HomeBxLogDana Do'sDana Do’s: How to Make Time for Studying for the BCBA® Exam Dana Do’s: How to Make Time for Studying for the BCBA® Exam November 23, 2022 Adding exam prep to your busy lives is not easy, so I have a small suggestion that may make it easier to navigate meeting your life, work, family, and even leisure time commitments, while also making time to hit the books and study. So first, set a goal for the number of study hours you want to fit into your week and then add study sessions to your weekly schedules, as you would any appointment. And this way, if you’re enjoying a holiday party or some festivity you can just enjoy it without worrying or feeling guilty that you’re doing something fun instead of studying. You won’t have to feel that way if studying has a consistent place on your schedule and your time commitment to studying isn’t compromised due to your other life stuff. Now, if you do have to miss a scheduled study session, then reschedule it just as you would any other commitment or appointment. You do have to stay organized and you do have to follow through with your commitment to your study schedule. But this way, you’re going to meet your other obligations, you’re going to have time to have some fun, and you’re going to earn yourself the added gift of becoming certified. You have got this. Dana Do'sFlashcardsMiniBigSAFMEDSStreaming Lecture SeriesStudy Manual Related Content 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.Dana Do's: Attention Multiple BCBA® Retakers (You are Going to Want to Hear This) The data shows candidates struggle to pass the BCBA® exam on later attempts. PTB co-founder Dana Meller takes a deeper look at the data and offers a strategy for beating the retaker odds. Dana Do's: The Scientific Goals of Behavior Analysis PTB co-founder Dana Meller takes on the first portion of the Task List with a quick lesson about section A-1. The secret sauce for understanding the goal of behavior analysis? It all comes down to description, prediction, and control.Dana Do's: How to Decipher the Many Forms of Validity It's particularly meaningful to be able to tell validity, social validity, internal and external validity apart. PTB co-founder Dana Meller has some tips to do just that.Dana Do's: How to Discriminate Dependent vs. Independent Variables If You're Not a Researcher Not a researcher? How about some help discriminating between dependent and independent variables. PTB co-founder Dana Meller offers a few tips to make that distinction on the BCBA® exam.Dana Do's: How to Discriminate Between SDs & MOs PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down the distinction between motivating operations (MOs) and discriminative stimulus (SDs). Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-10: Define and provide examples of stimulus control; and B-12: Define and provide examples of motivating operations.Dana Do's: What Chaining Method to Use When? The books don't really say much about what chaining methods BCBA's should apply to what behaviors. PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks it down. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-8: Use chaining.Dana Do's: What are the Markers of a Good Supervisor? PTB founder Dana Meller identifies the markers of being a good supervisor. 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 Test Content Outline can provide you with significant clues for effective studying. By examining TCO 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.Dana Do's: How to Get Unstuck When Studying for the BCBA® PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains how to use Multiple Exemplar training to improve your exam application skills. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section: G-21 Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization.Dana Do's: Response Blocking vs. Extinction Want an easy way to make the correct discrimination between response blocking and extinction? PTB co-founder Dana Meller borrows from the #starwars universe to help explain. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section: G-16 Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).Dana's Do's: Conditioning Us to Understand Operant and Respondent Conditioning? PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains how one word can describe two different things. Here's how to practically understand the difference between operant and respondent conditioning. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-3: Define and provide examples of respondent and operant conditioning.Dana Do's: Need a Prompt to Understand Prompting? PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares a trick for discriminating between response and stimulus prompts. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-4: Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading)Dana's Do's: WWSD (What Would #Skinner Do?) on Tax Day? PTB co-founder Dana Meller illustrates a perfect example of rule-governed behavior centered on our shared and dreaded annual Tax Day obligation. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-13: Define and provide examples of rule-governed and contingency-shaped behavior.