You’ve studied the Task List, taken the mock exams, and reviewed your flashcards—but do you really know what to expect when you sit down for the BCBA exam under the 6th Edition Task List?
Understanding the exam format, structure, and flow is key to reducing anxiety and boosting confidence on test day. The 6th Edition brings new domain structure, updated terminology, and a continued emphasis on appliedApplied means that the behaviors targeted for change in ABA... More knowledge and ethical decision-making.
In this guide, you’ll get a clear breakdown of the BCBA exam format for 2025, including question types, domain weights, and expert-backed tips for success on test day.
Quick Facts About the BCBA Exam (2025+ Format)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 185 (includes 10 unscored pilot questions) |
| Scored Questions | 175 |
| Format | Computer-based, multiple choice |
| Answer Options | 4 per question (A–D) |
| Time Limit | 4 hours (240 minutes) |
| Test Location | Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide |
| Passing Score | Scaled score of 400 (range: 0–500) |
BCBA Exam Domains (6th Edition Task List)
Starting in 2025, the exam content is organized into 7 domains:
| Domain | Approx. Weight |
|---|---|
| A: Philosophical Foundations | ~8% |
| B: Concepts & Principles | ~15% |
| C: Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation | ~14% |
| D: Experimental Design | ~8% |
| E: BehaviorBehavior refers to any activity or action that living organ... More Assessment | ~12% |
| F: Behavior-Change Procedures | ~28% |
| G: Professional and Ethical Practice | ~15% |
Tip: Domains F (Procedures), G (Ethics), and B (Concepts) carry the most weight. Prioritize these in your study plan.
❓ Types of Questions You’ll See
All questions are multiple choice, but expect a mix of:
1. Definition-Based Questions
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Focused on fluency with ABA vocabulary
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Example: What is the best definition of overcorrection?
2. Scenario-Based Questions
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You’ll apply knowledge to real-world situations
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Example: A supervisor assigns an RBT to conduct assessments independently. What’s the best responseA response is a single occurrence or instance of a behavi... More?
3. Data Interpretation
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Involves graphs, tables, or applied measurement
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Example: Based on this graph, what conclusion is most supported?
4. Ethical Judgment
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Draws from the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (2022)
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Often multiple answers seem reasonable—choose the most ethical and appropriate response
⏳ Time Management Tips
You’ll have 4 hours for 185 questions—that’s about 1.3 minutes per question. Easy to manage, but only with solid pacing.
Suggested Pacing:
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First Pass: 2.5 to 3 hours to complete the exam
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Flag & Review: Use the final hour to revisit flagged items
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Avoid Overthinking: Choose your best answer and keep moving
What Happens on Exam Day?
1. Before the Exam
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Arrive 30 minutes early to check in
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Bring 2 valid IDs (one must be government-issued with photo and signature)
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Store all belongings in a secure locker
2. At the Test Center
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You’ll be given a whiteboard or scratch paper, headphones, and access to a proctored computer terminal
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A short tutorial walks you through the exam format
3. During the Exam
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You may flag questions to review later
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You can request a break, but the clock keeps running
4. After the Exam
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You’ll receive a pass/fail result immediately on screen
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The BACB will email official results and verify your certification status
Final Test Day Tips
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Get good sleep the night before—don’t cram
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Eat a high-protein breakfast
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Dress in layers—test center temps vary
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Use behavioralBehavioral refers to one of the seven dimensions of Applie... More self-talk to stay grounded (e.g., “Pause. Breathe. Think behaviorally.”)