The three BACB credentials have very different price tags and retake rules. Everything below comes from the BACB handbooks updated in June 2026. Fees do change, so check before you apply.
Format
| RBT | BCaBA | BCBA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scored questions | 75 | 150 | 175 |
| Unscored questions | 10 | 25 | 10 |
| Time | 90 minutes | 4 hours | 4 hours |
| Outline | 3rd ed.: 43 tasks, 6 domains | 6th ed.: 90 tasks, 9 content areas | 6th ed.: 104 tasks, 9 content areas |
Fees
| RBT | BCaBA | BCBA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certification application (BACB) | $65 | $175 | $245 |
| Exam appointment (Pearson VUE) | $45 | $125 | $125 |
| First attempt total | $110 | $300 | $370 |
| Retake application (BACB) | Not currently required | See current handbook* | $140 |
*The BCaBA Handbook lists different retake application amounts in different sections, so confirm the current figure on the BACB site. All BACB fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Retake rules
| RBT | BCaBA | BCBA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wait between attempts | 7 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Maximum attempts | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Window for those attempts | 12 months from application approval | 2 years from application approval | 2 years from application approval |
| Cost of each retake (known fees) | $45 appointment | $125 appointment + retake application | $265 ($140 + $125) |
What this means for planning
- The cost of a failed BCBA attempt ($265) is a large reason to be genuinely ready, and the 30-day wait means each miss also costs a month.
- The RBT exam is cheaper to retake and allows an attempt after only 7 days, but the window to use all 8 attempts is only 12 months.
- Study-material prices are small next to these fees, but no product can guarantee a result, and the BACB says so itself.
Trends: pass rates 2020 to 2025. Detail pages: RBT, BCaBA, BCBA.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does the BCBA exam cost?
The BACB certification application is $245 and the Pearson VUE exam appointment is $125, so $370 for a first attempt. Each retake is a $140 retake application plus a $125 appointment, $265 in total.
How much does the RBT exam cost?
$65 for the 2026 certification application processing fee plus $45 for the Pearson VUE appointment, $110 in total. The BACB Handbook says a retake application fee is not currently required.
Are exam fees refundable?
The BACB states its fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable.