100+ Free CAS Practice Questions

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According to the DSM-5-TR, which two core symptom domains must be present for a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Persistent deficits in social communication/social interaction AND restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities

Intellectual disability AND delayed language development

Sensory sensitivities AND motor coordination difficulties

Hyperactivity AND social withdrawal

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CAS Exam

80%

Passing Score

IBCCES

90 min

Exam Duration

IBCCES

~60

Multiple Choice Questions

IBCCES

$495

Application Fee

IBCCES (includes 14 CE hours)

2 years

Certification Validity

IBCCES ($199 renewal)

1 in 36

Autism Prevalence

CDC ADDM 2023

The IBCCES CAS exam is an online proctored credential with approximately 60 multiple-choice questions and a 90-minute time limit. You need 80% to pass, and questions cannot be skipped or revisited. The $495 application fee includes 14 hours of IBCCES CE training, the exam, and the credential. Eligibility requires a master's degree plus 2 years of experience (or bachelor's plus 10 years) in a related field such as education, psychology, SLP, OT, PT, or social work. Certification is valid for 2 years and renewal requires 14 additional CE hours plus a $199 renewal fee.

Sample CAS Practice Questions

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1According to the DSM-5-TR, which two core symptom domains must be present for a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

A.Persistent deficits in social communication/social interaction AND restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities

B.Intellectual disability AND delayed language development

C.Sensory sensitivities AND motor coordination difficulties

D.Hyperactivity AND social withdrawal

Explanation: The DSM-5-TR requires two core symptom domains for an ASD diagnosis: (1) persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, and (2) restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period and cause clinically significant impairment. Intellectual disability and language delay are specifiers, not required criteria.

2The most recent CDC ADDM Network report estimates the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among 8-year-old children in the United States as approximately:

A.1 in 36

B.1 in 150

C.1 in 500

D.1 in 1,000

Explanation: The CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network 2023 report estimated ASD prevalence at approximately 1 in 36 (2.8%) among 8-year-old children — a substantial increase from earlier estimates. The rise reflects both broader diagnostic criteria and improved identification, particularly among historically under-identified groups.

3DSM-5-TR specifies three severity levels for ASD. Level 3 indicates that the individual:

A.Requires very substantial support

B.Requires substantial support

C.Requires support

D.Does not require support

Explanation: DSM-5-TR uses three severity levels to describe the amount of support needed for ASD: Level 1 (requiring support), Level 2 (requiring substantial support), and Level 3 (requiring very substantial support). Severity is assessed separately for social communication and for restricted/repetitive behaviors and may change over time and across contexts.

4Which of the following is NOT one of the examples of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior in the DSM-5-TR ASD criteria?

A.Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity

B.Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech

C.Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus

D.Hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input

Explanation: Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity belong to the social communication domain (Criterion A), not the restricted/repetitive behavior domain (Criterion B). Criterion B includes stereotyped movements/speech, insistence on sameness, restricted/fixated interests, and sensory hyper- or hyporeactivity. Understanding this distinction is essential when interpreting ASD diagnostic reports.

5DSM-5-TR requires that ASD symptoms be present in which period of life?

A.The early developmental period (though they may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed capacities)

B.Before age 3, with no exceptions

C.Before age 6, with documented evidence

D.At any time, as long as symptoms cause impairment

Explanation: DSM-5-TR requires that ASD symptoms be present in the early developmental period, though they may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities, and may be masked by learned strategies later in life. This allows for diagnosis of individuals whose symptoms were not identified in early childhood but whose developmental history supports onset.

6In DSM-5, which diagnoses from DSM-IV were consolidated into the single diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

A.Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS

B.Autistic Disorder and Rett's Disorder only

C.Asperger's Disorder and ADHD

D.Autistic Disorder and Intellectual Disability

Explanation: DSM-5 (2013) consolidated four previously separate DSM-IV diagnoses — Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and PDD-NOS — into the single diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Rett syndrome was removed because it is a specific genetic disorder. DSM-5-TR retains this unified ASD diagnosis.

7Which of the following is considered a 'red flag' that warrants immediate developmental evaluation for ASD in a toddler?

