MFT Clinical Exam Study System Key Features:
- An organized, step-by-step study plan to help prepare to pass the MFT Clinical Exam
- On-line audio workshops with downloadable HANDOUTS
- Complete review of essential content areas for the MFT California Clinical Exam
- Effective study tools designed by California Marriage and Family Therapists who have passed the MFT California Clinical Exam by 90% or higher: Top 50 Topics Tested, Law & Ethics Quiz, DSM 5 & Theory Review
- Clinical Marriage and Family Therapy examples that help you learn instead of memorize
- Essential test-taking strategies you can use on exam day
- 850+ ON-LINE MFT practice exam questions with audio rationales
- Test anxiety management tools
- Experience MFT test prep coaches available for questions and support
This study program is designed to maximize learning and minimize stress. The course takes approximately 65 hours to complete once and can be repeated as needed. Access is set for 6 months, but extensions are FREE. We are with you until you pass the LMFT exam!
MFT Clinical Exam Prep FAQs
What is the Average Pass Rate for the California Clinical MFT Exam?
The BBS publishes the pass rates for all licensing exams in their quarterly Board Meeting materials. The most recent data available shows the pass rate for first time test takers of the California Clinical MFT Exam in the first half of 2018 was over 70%. Since the new MFT Clinical Exam was launched in 2016, Therapist Development Center pass rate has remained above 90% for individuals who used our comprehensive program!
What is the structure of the MFT Clinical Exam?
The MFT Clinical Exam is a standardized 170 question multiple-choice question test. 150 of the test questions are scored, and 20 are experimental and do not count toward your final score. Test takers are granted 4 hours to complete the exam questions. Accommodations for additional time can be requested through the BBS for English as a Second Language (ESL) test takers and those with physical or mental health issues who qualify through the Americans with Disabilities Act.
What is the passing score on the MFT Clinical Exam?
The BBS no longer publishes the passing score for any of their exams, including the MFT Clinical Exam. However, based on the published scores that were shared in prior years, the passing score was typically in the range of 97-103 out of 150 scored questions (mid-60%). The passing score will fluctuate up or down based on the level of difficulty; the passing score will be lower if the exam is considered harder and higher if it is considered easier. In addition to the 150 scored questions, the MFT Clinical Exam will always include 20 questions that are considered experimental and will not count toward your final score.
What is the application processing time for the California Clinical MFT Exam?
The application processing time for the California Clinical MFT Exam can vary based on volume of applications and staffing levels at the BBS. In recent months, the BBS has kept processing time for the MFT California Clinical Exam down to 1-2 months. If you are applying for accommodations (see below), processing times can vary and it is important to begin this process as soon as you submit your application for the MFT Clinical Exam.
How do I apply for accommodations with the BBS?
The BBS provides accommodations for the California Clinical MFT Exam. If you have a physical or mental health disability you may request accommodations such as additional time, a private room, or a written version of the exam. The BBS will determine which accommodations you qualify for based on the information provided in your request for testing accommodations application. The BBS also provides additional time (time and a half, 6 hours) for the MFT Clinical Exam for English as a Second Language (ESL) applicants who meet the requirements enumerated on the ESL accommodations application.
What information is tested on the California Clinical MFT Exam?
The MFT Clinical Exam covers a broad range of subjects including treatment, treatment planning, law and ethics, clinical evaluation, and crisis management. Not only do you need to know the subject matters, the BBS wants to ensure you know how to apply this knowledge in different clinical situations. The majority of questions on the MFT Clinical Exam are considered reasoning-based questions. Therapist Development Center’s program provides a streamlined approach, teaching you the all of the information you need to learn and how to apply this knowledge to the questions that are likely to appear on the exam.
When will I be eligible to take the California MFT Clinical Exam?
The MFT Clinical Exam is the final step on the path to licensure. The following requirements must be satisfied to be eligible to sit for the California MFT Clinical Exam:
- Obtain qualifying master’s degree and complete additional coursework
- Completion of 3,000 hours of experience over the course of 104 weeks or more
- Take and pass the CA Law and Ethics Exam (once you pass, you do not need to take the exam again)
- Submit application for licensure and examination to the BBS: https://www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/forms/mft/mftapp.pdf
- You must take the exam within one year from the date you receive initial approval. If you do not complete the exam in this timeframe, your application will be considered abandoned. If an application is abandoned, you would need to re-apply and would lose any hours of experience that are more than six (6) years old (with exception of 500 hours accrued as trainee)
What do I do once I successfully PASS the California MFT Clinical Exam?
- Celebrate this awesome achievement!
- Submit application for your initial license.
- Continue receiving supervision until your license is issued.
Course Reviews
I really liked the that it was guided process with a step by step study guide covering all the pertinent topics the exam would address. I would say my favorite part of TDC was the audio lectures. I learn best this way and hearing the rationales or examples provided was super helpful. The concepts are explained very clearly. I appreciated the study tips, prep tips and most importantly the pep talk. I listened to the pep talk twice. Once the night before the exam and 1 hour prior to the exam. Very inspiring and supportive. I felt so confident taking the exam, however did get those moments of expected uncertainty. I didn’t freak out though and remembered Amanda’s words normalizing this. I cried when I got the results. TDC thank you so much for guiding me through this stressful journey!
