Let’s talk about modeling. Not the fashion runway type of modeling, but the behavior-change strategy modeling. Here, people can learn new skills by imitating live or symbolic models that demonstrate the exact behavior.

Following are the eight guidelines for using modeling.

1. The model and the client should have some similarities– age, gender, physical appearance.
2. Use a model that has known prestige, like an influencer or Taylor Swift modeling toothbrushing.
3. The model stimulus should be emphasized, louder, bigger, broader.
4. Pair the model with instructions like, when a YouTube makeup tutorial has a voiceover that describes the skill vocally.
5. Present the model in a real life context, like learning to bag groceries at the supermarket checkout line.
6. Provide a lot of practice opportunities and offer effective feedback.
7. Rehearse the skill so that the trainer can assess and monitor skill level.
8. And last but not least, reinforce correct behavior frequently.

And now you’re ready for the runway.

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It’s been more than two years since the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, BACB®, announced their 6th Edition updates. Now, as January 2025 inches closer, students, universities, and Applied Behavior Analysis…

Rest Assured: Four Tips for Better Sleep Before the Big Exam

Sleep… You need it. You love it. If you’re studying for the BCBA® exam, you probably feel like you need more of it. Staying well-rested on your journey is essential,…

6 Science-Backed Tips for Improving Your Memory

The first part of those all-important MAC skills: memorization. Being able to recall information, facts, concepts, and terms is essential (that probably goes without saying). If you find your memory…

Dana Do's: All the Validities in ABA, Explained

PTB founder Dana Meller helps connect each of the validities to the validity of this explanation.

ABA in Your Day-to-Day: Products That Use the Power of Behavior Principles

The principles behind Behavior Analysis (ABA) are everywhere– if you know what to look for. It probably wouldn’t surprise a BCBA (or future BCBA) to know that ABA inspires everyday…

Dana Do's: SAFMEDS or Flashcards? How to Choose the Tool Most Effective for You

What kind of learner are you? PTB co-founder Dana Meller spells out the differences between flashcards and SAFMEDS so you can pick the best study tool based on how you learn.

Fuel Your Focus: 5 Foods That Help You Study

Preparing for the BCBA® exam takes focus, stamina, and a whole lot of brain power. You’ve got to learn the entire Task List– from top to bottom– plus, the ethics…

The PTB ABA Exam Study Manual: A Guide to the Other 'White Book'

The PTB ABA Exam Study Manual has become a mainstay of BCBA® exam prep– and with good reason. Expertly written to break down the critical Task List information the BACB®…

Dana Do's: Tips for Exam Questions About Ethics

There is a difference between ethical decision-making in practice, versus ethical decision-making on test question scenarios.

Dana Do's: Cracking the Ethics Code on Consent vs. Assent

The ethics code asks behavior analysts to obtain informed consent before starting a treatment plan. But…what does that entail? PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down informed consent, assent, and the ethics elements you need to know. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Code Section E- 2.11 Obtaining Informed Consent

Get the Scoop: What You Need to Know About the BACB’s Transition to the 6th Edition

You may have heard horror stories about the last BACB transition from the 4th to the 5th edition Task List. Not without good reason, too. The 5th edition brought changes to the supervision requirements, an increase to the number of test questions, and the introduction of the Ethics Code. Luckily, this time around won’t be such a shake up. Candidates caught on the cusp of this transition will be relieved to know that most of the updates are minor. Many find these transitions intimidating and overwhelming because they think they’ll have to learn an entire list of new information. Thankfully, that’s not the case. Think of it as more of a restructuring, rather than a total revamp.

What Is a BCBA® Certification and Why Get One?

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst® exam (or, BCBA® exam) is a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB).

Beat the Odds: Factors that Impact Performance on the BCBA® Exam

Though the exam may be difficult, it’s not impossible to achieve a passing score. There are several ways students can improve their chances and beat the odds. The right preparation is essential.

How Hard is it to Pass the BCBA® Exam? 

The question every future BCBA® inevitably asks: how hard is it to pass the BCBA® exam? If you’ve heard the stories or seen the data, then you know the exam has a reputation for being difficult. Ask around and you’ll likely hear that it’s sort of like running a marathon. But barefoot, on broken glass, in a giant corn maze, guarded by storm troopers and you can’t remember where you left your lightsaber…oh, and your headphones just died. 

Dana's Do's: Struggling with ABA Jargon? Watch This.

The clinical jargon of ABA can be one of the most intimidating parts of BCBA® exam prep. However, as PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains, understanding the source material like textbooks and literature— no matter how dense they may be— is imperative for exam day success.

Dana Do's: What Do Philosophical Assumptions Got To Do With It?

It often feels like the board is asking candidates to study concepts you may never use in practice. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains why that's actually inaccurate. The philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis is so much more integral than just passing the big exam.

Desk Yoga: 7 Stretches for Your Next Study Session

Long days and even longer study sessions, can leave your back and neck feeling stiff. Luckily, PTB has just the thing: 7 desk-friendly, do-anywhere yoga moves. While it can’t replace your regular yoga routine, these stretches can help you reset your mind and body when you’re glued to your desk (or couch, or kitchen chair). 

5 Foods to Boost Brainpower While Studying

#1 Green tea You’d be hard pressed to find an ABA student who isn’t reaching for caffeine in one form or another. Try sipping on green tea the next time…

Dana Do's: What Would Cooper Do?

PTB co-founder offers a new approach to reframing your mindset when answering questions on the BCBA® exam that may help you beat the odds.

