Study Smarter, Not Harder: Proven Techniques for ABA Professionals

Mikayla Brown, BCBA, IBA
Sep 11
2 min read

Studying for the BCBA exam, coursework, or even RBT certification can feel overwhelming. There’s so much material to cover, and the pressure to retain it all is real. But here’s the good news: the way you study matters more than how many hours you put in. With the right techniques, you can boost retention, reduce stress, and walk into your exam (or supervision session) with confidence.

Why Typical Studying Falls Short

Many students fall into the trap of rereading notes, highlighting everything, or cramming the night before. While these methods feel productive, research shows they don’t lead to long-term retention. Instead, you need active, deliberate strategies that strengthen recall and application.

Study Techniques That Actually Work

1. Active Recall

Instead of passively rereading, test yourself on the material. For example:

Use flashcards (digital or paper) to quiz yourself on terms and definitions.
Cover your notes and try to write out key concepts from memory.
Practice explaining a concept out loud as if teaching it to a friend.

👉 Why it works: Active recall strengthens neural pathways, making it easier to retrieve information under pressure.

2. Spaced Repetition

Don’t study everything at once. Space your review over days or weeks, gradually increasing the intervals between sessions.

Apps like Anki or Quizlet automate this process.
Review tough material more often until it “sticks.”

👉 Why it works: Spacing combats the “forgetting curve” and moves knowledge from short-term to long-term memory.

3. Interleaving

Mix up different topics in a single study session instead of studying one subject in isolation. For example:

Switch between measurement, ethics, and experimental design during one session.
Practice applying concepts to scenarios instead of drilling only definitions.

👉 Why it works: Interleaving forces your brain to distinguish between similar concepts, strengthening problem-solving skills.

4. Application Over Memorization

Exams and real-world ABA work are rarely about rote recall. They test whether you can apply principles to scenarios.

Write your own practice questions.
Role-play with a peer: one reads a scenario, the other explains how to respond.
Link abstract terms (like “response generalization”) to concrete client examples.

👉 Why it works: Application makes the material meaningful, which deepens retention.

5. Pomodoro Technique

Break your study time into focused intervals (25 minutes on, 5 minutes off). After 3–4 rounds, take a longer break.

Keeps your brain fresh and prevents burnout.
Builds momentum by making studying feel manageable.

6. Teach What You Learn

Nothing reveals gaps in your understanding like teaching a concept. Try:

Recording short “mini-lessons” on your phone.
Explaining concepts to classmates, coworkers, or even family members.

👉 Why it works: Teaching forces you to simplify and clarify your thinking.

Reliable Study Resources

Studying alone is powerful, but pairing strategies with reliable resources takes it to the next level. I recommend:

🎧 Behavior Unlocked Podcast – bite-sized, research-based discussions to deepen your understanding.
🛒 Study Materials in My Shop – curated tools, mock exams, and resources designed for ABA professionals. Check them out under the Shop Now tab on my website.

Studying doesn’t have to mean endless hours of cramming. By using active recall, spacing, interleaving, and application, you’ll strengthen your memory, deepen your understanding, and walk into your exam or sessions ready to shine.

Remember: it’s not about how much you study—it’s about how effectively you study.