Free BCBA Quick Practice Test 2026 — 10 Mixed-Domain Board Certified Behavior Analyst Questions

Take a fast, free BCBA practice test with 10 mixed-domain questions covering the BACB Test Content Outline. Perfect for a quick readiness check before exam day.

What's Covered (All 9 BCBA Domains)

10 Free BCBA Practice Questions with Answers

Sample Question 1 — Behavior Assessment

A 6-year-old client frequently engages in disruptive behaviors (e.g., hitting, screaming) during transitions at school. The teacher reports these behaviors occur across settings and with various adults. What is the BEST initial step to conduct a functional behavior assessment (FBA)?

  1. A. Implement a behavior intervention plan (BIP) focusing on positive reinforcement.
  2. B. Immediately begin extinction procedures to eliminate the disruptive behaviors.
  3. C. Conduct indirect assessments, such as interviews with the teacher and parents, and review relevant records. (Correct answer)
  4. D. Begin direct observation to identify the antecedents and consequences of the behaviors.

Correct answer: C

Explanation: Indirect assessments should precede direct observation. Gathering information from various sources (interviews, records) provides a preliminary understanding of the behavior, allowing for more focused direct observation. Options A and B are premature without a proper FBA. Option D, while important, is incomplete without the initial indirect assessment phase.

Sample Question 2 — Behavior Assessment

During a functional analysis, a 10-year-old client's self-injurious behavior (SIB) increases significantly when demands are placed on him, but not during free play or attention conditions. What is the MOST likely function of the SIB?

  1. A. Attention seeking
  2. B. Escape from demands (Correct answer)
  3. C. Sensory stimulation
  4. D. Access to tangible reinforcement

Correct answer: B

Explanation: The data clearly indicates that the SIB occurs most frequently during demanding tasks, suggesting escape as the primary function. Options A, C, and D are less likely given the specific results of the functional analysis.

Sample Question 3 — Behavior Change Procedures

A behavior analyst is working with a client who engages in self-injurious behavior (SIB) when asked to complete academic tasks. Which of the following behavior change procedures is most appropriate for decreasing SIB?

  1. A. Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) (Correct answer)
  2. B. Task analysis
  3. C. Behavioral momentum
  4. D. Incidental teaching

Correct answer: A

Explanation: DRA involves reinforcing a desirable alternative behavior while withholding reinforcement for the problem behavior. This can effectively reduce SIB by providing reinforcement for engaging in appropriate behaviors instead.

Sample Question 4 — Behavior Change Procedures

Which behavior change procedure involves systematically altering the antecedents and consequences to increase adaptive behaviors?

  1. A. Stimulus fading
  2. B. Functional communication training (FCT) (Correct answer)
  3. C. Behavioral skills training (BST)
  4. D. Token economy

Correct answer: B

Explanation: FCT involves teaching alternative communication responses that serve the same function as the problematic behavior, thereby addressing the antecedents and consequences to increase adaptive behaviors.

Sample Question 5 — Behavior Reduction Procedures

A 7-year-old client with autism frequently engages in hand-flapping during transitions. Functional assessment suggests this is maintained by automatic reinforcement. Which intervention is MOST appropriate?

  1. A. Extinction of hand-flapping combined with positive reinforcement for appropriate transition behaviors.
  2. B. Response blocking of hand-flapping with no replacement behavior taught.
  3. C. Ignoring hand-flapping and only providing attention when the child is engaged in other activities.
  4. D. Providing a competing sensory activity to reduce the need for self-stimulatory behavior. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: D

Explanation: When a behavior is maintained by automatic reinforcement, the most appropriate intervention targets the sensory consequences produced by the behavior itself. Providing a competing sensory activity (also called a competing stimulus or matched stimulation) gives the learner access to similar or functionally equivalent sensory input, thereby reducing the motivation to engage in hand-flapping during transitions. This approach is evidence-based and commonly recommended for automatically reinforced stereotypy. Why the other options are less appropriate: A: Extinction for automatically reinforced behavior is often impractical or ineffective because the reinforcement is internally produced and cannot be easily withheld. While reinforcing appropriate transitions is good practice, extinction alone does not address the sensory function. B: Response blocking without teaching a replacement behavior is overly restrictive, may increase problem behavior, and does not address the underlying sensory need. C: Ignoring the behavior targets socially mediated attention functions, which is inconsistent with the functional assessment indicating automatic reinforcement.

