The BCBA exam is the BACB's certification exam for Board Certified Behavior Analysts, the graduate-level credential in applied behavior analysis. It has 185 multiple-choice questions (175 scored and 10 unscored pilot questions), is taken at a Pearson VUE testing center, and is based on the BCBA Test Content Outline (6th ed.), which has 104 tasks across 9 domains.
The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a graduate-level certification in applied behavior analysis (ABA), issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). BCBAs are independent practitioners: they conduct behavior assessments, design and oversee treatment plans, and supervise BCaBAs, RBTs and other staff.
The BCBA is the most recognized credential in ABA and the top level of the BACB career path. BCBAs with a doctoral degree can also earn the BCBA-D designation.
Since January 1, 2025, the BCBA exam has been based on the BCBA Test Content Outline (6th ed.), which replaced the 5th-edition Task List. The key changes:
The BACB now uses the term "Test Content Outline" (TCO) instead of "Task List."
The outline grew from 92 to 104 tasks, still organized in 9 domains.
The exam now has 175 scored questions plus 10 unscored pilot questions (185 in total).
Code : BCBA
Exam Name : Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Vendor : Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
Level : Graduate (master's degree)
Number of Questions : 185 (175 scored + 10 unscored pilot questions)
Duration : 4 hours
Question Format : Multiple-choice, four options
Scoring : Pass/fail
Delivery : Pearson VUE testing centers
Content Outline : BCBA Test Content Outline (6th ed.), in effect since January 2025
Status : Active
Domain : G. Behavior-Change Procedures
Questions : 25
Weight : 14%
Domain : B. Concepts and Principles
Questions : 24
Weight : 14%
Domain : B. Concepts and Principles
Questions : 24
Weight : 14%
Domain : F. Behavior Assessment
Questions : 23
Weight : 13%
Domain : E. Ethical and Professional Issues
Questions : 22
Weight : 13%
Domain : C. Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation
Questions : 21
Weight : 12%
Domain : H. Selecting and Implementing Interventions
Questions : 21
Weight : 12%
Domain : I. Personnel Supervision and Management
Questions : 18
Weight : 10%
Domain : D. Experimental Design
Questions : 13
Weight : 7%
Domain : A. Behaviorism and Philosophical Foundations
Questions : 8
Weight : 5%
Total : 175 scored
Weight : 100%
To sit for the BCBA exam, candidates generally need to:
Earn a master's degree from a qualifying institution.
Complete behavior-analytic coursework that meets BACB requirements.
Complete supervised fieldwork in applied behavior analysis.
Apply to the BACB and, once approved, schedule the exam with Pearson VUE.
Pass the BCBA exam.
Master's graduates in ABA, psychology, education or a related field
BCaBAs and RBTs ready to become independent practitioners
Clinicians who want to design treatment plans and supervise ABA teams
Professionals who need the BCBA for state licensure as a behavior analyst
The BCBA exam has 185 multiple-choice questions: 175 scored and 10 unscored pilot questions.
You have 4 hours to complete the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.
It is the BACB's official outline of BCBA exam content, in effect since January 2025. It has 104 tasks organized into 9 domains and replaced the 5th-edition Task List.
Behavior-Change Procedures carries the most weight, with 25 questions (14%), followed closely by Concepts and Principles, with 24 questions (14%).
The BCBA exam is pass/fail. The BACB sets the passing standard through a criterion-referenced process rather than publishing a fixed percentage.
You need a master's degree, plus qualifying behavior-analytic coursework and supervised fieldwork.
A BCBA holds a master's degree and practices independently. A BCaBA holds a bachelor's degree and practices under the supervision of a BCBA.
BCBA-D is a doctoral designation for BCBAs who hold a qualifying doctoral degree. It is not a separate exam.
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Everything you need to know about the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Practice Exam certification
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Updated September 01, 2026
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