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: 1-Minute Experimental Design Test Hack (you still have to study it though) PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares a huge secret to help break down experimental design questions. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-3: Identify the defining features of single-subject experimental designs.Dana Do's: Why BCBA® and BCaBA® Retaker Odds are Lower There's a danger of studying only the score report. PTB 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: How to Easily Break Down the 7 Dimensions of ABA PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares an easy way to break down the 7 dimensions of ABA by using the dimensions to define what it means to be a behavior analyst, which in turn, makes it much easier to discriminate between each dimension. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-5: Describe and define the dimensions of applied behavior analysis (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968).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: 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: BCBA® Exam Prep Short Cuts Don't Work PTB 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: Programming Common Stimuli PTB co-founder Dana Meller talks about programming common stimuli and how this method can help students feel more prepared on exam day. Refer to Task List section G-21: Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization. Dana Do's: Importance of Experimental Design Fluency PTB co-founder Dana Meller talks about the importance of being fluent in experimental designs, not just to pass the exam, but to be a good clinician as well. Ref Section D-3: Identify the defining features of single-subject experimental designs (e.g., individuals serve as their own controls, repeated measures, prediction, verification, replication).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 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: Using Stimulus Salience to Increase Studying Effectiveness PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the ways in which you can increase your studying effectiveness through stimulus salience. We know that ABA works, and Dana reminds students to utilize basic ABA principles to help themselves prepare for the BCBA® exam. Refer to Task List section B-10: Define and provide examples of stimulus control.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 Secret to Test Questions PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares a surprisingly easy trick to interpret the call-to-action of a mock or actual test question on the BCBA® or BCaBA® exam.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. Add to Cart: Shop PTB’s ABA Holiday Gift Guide PTB is making a list and you’ll want to check it out once (or twice). If you’re not sure what to put on your holiday wish list this year, PTB has the ultimate gift guide for ABA professionals and future BCBAs. Browse now and don’t forget to ask Santa, if you see him.The Science Behind Gratitude Spoiler alert: it’s good for your mental, emotional, and even physical wellbeing.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.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: A Common Misconception About the Role of Memorization Memorization is a crucial skill, but it may not be enough to get you a passing score. PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares her insight into how rote memorization can create a false sense of confidence while offering tips to improve knowledge generalization.Threats to Validity Exposed: When Misleading Data Plays Tricks on Your Perception Test your knowledge of measurement procedures with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she explains, in detail, one of the threats to validity with several corresponding examples. Dana also shares a clever memorization study tip that will help you on the Big exam. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-8: Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures. Dana’s Do’s: The Best Methods for Last-Minute Exam Prep PTB founder Dana Meller has advice and tips for the best last-minute study methods.Dana Do's: How to Ease Exam Nerves PTB founder Dana Meller offers some helpful advice to quell exam day jitters.Dana Do's: The ABCs of Breaking Down BCBA® Exam Test Questions If you need help breaking down test questions, there's a simple tool you can use to eliminate the risk of making assumptions on the BCBA® exam. Dana Do's: How to Use Mock Exams Effectively in Your BCBA® Exam Prep Taking mock exams is a fantastic activity for exam prep. However, there are ways that these test are being used that may do more harm than good. PTB co-founder Dana Meller highlights three things to watch out for to ensure you are not misusing mock exams in your BCBA® exam prep.Are You a Bad Test-Taker: Strategies for Overcoming Exam Anxiety It’s common for students to experience anxiety when taking tests, which can negatively impact performance. Beyond the physical effects– like problems sleeping, procrastinating, and an increased heart rate– anxiety can also disrupt concentration and decision making, and make it more difficult to think clearly.