BCBA Exam Day: Ethics Tips
What to expect and how to approach Ethics, Professional Conduct, Supervision questions on exam day.
General BCBA Exam Day Reminders
Arrive Early
Arrive at the Pearson VUE testing center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Bring two forms of valid ID.
Time Management
You have 4 hours for 185 questions. That is approximately 1.3 minutes per question. Do not spend more than 2 minutes on any single question.
Flag and Move On
If you are unsure about a question, flag it and move on. Return to flagged questions after completing the rest of the exam.
Read Every Option
Read all four answer choices before selecting one. The exam often includes plausible distractors that can trap candidates who rush.
Ethics Section Tips for Exam Day
Ethics is 31% of the exam (approximately 57 questions). This is the second-largest section and one where careful reading is critical.
For every ethics scenario, identify the specific ethical principle at stake before looking at answer choices.
When two answers both seem ethical, choose the one that prioritizes client welfare and follows the Ethics Code most directly.
Supervision questions test both ethical and practical knowledge. Know the required ratios, documentation requirements, and the scope of supervisor responsibility.
Dual relationship questions require nuanced thinking. Not all dual relationships are prohibited; assess whether the relationship could impair objectivity or harm the client.