BCBA Exam V3 | Board Certified Behavior
Analyst (BCBA) Examination | Q&A with
Rationale (BCBA Exam) | Behavior Analyst
Certification Board (BACB)
1. A behavior analyst is implementing a procedure where a reinforcer is delivered for the first
response following an interval of time that varies around a specific average. Which schedule
of reinforcement is being used?
A. Variable-Interval (VI)
B. Fixed-Interval (FI)
C. Fixed-Ratio (FR)
D. Variable-Ratio (VR)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The procedure described is a Variable-Interval (VI) schedule of reinforcement.
In a VI schedule, the first response after an average amount of time has elapsed is
reinforced, leading to a steady and moderate rate of responding. This differs from a Fixed-
Interval schedule where the time requirement remains constant for every interval.
,2. Which dimension of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) refers to the requirement that
interventions must be described in sufficient detail such that a typically trained reader could
replicate them?
A. Technological
B. Generality
C. Effective
D. Conceptually Systematic
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The technological dimension ensures that all procedures are identified and
described with enough detail and clarity that they can be replicated. This is critical for the
scientific integrity of behavior analysis and for the practical application of interventions
across different settings. Without this dimension, it would be impossible to verify results or
train others to implement the same protocols accurately.
3. A BCBA is using a measurement system where the observer records whether the behavior
occurred at any point during a 10-second interval. This is known as:
A. Whole-interval recording
B. Partial-interval recording
C. Momentary time sampling
D. Duration recording
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Partial-interval recording involves noting if the target behavior occurred at
least once at any time during the observation interval. This method tends to overestimate
the actual occurrence of behavior, especially for high-frequency or long-duration
behaviors. It is often used when the goal is to decrease a behavior, as it captures any
instance within the timeframe.
4. In a functional analysis, the ‘Alone’ condition is primarily used to test for which type of
reinforcement?
A. Social Positive Reinforcement
B. Social Negative Reinforcement
C. Tangible Reinforcement
D. Automatic Reinforcement
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Alone condition places the individual in a room with no social
consequences or materials to determine if the behavior persists without external
contingencies. If the behavior occurs at high rates in this condition, it suggests the behavior
is maintained by automatic reinforcement, also known as self-stimulation. This condition
helps differentiate between socially mediated and sensory-based functions.
, 5. When a stimulus change immediately follows a response and increases the future
frequency of that type of behavior in similar conditions, it is called:
A. Punishment
B. Reinforcement
C. Extinction
D. Discriminated Operant
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reinforcement is defined by its effect on behavior; it must follow the behavior
immediately and result in an increase in the future probability of that behavior. It is the
most important principle of behavior and the primary tool used by behavior analysts to
develop new skills. It can be further classified as positive or negative depending on
whether a stimulus is added or removed.
6. According to the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, how long must a BCBA wait before
entering into a romantic or sexual relationship with a former client or their family member?
A. 6 months
B. 1 year
C. 2 years
D. 5 years
Correct Answer: C
Analyst (BCBA) Examination | Q&A with
Rationale (BCBA Exam) | Behavior Analyst
Certification Board (BACB)
1. A behavior analyst is implementing a procedure where a reinforcer is delivered for the first
response following an interval of time that varies around a specific average. Which schedule
of reinforcement is being used?
A. Variable-Interval (VI)
B. Fixed-Interval (FI)
C. Fixed-Ratio (FR)
D. Variable-Ratio (VR)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The procedure described is a Variable-Interval (VI) schedule of reinforcement.
In a VI schedule, the first response after an average amount of time has elapsed is
reinforced, leading to a steady and moderate rate of responding. This differs from a Fixed-
Interval schedule where the time requirement remains constant for every interval.
,2. Which dimension of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) refers to the requirement that
interventions must be described in sufficient detail such that a typically trained reader could
replicate them?
A. Technological
B. Generality
C. Effective
D. Conceptually Systematic
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The technological dimension ensures that all procedures are identified and
described with enough detail and clarity that they can be replicated. This is critical for the
scientific integrity of behavior analysis and for the practical application of interventions
across different settings. Without this dimension, it would be impossible to verify results or
train others to implement the same protocols accurately.
3. A BCBA is using a measurement system where the observer records whether the behavior
occurred at any point during a 10-second interval. This is known as:
A. Whole-interval recording
B. Partial-interval recording
C. Momentary time sampling
D. Duration recording
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Partial-interval recording involves noting if the target behavior occurred at
least once at any time during the observation interval. This method tends to overestimate
the actual occurrence of behavior, especially for high-frequency or long-duration
behaviors. It is often used when the goal is to decrease a behavior, as it captures any
instance within the timeframe.
4. In a functional analysis, the ‘Alone’ condition is primarily used to test for which type of
reinforcement?
A. Social Positive Reinforcement
B. Social Negative Reinforcement
C. Tangible Reinforcement
D. Automatic Reinforcement
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Alone condition places the individual in a room with no social
consequences or materials to determine if the behavior persists without external
contingencies. If the behavior occurs at high rates in this condition, it suggests the behavior
is maintained by automatic reinforcement, also known as self-stimulation. This condition
helps differentiate between socially mediated and sensory-based functions.
, 5. When a stimulus change immediately follows a response and increases the future
frequency of that type of behavior in similar conditions, it is called:
A. Punishment
B. Reinforcement
C. Extinction
D. Discriminated Operant
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reinforcement is defined by its effect on behavior; it must follow the behavior
immediately and result in an increase in the future probability of that behavior. It is the
most important principle of behavior and the primary tool used by behavior analysts to
develop new skills. It can be further classified as positive or negative depending on
whether a stimulus is added or removed.
6. According to the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, how long must a BCBA wait before
entering into a romantic or sexual relationship with a former client or their family member?
A. 6 months
B. 1 year
C. 2 years
D. 5 years
Correct Answer: C
