discriminationStimulus Discrimination occurs when an organism learns to ... More
D. Response generalizationResponse Generalization occurs when an individual engages ... More
✅ Correct Answer: C. StimulusStimulus is defined as any change in the environment or for... More discrimination
Rationale: The child’s response is specific to a distinct characteristic of the teacher (glasses), indicating stimulus control tied to a discriminative stimulus. Generalization would mean greeting the teacher regardless of appearance.
Question 10: Functional Behavior Assessment
Which of the following is a direct method of assessment?
A. ABCIn Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), ABC stands for Anteceden... More data collection
B. Functional analysis interview
C. Motivation assessment scale
D. Records review
✅ Correct Answer: A. ABC data collection
Rationale: Direct assessments involve observing the behavior as it occurs. ABC data collection (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) is a direct observation tool. Interviews and rating scales are indirect methods.
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These 10 questions are just the beginning. Our full-length mock exams feature 185 scenario-style questions with layered rationales, built to mimic the real test in both structure and rigor. You’ll not only practice—you’ll learn how to think like the exam.