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 know TDC was the reason I was able to pass the licensing exam on the first attempt. Amanda really helped me be able to understand how to go into the test, understand what the question was asking, and be able to knock out wrong answers. The exam was still challenging but with the program I felt like I had a shot at passing. The practice exams and rationale lectures were probably the most helpful part but I know I was able to do well on those exams because of all the audio lectures and understanding how to take the exam. I am so thankful for TDC and so happy I don’t have to take the exam a 2nd time. Thank you so much!!!
Even though I passed the test on my second attempt, I felt TDC had my back. I got all the extensions I needed until I felt ready to face the test. I listened over and over again to Amanda's lectures and I certainly brought her to the test with me. I heard her voice in my head as I read the vignettes and ruled out the ones that were bogus. I used all the suggestions, strategies, and even though I was afraid to waste time on the break (I ran out of time on the first attempt), I trusted the system, and I made it. I had all the information I needed. I didn't feel overwhelmed by having to read volumes of data that was not necessary. I did that in school. Amanda and TDC gave me the right tools and strategies I needed to feel confident and conquer the beast. Thank you, TDC!
Thank you! Everything was clear and easy to understand and follow.
I was extremely prepared for the exam, even to the point of being able to tolerate the discomfort of not knowing if I was even doing well, when I was taking the actual exam. Thank you for such a concise and well mapped out study program.
Thank you so much TDC! I used TDC for my MFT law and ethics exam and found this program to be significantly helpful. The review of information is structured and easy to relate to and understand. The mock exams were hard, but encouraged you to critically think. Thank you for your help!
I passed the first time I took the exam. I went through the program once. It is a great program.
I used TDC for my Law and Ethics and MFT clinical exam and I have zero complaints. Honestly, the best study program ever! I've already referred a handful of colleagues to TDC. Worth every penny. THANK YOU, Amanda and TDC!
Its great that you do not have books that arrive to the students house.
The notes & audio are awesome overall.
Asya's consultation helped in strategies to study & remained focus on the issues in the question stem.
THANK YOU !!!
Passed first try. Thank you Amanda and Asya for your help and coaching. I am so happy, relieved and ready to start as a licensed professional. This is an amazing feeling.
The BEST study program out there! I passed the CA MFT Clinical exam yesterday (first attempt). When ever I felt frustrated during the exam, I could hear Amanda's voice & final pep talk. The combination of audio lecture, visual notes, mock exams, & recommended test-taking strategies set me up for success. I am recommending this program to all of my friends/colleagues in need of study material. Thank you SO much TDC!
Asya was extremely helpful and thorough! TDC WORKS GUYS.
TDC study materials, specifically the quiz and test rationales, really worked well for me. I love the way Amanda Rowen thinks and I channeled her voice in my head during the exam. Thanks, TDC, for giving me the confidence of knowledge, which I used to assuage my anxiety! :)
TDC was by far the most focused and comprehensive study program that I could ever have asked for as a Master's level clinician seeking licensing with the BBS.
TDC exam materials assisted me to study effectively enough to pass the first time in spite of working full time, caregiving my mother through hospice and the load of grief that followed. I don't recommend doing anything but studying and working full time, but because of the focus TDC provided, I was able to focus and enough to get through and pass in spite of grief brain. And, just as with the Law and Ethics exam, going through this intense studying improved my clinical approach, focus and practice. Thank you!
Thank you so much TDC and for Asya for helping me during my coaching session! :) Thanks for helping me pass my first time!
-Genesis
I followed all the recommendations given in the study program. Topics were covered in detail and final review tips were especially helpful!
I’d moved my residence, my office, gotten sick at a couple of points, had an unacceptably low final mock and had to go back and repeat TDC’s paradigm breaking curriculum, and I just didn’t know how anything was going to turn out. I was so nervous! At every turn, when I needed an extension, TDC support was there for me, including when I needed support deciding whether or not to “wing it” after one time through the curriculum or go back into review mode, TDC was there to help. Well worth the money and leaving the competition in the dust - thank you TDC!
Walked in to exam feeling confident and prepared. I had so much anxiety before test started, but then realized that many questions on TDC were very similar. Was so calm and relaxed thanks to TDC
Twenty years ago, I received my degree as a school based family counselor. I tried to complete my 3,000 hours, but my pathway towards licensure took a detour, when I made the decision to raise my four children instead. I allowed 1,000 of my hours to expire. It was 15 years later that I started on the pathway again towards licensure. By then, new requirements had been added to the licensing process. At times, I was discouraged and wanted to change my career goals, but I fortunately persevered. And after six years of internships at three different sites with four different supervisors; and after seeing countless clients--each of whom I own much appreciation to, as they each had a part in my training--I took my test today and I PASSED! As I walked out of the testing center, II shed a few tears from relief and from having been on such a long, long journey towards licensure. TDC, thank you so much for your help in preparing me for this exam. I'm glad you were a part of my journey. --Lisa W.
Thanks TDC for supporting me through this journey. This exam has been very emotionally challenging, but the coaches really helped me hold onto HOPE! The material is very organized and simplified. The most difficult part of the exam was the doubt and emotional roller coaster within myself. I walked in with confidence knowing the material, but the doubt was what made it difficult. BUT...the material is clear, and studying with TDC finally got me the result I wanted. THANKS!