BCBA Practice Questions: Foundations of Behavior Analysis Domain

Published: June 12, 2025 | 5 min read

Test your BCBA knowledge with 5 practice questions from the Foundations of Behavior Analysis domain. Includes detailed explanations and answers.

BCBA Practice Questions

Master the Foundations of Behavior Analysis Domain

Test your knowledge in the Foundations of Behavior Analysis domain with these 5 practice questions. Each question is designed to help you prepare for the BCBA certification exam with detailed explanations to reinforce your learning.

Question 1

A BCBA is conducting a behavior skills training (BST) session with a group of RBTs. Which of the following components is essential for effective BST?

A) Providing a detailed written manual only.

B) Demonstrating the skill and providing opportunities for rehearsal.

C) Focusing solely on verbal instruction.

D) Using punishment to correct mistakes during practice.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: CORRECT: Effective BST includes demonstration and rehearsal, allowing trainees to practice and receive feedback. OPTION A: This option is incorrect because a manual alone does not include demonstration or practice. OPTION B: This option is correct because demonstration and practice are key components of BST. OPTION C: This option is incorrect because verbal instruction alone is insufficient for skill acquisition. OPTION D: This option is incorrect because punishment is not a component of BST.

Question 2

A client with autism is learning to wash their hands independently. The behavior analyst decides to use a task analysis. What is the most appropriate method to ensure the client learns each step effectively?

A) Implement backward chaining to teach the steps.

B) Teach all steps simultaneously using total task presentation.

C) Use forward chaining to teach the steps.

D) Allow the client to attempt the task without guidance.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: CORRECT: Backward chaining focuses on the final step, ensuring the client completes the task successfully and receives immediate reinforcement. OPTION A: Correct answer. OPTION B: Total task presentation may overwhelm the client if they struggle with multiple steps. OPTION C: Forward chaining is effective but may not provide the immediate success seen in backward chaining. OPTION D: Allowing independent attempts without guidance may lead to errors and frustration.

Question 3

A BCBA is supervising an RBT who is implementing a behavior reduction plan. The RBT consistently fails to collect data accurately. What should the BCBA do first?

A) Provide additional training on data collection procedures.

B) Report the RBT to the BACB for non-compliance.

C) Replace the RBT with a more experienced technician.

D) Ignore the issue and hope it improves over time.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: CORRECT: Providing additional training ensures the RBT understands the procedures and can collect data accurately. OPTION A: Correct answer. OPTION B: Reporting to the BACB is premature without attempting to resolve the issue through supervision. OPTION C: Replacing the RBT does not address the underlying issue and may not be feasible. OPTION D: Ignoring the issue is unethical and does not address the problem.

Question 4

You are working with a preschool-aged child who engages in tantrums when they don't get their way. You've conducted an FBA indicating attention is the reinforcer. You introduce a functional communication training (FCT) intervention. What is a CRUCIAL element to ensure the success of FCT?

A) Using punishment to immediately suppress the tantrums.

B) Ignoring the tantrums completely.

C) Ensuring the alternative communication method is more efficient than the problem behavior at obtaining the desired outcome.

D) Implementing extinction immediately.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Option C emphasizes the importance of making the alternative behavior (communication) more efficient than the problem behavior. If the problem behavior remains more effective, the client has no reason to change. Options A, B, and D are either ineffective or ethically questionable.

Question 5

A behavior analyst is working with a client who engages in self-injurious behavior (SIB) in the form of head banging. The behavior occurs most frequently when the client is asked to complete a difficult task. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate to address the function of the behavior?

A) Implement a noncontingent reinforcement schedule.

B) Teach the client to request breaks using a communication device.

C) Increase the difficulty of the tasks gradually.

D) Use a punishment procedure to decrease SIB.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: CORRECT: Teaching the client to request breaks addresses the escape function of the SIB by providing an appropriate alternative behavior. OPTION A: Noncontingent reinforcement may reduce overall motivation for SIB but does not directly teach an alternative behavior. OPTION B: Correct answer. OPTION C: Gradually increasing task difficulty may help with task tolerance but does not directly address the immediate escape function. OPTION D: Punishment may suppress SIB temporarily but does not teach a replacement behavior and raises ethical concerns.

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About BCBA Certification

The BCBA certification validates your expertise in foundations of behavior analysis and other critical domains. Our comprehensive practice questions are carefully crafted to mirror the actual exam experience and help you identify knowledge gaps before test day.