BCBA Exam FAQ: Questions, Scores, Pacing & Cost
Frequently asked questions about the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® examination based on official 6th Edition Test Content Outline standards.
01How many questions are on the BCBA exam?
The BCBA exam contains 185 multiple-choice questions. 175 of these questions are scored items that count towards your pass/fail result, and 10 questions are unscored pilot questions being evaluated for future test forms. Candidates do not know which items are pilot questions.
02How much time is allowed for the BCBA exam?
Candidates are given 4 hours (240 minutes) to complete the 185 questions. This averages out to approximately 78 seconds per question. Candidates may take optional unscheduled breaks, but the examination clock continues to run.
03What is the passing score for the BCBA exam?
The passing score is a scaled score of 400 on a scale ranging from 0 to 500. The raw score needed to pass varies slightly across exam test forms depending on statistical item difficulty determined through criterion-referenced modified Angoff procedures.
04What is the BCBA exam pass rate?
Based on published BACB annual data, first-time pass rates generally range between 55% and 65%. Retake candidates historically experience lower pass rates (around 25% to 35%), making structured, realistic mock preparation essential on the first attempt.
05How much does the BCBA exam cost?
The application fee to the BACB is $245, and the Pearson VUE appointment scheduling fee is $125 per exam attempt (totaling $370). Retake examination appointments also carry scheduling fees.
06How many times can you retake the BCBA exam?
Candidates who do not pass may retake the exam up to 8 times within a 2-year authorization window. Candidates must wait at least 30 days between examination attempts.
07Are the exam questions in English or Spanish?
Effective January 1, 2022, the BACB offers all certification examinations exclusively in English worldwide. While candidates may study concepts in their native language, they must take the official test in English.
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