How many people fail the BCBA exam?

Roughly half of first-time BCBA exam candidates fail, with recent 2024 data from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) showing a 54% pass rate (meaning 46% failed), while for retakers, the pass rate was much lower at 25% (meaning 75% failed). Pass rates fluctuate yearly but generally show significant challenges, with first-timers often around 50-60% passing, and retakers seeing lower success, highlighting the difficulty of the exam.

How many people pass the BCBA exam first try?

National Average Pass Rates

In the United States, the overall pass rates for the BCBA exam can be different based on the school and situation. Recent data shows that many programs have about 60% to 70% of people passing the exam on their first try. If the program is approved by the BACB, the pass rates are much better.

How many people never pass the BCBA exam?

According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), the organization that administers the BCBA exam, the overall pass rate for first-time test-takers is approximately 65%.

Why do so many people fail the BCBA exam?

So many people fail the BCBA exam due to a lack of depth in the field and understanding of behavior analysis. Many who struggle to pass the exam don't spend nearly the amount of focused study time that they needed to pass.

How hard is the BCBA exam to pass?

The pass rate for the BCBA exam varies, but first-time takers often see rates between 40% and 60%. However, the BACB has reported that rates can be as low as 18% for some university programs, highlighting how much preparation matters for this behavior analyst certification.

Dana Do's: How the BACB® Scores the BCBA® Exam

Is the BCBA exam harder than the bar?

While pass rates fluctuate, the first-time pass rate for both exams often falls in a similar range, indicating a high level of difficulty. Preparation for both requires an intensive study plan, but the BCBA focuses on applied principles, while the bar covers a vast range of legal topics.

What is the hardest licensure exam?

There's no single "hardest" exam, but the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and the California Bar Exam are frequently cited as exceptionally difficult due to their depth, duration, and low pass rates, alongside the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) for its extremely low pass rates. The USMLE's multi-step format and comprehensive medical knowledge test, the California Bar's broad legal scope, and the CFA's notoriously tough Level I pass rates make them contenders, depending on the criteria (preparation time, pass rate, subject matter). 

Which is the 3 toughest exam in the world?

The three toughest exams globally often cited for their extreme difficulty, low pass rates, and high stakes are China's Gaokao (National College Entrance Exam) for its sheer scale and competitiveness, India's UPSC Civil Services Exam for its life-altering potential and minuscule selection, and India's IIT-JEE Advanced (Joint Entrance Exam) for its rigorous engineering entrance criteria, alongside prestigious UK fellowships like the All Souls Prize Exam, with difficulty varying by individual and goals. 

How many times did Michelle Obama fail the bar?

Michelle Obama failed the Illinois bar exam once, on her first attempt, but passed on her second try, a common experience she's shared publicly to encourage others facing setbacks in their careers, demonstrating that failure isn't final and can be a stepping stone to success, leading to a distinguished legal and public service career.
 

How many questions can I get wrong on the BCBA exam and still pass?

There is no fixed number of questions you can get wrong on the BCBA exam. The passing score is determined using a scaled score system that accounts for exam difficulty. Therefore, the raw score needed to pass can change with each version of the test. Focus on answering as many questions correctly as possible.

How to pass the BCBA exam on the first try?

Create a Study Plan

1. Allocate dedicated study time each day or week, depending on your schedule.
2. Break down the BCBA exam content into manageable study sessions.
3. Prioritize topics based on your proficiency and allocate more time to challenging areas.
4. Set specific goals for each study session to keep yourself motivated.

What is the turnover rate for BCBA?

similar to the average of 43.8% (range, 24.4–68.8%) reported in 2020 (The Case for Inclusion, 2020). However, turnover rates among Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®) remain poorly understood. To better understand turnover in behavior-analytic set- tings, researchers have surveyed staff about their turnover.

How many times can I retake the BCBA exam?

You are allowed to take the BCBA exam up to eight times within your two-year authorization period. If you reach the eight-attempt limit and still have not passed, your authorization expires. At that point, you would need to submit a new application for the BCBA exam.

What is the lowest score you can get on the BCBA exam?

To pass the BCBA exam, you must achieve a scaled score of 400 or higher. The scale ranges from 0 to 500, and this passing score of 400 is consistent for all versions of the exam. The BACB does not publish a specific passing score as a percentage because the pass-fail decision is based on this scaled score.

What happens if you don't pass the BCBA exam after 8 tries?

But to answer your question: if you fail the BCBA exam 8 times, you don't automatically have to go back to school, but you will need to reapply for certification. This reapplication might require you to complete additional coursework or supervised fieldwork to meet the latest eligibility standards..

What percent is correct to pass the aba basic exam?

Trainees who scored at or below the 4th percentile (or answered <42% of questions correctly) failed the ABA exam while all those scoring above the 84th percentile (or answered >68% of questions correctly) passed.

Did Kim Kardashian pass a bar exam?

No, Kim Kardashian did not pass the California Bar Exam in her most recent attempt (July 2025), though she shared that she came very close and vowed to keep studying, sharing her disappointment and determination to pass in future attempts on her show and social media, as revealed in late 2025. She stated she's "not a lawyer yet" but is dedicated to her law journey, viewing the setback as motivation, per reports from November 2025.
 

Did JFK Jr pass the bar exam?

Kennedy earned a Juris Doctor degree from the New York University School of Law in 1989. He then failed the New York bar exam twice before passing on his third try in July 1990. After failing the exam for a second time, Kennedy vowed that he would continue to take it until he was 95 years old or passed.

What was Obama's LSAT score?

Barack Obama's specific LSAT score has never been officially released, but it's widely believed he scored very highly (likely in the 170s) to gain admission to Harvard Law School, especially given his undergraduate GPA was considered relatively low for Harvard applicants. Experts suggest his score was well above average, probably in the top percentile, possibly placing him in the 94th to 98th percentile range to compensate for his undergraduate record and secure admission.
 

What is the easiest exam in the world?

List of Easiest Exams in the World

• Duolingo English Test (DET)
• TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
• SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
• National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) Exams.
• Cambridge English: Key (KET)
• SSC Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) Exam.
• IELTS General Training Test.
• Gaokao Mock Test.

What is the hardest exam in the USA?

1. USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination)

• Pass rates vary widely by subject. ...
• The exams on this list rank as the toughest in the United States because they combine heavy content, strict testing rules, and long-term consequences. ...
• These exams also carry practical consequences.

What is the easiest bar exam in the USA?

Overall, Utah is the easiest bar exam to pass. This is true whether you are a first-time taker or repeat taker! In July 2023, Utah had a 94% pass rate for first time takers and a 73% pass rate for repeat takers. It also has the lowest UBE cut score of 260.

What is the most difficult professional qualification?

The Top Toughest Courses in the World

1. Aeronautical Engineering. Aeronautical Engineering is often seen by educational communities as one of the toughest courses for a college student. ...
2. Architecture. ...
3. Chemical Engineering. ...
4. Pharmacy. ...
5. Astrophysics. ...
6. Medicine. ...
7. Electrical Engineering. ...
8. Chartered Accountancy.

Which state has the toughest exam?

Toughest State Boards in India

• West Bengal Board.
• Karnataka State Board.
• Kerala State Board.
• Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE).
• The International Baccalaureate (IB) Board.
• Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Board.
• FAQ's on Toughest State Boards in India.
• Conclusion.