BCB study guide
BCB · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) credential is a professional certification for practitioners who design and oversee behavior-analytic services. It is typically pursued by individuals with a graduate degree in behavior analysis, psychology, or education who complete supervised fieldwork and wish to practice independently or supervise others. The BCB study guide has 8 sections and about 2,287 words.
01Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis
Every other domain rests on this one. A response is a specific instance of behavior; a response class is a set of responses that produce the same effect on the environment.
372 words, about 2 min02Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation
Measurement begins with a measurable dimension: count , rate , duration , latency , interresponse time , or percentage of opportunities . Continuous measurement captures every instance; discontinuous methods (partial- and whole-interval recording, momentary time sampling) sample behavior.
311 words, about 2 min03Experimental Design
Behavior analysis establishes experimental control by demonstrating that the independent variable , not extraneous factors, produced change. Essential features include repeated measurement, baseline stability, and replication of the effect.
289 words, about 1 min04Ethics and Professional Conduct
Ethical practice rests on beneficence , do what is needed and no harm , autonomy , fidelity , integrity , justice , and dignity . Candidates should be able to map a scenario to a principle and to the correct action sequence: identify the issue, consult the code, seek supervision or consultation, act, and document.
306 words, about 2 min05Behavior Assessment
Assessment identifies target behaviors , their function , and the variables maintaining them. Methods include indirect measures (interviews, rating scales, ABC checklists), direct descriptive measures (narrative recording, ABC observation), and functional analysis (systematic manipulation of antecedents and consequences).
248 words, about 1 min06Behavior-Change Procedures
Know DRA (differential reinforcement of alternative behavior), DRI (incompatible), DRO (other behavior), DRL and DRH (low and high rates). FCT (functional communication training) is a DRA variant that teaches a functionally equivalent communicative response.
248 words, about 1 min07Intervention and Treatment Selection
Intervention selection follows from function , context , client values , and evidence . Build goals that are observable , measurable , and socially valid.
264 words, about 1 min08Supervision and Management
The supervisor ensures ethical, competent service delivery by supervisees. Responsibilities include establishing a supervisory relationship , assessing the supervisee's skills, setting goals, providing behavioral skills training (instruction, modeling, rehearsal, feedback), monitoring client outcomes, and documenting supervision.
249 words, about 1 min