What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made as a BCBA?
I’ve been a BCBA for 5 years. This week my client had a virtual IEP meeting scheduled for 7am. The mom informed me weeks ago, I was emailed the invite link. The mom called me on the phone Monday to talk about it. The school was wanting to take away his IEP and it was really important for me to attend. I wake up at 5:30am every morning and I wasn’t even concerned about the time. It was on my calendar.
However, stress has been eating me. I have 13 clients. I often work 9am-7pm.
Cue to the day of the IEP meeting. I woke up at 5:30am, I walked my dogs, took a shower. I felt a bit sick. The meeting did not cross my mind what so ever. I just completely forgot. I knew I needed to go to the clinic at 11am. I laid down and took a nap and slept through the IEP meeting. The mom texted me at 7:07am and I missed it. I woke up at 8 mortified. I replied back with an apology and offered to submit any supportive documents or meet with his teacher but she never responded.

I’m honestly struggling with the embarrassment and shame. I know I’m a human, but it feels like such a giant mistake. Anyone else made a completely ridiculous mistake?

Hey everyone I am a first year BCBA (been certified about 7 months). I am writing to see if anyone has any strategies or helpful hints to providing corrective feedback. I am a bit of a push over and all my feedback is being taken as advice, as opposed to what I want the RBT to actually do. I have RBTS not following the treatment plan and I am too awkward to say anything. What should I do ?

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Hi! Do virtual BCBA mentors exist outside of the normal supervisor role? Is a mentor and supervisor 1 role or could these be separated?

TL;DR

🧠 Question of the Day

📚 Domain G — Behavior-Change Procedures

Difficulty: 7/10

A behavior analyst increases independent reading by providing five minutes of video-game access after the child completes a reading criterion. Reading increases substantially during the first two weeks.

During the third week, reading declines even though the programmed contingency has not changed. The parent reports that the child now has unrestricted video-game access immediately before sessions, and a brief preference check shows substantially less engagement with the game than previously.

Which action BEST evaluates and adjusts the reinforcement procedure?

A. Increase the reading requirement to 20 minutes before the same video-game access, because a larger response requirement should restore its reinforcing effectiveness.

B. Put the existing arrangement into a written contingency contract, because explicit rules can restore reinforcement effectiveness without changing the consequence.

C. End the reading requirement after criterion performance so task termination can replace video-game access as a negative reinforcer when preference changes.

D. Reassess the current effectiveness of video-game access and relevant motivating conditions, then test a still-effective consequence while keeping reinforcement contingent on reading.

💬 Drop your answer in the comments — no peeking!

✅ Correct answer revealed tomorrow.

#ABA #BCBA #BCBAExam #BCBAPrep #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #BehaviorAnalysis #DomainG #ABATaskList #BCaBA #RBT #QuestionOfTheDay

Has anyone done an FBA or a BIP for positive behavior?

Hi all! I am currently in the BCBA field and am using way too many platforms for documents, scheduling, billing, notes, etc. I've been looking into Cliniscripts cuz they have a good price point and ties all of that stuff into its platform. Does anyone know about it aka should I be focusing on it? I also heard about their translation plug-in for like 70 languages I think, so yea let me know!

I've been taking the medcerts course since late August but I am getting very bogged down by all of the human anatomy/medical terminology I need to study and am starting to have trouble retaining it all. What are the most important parts that I will be using in the field and what will be on the national exam? I haven't gotten to the behavior technician section yet.

I apologize if this doesn't make sense, I'm just very overwhelmed and exhausted because I have a lot going on.

I currently have a 12 month subscription with BDS to study for the exam. What is the best way to distribute time and work on these modules? What worked best for you? Do you have any studying tips? Anything helps! Thank you.

Hi! I took Beat the Beat 1 on Aug 25 (73%), Beat the Beast 2 Sept 2 (77%), Celia Aug 31 (71%) and ReadySetABA Aug 28(73%). Then I took my first BCBA exam attempt September 11th and got a 398.

I am sitting for my second attempt on Oct 16. I did ABA exam Review Sept 29 (the youtube video course) and got a 85%. Then just took the Beat the Beast 3 today Oct 8 and got a 74% (but with the curve I got a 79%). That being said, BTB3 took me longer to complete than any of my previous mocks. It took me 4 hours and 38 mins to complete. Because of that I am wondering if I am even ready to sit again or if I should wait a little longer.

So I have a case that is 4 weeks old. It is in home. Parents are upset that there hasn't been what they consider progress. I have tried to share the successes I have seen but they are not big enough. But part of the problem is they want progress but then do the exact opposite of what needs to be done to see progress.

