Task List Changes
2025 and beyond
On January 1, 2025, BACB will retire the Fifth Edition Task List and implement Test Content Outline 6.
1/1/2025 Test Content Outline 6 (TCO6)
Effective 1/1/ 2025, the 5th Edition Task List will be retired. It will be replaced with Test Content Outline 6 (TCO 6). The document looks very similar to previous task lists, but some items have been added, removed, or moved. The primary purpose of TCO 6 is solely to guide the development of the BCBA / BCaBA certification exams. We are revising our Verified Course Sequence (VCS) to reflect these changes. We expect the revisions to be relatively small and to include an updated version of the BDS CBA modules for the Graduate courses, which will be added to the VCS courses as part of the revisions. This change WILL NOT add any new content or affect your current program. However, if you plan to test after 1/1/25, we recommend that you use TCO 6 to guide your studying. You can view TCO 6 here: https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BCBA-6th-Edition-Test-Content-Outline-231221-a.pdf
1/1/2027 Additional Required Course Content Added
Effective 1/1/2027, the BACB adds additional coursework content that may affect your program, depending on when you apply to sit for the BCBA exam. The primary change will be an addition of required hours of ‘Organizational Behavior Management,’ the area now covered under the title of ‘Supervision and Personnel Management’. We are revising our courses to meet that requirement; however, depending on the timing of your degree plan, and if you apply to sit after 1/1/27, you may be required to take additional coursework. Please be aware of the possible impact of this change as you get closer to applying to sit for the exam.
1/1/2027 Changes to Supervised Fieldwork and Continuing Education Requirements
This is outside of your educational program requirements, but the BACB has announced changes to supervised fieldwork and continuing education requirements, also effective 1/1/2027. Please be sure that you are discussing these upcoming changes with your BCBA Supervisor and visiting bacb.com regularly to stay current on these and other upcoming changes.
Questions?
Note that these changes affect both the Undergraduate (BCaBA) and Graduate (BCBA) programs. We continue to emphasize the importance of following changes as they are announced and implemented at bacb.com. The links to ‘News and More’ and the Quarterly newsletters provide good information and should be visited at least quarterly. After reviewing these materials, please feel free to contact SBS@purdueglobal.edu if you have other questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Test Content Outline 6th Edition (TCO 6) that the BACB is adopting on 1/1/25?
The primary purpose of TCO 6 is to guide the creation of the BACB exam from 1/1/25 going forward.
Will the 5th Edition Task List still be in effect?
No, TCO 6 will replace the 5th Edition Task List. You will see that some items have been added, some removed, and some moved from one content area to another. You can review a 5th to 6th Edition crosswalk here: https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BACB_February2022_Newsletter-230224-a.pdf
Will this change affect course content hours or my degree plan?
No, this change will not affect course content or your degree plan.
How will this change affect me?
Depending on when you plan to sit for the BCBA/BCaBA exam, this change may or may not affect you. If you plan to sit on or before 12/31/24, we recommend using the 5th Edition Task List to Guide your studying for the exam. If you plan to sit on or after 1/1/25, we recommend you use TCO 6 to guide your studying for the exam. Either way, be sure to use all materials you accessed through your program, emphasizing the BDS CBA Modules and the Cooper et al. (2020) text, Applied Behavior Analysis.
View 5th Edition Task List Here: https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/BCBA-task-list-5th-ed-240216-a.pdf
View TCO 6 Here: https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BCBA-6th-Edition-Test-Content-Outline-240208-a.pdf
When will the BDS TCO 6th Edition CBA Modules replace the 5th Edition Task List version (V9) that is now available to students?
BDS has updated the CBA Modules to reflect TCO 6, which goes into effect 1/1/25. Our VCS courses are currently being revised to align with these changes and replace the 5th Edition with the TCO 6 modules. The new courses will be released in December 2024. In the meantime, students who plan to sit for the BCBA/BCaBA exam after 1/1/25 are encouraged to use the 5th to 6th EDition crosswalk to guide their study. https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BACB_February2022_Newsletter-230224-a.pdf
Are there additional changes coming from BACB in 2027?
Yes, Effective 1/1/2027, the BACB adds additional coursework content that may affect your program, depending on when you apply to test. The primary change will be an addition of required hours of ‘Organizational Behavior Management,’ the area now covered under the title of ‘Supervision and Personnel Management’.
Will these changes affect content hours or my degree plan?
Yes, these changes will affect BACB's required content hours. We are revising our courses to meet that requirement; however, depending on the timing of your degree plan and graduation, and if you apply to sit after 1/1/27, you may be required to return for additional coursework. Please be aware of the possible impact of this change as you get closer to applying to sit for the exam.
Is it true that there will also be changes to supervised experience requirements in 2027?
Yes, this is true. Your supervised fieldwork is independent of your educational program, and outside of your educational program requirements, but BACB has announced changes to supervised fieldwork and continuing education requirements, also effective 1/1/2027. Please be sure to discuss these upcoming changes with your BCBA Supervisor and visit bacb.com regularly to stay current on these and other upcoming changes. The specific upcoming changes can be viewed here:https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BACB_March2022_Newsletter-230224-a.pdf
What if I have other questions?
If you have questions about your educational requirements, your advisor is your first best point of contact. If they can’t answer your questions, they will refer you to the ABA VCS Coordinator for further support.
If you have questions about supervision, your BCBA supervisor is your best point of contact. We continue to emphasize the importance of following changes as they are announced and implemented at bacb.com. The links to ‘News and More’ and the Quarterly newsletters provide good information and should be visited at least quarterly. After reviewing these materials, please feel free to contact SBS@purdueglobal.edu if you have other questions.