Exam Comparison
BCaBA vs BCBA
Comparing the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam and the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Exam. Both fall under Behavioral Health. Both are covered by the Behavioral Health Exam Prep app.
The Bottom Line
The BCBA is the independent-practitioner credential in behavior analysis; the BCaBA is a bachelor’s-level credential that always requires BCBA supervision. If graduate school is in your plans, aim directly at the BCBA, the BCaBA is best when you need to work in the field before or instead of a master’s.
BCaBA vs BCBA: At a Glance
| Detail | BCaBA | BCBA |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam | Board Certified Behavior Analyst Exam |
| Governing Body | BACB | BACB |
| Number of Questions | 130 | 185 |
| Time Limit | 3 hours | 4 hours |
| Passing Score | 65% (scaled) | 65% (scaled) |
| Exam Fee | $145 USD | $245 USD |
| Category | Behavioral Health | Behavioral Health |
| C3RT App | Behavioral Health Exam Prep | Behavioral Health Exam Prep |
Content Areas Compared
BCaBA Domains
- Philosophical Underpinnings
- Concepts and Principles
- Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation
- Experimental Design
- Ethics
- Behavior Assessment
- Behavior-Change Procedures
- Selecting and Implementing Interventions
- Personnel Supervision and Management
BCBA Domains
- Philosophical Underpinnings
- Concepts and Principles
- Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation
- Experimental Design
- Ethics
- Behavior Assessment
- Behavior-Change Procedures
- Selecting and Implementing Interventions
- Personnel Supervision and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between BCaBA and BCBA?
The BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst) requires a bachelor’s degree plus specific coursework and fieldwork, and BCaBAs must practice under BCBA supervision, they implement and help design programs but cannot practice independently. The BCBA requires a master’s degree, substantially more supervised fieldwork, and passing a harder exam, in exchange for independent practice, the ability to supervise RBTs and BCaBAs, and significantly higher pay.
Can I take both the BCaBA and the BCBA?
Many BCBAs held the BCaBA first, and the supervised experience hours you accumulate as a BCaBA can count toward BCBA fieldwork requirements, that is the strongest argument for the stepped path. But holding both long-term is pointless: the BCBA fully supersedes the BCaBA.
Which should I take first, BCaBA or BCBA?
Decide based on your degree plans, not exam order. If you are committed to a master’s in ABA, go straight for the BCBA, the BCaBA is not a prerequisite and its coursework only partially overlaps. Take the BCaBA if you want to earn a professional wage in the field with a bachelor’s degree while deciding on (or funding) graduate school.
Does C3RT cover both the BCaBA and the BCBA?
Yes. Both the BCaBA and BCBA are covered in the Behavioral Health Exam Prep app for iOS and Mac.
The Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam (BCaBA) is administered by BACB. The Board Certified Behavior Analyst Exam (BCBA) is administered by BACB. C3RT is not affiliated with either organisation. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.