You’ve gotten your degree, you’re completing your supervision hours, and the BCBA® exam is finally on your horizon… Now what? Two words: exam prep. Studying for the Big exam is a Big undertaking and you’re going to need a game plan.
The question every exam candidate eventually asks… Just how long should you study for the BCBA® exam? The short answer: at least 12 weeks– but you’ll probably want to give yourself longer.
Establishing a Timeline
When you consider every Domain in the Test Content Outline, a 12-week study schedule gives you just over a week to review each Domain. If your coursework left you well-prepared, that may be enough time to review the content. However, if your coursework was less than thorough, you may be learning rather than reviewing and that will require substantially more time. If this describes your situation, then PTB founder Dana Meller has some advice for you.
You’ll also want to set aside a few extra weeks (or months) to learn and/or review the Domains you need more help with. Be sure to keep in mind that some are longer than others, and some are denser. Domain A might be a breeze to get through, but you may hit a roadblock once you get to those trickier, harder-to-digest Domains (did some say Experimental Designs?). The more complicated concepts don’t have to derail you– if you have a plan in place.
It’s also important to consider how many hours each week you can devote to studying. Ideally, students should aim for 15 to 20 hours, but it’s important to be realistic. Life happens, and it’s ok if you fall short. Just be sure to factor that into your overall study plan and be aware it may take you longer to review all the materials. So fewer hours a week may mean a longer overall duration.
How Consistently Are You Studying?
If you’re struggling to keep up with your set schedule, you may need to prep for longer than you planned. Sometimes, having external motivators can keep you more accountable, so try joining a study group or teaming up with a friend who can help keep you honest. Or, for even more hands-on help, join the PTB Big Exam Prep Workshop. It’s designed for maximum accountability, incorporating 6 weeks of live lectures that cover the entire TCO with multiple study modalities to build maximum fluency and comprehension.
The Long and Short of It
How long you should study before taking the BCBA® exam depends on a variety of factors and is highly individual. 12 weeks is generally considered the baseline, but there is no one-size-fits-all schedule. Students should consider their pre-exam fluency, lifestyle and other commitments (jobs, childcare, etc.) when planning and preparing for the Big day. Prepping is a marathon, and it’s important to pace yourself. There’s no shame in going the speed that works for you.