Thank you so much for this program! It really helps to build your knowledge base with all your streamlined material, then getting exposure to questions by doing the many mocks provided. What also helps is having all the rationales so that you start to pick up where you are going wrong. During the test I used the skills Amanda reiterated (eliminating, putting things in order, etc.). Passed the first time and couldn't be happier!
Love the structure and the segments in the program! Helps you feel organized when studying and it helps you keep track of your progress. I like how Amanda explains things and gives examples that you can relate to and tips on how to memorize information. I feel like this is the only thing you need to pass!
Thank you so much for this material! I felt very prepared and equipped and it worked!
TDC was a wonderful study tool for me! I love to learn using audio and I loved that it was so thorough (but not TOO thorough - in other words having me review details that were not important!). It was also nice having Amanda's voice - it felt like I was listening to a friend as she shared so warmly and like a real person rather than a robotic voice. And Robin was such a support when I was getting that pre-test anxiety. Her kindness and encouragement was so helpful. Thank you, TDC, and especially Robin, for your support!
So overwhelmed with joy to have passed this monster! BBS took over 5 months to approve my hours but it was worth the wait. A few days before delivering my first son, I CAN SAY I AM A LICENSED MFT. Thank you Amanda.
All materials were very well organized, and comprehensive. I especially found the Coaching Session with Robin to be an essential part of the exam prep process.
I am the worst multiple choice test taker. My professor in grad school even told me that I tend to second guess myself but all my written essay answers were 100% correct. She affirmed that I knew the material but I may be overthinking on the multiple choice questions. I knew I had to do something to prepare myself properly for the CA MFT Clinical Exam. TDC completely addressed my problems and really taught me HOW to take this test, what to look for, how to narrow choices, how to pace myself, and trust my knowledge and experience. I appreciate that it wasn't just raw material review, but more of a program for how to approach and pass this specific test. This program worked wonders for me and while I did not excel in the practice exams, I did better than I thought I would and it helped me prepare my mental approach. I truly felt prepared enough as well as more confident in my test taking abilities after this program. I went through the program once, at my own pace, and passed the CA MFT Clinical Exam on my first try. Thank you so much TDC!
The TDC program is very helpful in studying for the LMFT exam. The various ways the information is presented allowed me to learn the material more effectively. Suggestions, follow the program as instructed and stay consistent. Know your weaknesses and strengths. Use this knowledge to empower yourself and stay confident. Prayer and confidence along with this program helped me pass my exam.
TDC is truly amazing! I used the program for both my L&E and clinical exam. As a person who have always had issues with comprehension, TDC helped me with reading strategies on the day of the exam. TDC moc exams were actually harder than the exam. I was initially frustrated because i failed the exam twice. I was confused because the program made me so confident with the material. I thought to myself, I know all of this stuff what the heck!!! The third time taking the exam I had no anxiety. I thought to myself lets have fun in the same way I had fun learning! I enjoyed diagnosing, the law vs ethics quizzes and crisis. So I sat down and said this exam does not define me lets have some fun. With that mindset everything was so clear. Reading word for word I was able to clearly see what the questions were asking of me. Thank you TDC staying with me until I passed!!
TDC is the best! Felt prepared!!
I know for a fact that I wouldn't have passed without this course. Thank you!
Coaches were super nice and helpful. They would respond quickly and would talk to me at no charge to calm my nerves thanks Robin! I never felt alone I felt support from TDC thank you so much!
The rationals really helped me along with approaching the exam with my anxiety under control. Thank you Amanda and team for your awesome support and especially for the strategies
I just took and passed the exam for the first and ONLY time. I prepped as instructed and did exactly what Amanda said to do including taking her in with me during the exam. I leaned in, took my break at Q 100 and finished with a few minutes to spare to go back to recheck marked answers. The program is excellent especially for someone like me who has test anxiety. I also worked with Robin for an hour of private coaching. She was a big help. I couldn't recommend this course more. Thank you, thank you Amanda and Robin!
I could not have done both of my exams without TDC. I needed all the excellent materials they had, and used a tutor to help me retain it... finally passed on my 2nd attempt ...TDC.... I think I’ve used this program for about 5 years..
I'm a Spanish speaking candidate who tried for 10-years prior to passing the exam. I did the Gerry Grossman and AATBS program many times. Prior to this last exam, a co-worker recommended the program TDC. The experience of the program is amazing. Thank you, Amanda and all your team. You rock. I felt confident about starting the test. Everything you recommended for the exam worked. I was listening to you in my mind every step on the test. You have all my appreciation. Thanks, Marisol from Panama.
I was very nervous and apprehensive about the final step of the clinical MFT exam. TDC helped organize and prepare me for the process of sitting for this exam while reducing test anxiety. Would absolutely recommend TDC to others.
I'm very grateful to the TDC family for providing the support I needed to eventually pass this exam. Because of numerous life-setbacks, and lost of my mother and father within a six month period, I had to ask for extensions in the utilization of the program. TDC met me at the point of my need. For that I am exceptionally thankful. I would recommend the TDC training program to any up and coming intern in this discipline. I will forever hear Amanda's voice in my ear, even as I continue on as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist!
I highly recommend TDC! I felt prepare and confident when taking the test. The coaches are helpful and encouraging. THANK YOU TDC!