Assessments within the CBA Learning Module Series TL5 (v9)
Distinguishing Modules for Assessment and Modules for Instruction
Most of the CBA Learning Module Series TL5 (v9) consists of learning modules. The questions in learning modules include hints and feedback for incorrect selections. These modules are designed to instruct and can be identified by “Acquisition” and “Fluency” in their titles. In addition to learning modules, there are Unit Tests designed for assessment purposes. Each of these tests is available as a Pre-Test and a Post-Test. You can take the Pre-Tests once and the Post-Tests twice. The questions are the same on both Pre-/Post-Test versions. There is also a Mock Exam which can be accessed twice. The Mock Exam provided is designed to emulate the Fifth Edition BCBA exam.
Mock Exam (based on Fifth Edition Task List):
This exam attempts to replicate the actual BCBA exam based on the Fifth Edition Task List. Its purpose is to evaluate your readiness to sit for an actual BCBA exam. Questions are of the same type (i.e., mostly applied, multiple choice) and question content is provided in proportion to the categories indicated in the BACB’s Fifth Edition Task List. Like the actual BCBA Exam, there are approximately 175 questions and the same amount of time is given to take the exam.
The Mock Exam can be beneficial in assessing your readiness temporally close to your actual exam. We provide two opportunities to use the Mock Exam. They are recommended to be taken following completion of all of the learning modules—ideally, one to be used near the beginning of the exam preparation phase of your study (after completion of coursework) and one shortly before sitting for the BCBA exam. Results from the former identify weak areas, which should be a primary focus of your attention. Results from the latter will identify lingering weaknesses, enabling you to target your last-minute study efforts. Additional mock exam testing would not be advised with this exam because predictive validity deteriorates with each practice.
If you take the Mock Exam prior to completion of all learning modules to 100% correct, any comparisons to all users will be confounded. You can take the Mock Exam out of the recommended order, but exercise caution in analyzing your results.
Unit Tests
Each Unit has Unit Pre- and Post-Tests. These are comprehensive tests of the content of the Unit, corresponding to the Fifth Edition Task List and therefore may serve as your primary assessment vehicle. The questions in this test are designed to evaluate knowledge of definitions, concepts, distinguishing examples from non-examples, and application. The combined number of questions from all of these tests exceeds 500 unique questions; therefore, there is much more content than on the Mock Exam. Some professors may choose to use the Unit Tests as a component for determining course grades. You should defer to your professor’s instructions in the event they conflict with those provided by BDS.
Unit Pre-Tests. It is advised that you take these tests just prior to beginning their respective learning modules, but it is also acceptable to take some or all of the unit pre-tests before starting any learning modules. Regardless, it is most important to take the unit pre-tests prior to beginning their respective learning modules in order to obtain an accurate baseline assessment. However, if using the CBA Learning Module Series as part of a class, your professor may have a schedule for taking these tests, so check your syllabus and follow your professor’s instructions.
The benefits of taking these tests are: 1) A low score relative to others may indicate the need for a re-evaluation of prerequisite skills, a possible need for remedial activities, or other supports; 2) The test provides a comprehensive assessment of your degree of mastery over the content of the Unit; more so than the Mock Exam; and 3) Professors may use these data to evaluate their students’ starting skill level relative to others—information that may help the professor determine weaknesses, and hence, where to concentrate instruction. In the future it may also be used to evaluate admissions criteria.
If you take any Pre-Test after beginning their respective learning modules, any comparisons to all users will be confounded. You can take the Pre-Test out of the recommended order, but exercise caution in analyzing your results.
Unit Post-Tests. Post-Tests should be taken after their respective learning modules (or after all learning modules) have been completed to 100% correct, or as directed by your professor. The benefits of these tests are that they enable a post-intervention (e.g., select CBA learning modules and/or remedial instruction) comparison to the Pre-Tests, as well as comparisons to others who have taken the Post-Tests. Some professors may also use these tests to determine course grades. When the CBA LMS is used for exam preparation, you may use unit post-test scores to identify weak areas just prior to sitting for the exam allowing you to focus last minute study efforts on these areas.
If you take the Unit Post-Test prior to completion of their respective learning modules to 100% correct, any comparisons to all users will be confounded. You can take the Post-Test out of the recommended order, but exercise caution in analyzing your results