Exam-Day Checklist and Security Rules
Key Takeaways
- The BCBA exam is delivered in person at Pearson VUE testing sites, not by remote online testing.
- Bring one valid, original, current government-issued ID with photo, signature, and a first and last name matching the BACB account.
- Arrive about 30 minutes early and expect check-in procedures such as identification review, palm vein scanning, and a digital photograph.
- Do not access prohibited items, notes, phones, electronic devices, or study materials during the exam or during breaks.
Checklist Before You Leave
Bring one valid ID. It must be government issued, original, current, include a recognizable photo and signature, and show the same first and last name as your BACB account. A photocopy, digital ID, expired ID, or name mismatch can prevent admission and forfeit paid fees.
Arrive approximately 30 minutes before the appointment. Confirm the testing center location, parking, travel time, and appointment details from the Pearson VUE confirmation email. BACB cannot schedule, cancel, or reschedule the appointment for you.
What To Expect At Check-In
Check-in is conducted in English unless an accommodation has been approved. Pearson VUE testing-center staff may verify ID, obtain an electronic signature, take a digital photograph, and conduct palm vein scanning. Listen to staff directions and read all directions carefully.
The BCBA examination is administered by computer at Pearson VUE testing centers. Pearson offers a demo test and test-center information so candidates can reduce navigation novelty before exam day.
Security Rules That Matter
| Area | Rule |
|---|---|
| Personal items | Store them as directed; only permitted items enter the exam area |
| ID | Keep your ID with you after check-in |
| Breaks | Clock keeps running; security procedures apply |
| Facility | Do not leave the testing center or facility during the exam |
| Content | Do not disclose, reconstruct, post, or discuss exam questions |
Prohibited items include phones, cameras, recording devices, watches, electronic-transmitting devices, notes, reference materials, textbooks, scratch paper, calculators, rulers, food, beverages, bags, purses, and visitors. Testing centers provide a dry-erase board, and earplugs are available upon request.
Break Rules
You may take unscheduled breaks, but time spent on breaks is deducted from the exam time. During breaks, you cannot access phones, electronic devices, study materials, notes, or your vehicle. You may access food, drink, or medication during breaks if you follow testing-center procedures.
Confidentiality Rules
BACB examination content is confidential. Do not share, post, upload, reconstruct, or discuss test questions before, during, or after the exam. Misconduct can lead to dismissal, invalidation of results, forfeiture of fees, discipline, or restrictions on future testing.
A candidate arrives with a current digital driver's license on their phone and a printed photocopy of their passport. The name matches the BACB account. What is the likely issue?
During an unscheduled break, a candidate wants to check a phone in the locker to review a formula. Which statement is correct?
After testing, a candidate posts online, 'I had a question asking whether DRA or DRO was best after a functional analysis showed escape.' What is the best interpretation?