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’m an auditory learner, so Amanda’s lectures were very helpful for me. I think it’s the best part of this study program is that it prepared me for the discomfort of not knowing what was going to be on the test and the fact that I wouldn’t know I was passing. I didn’t think I was failing as I took the exam, but I also wasn’t certain that I was passing. Keep up the good work!!
I especially loved how TDC incorporated teaching and learning theories in the development of this study program. This approach made it easy for me to switch up studying methods at any time (e.g., I could chose aural, verbal, spatial and/or the kinesthetic style of learning at any time). Throughout the exam, I kept hearing Amanda's voice say, "Imagine you are in the room with the client(s)," and I did imagine that, often.
I've never been a good test taker and had heaps of anxiety surrounding the LMFT licensing exam. I didn't feel that I could pass on the 1st try regardless of how much I studied.
But I sat for 4 hours with Amanda's voice in my head talking me through the questions, knew what to look for in the stem and moved a long quickly without getting overwhelmed. I eventually got my rhythm and a flow. Without a minute to spare I answered all 170 questions and I PASSED, yessss passed.
I don't think I could have accomplished this without TDC. I will miss my weekends with Amanda's lectures but now having passed I will be in the room with clients and have gained more knowledge and good practice to share with them. ;)
I can not believe that I passed on the first attempt. I am still in shock!!!! I can definitely definitely say that when Amanda says she is with you in the test she really is with you in the test. When I was in front of a super hard question (which there were tons of ridiculous difficult ones) I found myself thinking how would she tackle the question, how do I prioritize and put this in order or how do I keep the answers to be relevant to the thread.
All I can say is that I am so absolutely thankful that I can finally put this process behind me. For those of you taking the test for the first time or if this is your second or third attempt trust the process that Amanda and her coach Asya share with you. It really gives you the confidence and boost you need to get this done and become licensed.
Thank you so much!!!! I am finally licensed!!!!
I have been with TDC for both my Law and Ethics Exam as well as my CA Clinical Exam, and I have never felt more supported as I did with this program. I really appreciate that everything is up to date, and very accurately reflects the content of the exam. TDC uses a wonderful approach that truly teaches you to tackle the strategy of the exam. I have terrible test anxiety as well as a learning disability, and was able to pass using TDC. Thank YOU!!
I am very satisfied with TDCs test prep. I used materials for both the MFT Law & Ethics exam a few years ago and for the LMFT clinical exam that I took today. I felt well prepared for both exams. The study materials are well organized, and actually help one to become a better clinician. In addition to study materials, the strategies for managing anxiety and self care are helpful. The actual exam didn't feel like such a beast!
Took my clinical exam today for the 5th time and passed. There are many out there that are going through the same journey as me, all I can say is that it's possible. Working on my anxiety and my fears made a difference this time. My FAITH played a huge factor in accomplishing my professional goal.
The pep talk was awesome. Followed all the advice about eating and exercising before hand and a snack during break helped me get through.
I finally passed the CCE on my second time! I’m so greatful for excellent strategic organization of TDC’s study materials. The review rationale was invaluable, which helped me to see how I wasn’t paying attention to key factors in my analysis of the vignettes. Thanks Amanda and Robin. This pass is life changing!
I'm so grateful for this study program and material. The journey into MFT has been full of experiences and I'm happy TDC helped me along. The guidance on everything from topics, to timeline, to test-day prep, helped make moving to a new career possible. It's worth every single penny! Thanks, TDC!
So thrilled to report that I passed on the first try! As Amanda says, I definitely felt like I was very possibly failing throughout the test. Pace yourself and trust your clinical judgment.
When I tell you I was a nervous wreck two days before the exam...LOL. BUT, I was able to chat with one of the coaches who really helped me put things into perspective and gave me a wonderful pep talk. Thank you so much for helping me get to the end (or maybe it's a brand new beginning) of a very long road. I can't say enough about TDC and how kind everyone has been!
I used the TDC study system for both the Law & Ethics exam and the MFT clinical exam, and felt extremely prepared both going into and coming out of my exams. I passed both exams on the first tries. The study materials were comprehensive and easy to understand. I loved the audio lectures and found it very convenient to be able to do a lot of studying by listening versus reading. The quick studies were also a great supplement to review after the audio lectures and right before the exam. I definitely brought Amanda into the test with me! Thank you TDC.
TDC is an excellent program. I used TDC for both L&E and the Clinical exam, and I passed both on my first try! Amanda Rowan's approach works for me!
Amanda- Thank you so much for preparing me for this exam and I feel so relieved and excited to be done with it. I felt so ready for the exam and it was just as you said, I could hear your voice during the exam and it was such a calming presence. So grateful!
James
***** "5" Star
I have a story to share. It has been a very long Road to Licensure. I spent the first three years suffering from Infertility and I was in my late 30's at this time(2009). It was really hard to focus on studying, and I made having a baby a priority. Three years later (2012) I had my daughter, and spent 2 years focused on motherhood, then sadly when she was 2, I was diagnosed with Lupus and almost died. Through it all, I remained steadfast at studying and testing, coming a few points from passing several times. I had chronic pain and fatigue, I felt like giving up many times. In 2018, I was back on my feet and with support and prayers really focused on making studying a priority on my lunch hour. I finally PASSED last Friday. I am so Happy, there are no words really to express how I feel. I am so Thankful to the TDC for making it as simple as can be, audios etc. were ingrained in my head, and at night I would hear Amanda's voice talk about how to rule out the silly answers first. Thank you. and now to move on with Life and Being a Mom.
Your test taking strategies are so helpful!!!
I feel this study material really prepared me for the exam. I studied for six weeks and felt confident going in. I feel that it didn't only prepare me for the exam, it made me a better clinician due to the information I gleaned in this study material. Thank you very much!
I study for my Law and Ethics and My MFT Clinical exam using only the TDC program and I passed both test the first time. I followed the study guide and completed the mock exams and reviewed them after. I found it very helpful to listen to Amanda's 8 minute Pep-Talk the day before the exam because during the exam I remembered this pep talk and applied it to cope with my anxiety during the test. Thank you!