100+ Free QABA QBA Practice Questions

Pass your QABA Qualified Behavior Analyst Credential exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately

100+ Questions

100% Free

1 / 100

Question 1

Score: 0/0

A QBA detects that a peer co-worker is dating a current client's parent. The QBA should:

Immediately fire the co-worker

Say nothing, as it does not involve them

Notify social media

Address the multiple-relationship concern with the co-worker and document; report through proper channels if unresolved

to track

Same family resources

Explore More QABA Applied Behavior Analysis Credentials

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

QABA Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Examination

Practice Questions100 questions

QABA Qualified Autism Services Practitioner-Supervisor (QASP-S) Examination

Practice Questions100 questions

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: QABA QBA Exam

$350

Exam Fee

QABA 2026

125

Items (100 Scored + 25 Pretest)

QBA Handbook

3 hours

Time Limit

QABA 2026

270 hrs

Coursework Required

QABA eligibility

2,000 hrs

Supervised Fieldwork

QABA eligibility

2 years

Recertification Cycle

QABA 2026

QABA's QBA is the master's-level behavior-analyst credential alternative to BACB's BCBA. Candidates need 270 hours of approved coursework, 2,000 supervised fieldwork hours, and a master's in a related field. The 125-item, 3-hour exam (100 scored + 25 pretest) costs $350 and uses a criterion-referenced cut score around 72-75%. Recertification runs on a 2-year cycle with CEU requirements. The QABA Ethics Code governs scope of competence, informed consent, confidentiality, multiple relationships, and supervision standards.

Sample QABA QBA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your QABA QBA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A QBA designs a treatment plan that relies on data, observable behavior, and verifiable replication of effects. Which dimension of applied behavior analysis is MOST clearly emphasized?

A.Applied

B.Behavioral

C.Analytic

D.Conceptually systematic

Explanation: Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968) defined 'analytic' as demonstrating a functional relation through verifiable, replicable evidence that the intervention is responsible for behavior change. Data and replication are hallmarks of analysis.

2A learner whines and is given a preferred toy. Whining increases. The toy delivery functions as a:

A.Positive punisher

B.Negative reinforcer

C.Positive reinforcer

D.Conditioned aversive

Explanation: Positive reinforcement involves the contingent presentation of a stimulus following a response that increases future occurrences of that response. Adding the toy after whining and seeing whining increase fits this definition.

3Determinism, as a philosophical assumption of behavior analysis, holds that:

A.Behavior is random and unpredictable

B.Behavior is lawful and orderly

C.Behavior is best explained by mental states

D.Behavior is determined by genetics alone

Explanation: Determinism assumes the universe is a lawful and orderly place in which phenomena occur as the result of other events. Without this assumption, scientific analysis of behavior would be impossible.

4Which type of preference assessment involves arraying multiple items and removing each chosen item until all are consumed?

A.Paired-choice (Fisher)

B.Multiple Stimulus Without Replacement (MSWO)

C.Multiple Stimulus With Replacement (MSW)

D.Free operant

Explanation: MSWO (DeLeon & Iwata, 1996) presents an array of items and removes each selected item, ranking preferences without replacement. This is efficient and produces a hierarchy of preferences.

5An FBA indicates that a learner's screaming is maintained by escape from demands. Which function-based intervention is MOST appropriate?

A.Time-out from positive reinforcement

B.Functional Communication Training (FCT) plus escape extinction

C.Response cost from a token economy

D.Noncontingent edible reinforcement

Explanation: When escape maintains problem behavior, FCT teaches a replacement mand for a break, paired with escape extinction (demand persistence) so that screaming no longer produces escape. This is Carr & Durand's (1985) seminal approach.

6A reversal (ABAB) design demonstrates experimental control when behavior:

A.Improves across all phases regardless of intervention

B.Changes when and only when the IV is introduced and withdrawn

C.Stays stable in baseline only

D.Improves after intervention is permanently in place

Explanation: Experimental control in a reversal design is demonstrated when the dependent variable changes in the predicted direction with introduction of the IV, returns toward baseline upon withdrawal, and changes again upon reintroduction. Replication confirms the functional relation.

7Two observers record frequency counts for 10 intervals. Their counts match exactly in 7 intervals. Using exact count-per-interval IOA, what is their agreement?

A.70%

B.80%

C.90%

D.100%

Explanation: Exact count-per-interval IOA is calculated as the number of intervals in which observers' counts match exactly, divided by the total intervals, multiplied by 100. 7/10 = 70%. This is the strictest interval-based IOA.

