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
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!
I really liked how organized and structured the course was to follow. There is a lot to study and knowing what and how to study is half the battle. This course provides a very easy to follow path to achieving your goal.
I absolutely LOVED this program! Amanda definitely became "my friend" during this process and even my friends and family knew who she was! :) The set up/structure was perfect for a mom that worked full-time. It kept me on track and I didn't have to overly think or prepare to study... I just sat on my couch and was ready to go! Once I purchased the combo package, I passed both my Law and Ethics and Clinical Exam on the 1st try and have recommended this program to everyone!
This program came highly recommended by a colleague. I had used previous materials in the past and found them very overwhelming and I didn't feel they prepared me. This program was completely different. TDC was highly structured, concrete and succinct. Not only did it teach skills clearly but it also prepared me emotionally. The reference material was clear and easy to understand. The audio reinforced the program and helped conceptualize the material. I actually enjoyed preparing and feel more confident in my work with clients. I believe this program was invaluable to my success in taking my exam and will be reference tool in my practice. I had a lot riding on passing my exam and I am grateful to TDC for helping me achieve an monumental milestone in my career. Thank you so much Amanda!
TDC was extremely helpful in helping me pass my exam yesterday. This was my second time taking my exam and I felt much better prepared this time. TDC over prepared me for the exam and the mock exams were harder than the ones on the actual exam in my opinion. I cant believe i am a LMFT and I thanks TDC for providng me with the actual tools i needed to PASS!
I am happy to share with you that I finally passed the Clinical Exam and thank you for such a great course! Amanda, you were really in the room with me as well as Asya! Many courses offer good content materials but TDC is more than that. Well organized and focused on strategies and this exam is all about a mental and physical challenge. I requested a coaching session with Asya a week before the exam and it was totally worth it, she gave me wonderful feedback on how I needed to approach the exam. I passed!!!!!
Thanks TDC!!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I passed on my first try. I am so excited to be an LMFT! TDC is the only prep program that takes into account different learning styles. I am deeply grateful! :-)
~Debra Faith House
TDC really gave me the content and encouragement I needed to pass the exam on the first try! I'm so glad Amanda talked about how to lean into the anxiety and the feeling that you are failing. Normalizing that feeling really aided me in managing my anxiety and pushing through to the finish line!
I used TDC for both tests and passed first time. I loved the format of both audio and quick study material. It was to the point and found no surprises on the test. She covers everything needed to pass. I reached out one time to ask about time management tips and received a quick response. The practice mocks and final mock were good practice and felt were similar to the actual test. Thank you TDC
I just want to thank you TDC for comprehensive study content and study timeline suggestions. I created a timeline, built momentum in my study and stuck to the timeline. I felt ready to take the exam. There were so many instances during the exam when I felt like the questions were familiar to common questions tested in TDC mock exams. While many answers on the actual exam were very confusing - the TDC tools in ruling out, putting things in order, looking for comprehensive answers gave me the ability to feel competent while nervous!! I will highly recommend this program to fellow interns nearing their readiness to study for this exam. Phew!! What a relief! Passing the first time feels great! Thank you!
TDC is the truth, the way, and the light! I absolutely LOVE the structure and development of this program!.., so convenient and incredibly comprehensive! I passed the LMFT California Clinical Exam on my first try! I could not have done it without TDC! The lectures, quizzes, mocks, and rationals were right on! I’m Super stoked! Thank you TDC!
I am so grateful for this program! I spent months studying and getting ready for this exam. I was nervous but at the same time was able to recall what I had learned and how to think about the questions. The tips and material made it so that I was able to pass this test on the first try! Thank you so much!
The TDC was extremely instrumental in helping me pass both the Law & Ethics exam and the Clinical Exam. The structured and direct approach of the study guide was exactly what I needed. I greatly appreciate the value the TDC places on individual learning and support outside of the provided study guide. One week before my clinical exam, I continued to struggle with the theories and it greatly affected my confidence. However, after emailing my concerns, I received incredible feedback on my own learning style, studying tips, and reassurance. I'm absolutely grateful for the feedback provided by the coaches- I was contemplating re-scheduling my exam prior to receiving this feedback. On the day of my clinical exam, I confidently ate my piece of fruit before I walked in and made sure to "take Amanda with me."
To everyone at the TDC, thank you!!
I used TDC to study for my exam after hearing good things about it from a few colleagues. The best part is that everything is online and you can do it at your own pace! All the study materials are available online and the test were really helpful to getting you prepare for the exam.
I found the TDC CA MFT clinical exam study program to be perfect for preparing me for this test. The topics of study were clearly laid out in the quick studies and the lectures were clear and well organized. While taking the exam, I thought at least twice, "I wouldn't have known the answer to this specific question without TDC". Amanda's voice went into the test room with me. Her guidance in learning how to understand what the question stem is specifically asking me to answer was invaluable. I felt that the TDC mock exams were very similar to the CCE and an excellent tool to prepare me for "showtime". Thank you TDC!
The rationale, final mock, and especially the private coach session re: test strategies really helped me prepared for the exam.
I found it a huge comfort to not have to sift through books and various resources to find what to study. Instead, with TDC, it was all already compiled in one place. And, in addition, Amanda (my now best friend, hahaha) presents it in a clear way that makes it easier for the information to seep through the pores.
The rationale explanation via the mock exams were extremely helpful. Breaking the question down to myself as a therapist to handle such a situation helped framed the question to be clearer. All TDC handouts were helpful as I am a visual learner. I appreciate Amanda's work in explaining the materials and her positive words of encouragement.
TDC was TREMENDOUSLY helpful in my preparation for the exam. Being able to listen to the content on my commute was a game changer, and the practice tests were fundamental for me to be able to walk into the test prepared for the 4 hours mental sprint! Well worth the investment