The scope is defined
Questions come from the core areas your coursework covers (ABA principles, measurement, assessment, intervention, ethics, and more). With a clear scope, you know exactly what to study.
QABA Exam Guide
The QABA exam is more approachable than you think — format to prep
The QBA, QASP-S, and ABAT exams are all computer-based tests (CBT). Once you know the format and passing standard and prepare systematically, passing is well within reach.
Exam format at a glance
All three exams share the same CBT structure, differing mainly in time and eligibility.
| Item | QBA | QASP-S | ABAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Questions | 125 | 125 | 125 |
| Scored questions | 100 (25 pretest excluded) | 100 (25 pretest excluded) | 100 (25 pretest excluded) |
| Time | 3 hours | 3 hours | 2 hours |
| Cut score | 72% | 72% | 72% |
| Format | Online-proctored CBT | Online-proctored CBT | Online-proctored CBT |
| Result | Pass/fail immediately | Pass/fail immediately | Pass/fail immediately |
* The cut score follows QABA's official handbooks (72% confirmed for ABAT and QASP-S). Formats and requirements can change, so verify the latest details at qababoard.com before testing.
The truth about difficulty — why preparation pays off
Because it's an academically grounded behavior-analysis exam, it can feel daunting, but the scope is well defined and passing is achievable with systematic prep.
Multiple-choice with pretest items
Of the 125 questions, 25 are unscored pretest items. You pass by getting 72% of the 100 scored questions right — so there's no need to fret over one or two items.
Repetition turns into points
Repeating real-format mock exams exposes your weak spots; focus your study there and your score rises steadily.
A 3-step prep plan
SpectrumHub supports you in one flow, from coursework all the way to the exam.
1. Build a foundation with coursework
Systematically learn the core concepts in scope through QABA-approved coursework. All of your learning records accumulate automatically.
Explore coursework2. Diagnose weak spots with mock exams
Use real-format mock exams to find your weak areas, and let AI weakness analysis show you exactly what to study more.
See practice exams3. Finish with textbooks & study group
Consolidate key points with our textbooks, and keep your edge with a daily one-question KakaoTalk study group right up to exam day.
See textbooks & studyWhat if I don't pass?
If you don't pass, you can retake the exam after 30 days, up to four times within one year of your first attempt. Just shore up the weak spots your mock exams revealed and try again. (Check qababoard.com for the exact retake rules.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the QABA exam from Korea?
Yes. The QABA exam is an online-proctored computer-based test (CBT), so you can sit it from Korea. SpectrumHub helps you complete every step within Korea, from coursework to the exam.
How do the QBA, QASP-S, and ABAT exams differ?
All three are 125-question CBT exams with a 72% cut score, so the structure is the same. QBA and QASP-S allow 3 hours and ABAT 2 hours, and they differ significantly in eligibility (education, coursework, fieldwork). See the Certification Roadmap for a full comparison.
How much preparation does it take to pass?
It depends on your pace and background, but with systematic coursework and mock exams, passing is well within reach. Using your mock exam's weakness analysis lets you prepare efficiently.
Start preparing for the exam now
Diagnose your current level with a mock exam, or get a tailored prep plan via KakaoTalk.
This guide is general information. Official requirements — exam format, passing standards, retake rules — follow QABA's official handbooks at qababoard.com.