How the plan sets your priorities
Your Examination result report (Pearson VUE account, 'View Score Reports') shows how you did in each domain. Use it to rate each one below; the planner doesn't need exact scores. So the planner asks you instead: the domains you mark as hard start your plan, mixed ones are strengthened, and confident ones get lighter review. Your answers are a self-assessment, not an official result.
Each domain starts from its share of the exam in the official outline, multiplied by its priority: 3× to start, 2× to strengthen, 1.5× if you leave it blank, and 1× to maintain. A quarter of your time is mixed practice across all domains. This is Passy’s planning method; it doesn’t estimate a score or a chance of passing.
Retake rules for the BCBA
Wait 30 days after a failed attempt; up to 8 attempts within 2 years of application approval, each with a $140 retake application and a $125 Pearson VUE appointment fee.
- The Examination Retake Application appears in the BACB portal within 48 hours of a failed attempt; the authorization email follows within 48 hours of submitting it.
- The 8 attempts must fall within the 2-year authorization period that starts at application approval.
- After 8 failed attempts with time left in the 2-year period, the candidate must wait until the period ends to reapply for certification.
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst Handbook (updated 06/2026): Retaking Your Examination, p. 35 (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
Checked against official sources on October 24, 2026.
Next steps
Check your weakest domain with the free BCBA practice set, or use the BCBA study planner for a first attempt.
Passy is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) or Pearson VUE. BCBA®, Board Certified Behavior Analyst®, and BACB® are registered trademarks of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, used here only to identify the exam. Passy practice questions are original study material and contain no BACB exam items or BCBA Handbook sample questions.