8Differential Reinforcement of Other behavior (DRO) delivers reinforcement contingent on:

A.A specific alternative response

B.Absence of the target behavior for a specified interval

C.A response incompatible with the target

D.Lower rates of the target behavior

Explanation: DRO reinforces the omission of the target behavior for a defined interval (whole-interval DRO) or at the moment the interval ends (momentary DRO). It reinforces 'anything but' the problem behavior occurring during that time.

9When implementing extinction for behavior maintained by attention, an initial increase in the frequency, intensity, or duration of the behavior is called:

A.Spontaneous recovery

B.Extinction burst

C.Resurgence

D.Behavioral contrast

Explanation: An extinction burst is a temporary increase in the rate, intensity, or duration of behavior immediately after extinction is introduced. Clinicians must plan for it so they do not inadvertently reinforce the escalated form.

10Backward chaining begins by teaching:

A.The first step independently while the trainer completes the rest

B.The last step in the chain while the trainer completes earlier steps

C.All steps simultaneously in a task analysis

D.The middle step first to bridge ends

Explanation: Backward chaining teaches the terminal step first, allowing the learner to immediately contact the natural reinforcer that follows task completion. Earlier steps are then added in reverse order.

About the QABA QBA Exam

The QABA Qualified Behavior Analyst (QBA) credential is a master's-level behavior-analyst certification administered by QABA. It positions analysts to design and supervise behavior-analytic programs, conduct FBAs, develop BIPs, and supervise mid-level supervisors (QASP-S) and direct technicians (ABAT). The exam covers philosophical underpinnings, behavioral assessment, experimental design and measurement, behavior-change procedures, behavior reduction, supervision, the QABA Ethics Code, and autism-specific considerations.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours (180 minutes) for 125 items (100 scored + 25 pretest)

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced (approximately 72-75%; QABA-set cut score)

Exam Fee

$350 (covers application, proctoring, and initial exam) (Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA))

QABA QBA Exam Content Outline

15%

Philosophical Underpinnings and Principles of Behavior

Baer/Wolf/Risley dimensions (applied, behavioral, analytic, technological, conceptually systematic, effective, generality), radical behaviorism, determinism, the three-term contingency (SD-R-SR/SP), four-term contingency (MO-SD-R-SR), motivating operations (EO/AO; UMO/CMO-T), reinforcement schedules (FR, VR, FI, VI), verbal operants (mand, tact, echoic, intraverbal), stimulus equivalence (reflexivity, symmetry, transitivity), Premack.

15%

Behavioral Assessment

FBA (indirect: FAI/FAST/MAS; descriptive: ABC, scatter; experimental: Iwata 1982/1994 attention/demand/alone/play; trial-based FA Bloom 2011), operational definitions, preference assessments (Fisher 1992 paired-choice, DeLeon & Iwata 1996 MSWO, free operant), social validity (Wolf 1978), target selection, BIP components.

15%

Experimental Design & Measurement

Reversal/ABAB, multiple-baseline (across behaviors/settings/participants), alternating-treatments, changing-criterion; visual analysis (level, trend, variability, immediacy, overlap, consistency); measurement (frequency, rate, duration, latency, IRT, partial/whole interval, momentary time sampling); IOA (total count, exact count-per-interval, mean count-per-interval, trial-by-trial).

20%

Behavior-Change Procedures

Reinforcement (positive/negative, primary/conditioned/generalized), extinction (extinction burst, spontaneous recovery, resurgence), differential reinforcement (DRA, DRI, DRO, DRL), shaping, chaining (forward, backward, total-task), prompting (least-to-most, most-to-least, graduated guidance, errorless), prompt fading and stimulus control transfer, generalization tactics (Stokes & Baer), DTT and NET, token economies, behavioral contracts, behavioral momentum, NCR.

10%

Behavior Reduction & Function-Based Replacement

Function-based extinction (attention, escape, tangible, automatic), FCT (Carr & Durand 1985), response cost, time-out from positive reinforcement, response blocking + matched stimulation for automatic reinforcement, least-restrictive principles, BIP and crisis/safety plans.

10%

Supervision and Training

Behavioral Skills Training (BST: instruction, modeling, rehearsal, feedback), caregiver training to mastery, treatment-integrity monitoring with checklists, IOA collection, ongoing structured feedback, supervision of ABATs and QASP-S, documentation requirements.

