My BCBA Exam Success Story: Passing On My First Attempt! | The Ultimate Upgrade

Passing the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam requires thorough preparation and a solid understanding of behavior analysis principles. Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of success. Study tips leading up to the exam, and tips to be successful during the exam. On top of that, I am going to explain this material using ABA terminology so you can have the opportunity to study while you watch.

1. Change your behavior to 'Study Mode'. You have to know the material front and back and the only way to do that is to study as much as you can. It's like back in the day when you really wanted to learn lyrics to a song you would listen to it over and over again and pause and rewind the part you missed until you memorized the whole song and the adlib. That's how hard you have to study this material.

2. Track your study days: You can track latency, or how long you spend time studying each day. You can track frequency or number of pages read from the textbook. Track and graph your progress

3. Adjust the response effort : Last time we talked about reducing the response effort to studying by making studying easy. We want to do the opposite for anything that can distract us from studying.
Put that group chat on mute, turn off your notifications, matter of fact leave you phone in your bag and leave your bag in the car. If you cant just cut off life, layer it!

Engage in behaviors that are also compatible with studying. That’s why I like going to coffee shops, or going to dinner alone. I use that time to study, while eating a delicious meal or indulging in my favorite caffeinated drink. If you have kids, take your kids to the park, the library, or chuck-e cheese. A place where they can entertain them and get some studying done.

4. Invest in Study Materials: Utilize study materials such as textbooks, online courses, study guides, and practice exams specifically designed for the BCBA exam. Make sure to use resources that align with the most recent BACB Task List.

Pass The Big ABA (PTABA) Study Manual - great for definitions & clear examples of every concept in ABA, $160 for 5th ed manual. (https://passthebigabaexam.com/product...)
BDS Modules - great for learning the formatting of exam questions, but more on the expensive side and takes a long time to finish fully (takes about 3-4 months to complete altogether). Some people also find them aversive due to their formatting. But this is the one I used and here we are!
Study Notes ABA study group. https://www.bds.com/cba-learning-modu...

WATCH the full video for ALL TIPS and bonus info. Dont forget to #subscribe LIKE & SHARE this video

BACB Code of Ethics
https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploa...

Ethics Mock Questions
   • 5 BCBA Ethics Mock Questions (Pass th...  
Study Notes ABA FREE

5. Check with Cooper
Don't be afraid to write in your Cooper textbook. Highlight, insert sticky notes, draw a fuzzy baby bunny in the corner if that helps you remember a concept.

6. Have a contingency manager: That’s someone or something to hold you accountable
Sometimes your contingency partner could be the BACB, if you went ahead and scheduled your testing date for 3 months from now, instead of just studying without an end date, it may motivate you to be more consistent with studying.


   • How I Passed My BCBA Exam on the FIRS...