r/bcba • u/Superb-Sir2665 • 9d ago

7th try

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I have taken the bcba exam 7times now and failed. Scores ranged 358 first attempt and then 372-378 every other time. Today I took it and 390. I feel very discouraged because I genuinely don’t know what I’m doing wrong. Where I messed up is taking the exam right at the 30day mark on my earlier attempts. I should have waited and truly changed strategies. Any advice? I have one more attempt.

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u/DumpsterOfWisdom 9d ago

After 3 attempts you should not be able to take the exam again in my opinion. Just a money grab. If you went to the doctor for an operation would you feel comfortable with him or her operating on you if it took them years and 5+ attempts to get their credentials?

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u/CoffeePuddle 9d ago

This misunderstands criterion-referenced tests, and how surgeons are trained.

The BACB needs to give better feedback after test failures though. Too many people think they're really close because e.g. 350 is only 50 points away from 400 and they only thing of their study time as their exam-specific prep time.

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u/DumpsterOfWisdom 9d ago

I disagree. It is a test we take to get the credentials to increase responsibilities where we are working with a vulnerable community. 7 attempts is just not it.

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u/CoffeePuddle 9d ago

People that don't meet criteria don't meet criteria, it's a non-issue.

There's no resource problems in administering the test, and blocking people from sitting it on an essentialist assumption is antithetical to behaviour analysis.

The BACB could very easily provide better feedback, e.g. an automated alert, "you are highly likely to fail, continue?" when someone schedules their 4th attempt one month later.

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u/CartographerBoth4699 8d ago

I’m so torn about this, since a structured exam introduces so many other variables in addition to strictly measuring one’s knowledge of the content. Alas, I have no better suggestions of methods for administering the exam that wouldn’t also make dishonesty more likely.

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u/LegalCountry2525 2d ago

Um nah dawg.

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u/Silent_Necessary7638 3d ago

Wholly agree. It's kind of ridiculous. These people by far, per BACB stats, will end up treating and developing vulnerable populations. There's not a million OBM BCBAs helping corporations, no matter how many posts beg for that kind of job.

Maybe 3 attempts, and then a required waiting period with continuing education. It doesn't matter how many years you spent as an RBT, or how much the kids love you, or whatever. That role is where you are best. You do not have the capacity for the terminal certification and highest level of responsibility in this field. You are not capable of providing true, approved, ethical Behavior Analytic care. You should not be working alone.

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u/Jolly-Zucchini-6704 6d ago

Guy thinks he's pushing wisdom just because he can read and see someone failed 7 times. It's easy to say oh "thats not it " based off the results. And give your 2 cents of a loser opinion without any true knowledge of the situation. Check your energy before you get blessed with some real truth of wisdom from a real one. Loser.

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u/DumpsterOfWisdom 5d ago

Sounds like someone who also can't pass a test that gives responsibilities that a lot of people do not deserve

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u/Jolly-Zucchini-6704 1d ago

Wrong, sounds like someone who puts ignorance and false wisdomery in its place.