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
1) Although I felt like I was tested on 30% of what I studied, I felt very sure that I had studied the full spectrum of material that could be on the exam. 2) The other portion of taking this exam is the skill of reading the question stem carefully and answering the question asked, which TDC does a great job of preparing you for. 3) It is an endurance exam. Get your brain and body used to concentrating at 4 hours stretches. 4) Lastly, I followed TDC's advice and kept swimming, marked answers that seemed too long to devote 4 mins deciphering, moved on, kept track of my clock and had 17 minutes to spare to remove marked answers. I did not leave my chair, but took many breaks in chair stretching, rolling eyes and neck, then went back on task. Good luck.
Exactly what I needed to contain my anxiety with the structure and test strategies. My coaching session with Asya was extremely helpful! I learned a ton and feel like I will be a better therapist as a result of having done this program.
Excellent program! I definitely learned a lot maybe even more than my entire grad program. The lectures were very clear and easy to follow. The final mock exam was significantly harder than the actual exam so I felt very prepared during the test. I spent 5 weeks with the program before sitting for my exam.
TDC really helped me get organized and study in the most efficient manner over the span of one month. The materials provide a good balance in that the topics broadly covered all the essentials while being specific enough without overwhelming me with too much extraneous information. With TDC's testing strategies, I understood what the exam was testing for, and I began to think like "test-writers" in terms of what they were looking for in a correct answer. It felt really nice and mentally reassuring to have the support of TDC throughout the preparation process as well as on exam day. I would definitely recommend this program to all my colleagues.
If you’re a procrastinator like me, don’t worry because TDC will extend your program availability until you get life together enough to actually sit down and study. Don’t skip any sections, there are bits of helpful information scattered throughout the all lectures. I highly recommend this study site!!!
Thank you TDC for helping me pass the LMFT Exam the FIRST time!! You not only prepared me for the exam but made a better therapist. I am much more confident in my abilities as a therapist after taking your course. Thank you!
I was able to through the study material twice and felt like I was pretty well prepared with the information given to me! I had so much anxiety but was able to follow all tips + strategies and made it through the test, passing on the first try. Thank you so much! So worth it to use TDC study material.
I appreciated the structure of the exam and the opportunity to take full length exams to practice the pace and timing required to finish the test.
The TDC center helped me learn how to think effectively on the exam. I kept finishing the mock exams after the allotted time which invoked anxiety. I contacted a TDC coach and they helped me develop a time management schedule which helped me reduce my anxiety during the exam. I passed the exam on my first attempt and finished on time. TDC helped me prepare for the exam effectively and let me know exactly what to expect , which all contributed to my success on the exam.
TDC is an excellent training program geared toward all types of learning styles. Amanda's lectures are engaging and extremely helpful in incorporating the exam material into one's frame of reference. Studying becomes easier when the learning process is enjoyable! Amanda and the TDC family have constructed one such program in the CA MFT Clinical Exam Study Course. Thanks, TDC! We did it!! Diane S. Santa Barbara, CA.
TDC helped me pass this test! The information I learned was not too much, but just right. This program also makes you a better therapist. Thank you Amanda for all the helpful tips and sharing your knowledge. Thank you Asya for answering my questions. The strategies learned were essential in passing this test! I highly recommend TDC!
All topics covered by TDC were present on the clinical exam, so I felt wholly prepared to sit for the marathon of a test. I did have to devise a few creative ways to study theories and diagnoses outside of the quizzes and lectures, but that was simply due to my learning style. As promised, I heard Amanda's voice in my head throughout the program and during the exam. It was a welcomed presence of gentle and steady encouragement. In addition, I took advantage of coaching. Asya was incredibly kind, understanding, and helpful during the hour she and I spoke.
I recommended TDC to a friend and I'm now coaching her through the program. Life has changed now and I'm ready for the adventure that awaits!
TDC really helped me prepare, not only for the testing material, but how to manage some of the mental stress that i experienced during the exam. Even though i felt prepared with the material that was provided, there is still this human element that we deal with when feeling under pressure. It really helped to use the techniques provided and I was able to pass on my first try! The material covered in TDC also contributed to my knowledge and helped me feel competent as a therapist. As I was studying for the exam, I noticed that i was more adept in practicing and identifying concepts about certain theories that helped inform my treatment work with my current clients. I felt confident and able to provide .appropriate interventions and treatment and that is a great feeling! This program really goes above and beyond! Thanks TDC!
The program is great. I felt very supportive when I asked for assistant. I also had 3 phone calls with Asya and that was so helpful! She helped me to recognize where I get stuck and how to move forward. How to think differently. Highly recommend to talk with a coach!
I just did what Amanda told me to do and I passed my MFT clinical exam on the first try. I used this program for my law & ethics test also and HIGHLY recommend it!
TDC was very helpful and prepared me very well, thanks to Amanda and Asya
Thank you TDC, I passed my test the first time!
Thank you so much for developing this program. This is by far the best program out there, and it reallly helps you to prepare for the MFT exam. I struggled with my time management when taking the last two finals but was able to do just fine in the real test. The practice final mock exams really helped me to pinpoint my weakness areas. I’m so happy because this time I passed the MFT clinical exam.
Once again thank you Asya for your promptly response to my questions.
There is no way I would have passed first time without TDC. I loved how I didn’t have to find out the information-i just had to plan my time and listen to it all.
TDC was a key component in helping me pass my exam the first time!! I am extremely grateful I listened to my peers who recommended this study prep material. AlI of the information provided (handouts, audios, rationales) was extremely useful. I walked into the exam feeling mentally prepared for the questions as well as prepared to handle the anxiety and doubt that came with it. Thank you TDC!!!