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
Thank you TDC!!! I passed the LMFT examination on my first attempt!!! A+++++ :-)
I completed the AATBS program before receiving my approval to take the licensing exam. Since I had some time available, I decided to do another program. A friend had just passed using only the TDC program. The TDC DSM prep was excellent. I am very certain that the TDC prep helped ensure I did not miss the comparison questions. The Theories audio material was also excellent and I am sure helped me get a number of the theory questions correct. I did not score as high on the TDC mocks as I did on the AATBS mocks, but the difficulty of the TDC questions prepared me for the actual test, as every skill I learned was needed. It is important for those using the TDC system to expect they can pass the actual exam even if they score 50 on the full mock exams! The key is to understand why you missed certain questions.
TDC is the only test prep to take! Well organized and very comprehensive without gratuitous learning. Easy to review with the materials provided. I felt very confident in my knowledge base, with some excellent help dealing with test anxiety. I felt very well prepared.
Thank You!!! My journey initially started in the mid 90's, I took a leap of faith to start the process all over. THANKS to TDC, I passed the MFT Law and Ethics Exam on the first attempt in 11/2017. I took the LMFT CE for the first time 11/2018 and failed. I ran out of time, leaving 20 questions unanswered. On 11/27/2019, I PASSED the LMFT CE on my 2nd attempt and my license posted on 12/21/2019. TDC materials were well worth the cost. I felt completely prepared for the Clinical Exam the 2nd time. The first time I studied for the CE, I didn't allow myself enough time to study. The 2nd time was different, I quickly noticed as I started studying that it all made sense. The support staff was helpful when I was having technical issues. Overall it was a GREAT experience with using TDC. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND ONLY TDC!!! Thanks again!!!
Stephanie Martinez LMFT
I failed twice on my own. Purchased TDC and passed 3 months later. You put in the time and it works!
I would like to thank Robin for her continued support in this journey and provided me all the support needed with this MFT exam. I used TDC for both the law and ethics as well as clinical exam. I passed the clinical exam in December, 2019. TDC rocks!!!!
Thank you very much for the study material & for allowing an extra extension. I had a high level of test anxiety & that of course was getting in my way of thinking clearly when choosing the right answers. On the day of the exam, the anxiety was there but i felt much confident. I was able to finish before the test time expired, & i was able to review some of my marked questions. I almost fainted when i got my final test result. I couldn't believe it. God is good!!! Thank you very much :)
Talk about an anxiety provoking situation! I was nearly convinced that I would not pass the clinical exam my first try after reading comments on social media groups about how others have already failed their first few attempts. Some of the mocks TDC provides are extremely hard, and my scores on those mocks made me think I just wasn’t getting it. But I made sure to note the average score on those exams and I cannot stress this enough; I studied studied studied studied those rationales after the mock exams and jotted down notes of the concepts I was struggling with, and reviewed those dozens of times until I felt comfortable. I took all the mocks I could a second time after days of reviewing concepts and making sure I understood rationales. My scores on the mocks went up *slightly* yet I was still not extremely confident I would pass. However, when I sat down to take the exam, all those rationales and little tidbits told to us on the audios were in my head and made the actual clinical exam seem so easy and simple. Thank you TDC
What a journey this has been!! I am so grateful for this program. I do not believe I would have been prepared to pass. If you are just getting started with studying, please make the investment.
Dear TDC and all the coaches! I want to thank you for your program! You were there for me until I finally passed! I know that it took me some time to pass the exam, but ultimately I did it and with your help I managed to understand how to grasp your program and utilized it in order to pass.
Thank you
TDC is an amazing study program. I loved listening to Amanda's rationales and her style of uplifting when commuting. Robyn was great in giving a prompt response. Keep up the good work!
I passed the MFT Clinical exam. I could have never done it without the TDC center. The materials provided made studying less stressful and I utilized the strategies talked about such as taking a break at question 100. The most helpful part to me was Amanda's rationale for each mock exam. Amanda made learning the theories in a way that made sense. I really loved how the TDC center breaks everything down and gives a study plan. Very helpful and I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is getting close to taking their exam.
I really appreciate how well organized this study program was. I also benefited from the audio, it was much easier for me to retain the info than just reading. Thank you thank you!!
I took the test today, on New Years Eve day (BBS last minute scheduling), downside, I wasn't able to use last minute coaching due to holiday scheduled time off. Upside, I was able to get the last appointment of the year. I used testing accommodations (for reading comprehension) which is not discussed in any of Amanda's rationales or prep for the test ( using extended time). I would say TDC is the best way for my particular learning disability for testing. For the first time I learned how to structure words for understanding that accomplishes how to dissect meaning in order to answer. I can not thank you enough for this program which I feel should be taught in the elementary level of education. God Bless you Amanda!!! Cheers and Happy New Year!!!
The TDC adequately prepared me for the LMFT examination. I had 10 minutes left to review marked questions!!
Thank you TDC.
Just simple thanks, the best preparation material!
I put off taking the test numerous times due to anxiety. When I made the decision and the date, I went for it. I suggest going over the practice quizzes and exams numerous times. Invaluable way for me to learn. As I have said in the past, I refer people (trainees, Interns) to you all the time. You are the best. Happy New Year to us all. I just passed. 12-31-2019
Comprehensive, portable (able to listen to lectures in my car), encouraging and effective! So glad I chose to go with TDC. It was well worth it. Thank you, Amanda and team for your guidance along this journey.
TDC was a great tool! It was the only studying material I used to prepare and I passed on my first attempt!
I highly recommend TDC! It took all of the guess work out of how to prepare!
Thank you
Thank you so much! I couldn't have passed wihout you!