10%

Ethics & Professional Conduct (QABA Code)

Scope of competence, informed consent, confidentiality and HIPAA-aligned safeguards, multiple/dual relationships, billing/documentation integrity, mandated reporting, cultural responsiveness, social-media boundaries, conflict of interest, professional development.

Autism-Specific Considerations

Sensory profile, restricted interests, naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBIs: ESDM, JASPER, PRT, Project ImPACT), PECS phases I-VI, AAC/speech-generating devices, peer-mediated social skills.

How to Pass the QABA QBA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Criterion-referenced (approximately 72-75%; QABA-set cut score)
Exam length: 100 questions
Time limit: 3 hours (180 minutes) for 125 items (100 scored + 25 pretest)
Exam fee: $350 (covers application, proctoring, and initial exam)

Keys to Passing

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

QABA QBA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master Iwata's functional analysis methodology (1982/1994) and the four analog conditions (attention, demand/escape, alone, play control). Know when each function-based intervention applies: attention - DRA + extinction; escape - FCT + escape extinction + demand fading; tangible - NCR + DRA; automatic - response blocking + matched stimulation.

2Drill differential reinforcement decision-making: DRA (specific alternative response), DRI (incompatible response), DRO (absence of target for interval), DRL (lower rates). Pair each with extinction of the problem behavior; never run DRA without extinction or you create concurrent schedules.

3Memorize the Stokes & Baer (1977) generalization tactics: train sufficient exemplars, program common stimuli, sequential modification, loose training, indiscriminable contingencies, mediate generalization, and train to generalize. Apply them when writing programs - skill generalization is rarely automatic.

4Master IOA calculations: total count (smaller/larger total), exact count-per-interval (count intervals with exact agreement), mean count-per-interval (smaller/larger within each interval, average), trial-by-trial (agreements/total trials). Know which fits which measurement system.

5Internalize the QABA Ethics Code: scope of competence, informed consent components (procedures, risks, alternatives, voluntary, right to withdraw), confidentiality exceptions (mandated reporting, imminent harm, written authorization), dual relationships, billing/documentation integrity, and cultural responsiveness. Many QBA scenarios test ethical judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the QABA QBA exam?

Candidates must be at least 18, hold a master's degree (or higher) from an accredited institution in a related field, complete 270 hours of QABA-approved coursework covering the QBA task list, and accrue 2,000 supervised fieldwork hours. QABA reviews the application and approves candidates to schedule the exam.

How is the QBA exam structured?

The QBA exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions: 100 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest items (you cannot tell which is which, so answer every item to your best ability). You have 3 hours (180 minutes) - less than 1.5 minutes per question.

How much does the QBA exam cost?

The QBA exam fee is $350 USD as of 2026 and includes the enrollment application, proctoring, and the initial exam. Retake fees apply separately. Verify the current fee in the QABA Candidate Handbook before applying.

What is the passing score for the QBA exam?

QABA uses a criterion-referenced cut score determined by psychometric standard-setting. Reported pass criteria typically fall around 72-75% (consistent with QASP-S's published 72% cut score). The exact cut score for a given administration is set by QABA and is not always publicly disclosed.

How does the QBA differ from the BCBA?

Both are master's-level behavior-analyst credentials. The QBA is administered by QABA (founded 2012) and requires 270 hours of approved coursework plus 2,000 supervised fieldwork hours. The BCBA is administered by BACB (founded 1998), requires a different coursework sequence (5th edition task list) and approximately 1,500-2,000 supervised fieldwork hours. Acceptance varies by state, employer, and insurance payer - some accept both, some accept only BCBA. Verify with your state licensure board and insurance payers before choosing the credential.

How long should I study for the QBA exam?

Most candidates report 150-300 hours of dedicated study after completing required coursework. A typical plan allocates time across the QBA task list: principles and concepts (~25%), assessment (~15%), measurement and design (~15%), behavior-change procedures (~20%), behavior reduction and replacement (~10%), supervision (~10%), and ethics (~10%). Daily question-bank practice with detailed explanations is a high-yield approach.

How long is QBA certification valid?

QABA credentials operate on a 2-year recertification cycle. Maintaining QBA certification requires completing QABA-approved continuing education units (CEUs) and meeting QABA's ongoing professional and ethical standards. Verify current renewal requirements in the QABA Candidate Handbook.

What if I fail the QBA exam?

If you fail, you may schedule to retake the exam after 30 days. If a fourth attempt is needed, 30 days must elapse between the third and fourth exam attempt, and candidates may not test more often than 4 times within one calendar year of their first attempt. Retake fees apply per QABA policy.