BCBA case studies
BCBA · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) credential is a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. BCBAs are independent practitioners who provide behavior-analytic services and supervise the work of RBTs, BCaBAs, and other professionals who implement behavior-analytic interventions. Candidates typically pursue the credential after completing qualifying graduate coursework, supervised fieldwork, and an approved application; once the BACB approves the application, the candidate must pass the certification examination. The BCBA examination is delivered in person by Pearson VUE at authorized testing sites using a computer-based format. The BCBA case studies are 5 cases and about 2,853 words.
1The Outlier, the Substitute, and a 60% IOA Session
Priya, a BCBA, oversees a clinic program for a 9-year-old whose aggression is recorded as a frequency count across 2-hour sessions. The last seven sessions read 14, 12, 15, 13, 11, 30, 12.
594 words, about 3 min2Multiple Baseline Undermined by a District-Wide Rollout
A BCBA in a school district uses a multiple baseline across three classrooms to evaluate a teacher-delivered token system for out-of-seat behavior (responses per 20 minutes). Baseline lengths were set in advance at 5, 8, and 11 sessions.
515 words, about 3 min3ABC Says Attention; the Functional Analysis Says Otherwise
Marcus, 7, is referred for self-injury (open-hand hits to the head, up to 40 per day). A functional behavior assessment interview with his teacher points to attention.
560 words, about 3 min4When a Parent Demands a Restraint Procedure
A BCBA consults in a residential setting for a 16-year-old with autism and severe aggression, currently 3–5 instances per week, one of which caused a staff injury requiring stitches. The BCBA recommends functional communication training plus a signaled break.
595 words, about 3 min5Competency, Caseload, and a Two-Person Hold
A BCBA supervises four RBTs in a home program. One RBT, certified six months ago and new to this case, is assigned 15 hours per week with a 12-year-old whose plan includes a two-person physical hold for aggression.
589 words, about 3 min