Are you planning to take the BCBA exam? If so, you're probably feeling a bit anxious—but don't worry, you're not alone! The BCBA exam is tough.
According to the BACB’s 2024 Annual Data Report, 54% of first-time test takers passed the exam, while only 25% of retest-takers passed. That makes a strong first-time prep strategy all the more important. In this blog post, we’ll walk through what content areas to focus on, share exam prep tips, and offer a study plan to help you get exam ready.
Know What to Expect on the Exam
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for the BCBA exam is to become familiar with the content areas that will be tested. The BACB provides a Test Content Outline (TCO-6) detailing the knowledge and skills assessed on the exam.
Make sure you understand what each of these content areas includes and dedicate time to studying them. In addition to mastering the material, the exam tests your ability to apply behavioral principles to real-world scenarios. To prepare for this, make sure you can identify and explain key concepts. AATBS offers flashcards covering key concepts from the content areas to help with recognizing them in applied scenarios.
This content area breakdown pictured above is taken straight from the BACB handbook.
Use a Study Plan
Another important tip is to get on a study plan and stick to it. The BCBA exam is not something you can cram for the night before and expect to do well. AATBS has created a study plan that sets you up for success on your first attempt. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you are covering all the material you need to know, prioritizing the most important sections along the way.
Getting Started:
Getting Started:
1. Submit your application materials to the BACB
2. Schedule your test date
3. Gather and organize your study materials
Recommended Study Materials
- BCBA Comprehensive Package - TCO-6
- Flashcards
- BACB Task Content Outline 6th ed.
- BACB Code of Ethics
- Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2019). Applied Behavior
Analysis (3rdEdition). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson Education. - Bailey, J., & Burch, M. (2016). Ethics for behavior analysts, 3rd edition
(3rd ed.).Routledge.
Recommended Study Plan
Month 1: Establish a Baseline and Build Foundations
- Take the Assessment Exam in the first week to establish a baseline.
- Review your performance to guide your focus.
- Study 2–3 topic areas per week, using textbooks, notes, or lectures.
- Begin creating flashcards and a concept notebook.
- Start working on Domain Quizzes (2–3 this month).
- Coaching Session #1 (Week 2 or 3): Discuss Assessment Exam
results, build personalized study strategy.
Month 2: Deepen Conceptual Understanding
- Continue working through new study material (2–3 topic areas weekly).
- Complete 3–4 Domain Quizzes, reviewing incorrect answers thoroughly.
- Begin practice with realistic examples and case-based questions.
- Maintain and expand your flashcards and notes.
Month 3: Integration and Intermediate Practice
- Review previously covered topics while moving on to new ones (aim for2–3 new areas weekly).
- Take Mini-Mock Exam #1 (50 questions) mid-month.
- Complete 3–4 more Domain Quizzes.
- Review ethics-related concepts alongside technical content.
- Do cumulative mini-reviews weekly with 10–15 mixed questions.
- Coaching Session #2 (Towards end of month): Review Mini-Moc #1 results, identify ongoing knowledge gaps, adjust pacing and focus.
Month 4: Practice, Procedures, and Analysis
- Take Mini-Mock Exam #2 early in the month.
- Work through remaining Domain Quizzes (3–4).
- Spend dedicated time on visual interpretation, procedures, and applied decision-making.
- Take Mini-Mock Exam #3 at the end of the month.
- Start building exam stamina with longer study sessions.
Month 5: Simulation and Strategy
- Take Full-Length Mock Exam #1 in the first week.
- Review all incorrect responses and adjust study plan.
- Focus study time on weak areas identified in mock exams.
- Continue reviewing flashcards and brief notes daily.
- Take Full-Length Mock Exam #2 at the end of the month.
Month 6: Final Review and Confidence Boost
- Begin the month with Full-Length Mock Exam #3.
- Daily light review: flashcards, notes, and tough questions.
- Use the last 2 weeks for targeted refreshers and mental prep.
- Join any live review sessions or discussion groups.
- Ensure you are rested and ready before the actual exam.
- Coaching Session #2 (First or Second week of the month): Final walkthrough, confidence building, and last-mile recommendations.
Don’t Skip the Mock Exams
Don’t forget to take Mock Exams. These can be a great way to identify any areas you may need to focus on before taking the actual exam, it also reduces test anxiety as you become more familiar with the testing process. AATBS offers mock exams created by BCBAs for BCBAs. Check them out here.
The BCBA exam is challenging—but with the right materials, a strong study plan, and consistent effort, you can absolutely pass on your first try. TCO-6 has brought updated expectations to the exam, so make sure your prep is aligned with the most current structure.
You’ve got this. And we’re here to help you every step of the way.