Think the BCBA exam is impossible? You’re not alone. From Reddit threads to group chats, myths about the exam swirl around faster than you can say “differential reinforcementDifferential Reinforcement is a behavior modification tec... More.”
But here’s the truth: the BCBA exam is hard, not hopeless—and no, you don’t have to memorize the Cooper book word-for-word or be a genius to pass.
We interviewed newly certified behaviorBehavior refers to any activity or action that living organ... More analysts who just passed the exam to bring you a dose of reality—and some much-needed encouragement. Below, they help us debunk the top 7 BCBA exam myths and share what actually worked for them.
✅ Myth 1: “You have to get every mock score to 90%+ or you’ll fail.”
Reality: “My average mock scores were 70–75%. I passed on my first try. What mattered more was how I reviewed my wrong answers, not the raw score.” – Sierra M., BCBA in Oregon
Mock exams are study tools, not crystal balls. Focus on understanding the reasoning behind each question—not obsessing over your percent correct. Many pass the real exam with mock scores in the 70s.
✅ Myth 2: “If you fail once, you probably don’t have what it takes.”
Reality: “I failed twice and still became a BCBA. I just needed a better plan—not a better brain.” – James D., BCBA in New York
Plenty of great BCBAs didn’t pass the first time. Failing isn’t a reflection of your potential—it’s feedback on your prep. What matters is whether you revise your approach for the next round.
✅ Myth 3: “You need to study 6–8 hours a day.”
Reality: “I had a full-time job and two kids. I studied 2 hours a night, max. Consistency was the secret.” – Maria K., BCBA in Texas
Burnout doesn’t help you pass. You’re better off studying 90 focused minutes daily than dragging through 6 unfocused hours. Strategic studying > marathon cramming.
✅ Myth 4: “You must memorize the Cooper book word-for-word.”
Reality: “I used Cooper for reference, but I learned the most from structured courses and practice questions.” – Tyler W., BCBA in California
The Cooper book is a must-have reference, but not a standalone study plan. Pair it with appliedApplied means that the behaviors targeted for change in ABA... More tools—mock exams, fluency drills, and video breakdowns—for real learning.
✅ Myth 5: “It’s all about definitions.”
Reality: “I knew the definitions, but the exam tested how to apply them in real-life situations. That’s a big difference.” – Elena F., BCBA in Florida
The BCBA exam loves scenarios. Understanding reinforcement is one thing—knowing when and how to use it ethically and effectively is what gets you points.
✅ Myth 6: “The exam is full of trick questions.”
Reality: “They’re not trick questions—they’re just precise. You have to read carefully and think behaviorally.” – Jae L., BCBA in Washington
The test is fair—but it demands focus. Learn to slow down, break apart the question, and spot key terms like SD, MO, or overcorrection.
✅ Myth 7: “You’re on your own.”
Reality: “Joining a study group and using a structured course made all the difference. I didn’t feel alone anymore.” – Angela T., BCBA in Georgia
From online communities to structured prep programs like ABAStudyGuide.com, you don’t have to do this alone. The right support = less stress + better results.
Final Thoughts from the Field
The BCBA exam is tough—but passable. Real people just like you pass every week. They’ve got distractions, jobs, families, and self-doubt, too. What they don’t have? The belief that they can’t do it.
Ready to rewrite your own story?
Explore our full BCBA Exam Prep Bundle—including mock exams, video lessons, fluency flashcards, and planning tools created by certified behavior analysts.