A.No babbling by 12 months, no gestures by 12 months, no single words by 16 months, or any loss of language or social skills at any age

B.Preference for one parent over the other at 9 months

C.Difficulty sharing toys at 24 months

D.Tantrums when leaving a preferred activity

Explanation: Classic absolute indicators for immediate developmental evaluation include no babbling by 12 months, no gestures (pointing, waving) by 12 months, no single words by 16 months, no two-word meaningful phrases by 24 months, or ANY loss of language or social skills at any age. The regression criterion is especially important and should trigger immediate evaluation.

8Current scientific consensus on the etiology of autism spectrum disorder supports which of the following?

A.ASD has a strong genetic component with multiple genes implicated, and environmental factors may interact with genetic vulnerability

B.ASD is caused by childhood vaccines, particularly the MMR vaccine

C.ASD is caused by cold or emotionally distant parenting ('refrigerator mother' theory)

D.ASD is a single-gene disorder with clear inheritance patterns

Explanation: Scientific consensus and large-scale studies support a strong genetic component with many genes contributing to ASD risk, along with possible environmental interactions during prenatal development. The vaccine hypothesis has been thoroughly debunked, and the 'refrigerator mother' theory was discarded decades ago. Autism is polygenic rather than caused by a single gene in most cases.

9According to the CDC ADDM data, autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed approximately how many times more often in boys than in girls?

A.About 4 times more often in boys

B.About 10 times more often in boys

C.Equally in boys and girls

D.More often in girls

Explanation: CDC ADDM data consistently shows ASD is diagnosed about 4 times more frequently in boys than girls, though recent research suggests girls are under-identified because their presentation may differ (more camouflaging, different restricted interests). The true male-to-female ratio may be closer to 3:1 when assessment accounts for female phenotype.

10Which screening tool is specifically designed for 16- to 30-month-old toddlers and is widely recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for universal screening?

A.M-CHAT-R/F (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-up)

B.ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition)

C.ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised)

D.Vineland-3 (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales)

Explanation: The M-CHAT-R/F is a parent-completed screening questionnaire for 16- to 30-month-olds and is recommended by the AAP for universal autism screening at 18 and 24 months. The ADOS-2 and ADI-R are diagnostic tools (not screeners) administered by trained clinicians. The Vineland-3 measures adaptive behavior.

About the CAS Exam

The IBCCES Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) exam is an advanced autism competency credential for master's-level professionals (educators, BCBAs, SLPs, OTs, PTs, counselors, nurses, social workers, physicians) who work with individuals on the autism spectrum. The exam covers DSM-5-TR ASD criteria, evidence-based interventions, behavior management, sensory processing, communication/AAC, co-occurring conditions, and legal/ethical frameworks.

Questions

60 scored questions

Time Limit

90 minutes

Passing Score

80%

Exam Fee

$495 (IBCCES)

CAS Exam Content Outline

26%

Autism Overview

DSM-5-TR ASD diagnostic criteria, severity levels, prevalence (CDC ADDM ~1 in 36), characteristics, etiology, and early indicators

17%

Program Development

IEP development, evidence-based interventions (ABA, NDBI, TEACCH, ESDM, PRT, DTT), goal writing, and data-based decision making

12%

Medical and Health Considerations

Co-occurring conditions (ADHD, anxiety, epilepsy, GI, sleep), genetic syndromes (Fragile X, Rett), and medication awareness

11%

Behavior Competency

Functional behavior assessment, ABC analysis, reinforcement, differential reinforcement, extinction, and positive behavior supports

Environment Competency

Structured teaching, visual supports, TEACCH principles, physical organization, and predictable routines

Communication Competency

Speech-language strategies, AAC, PECS, core vocabulary, gestalt language processing, and echolalia

Social Skills Competency

Social stories, video modeling, peer-mediated instruction, joint attention, and theory of mind interventions

Sensory Awareness

Hyper- and hyporesponsivity, Dunn's Sensory Profile, sensory diets, and environmental accommodations

Emotional Awareness and Bullying

Emotional regulation, self-advocacy, bullying prevention, and mental health awareness