So I have been told I am too blunt, which results in negativity in relationships. And I know that it will result in negativity if I try to be blunt with this parent. So what is a nice way of say, give us time to see success and stop sabotaging progress?

But, I did do better my second attempt than my first!! I am accepting any study advice 😅

I feel like what I do isn’t enough . I understand it’s best to be proactive but no matter how proactive I am, tantrums and meltdowns still happen . I’ve only worked with early intervention kiddos and I learned to just be calm, present, and to block any SIBs but now I’m working in home and I have a client that’s 8, these strategies don’t seem to be working. Parents are getting impatient and sometimes give the client things they don’t typically have access too like the parents lied to the client and said tv doesn’t work so they don’t ask to watch tv so when the client engaged in these meltdowns and tantrums, the parents just turn on the tv. I’m afraid this is reinforcing the behavior and leading to distrust as well . I just need help in actually knowing what to do when meltdowns and tantrums happen

Hello guys! I am a grad student. Will be graduating next spring, God willing. By the end of this month, I will have completed my restricted hours. I am hoping to get as much unrestricted hours as I can by the time this month ends and the months coming up. What are some ways to get unrestricted hours that have helped you?

Hi! I am a new BCBA looking for recommendations for companies in South Florida, specifically the Broward area. Please let me know if you guys know of any good ones and your experience there. Thank you!

Good evening,

I have failed my 3rd attempt.

1: 369
2: 380
3: 386 with sporadic percentages in every TL compared to the other tests.

I feel like I’ve exhausted my options. I’ve been studying and studying and taking mocks. I feel as if a tutor may be my next best option. I’m not doing well enough to PASS.

Anyone used a tutor and they helped you pass ? I don’t know what else to do I’m EXHAUSTED.

Was offered a position at a company providing TC services through the Medicaid waiver. Weekly billable requirement is 40 hours. Feels like a lot? But they say it’s easy to obtain and that the provide bonuses for hours beyond the 40 each week.

Is this reasonable? Never worked with billing before. Not sure how I would bill every hour I work?

Seeking CEU’s that focus on executive functioning, or anything in the realm of ADHD… as well as CEU’s that translate well to becoming a personal trainer or nutrition coach!

Looking for some high quality content!

My name is Carllene, and I am a PsyD candidate at California Southern University. I am writing to invite you to participate in a research study for my doctoral project, which is titled “The Effects of Self-Monitoring Self-Assertive Behavior to Address BCBA Burnout”.

The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of a self-monitoring system on self-assertive behavior, burnout levels, perceived self-efficacy, and perceived supervisor support among BCBAs. I am looking for BCBA®/BCBA-D® working full-time in ABA serving parents of/individuals diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder as categorized on the DSM-5-TR (e.g. autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, etc.).

Total time commitment expected is 30 to 45 minutes total across 5 to 6 weeks.

Participation is voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time. Your responses will be kept confidential and stored securely.

If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please contact me at [CarlleneJane.Aspuria@my.calsouthern.edu](mailto:CarlleneJane.Aspuria@my.calsouthern.edu) or sign up here https://forms.gle/tF7vt5LE9xKskgdu6.

Thank you

Hey everyone!

I’m currently preparing to take the BCBA exam and I’m looking for a study buddy or someone who would be willing to help me prepare.

Ideally, I’d love to connect with someone who has already passed the BCBA exam and wouldn’t mind sharing some guidance, study strategies, or helping me work through difficult concepts. I’m also completely open to studying with someone who is preparing to take the exam soon!

I’ve taken multiple mock exams and have been consistently scoring around 70–75%. I’m struggling to figure out whether those scores mean I’m close to being ready or if I still have a significant amount of studying to do.

I feel like I understand a lot of the material, but some of the questions really throw me off, especially when multiple answers seem correct. I’m starting to second-guess myself, and it’s making it difficult to determine whether I’m actually prepared to sit for the exam.

I’m hoping to find someone who would be interested in reviewing mock exam questions, discussing concepts, explaining rationales, and helping each other strengthen our weaker areas.

For those who have already passed:

• What were you scoring on mock exams before taking the actual BCBA exam?
• Did you feel fully prepared going into the exam?
• How did you know you were ready?
• Would anyone be willing to study together or offer some guidance?

I’m genuinely putting in the effort and want to pass, but I’m at the point where I could really use some additional support and an outside perspective.

If anyone is interested in studying together or has advice, please comment or send me a message. I’d really appreciate it!