Dana Do's: What are the Markers of a Good Supervisor?

PTB co-founder Dana Meller identifies the markers of being a good supervisor. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section I-8: Evaluate the effects of supervision (e.g., on client outcomes, on supervisee repertoires).

Dana Do's: Yes, verbs are clues that can help you prep for the BCBA exam

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares how the verbs used in the Task List can provide you with significant clues for effective studying. By examining task list verbs, you can actually determine the specific type of discrimination required in your studies. Learn how understanding these verbs can guide your preparation and better equip you for success on the big exam.

6 Science-Backed Study Tips for Your Next Study Session

Switch Up Your Environment Studying in a new environment has been shown to help improve memory and concentration levels. Try studying at a coffee shop, library, or a new spot…

Add to Cart: PTB’s Study Essentials

When it comes to test-prep, you need the right tools for the job. PTB has compiled a must-have list of study supplies so you can stock up on your next…

Dana Do's: How to Decode the Code

PTB co-founder Dana Meller suggests that memorizing the sections of the BACB® Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts will in fact help you make correct discriminations when prepping for the BCBA® exam.

Dana Do's: Why BCBA® Retaker Odds are Lower

There's a danger of studying only the score report. PTB co-founder Dana Meller offers insight on why it's important to study like a test virgin.

Dana Do's: That Feeling of Freaking Out Over the BCBA® Exam

Everyone feels like they won't pass the BCBA® exam, not just you. PTB co-founder Dana Meller talks about the experiences her students share as they prep for the exam. And surprise surprise, you are not alone in feeling scared, dealing with the pressures of everyday life, and trying to negotiate so many variables. If that's you and you're struggling, the good news is that it's temporary. And the payoff, that is fantastic.

Dana Do's: Imagine the Task List is a Jigsaw Puzzle

PTB cofounder, Dana Meller treats the task list like a puzzle, and so should you. Like a puzzle, all the task list items are interconnected. To be exam ready, you need all the pieces, and every piece needs to be in place.

Dana Do's: Looking at the World Behavior Analytically

Why should you look at the world behavior analytically? Because it will help you build ABA fluency.

Dana Do's: How to Optimize Memorization

PTB Co-founder Dana Meller reinforces the importance of memorization and offers some practical, empirically validated tips for memorizing the task list.

Dana Do's: Get Your M.A.C. Skills Together

PTB co-founder Dana Meller offers a key to building fluency and BCBA® exam readiness. Memorization. Application. Comprehension.

Dana Do's: Dealing with the Frustration of Failing the BCBA® Exam

PTB cofounder Dana Meller offers some unsolicited advice for candidates who have experienced the frustration of failing the BCBA® exam by only a few points.

Dana Do's: Why You're Not Passing the BCBA® Exam

PTB cofounder Dana Meller helps candidates retaking the exam consider a functional approach to defining the obstacles holding them back.

Dana Do's: Short Cuts Don't Work

PTB co-founder Dana Meller talks about avoiding shortcuts in your exam prep. Becoming a BCBA® is not just about passing the Big Exam, it is about taking on a professional identity.

Dana Do's: How to Know When You're Ready to Sit for the BCBA® Exam

PTB co-founder Dana Meller talks about measuring exam readiness. How do you know if you’re ready to sit?

Dana Do's: The Importance of Speaking ABA

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares the importance of speaking ABA and being able to fluently read and understand the Cooper text in order to pass the big exam.

Dana Do's: Understanding the ABC's of Behavior Used to Break Down Test Questions

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares how our ABA superpowers can be used to break down exam questions to organize BCBA® exam prep.

Dana Do's: Put On Your BACB® Board Hat

Want to know what to study for the BCBA® exam? PTB co-founder Dana Meller reminds candidates that the exam is a knowledge assessment, not a skill assessment.

Dana Do's: BCBA® Exam Prep Studying Tips

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares helpful tips about incorporating studying into your already busy lives.

Dana Do's: How to Make Time for Studying for the BCBA® Exam

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares helpful tips about incorporating studying into your already busy lives.

Dana Do's: The Problem With Making Assumptions on the BCBA® Exam

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares practical insight on the importance of approaching exam questions at face value.

Dana Do's: Use Mistakes to Assess How You Test

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares insights on how to use your mock BCBA® exam mistakes to assess and improve your test-taking behavior.

5th Edition Study Manual (Current Version 2.2) FINAL QUANTITY

FINAL 5th Edition Run. Limited Quantity. FINAL SALE - NO RETURNS, REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES AFTER 9/24/24

Universally recognized as the “other white book”, the comprehensive PTB ABA Exam Study Manual organizes and breaks down the complete 5th Edition Task List, distilling the Cooper text (Applied Behavior Analysis by John Cooper, Timothy Heron and William Heward) to include all critical exam concepts. The Manual is structured for quick navigation, contextualized with situational and relatable examples, salient visuals, and detailed explanations. In its 11th year of publication, the Manual is widely regarded as an ideal study companion and ABA bible, proving valuable as a quick reference tool beyond the exam. Save! Manual is $99 when purchased with the PTB 5th Edition Big Exam Prep Workshop. FREE SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY): Delivery within 7 - 10 business days. PRIORITY SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY): Delivery within 3 - 5 business days for an additional fee. Select USPS Priority at checkout. NOTE: Due to the Canada Post strike, international mail service to Canada has been disrupted. Because of this, PTB has temporarily suspended shipping to Canadian addresses until further notice.