Motor Skill Competency

Fine and gross motor development, motor planning, dyspraxia, and adaptive physical education

How to Pass the CAS Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 80%
Exam length: 60 questions
Time limit: 90 minutes
Exam fee: $495

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CAS Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master DSM-5-TR ASD criteria — single diagnosis with severity levels 1-2-3, social communication deficits AND restricted/repetitive behaviors, onset in early developmental period

2Study the NPDC/NCAEP 2020 evidence-based practices list — know which interventions have strong evidence (ABA, DTT, PRT, ESDM, NDBI, TEACCH, PECS, video modeling, social narratives)

3Review functional behavior assessment (FBA) and ABC analysis — understand how antecedent, behavior, and consequence relationships drive behavior intervention plans

4Learn the IBCCES Areas of Autism Competency content outline that is provided to candidates — it is the only official study resource

5Focus 43% of your study time on Autism Overview and Program Development since they are the two heaviest-weighted domains

6Practice pacing — you have 90 minutes for ~60 questions and cannot skip, so aim for 90 seconds per question

7Review IDEA provisions, Section 504, ADA, FAPE, and LRE — legal frameworks appear throughout the exam in program development and advocacy contexts

8Know co-occurring conditions (anxiety, ADHD, epilepsy, GI, sleep) and genetic syndromes (Fragile X, Rett) — Medical Considerations is 12% of the exam

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IBCCES CAS exam format?

The CAS Competency Exam consists of approximately 60 multiple-choice questions and is administered online through a proctoring system. You have 90 minutes to complete the exam in a single session. Questions cannot be skipped or returned to — you must answer each item before moving forward. You must score 80% or higher to pass.

Who is eligible for the Certified Autism Specialist credential?

Eligibility requires a master's degree in a relevant field (special education, education, educational psychology, psychology, human development, early childhood, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, or a closely related field) plus at least 2 years of professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor's degree in a related field and 10+ years of experience may also qualify. Applicants must also have 14 hours of autism-specific continuing education within the past 2 years.

How much does the CAS certification cost?

The CAS application fee is $495. This fee includes 14 CE hours of IBCCES online autism training, the application, the competency exam, and the credential itself. Renewal costs $199 every 2 years and requires 14 additional CE hours. There is no separate membership fee.

What content areas does the CAS exam cover?

The exam follows the IBCCES Areas of Autism Competency and covers 10 domains: Autism Overview (26%), Program Development (17%), Medical and Health Considerations (12%), Behavior Competency (11%), Environment Competency (9%), Communication Competency (8%), Social Skills Competency (8%), Sensory Awareness (4%), Emotional Awareness and Bullying (3%), and Motor Skill Competency (2%). Autism Overview and Program Development together make up 43% of the exam.

How often do I need to renew my CAS certification?

The CAS credential is valid for 2 years. To renew, you must complete 14 additional autism-specific continuing education hours and pay a $199 renewal fee. Keeping CEs current ensures your credential reflects the latest evidence-based practices, DSM-5-TR updates, and research in autism interventions.

How is CAS different from BCBA, AC, and CAE?

CAS is an advanced autism competency credential from IBCCES for master's-level professionals across multiple disciplines. The IBCCES AC (Autism Certificate) is entry-level for bachelor's/paraprofessionals, and the CAE (Certified Autism Educator) is tailored to classroom teachers. BCBA, by contrast, is a behavior-analysis credential from the BACB that focuses specifically on applied behavior analysis. CAS is broader in scope (behavior, communication, sensory, medical, environment) while BCBA is deeper in ABA methodology.

How long should I study for the CAS exam?

Most candidates study 30-60 hours over 4-10 weeks. Plan to spend the largest portion of time on Autism Overview and Program Development, which together make up 43% of the exam. Use the IBCCES online training modules included with your application, review the IBCCES Areas of Autism Competency outline, and practice multiple-choice questions at the 80% passing standard.

Can I skip questions or go back on the CAS exam?

No. The CAS Competency Exam does not allow candidates to skip items or return to previous questions. You must answer each question before advancing, and the entire exam must be completed in a single 90-minute session. Practice pacing yourself at roughly 90 seconds per question to finish comfortably within the time limit.