Best BCBA Exam Prep Resources Compared: Textbooks, Apps, Courses, and Mock Tests

If you’re prepping for the BCBA exam, you’ve probably wondered: What’s the best study resource out there?

With so many textbooks, apps, online courses, and mock exams to choose from—not to mention countless Reddit threads and conflicting advice—it can feel overwhelming to figure out what actually works.

This guide cuts through the noise. Below, we break down the top BCBA exam prep resources—including textbooks, apps, courses (like our ABA Study Course), and mock exams—to help you find the best fit for your learning style and certification goals.

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Best BCBA Exam Prep Textbooks

1. Cooper, Heron, & Heward – AppliedApplied means that the behaviors targeted for change in ABA... More BehaviorBehavior refers to any activity or action that living organ... More Analysis (3rd ed.)

Best for: Core content mastery
Pros:
✔ Comprehensive 
✔ Academic-level rigor
Cons:
✘ Dense and lengthy
✘ Not ideal for quick review

Use this as your primary reference, but pair it with videos and practice questions.

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2. Pass the Big ABA Manual

Best for: Bullet-point learners and quick reviews
Pros:
✔ Condensed and digestible
✔ Visually friendly
Cons:
✘ Not a standalone prep tool
✘ Lacks depth on complex topics

Perfect for reviewing and summarizing material closer to your exam date.

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Top BCBA Study Apps

1. ABA Study App (ABAStudyGuide.com)

Best for: Structured Task List review and long-term fluency
Pros:
✔ 600+ Task List-aligned flashcards
✔ Built-in fluency and mastery tracking
✔ Clean, mobile-friendly interface + desktop sync
Cons:
✘ Flashcard-based only (not a full mock exam)
✘ Not available in app stores—access via website

Perfect for active recall, targeted Task List practice, and daily reinforcement—whether you’re starting fresh or tightening your fluency before the exam.
Try it here

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2. ABA Wizard App (Behavior Development Solutions)

Best for: On-the-go quiz practice
Pros:
✔ 1,500+ Task List-aligned questions
✔ Tracks progress and performance
✔ Low cost ($9–$20)
Cons:
✘ Some dated language
✘ Not a full prep system

Use it for daily fluency practice and Task List quick-checks.

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3. Brainscape: BCBA Flashcards

Best for: Memorization via spaced repetition
Pros:
✔ Smart flashcard system
✔ Customizable decks
✔ Easy mobile interface
Cons:
✘ Mixed quality (user-generated content)
✘ Less structure by domain

Great for building fluency with definitions, ethics codes, and terms.

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Best BCBA Exam Prep Courses

1. ABA Study Course

Best for: Learners who want academic structure and research-informed prep
Pros:
✔ Structured APA-style design
✔ Aligned to the 5th Edition Task List
✔ Includes guided reading, fluency-building activities, and mock questions
✔ Created by BCBAs with real-world expertise
Cons:
✘ May feel more causal than formal study options

Ideal for candidates who want a comprehensive, academically grounded study experience similar to graduate-level ABA programs.

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2. ABAStudyGuide.com Course Bundle

Best for: Self-paced learners who want an all-in-one package
Pros:
✔ Video lessons, fluency activities, flashcards, and mock exams
✔ Organized by Task List
✔ Created by practicing BCBAs
Cons:
✘ Doesn’t include live tutoring

Perfect if you want a structured, start-to-finish prep experience.

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3. Pass the Big ABA Exam

Best for: Auditory learners and those who love mnemonics
Pros:
✔ High-energy lectures
✔ Catchy memory aids
✔ Strong brand recognition
Cons:
✘ More expensive ($400+)
✘ Less deep dive into technical domains

Excellent for first-time test-takers who enjoy fast-paced teaching.

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4. StudyNotesABA Collective

Best for: Group learners who benefit from live instruction
Pros:
✔ Structured weekly schedule
✔ Active community
✔ Includes assignments and accountability
Cons:
✘ Requires real-time attendance
✘ Higher time commitment

Best for learners who thrive on deadlines, groups, and external structure.

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Top Mock Exams & Question Banks

1. ABAStudyGuide Premium Mock Exams

Best for: Realistic full-exam practice
Pros:
✔ 185-question mock exams
✔ Detailed rationales for every question
✔ Closely mirrors actual BACB exam
Cons:
✘ Limited free preview (10 sample questions)

Perfect for tracking progress and fine-tuning your weak areas.

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2. BDS CBA Learning Module Series

Best for: Long-term fluency building
Pros:
✔ Over 4,000 interactive questions
✔ Tracks mastery across domains
✔ Trusted by many universities
Cons:
✘ Expensive ($200+)
✘ Can be dry or repetitive

Best for deep reinforcement of concepts over time.

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3. StudyNotesABA Mock Exams

Best for: Ethics and terminology review
Pros:
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Targeted content
✔ Scenario-based questions
Cons:
✘ Less in-depth rationales
✘ Fewer questions per set

Use for focused refreshers, especially in the last 2 weeks before your exam.

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Quick Comparison Chart: What’s Best for You?

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✅ Final Thoughts

There’s no “best” BCBA exam prep tool for everyone—but there is a best combo for you. Whether you need structure, flashcards, mock exams, or a full APA-style course, the right blend of resources will build your fluency, confidence, and accuracyAccuracy refers to how closely the observed value (what is m... More.

Want to explore the ABA Study Course or take a free practice test?