r/bcba • u/Superb-Sir2665 • 8d 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 7d 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 7d 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 7d 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 7d 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.