Sample Question 6 — Behavior Reduction Procedures

A teenager with ADHD frequently leaves assigned tasks incomplete. Data shows that this is due to difficulty with task initiation. What strategy is LEAST likely to be effective?

  1. A. Task analysis and chaining to break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
  2. B. Implementing a self-monitoring system where the teenager tracks their task completion.
  3. C. Applying immediate punishment (e.g., removal of privileges) each time an assignment is left incomplete. (Correct answer)
  4. D. Using positive reinforcement for completing smaller segments of a task.

Correct answer: C

Explanation: Option C is least likely to be effective because punishment, especially immediate and aversive punishment, is generally less effective than positive reinforcement and can lead to negative side effects such as anxiety and avoidance. Options A, B, and D focus on increasing task completion through positive reinforcement, breaking down tasks, and self-management strategies.

Sample Question 7 — Discrete Trial Teaching

During a discrete trial teaching (DTT) session with a 4-year-old client with autism, the client consistently fails to respond to the instruction "Touch red." The therapist has attempted several prompts but the client remains unresponsive. What is the BEST course of action?

  1. A. Continue presenting the same instruction with increased prompting until the client responds correctly.
  2. B. Immediately switch to a different task or activity to avoid frustration.
  3. C. Conduct a brief error analysis to determine the reason for the non-response (e.g., lack of understanding, difficulty with discrimination, etc.) and adjust the instruction or materials accordingly. (Correct answer)
  4. D. Increase the intensity of prompts until the client responds, regardless of the client's level of frustration.

Correct answer: C

Explanation: Option C is best because it involves a systematic approach to problem-solving. Before escalating prompts or changing tasks, it's crucial to analyze the reason for the non-response. This might involve simplifying the instruction, using different materials, or ensuring the client understands the target behavior. Options A and D risk increasing frustration and potential negative behavior without addressing the root cause. Option B avoids addressing the skill deficit.

Sample Question 8 — Discrete Trial Teaching

A BCBA is supervising a new RBT who is conducting DTT sessions. The RBT consistently uses physical prompts excessively, even when the client shows signs of understanding. What is the MOST appropriate supervisory action?

  1. A. Ignore the issue, assuming the RBT will learn through experience.
  2. B. Provide feedback to the RBT, emphasizing the importance of fading prompts and using least-to-most prompting. (Correct answer)
  3. C. Immediately terminate the RBT's employment.
  4. D. Reprimand the RBT publicly for their actions.

Correct answer: B

Explanation: Option B aligns with ethical and supervisory best practices. Providing constructive feedback and guidance is essential for improving RBT performance. Options A is neglectful, C is excessive, and D is inappropriate and unprofessional.

Sample Question 9 — Documentation and Reporting

A BCBA is working with a client who exhibits challenging behaviors in a school setting. The teacher requests a summary of the intervention plan and progress to date for an upcoming IEP meeting. What is the MOST appropriate course of action?

  1. A. Provide a brief verbal summary of the intervention to the teacher.
  2. B. Send the teacher a copy of the full intervention plan and all data sheets.
  3. C. Prepare a concise written report summarizing the intervention goals, progress, and next steps, while maintaining client confidentiality. (Correct answer)
  4. D. Decline to share any information with the teacher due to privacy concerns.

Correct answer: C

Explanation: Option C is the most appropriate because it balances the need for clear communication with maintaining client confidentiality. A concise written report allows for efficient communication without compromising the client's privacy. Options A and B are inadequate; A is insufficiently detailed, and B is overly detailed and potentially a breach of confidentiality. Option D is unethical as it hinders appropriate collaboration and service delivery.

Sample Question 10 — Documentation and Reporting

During a supervision session, your supervisor notes inconsistencies between your session notes and the graphed data. What is the most ethical and professional response?

  1. A. Dismiss the discrepancies, stating that minor inconsistencies are normal.
  2. B. Quickly amend the session notes to match the graphed data.
  3. C. Engage in a collaborative discussion with your supervisor to identify and address the inconsistencies, ensuring accuracy of both documents. (Correct answer)
  4. D. Blame the inconsistencies on a lack of time for thorough documentation.

Correct answer: C

Explanation: Option C emphasizes ethical and professional practice by addressing the inconsistencies openly and collaboratively. Accurate data integrity is crucial. Options A and B are unethical—A avoids addressing an issue, and B falsifies records. Option D is unprofessional and avoids responsibility.

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