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BCBA Exam Day Checklist: What to Bring, What to Expect, and How to Stay Calm

After months of studying, it’s finally here—BCBA exam day. You’ve reviewed Task List items, passed your mocks, and probably recited the definition of reinforcement in your sleep. But even the most prepared candidates can feel rattled if they walk into the test center unsure of what to expect.

This guide gives you everything you need to know—what to bring, what happens on exam day, and how to keep calm under pressure—so you can walk in focused and walk out confident.

✅ What to Bring on BCBA Exam Day

You don’t need to bring much—but forgetting the essentials could delay or cancel your exam. Double-check this list the night before.

1. Two Forms of Valid ID

Per Pearson VUE (the BCBA exam proctoring service), you must bring:

  • One government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport)

  • One additional signed ID (credit card, student ID, etc.)

Tip: Both IDs must be unexpired and match the name you used to register.

2. Confirmation Email or Appointment Details

  • Print or save your confirmation email with your exam time and location.

  • Know your Pearson VUE login just in case.

3. Dress in Layers

  • Testing centers are notoriously unpredictable with temperature. Wear comfortable clothes you can layer.

4. No Personal Belongings

  • No calculators, notes, phones, smartwatches, or drinks allowed inside.

  • You’ll get a secure locker for your stuff and may be given a whiteboard or scratch paper and marker.

What to Expect at the Test Center

Knowing the flow of the day helps reduce nerves. Here’s what the typical BCBA exam process looks like:

1. Arrival & Check-In

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes early.

  • You’ll check in, present your IDs, and go through security (bag check, metal detector, etc.).

️ 2. Test Setup

  • You’ll be escorted to a workstation with a computer, noise-canceling headphones, and a whiteboard or laminated sheet for notes.

  • You’ll get a quick on-screen tutorial on how the test software works.

3. The Exam

  • 185 multiple-choice questions, with 4 hours to complete the test.

  • Questions cover all domains of the 6th Edition Task List, with heavy emphasis on ethics, measurement, and applied scenarios.

  • You can flag questions to return to them later.

4. After the Exam

  • You’ll receive a pass/fail result immediately on-screen (and via email shortly after).

  • If you pass, your certification will be finalized after BACB verification.

‍♀️ How to Stay Calm on Exam Day

Even with solid prep, test anxiety is real. Use these strategies to stay grounded and focused:

1. Breathe Before You Begin

  • Take three slow, deep breaths before starting the exam. This lowers your heart rate and activates your focus.

⏳ 2. Pace Yourself

  • Don’t rush the first 20 questions—get into your groove.

  • Aim to complete a question every 1–1.5 minutes. Use flagged questions wisely.

3. Don’t Panic If You Don’t Know One

  • It’s okay to guess—there’s no penalty for wrong answers.

  • Many passers report feeling unsure during the test. Keep moving.

4. Use Behavioral Self-Talk

  • Replace “I’m going to fail” with “I’m doing my best with what I know.”

  • Use phrases like: “Pause. Breathe. Think behaviorally.”

5. Take Breaks If You Need To

  • You can raise your hand to request a break (note: the clock continues). Stretch, breathe, reset.

Final Tips for Exam Success

  • Sleep well the night before—no last-minute cramming.

  • Eat a protein-rich breakfast and hydrate.

  • Visualize success. Picture yourself walking out of the test center relieved and proud.

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