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
TDC has been integral to helping me refine and organize a study plan that ultimately led to the outcome I desired - passing the clinical exam (and, before that, the law and ethics exam)! Moving through the program topics and two extremely helpful coaching sessions with Asya were key to easing my test anxiety, uncovering places I needed to support my attention span and learning how to be an effective test taker. Through each step of the program I felt my confidence and competence grow.
This is the best study program ever. Incredibly thorough and helpful.
So glad I used TDC. The lectures were essential in helping me master the material. I could not have passed the test with them.
I passed my law and ethics last year and just passed my MFT clinical using TDC! A friend recommended TDC to me, and I am so happy I used this program to study. It was difficult at first to get into the "zone" of studying, but once I set my goals and followed the program using the study guide, it made it easier for me to study. I highly recommend this program. There was still uncertainty during the actual MFT test, but I used everything I learned during the program, I listened to myself and my experience, and I read every word in the vignettes (which I believe helped me narrow down my answers). and it worked! The lectures, the quizzes and explanations were so helpful during the studying and during the actual test.
Thank you TDC for helping me become a LICENSED MFT!!!
TDC made studying manageable by breaking down key topics. The combination of audio and quick study guides solidified the learning process. The schedule forced me to hold myself accountable to study every week. Thank you TDC for making the studying process simple. Your test taking tips were invaluable!
TDC helped me get me get in the right frame of mind to study for the exam in every way possible: physically, mentally, and to understand how the exam is testing us. The positive talk, the rationales, and the way they approach how to take the test made the difference because this test is not only knowledge based, it's based on reasoning. Their program definitely prepared me to tackle this test and not the other way around! And it worked because I passed with confidence! Thank you TDC!
This program was so helpful and I feel it really prepared me to ATTACK my clinical exam! I loved that I could listen to the lectures in the morning while I got ready for work, and in the car. The best part is the ask a coach option, if I had any questions I always received a speedy response. I really think this program helps with understand the concepts and reasoning behind clinical information, and not just memorizing facts.
I want to thank TCD for supporting me thru my entire journey while studying to pass my test. Staff is very supportive and encouraging. It took my 3 tries to pass my Clinical Exam, but I did it. TDC helped me work thru my test anxiety and was always there for me with a quick turnaround whenever I needed anything administratively. They also understood that I needed more time and provided me with multiple extensions to be able to continue having access to my Study Center. Thanks TCD!!! We made it!!!
I wanted to provide with the great news that I passed my LMFT Clinical Exam!!! Thank you so much for everything. It sure has been one of the longest marathons that I have done but so worth it. I could have not done with without you both... I greatly appreciate it. Thank you once again!
I want to give my thanks to TDC for helping me through it. I went through the entire course, repeating lectures over and over to prepare, and I'm thrilled to say I passed on the first try!
I heard Amanda in my head and I really felt like I had it the whole time. Thank you!!!
I got my Master's Degree 20 years ago, so I needed a big refresher before taking the LMFT exam. This course prepared me extremely well. Having the audio lectures helped me learn, and having the print-outs helped for review as well. I passed the exam on my first try and I know without a doubt that there are questions that I would not have known the answer to if I had not prepared with this course. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement!
TDC definitely helped me pass the LMFT exam on the first try. The test was very difficult, and I know I would NOT have passed it without doing the TDC program.
This program was tremendously helpful in preparing for the exam! The materials were exactly what was on the exam and the questions were nearly identical! I would definitely recommend. I did the 7 week pass through one time and utilized a coach at the end to tailor the materials to my needs after the final mock exam. The coach was extremely helpful and I am very grateful for this course as it is the most thorough one I researched on the market and the only one with a 95% pass rate! I would definitely recommend.
This course really helps structure your studying. It is also very empowering. The multiple forms of studying and practice tests and quizzes really help prepare you for the test, especially how to approach the different types of questions on the test.
TDC was very helpful...showing HOW to do the test and not just remembering info. Thank you all for the help and the extension : ) . For all you overly anxious test takers out there...TDC is the place!
TDC was the best investment of my time and resources I could have made! I came out of the exam in disbelief of how challenging it was, but also how well-prepared I felt as a result of using the TDC program. Beyond the extensive content, my experience of the exam was that it was an emotional marathon. Keeping in mind the TDC tips for success helped me stay focused, not doubt myself, and stay moving throughout the exam. I recommend TDC to anyone preparing for this exam! Thank you to my coach, Asya, for all of the extra tips and moral support along the way. MANY THANKS to everyone at TDC!
Thank you TDC! The material and exams were so helpful! I had major testing anxiety and your last prep talk was very helpful! I would recommend this study course to any one preparing for the exam! Worth my money!
This program was excellent and helped me pass! I heard Amanda's voice telling to "eliminate" and "No you would not do that". Thank-you so much!!!!
Great program. I passed on the first try. Thank you TDC!