Key Features
- An organized, step-by-step study program DEVELOPED BY MFTs.
- Online audio workshops with downloadable HANDOUTS.
- A Complete review of essential content areas for the MFT California Written Exam / 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 memorizing.
- Essential test-taking strategies you can use on exam day.
- 850+ ON-LINE MFT practice exam questions with audio rationales.
- Test anxiety management tools.
- Experienced MFT test prep coaches available for questions and support.
The California MFT Written Exam study program is designed to maximize learning and minimize stress. (Also known as the LMFT Written Exam) 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!
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
I just took the test and passed on my first attempt!!!! I want to say thank you for this great program. The program was perfect for me, and I would like to share that some of your passing testimonies and reviews helped me. For those who are taking your test soon, review 50 topics, how to take the test, especially how the question is first worded, a few days before the test. This helped me with the passing score as I was stuck in the process and picked how we were taught to study. My initial scores were not very strong on the mock exams, but in the last few days, I reviewed why and this helped me through the process and provided many "ah ha" moments during the actual exam. Remember to answer according to the unit of treatment, identify the client and symptomatology in the stem, and that you answer as a therapist with unconditional positive regard and client autonomy! Amanda and the team, thank you for the excellent program and for speaking to me along the way.
The TDC study guide made studying for the California LMFT clinical exam easier than trying to study with books. The study guide was organized, made the material easy to review, and provided a lot of great exam taking strategies. I am happy to say that I passed my exam on my first try, I will absolutely recommend this study guide for other therapists!
I appreciated the availability and responsiveness of the TDC staff, always ready and willing to be helpful in our journey and process. They gave me a ton of support and were very helpful. Don't hesitate to email them questions when needed or schedule a brief phone call to check in on your progress or if you need more direction/guidance!