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 Do's: How to Effectively Use Your Whiteboard on the BCBA® Exam What’s the best thing to put on your whiteboard? PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains that a highly personalized approach is the best strategy. Get her tips to figure out how to use your whiteboard effectively on exam day.Dana Do's: Feeling Isolated on ABA Island The life of a behavior professional can be rewarding, but it can also be a little lonely. PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares her experience with overcoming isolation with some recommendations for students and current BCBAs.Dana Do's: Careful About Getting Creative With Mock Exams PTB co-founder cautions candidates about using the actual BCBA® exam as a mock exam, listing all the reasons why you might want to reconsider getting creative with your mock exam prep experience.Stuffed Schedule? 6 Tips for Better Time Management #1: Set Deadlines Believe it or not, setting deadlines can help you get more done. Parkinson’s Law is the idea that “work expands to fill the time available for its…Dana Do's: Warning. Be Careful of Extremes. PTB co-founder Dana Meller sends an important warning for test takers. Watch out for extremes in exam questions and answer options.5 Science-Backed Tips to Make Your Study Space More Soothing Transform your study space into a soothing environment with these five science-backed tips. 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…Keep Calm and Study On: 6 Strategies for Managing Test Prep Stress It goes without saying that studying for the BCBA® exam is stressful. The experience can fray the nerves of even the most level-headed student. If you’re feeling the test prep pressure, not to worry, PTB is here with six tips for managing stress while studying.5 Test-Taking Tips to Help You Pass the BCBA® Exam Prepare for success on exam day with these five tips.6 Science-Backed Study Tips for Your Next Study Session From switching up your study environment to quizzing yourself, these strategies will help improve focus, memory, and retention on the exam.MiniBig PTB MiniBig: Fast, Flexible, and Focused Exam Prep The PTB MiniBig enables BCBA® exam prep candidates to tailor their study needs by popping in on single sessions of the intensive PTB Big Exam Prep Workshop. Each 3.5-hour session, focused on specific sections of the Task List, includes a mock exam followed by real-time, live, interactive feedback and access to live session replays, without committing to the full workshop.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…Big Mock Exam The original Big Mock Exam has been upgraded with video segments to offer a highly individualized, in-depth review, while simulating an authentic test experience. Designed with a commitment to academic quality, the mock exam integrates clinical and scientific language, and reflects the format and distribution of questions on the actual BCBA® exam. The score report now features 175 video reviews that correspond to each test question, providing comprehensive explanations, detailed breakdowns, visuals and rationales allowing students to shape the content to their particular needs. Access begins immediately and expires 6 months from the time of purchase. To avoid a false sense of improvement, PTB has limited the exam two attempts within 6 months. 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.Dana Do's: How to Optimize Memorization PTB founder Dana Meller reinforces the importance of memorization and offers some practical, empirically validated tips for memorizing the TCO.Dana Do's: Mean or Median? Choosing the Right Level Line to Interpret Graph Data Interpreting graphed data is an important skill to have, for the BCBA® exam and beyond. A fundamental part of this is the level line. PTB founder Dana Meller breaks down both methods for establishing a level line and when to use them.Dana Do's: Three Characteristics of Operational Definitions Being able to discriminate good operational definitions is essential, especially when it comes to correctly answering exam questions. PTB founder Dana Meller breaks down the three characteristics of operational definitions and shares a handy acronym to help make it more memorable.PTB Year in Prep: A Data-Filled Look at 2023’s Study Stats As scientists, we know you love data. PTB crunched the numbers based on behaviors of the thousands of dedicated students who trusted us with their journey to certification. It’s been…From PTB’s Test (Prep) Kitchens: A Brain-Boosting Berry Smoothie It’s important to fuel your brain and body with nutritious food that will give you the energy to power through long days and even longer study sessions. But, between school,…Behind the Scenes of the PTB Streaming Lecture Series Known for her trademark humor and clinical knowledge, PTB co-founder Dana Meller takes students behind the scenes of creating the PTB Streaming Lecture Series, a collection of 9 pre-recorded lectures covering each of the BACB® 6th Edition Test Content Outline.Dana Do's: Breaking Down a BCBA®/BCaBA® Mock Exam Question About Operational Definitions PTB founder Dana Meller answers a follower request