Studying for the BCBA exam? One of your most important tools is the 6th Edition Task List—your blueprint for what you’re expected to know and apply as a Board Certified BehaviorBehavior refers to any activity or action that living organ... More Analyst.
But let’s face it: the Task List is dense. And while it outlines what you should know, it doesn’t always explain how to study it.
That’s where this series comes in.
In this BCBA Task List Explained: Domain-by-Domain Series, we’ll walk you through each domain with:
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Easy-to-digest summaries
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Definitions of key terms
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Example questions and scenarios
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Study tips specific to each content area
Whether you’re just getting started or fine-tuning your prep, this is your go-to guide to mastering the Task List—one domain at a time.
What Is the 6th Edition Task List?
Released by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), the 6th Edition Task List outlines the knowledge and skills required for BCBA certification. As of January 1, 2025, the BCBA exam is based on this revised list.
The 6th Edition organizes content into seven domains, reflecting updates in the field and greater emphasis on ethics, systems, and philosophical foundations.
The 7 Task List Domains (6th Edition)
Here’s a quick look at what’s covered in each domain:
| Domain | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| A. Philosophical Foundations | History, dimensions, and assumptions of behavior analysis |
| B. Concepts & Principles | Basic and appliedApplied means that the behaviors targeted for change in ABA... More principles like reinforcement, stimulus controlStimulus Control occurs when a behavior is modified—ei... More, and MOs |
| C. Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation | Data collection systems, IOA, graphing, trendIn Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), trend refers to the over... More analysis |
| D. Experimental Design | Single-subject designs, experimental controlControl in behavior analysis refers to the ability to inf... More, confounds |
| E. Behavior Assessment | Functional behavior assessments, preference assessments, skill assessments |
| F. Behavior-Change Procedures | Reinforcement, punishment, prompting, generalizationGeneralization refers to the ability of a learner to apply a... More, teaching strategies |
| G. Professional and Ethical Practice | BACB Ethics Code, supervision, cultural humility, professional conduct |
✨ How This Series Will Help You
Each domain will get its own focused blog post or page that includes:
✅ Plain-language summaries of key topics
✅ High-frequency terms and definitions you must know
✅ Sample questions written in BCBA exam style
✅ Study tips based on how that domain is tested
✅ Links to videos, flashcards, and mock questions
You can study one domain per week or rotate through them in cycles. Either way, you’ll walk away with clarity—not just content
Final Thought
You don’t need to study harder—you need to study smarter, and that starts with knowing the Task List inside and out.
Start with Domain A, and work your way through this series. By the end, you’ll not only recognize the Task List—you’ll be ready to apply it under exam pressure.
Let me know when you’re ready to build Domain A, and I can help you write it too!