MFT Clinical Exam Study System Key Features:
- An organized, step-by-step study program DEVELOPED BY MFTs
- 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 felt completely prepared following the plan and strategies. The audio files were very helpful. I totally recommend this program.
This was the first time I took the exam and I passed the first time. TDC prepared me for all aspects of this exam and I was able to complete it in 3 hours. This left plenty of time for me to go back and review the marked questions. The program prepared me with confidence that I was ready for the test and was going to pass. The mock exams are extremely important and reflect the feeling of the actually exam.
Amazing!!!! Without this program I wouldn't have passed.... this program gave me the confidence ro take exam.... highly recomend.....
Thank you! TDC is an outstanding program that more than prepares you for the actual exam.
For me, the differential diagnosis charts were so helpful (and not overwhelming). Equally, the comprehensive breakdown surrounding looking for initial phase vs. middle phase wording (i.e. explore, invite, assess, instruct,) was so helpful throughout the exam.
Your handouts are terrific and allowed me to make a binder of study material that was organized and easy to use while following your audio portion.
Great program. It covers exactly the information needed, gives good strategies, and great tips for managing anxiety to help tackle the test.
I want to thank TDC for persevering with me through this journey. I have taken this test 4 times, and I have finally passed. Many people have prayed for me and my family has been a tremendous support. Thank you Lord, Jesus for helping me pass. I also thank Amanda for all her guidance and instruction. Thank you for providing me with the necessary tools to pass this test.
You're in good hands with TDC! The course takes the guesswork out of the study process. I highly recommend it!
I was completely prepared and actually felt confident throughout the test. The vignettes were shorter and more digestible than I had expected, I was ready for the answers that were interventions instead of goals, or legal instead of ethical, etc. I found the theories and diagnoses sections of the study program invaluable. The pep talk advice to mark and move on was very helpful too - I remembered to tolerate the ongoing, relentless uncertainty. The mock exams were the most helpful of all, because they prepared me so well for the format of the vignettes/questions/answers and the particular language they use; and Robin's kind availability in answering my many questions. Thank you! There's no way I would have passed without TDC.
Everyone I know who has passed, including myself, used TDC. The only person I know who used something else did not pass and switched to TDC and then passed!
I wanted to thank you for this amazing tool!
I could have not done it without this program and your amazing customers support! I passed first time my ethic and law with TDC and now my clinical exam! BIG BIG THANKS !
Thank you!
A heartfelt thank you to TDC. I had quite a few life challenges over the last couple years that have kept me from taking the Clinical exam, but mainly breast cancer. Once I started to feel better, and my brain started working again, I started studying. I am still in shock that I passed, as it has been hanging over my head as a stressor for so long. TDC stood by me and kept extending my studying due to my health. When I passed, I wept. It was the best thing that had happened in quite a while. TDC prepared me to KICK BUTT!!! I am so grateful! Thank you, TDC!!!
I only used the material included in TDC and passed on my first attempt. The last practice test was very difficult as was reported by you and it made the actual test seem easy. I had 15 minutes left when I completed the exam and felt I did not need to review any of the questions. Thank you.
Take suggestions to heart; such as; 'Read the stem slowly the first time. Attack the test. Rule out wrong answers.' I'm grateful for Amanda's ability to organize & share her expertise in a valuable way.
TDC prepared me really well for this exam. And it's true, you feel like you're failing the entire time!
I would like to thank Amanda for putting together an AWESOME study program. I'm so excited to announce I PASSED the LMFT exam the first time!!!. If you're looking at other study programs STOP!, Therapist Development Center will get you to your next step PASSED. I was having some challenges with Theories and Coach Robin was able to explain the process I needed to learn instead of memorizing.
Pamela Burney
TDC and Prayer help me pass the clinical exam.
TDC and Jesus had my back all the way through the exam!
The test materials reviewed were very helpful in understanding actual test questions. Thank you T.D.C.
The study system fully prepared me for the exam. I found it to be very comprehensive. I did not use other study materials. The most helpful part I found is the way it prepared me to look clearly at what the question is actually asking.
I have used Gerry Grossman and Kathy Wexler's study materials with no success in passing the MFT board exam. It took me 20 years to pass! Since I started using TDC materials, I finally understood how to the overall concept and how to study better. Especially, I love the highlights, keywords, and the summary of different theories and the phases of therapy. I like the way TDC study material that were condensed with specifics for the exam, in which it had helped to make memorization easier.
I previously studied another company's materials for two years and didn't pass. This is year, I purchased TDC's materials and passed my first time on Wednesday, 11/27/19. Clearly, TDC is doing something right. The mocks exams are well designed for candidates to pass the exam the first time. In fact, I found the real exam easier than the final TDC's mocks. I would advise anyone who will see this message to only study the TDC materials if you want to pass the first or second try. I wish all the candidates the best of luck studying the TDC materials.