Passing the BCBA Exam? I Can Help...

I know scores just came out from the most recent BCBA exam based on emails I've received. And, as with about every exam cycle, large numbers of very capable people - many who come in with a great deal of experience; those who've studied and worked very hard...didn't pass. Such sustained low pass rates are not only unacceptable but not necessary.

A couple folks sent me their exam reports to look at and where they consistently scored the lowest was absolutely no surprise: experimental design, measurement and intervention. When I asked one person if they'd felt their ABA graduate program had adequately taught these topics, the response was that their grad program had simply not adequately prepared them for the exam.

Measurement, experimental design and intervention are at the very core of Applied Behavior Analysis. Processes related to measurement, experimental design and intervention are what makes Applied Behavior Analysis - well - Applied Behavior Analysis.

With this, think for a moment about experimental design; Single Subject Research. Being fluent in experimental design also means comparable fluency to behavioral intervention since each, after all, shares a fundamental framework with the other. Weaker in one means weaker in the other. And measurement is a core element of both. Programs that minimize or otherwise do not prioritize these areas are shortchanging their students.

I begin by reviewing where you are, your previous coursework/program and the data from the exam report if you've already taken the exam and now need to schedule a retake. Just 'opening the book' to review and/or using more generalized mock exams - once again - can often wind up still more confusing, frustrating.....and costly.

I use my system which includes providing original study materials along with my own mock exam process. We begin by reviewing where you are and what's been going on, your previous coursework/program and, if needed, the data you have from an existing exam report.

Our first session or two will include a more specific assessment phase to help me get to know you and identify how to be most effective. I will use that information to better individualize and differentiate our subsequent sessions to include helping you make your own study time more efficient. I utilize vignettes and domain questions combined with a more specific and individualized review of key concepts and terminology as our starting point.

As per best instructional practices across disciplines, BCBA content instruction and test preparation can and must also be differentiated. Whether you are a new supervisee or if you've already taken the exam without success, assessing to understand what's going on while teaching to you more individually can make very big difference.

And as I've written elsewhere in Prepping for the BCBA Exam is More Than Content Alone, even thorough content knowledge may often not be adequate. Content must be combined with test taking skills and strategies. To this end, we will also work on relevant points of information and test taking strategies to simultaneous benefit.

There are good mock exams and study systems available but, even if you thought you found one, HOW to best use them remains a key since that which is recommended by a given developer may not be most effective for you.

In addition to being a long experienced Clinical Behavior Analyst, I also have many years' experience as a teacher/educator and curriculum developer. I know that effective instructional differentiation is of primary importance and consistently look to identify what works best for each of my supervision and test prep students....one at a time.

Whether you want just a few sessions or more ongoing test prep/review contact, I tailor my fee schedule to each person with whom I work based on our initial contact. To make my services accessible and affordable, I charge either hourly or will identify a block fee; a set amount to which we will agree per weekly; biweekly sessions...again, depending on what will be most effective and work best for you.

Contact me to schedule an initial phone or Skype conversation of about 30 minutes....my first contact is always free of

charge.

I can help you pass the BCBA exam....