for an explanation around a mock question posted on social about the impact of an incomplete operational definition on trustworthy measurement.BCBA® Exam Study Tips: BDS and PTB Take Exam Candidates Beyond the Modules and the Study Manual Preparing for the BCBA® exam can feel overwhelming, but expert guidance can make all the difference. Dana Meller, founder of Pass the Big ABA Exam, and Dr. Stephen Eversole, founder of Behavior Development Solutions, share decades of exam prep insights. Their discussion covers essential strategies for success—not just to pass the exam, but to become a skilled and ethical behavior analyst.Access Free BCBA®/BCaBA® Exam Prep Resources Not all BCBA® exam prep is equal—quality matters. Check out PTB's free, reliable study materials, mock questions, and guides to help you Pass the Big ABA Exam.Dana Do's: How to Use the Ethics Code to Help Answer Questions on the BCBA® Exam PTB founder Dana Meller illustrates how using the ethics Code can help BCBA/BCaBA exam candidates identify the correct answer on exam questions.Dana Do's: Clarifying Confusion Between Derived Stimulus Relation and Stimulus Equivalence PTB founder Dana Meller clarifies confusion to explain derived stimulus relation vs. stimulus equivalence.Dana Do's: Socially Significant Information Social significance is such a buzzword ABA. PTB founder Dana Meller breaks down all the different areas in which social significance is important. Dana Do's: How to Prepare for the Transition to the BACB® 6th Edition Test Content Outline With the 6th Edition transition weeks away, many BCBA®/BCaBA® exam candidates are uncertain about how to best prepare. PTB founder Dana Meller is here with advice on how 5th Ed. students can plan to Beat the Odds and navigate the new 6th Ed. Test Content Outline (TCO).Perfect Timing: More Tips for Better Time Management There are (unfortunately) only 24 hours in a day– and that goes for everyone, including Beyoncé. For BCBA® exam candidates, time management is the name of the game right now.…You Got This: 5 Tips to Build Up Your Test-Taking Confidence Exam day can shake even the most self-assured candidate but it’s important to feel secure in yourself and your skills. Looking to up your confidence before sitting for the Big…Dana Do's: 8 Guidelines for Using Modeling Get ready to model as PTB founder Dana Meller walks you through the eight specific guidelines for using modeling.Three Hallmarks of High Quality Test Prep Preparing for the BCBA® exam is a marathon– and a dizzying one at that. There are an overwhelming number of options out there for study materials… So how do you…Five Ways to Help Offset the Cost of Certification Becoming a certified BCBA® is a big investment—not just in time and effort, but financially, too. From exam fees to study materials, costs can add up fast. The good news? There are ways to make the journey more budget-friendly. PTB has rounded up five practical tips to help you save money on your path to certification.The 5 Elements of an Effective Study Plan If you’re on the path to the BCBA®/BCaBA® exam and looking to get a plan in place, look no further. PTB has five tips to help you devise an effective schedule to help you Beat the Odds.7 Tips for Maximizing Test Prep #1: Focus on Form Be sure to get the right resources and materials. Having up-to-date books and academic literature will ensure you’re studying the right stuff. Ready for mock exams…The BACB® 6th Edition: Assessing All the Changes The Behavior Analyst Certification Board's (BACB®) transition from the 5th to the 6th Edition of the BCBA® exam began January 2025. While many of the fundamentals remain unchanged, the 6th Edition introduces new terminology, expanded domains, and a stronger emphasis on cultural humility and inclusion. This article breaks down the key updates and explains what BCBA® candidates need to know to prepare effectively for exam.Rest Assured: Four Tips for Better Sleep Before the Big Exam Studying for the BCBA® exam and feeling sleep-deprived? Quality rest is key to staying focused and retaining information, but it’s often the first thing to suffer when life gets busy. If you’re struggling to unwind, PTB has rounded up a few tips to help you sleep more soundly and stay refreshed on your exam journey.Dana Do's: What is the Difference Between Trial-Based and Free-Operant Teaching Arrangements? Not too sure about discriminating between the different teaching arrangements? Not to worry. PTB founder Dana Meller is here to explain trial-based vs free operant procedures.6 Science-Backed Tips for Improving Your Memory Being able to recall information, facts, concepts, and terms is essential for the exam. If you find your memory slips from time to time, or you struggle to remember when put on the spot, try these six tips for building your memory muscle.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 products that help people live healthier, more productive lives. Here are some favorites.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 ConsentGet 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).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). 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.
