Free BCBA practice questions with explanations
Original scenario-based study items for BCBA exam prep, organized by behavior-analysis domains and paired with answer explanations.
What the questions are built to test
- Applied scenario reasoning rather than isolated term recall.
- Common distractor patterns, including premature intervention changes.
- Domain-aware review so missed questions can point to weak study areas.
Sample original questions
Start interactive practiceEvaluate treatment integrity before changing a plan.
A BCBA reviews data showing an increase in aggression after a new intervention began. Direct observation shows staff rarely prompt the replacement response and deliver reinforcement inconsistently. What should the BCBA do next?
Answer: B. The data cannot be interpreted as intervention failure until the plan is implemented correctly. The next step is staff retraining and integrity monitoring.
Respond within scope and seek consultation when competence is limited.
A caregiver asks a BCBA to treat severe feeding refusal. The BCBA has no training or supervised experience with feeding disorders. What is the most appropriate response?
Answer: C. The ethical priority is practicing within competence. The BCBA should refer, collaborate, or obtain appropriate supervision before providing services.
Select assessment methods before intervention.
A teacher reports that a learner screams during independent work. No data have been collected and the function is unknown. What should the BCBA do first?
Answer: B. Intervention selection should be guided by assessment. The BCBA needs data about antecedents, consequences, and patterns before choosing procedures.
Choose a measurement system that fits the behavior.
A BCBA wants to measure how long a learner remains out of seat after each occurrence. Which measurement system best matches this goal?
Answer: B. Duration measures how long a behavior occurs. The question asks how long the learner remains out of seat.
Match prompting and fading to skill acquisition needs.
A learner answers correctly only when the instructor gives a full verbal prompt. The goal is independent responding. What should the BCBA adjust?
Answer: C. Prompt dependence is addressed by systematic fading and reinforcement for more independent responses.
FAQ
Are these official BACB questions?
No. BCBA Scenario Tutor uses original study items and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
How should I use BCBA practice questions?
Answer the scenario first, then review the explanation, the wrong-choice notes, and the domain label so you can name the reasoning pattern you missed.
Do the questions include explanations?
Yes. The interactive practice mode includes answer feedback and explanations, and the scenario explainer can break down user-provided practice questions.