Looking to become a California MFT and planning to take both the MFT Law & Ethics Exam and the MFT Clinical Exam with the BBS? By purchasing the combo package now, you’ll receive both of TDC’s California MFT Exam prep programs at a big discounted rate. The MFT Combo Package includes online access to everything you need to PASS WITH CONFIDENCE including, audio workshops, step-by-step study plans, practice exams, coaching and more. Both the MFT Law and Ethics and the Clinical Exam programs are designed to maximize learning and minimize stress.
To learn more about what each individual program entails check them out here:
Frequently Asked Questions
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The AMFTRB National MFT Exam is a computer-based standardized exam. The exam includes 180 multiple-choice questions. Test takers are given 4 hours to complete the exam questions. Special accommodations can be requested by individuals who meet the criteria based on the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, certain states provide special arrangements for English Language Learners (see below for additional information).
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The passing score for the National MFT Exam is established by a panel of expert judges and will change with each exam testing period. The passing score will shift up or down depending on the determined level of difficulty of each exam question; the easier the questions, the higher the passing score, and the more difficult the questions, the lower the passing score. The majority of states will use the passing score that is set by the AMFTRB; however, some jurisdictions set their own passing score. Test takers do not receive their results immediately; scores are sent to appropriate state licensing board and mailed to you within 20 business days of your exam date.
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Eligibility to sit for the exam will differ for each state that accepts the AMFTRB National MFT Exam for licensure. You will need to contact your state licensing board for the application and to determine eligibility requirements. Once you are approved by your state licensing board to sit for the AMFTRB National MFT Exam, you will receive an approval letter that will include an approval code and a link to the PTC Online Application System. Once you receive approval, complete the PTC application and submit payment for the examination/testing fee. PTC will email you a Candidate ID and Scheduling Authorization within 6 weeks of your testing period.
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The AMFTRB National MFT Exam is administered one week each month. The schedule for upcoming exam periods can be found here.
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Accommodations are available for test takers with disabilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you would like to request special accommodations, complete the online application (at least 8 weeks prior to exam date) and attach the appropriate documentation (i.e. doctor’s letter).
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The following states provide special accommodations for English Language Learners:
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
The following states do not provide special accommodations:
Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, New York, Utah, Washington
(see here for updates)
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The answer to this question will vary based on the state you are moving to and requirements established by the state’s MFT licensing board. The first step will be to apply to the state MFT licensing board. Once that state MFT board reviews your application and credentials, they will inform you of any deficits or if you are eligible to sit for the AMFTRB National MFT Exam. You must apply to sit for the National MFT Exam through the state’s MFT licensing board in which you plan to practice. You cannot sit for the exam without taking this step. Here is an overview of requirements by state.
The California Board of Behavioral Sciences is actively pursuing increased reciprocity for MFTs. To date, several states will accept the California MFT Clinical Exam, which means MFTs moving to these states may not have to take the AMFTRB National MFT Exam. Check with the state’s licensing board to determine if the California MFT Exam will fulfill the exam requirement.
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The National MFT Exam has more questions than the California MFT Clinical Exam (200 versus 170). The content areas have some overlap, but the National MFT Exam covers more domains (aka knowledge areas). The domains that are tested on the National MFT Exam can be found here. The National MFT Exam has a larger share of recall-based questions, whereas the California Clinical MFT Exam is mostly comprised of reasoning-based questions. However, The National MFT exam does include exam questions that will test your critical thinking skills.
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There is some overlap between the content that is tested on the National MFT exam and the California Clinical MFT exam. However, there are also significant differences in the content and types of questions that appear on each exam. Each program teaches the content and strategies designed to meet the unique needs of each exam. For this reason, it is not appropriate to use one program for both exams. If you are using TDC to prepare for both exams we would be happy to give you a discount code as a thank you for your loyalty.
Reviews
TDC has everything you need to pass the LMCE; I highly recommended.
I purchased the LMFT study program in January 2021, hoping to finish my internship hours in June and take my licensing exam shortly thereafter. Unfortunately, I experienced numerous setbacks with the BBS, and I wasn't approved to take my exam until May 2022. During that time I requested program extensions 4 times, once after a previous extension had expired. And the TDC staff never hesitated to provide the extensions I needed! I am so grateful for their quality study material and practice exams; I passed on my first attempt!
Thank you for your program. I listened over and over.