SOCIAL WORK EXAM PREP

California MFT Clinical Exam

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What sets TDC apart:

  • Our comprehensive study system provides a combination of proven techniques to help you succeed on exam day including online audio, downloadable handouts, and clinical examples that help you understand concepts, not just memorize them
  • Your online access starts immediately and we offer free extensions until you pass
  • 850+ practice exam questions with detailed rationales
  • Our structured 10-step study system was developed based on the neuroscience of learning by LMFTs who have passed the exam
  • You’re not alone; an experienced LMFT coach is available to answer questions and provide support
  • We give you everything you need- essential knowledge, plus clear strategies to confidently approach reasoning based questions, without overwhelming you with anything extra
  • We provide you with anxiety management tools to use as you prepare and for exam day
  • Our self-paced program takes approximately 75 hours to complete once and can be repeated as needed
  • We’re with you until you pass!

Study smart. Pass with confidence.

Disclaimer: The licensure preparation programs and materials associated with them were not included in the Association of Social Work Boards Approved Continuing Education (ACE) review and are not approved by ASWB for continuing education nor endorsed by ASWB in any manner. 

Get Inspired
by Our Reviews

“I used TDC for my Law and Ethics exam and it gave me the confidence to pass. After knowing that it was so helpful, I decided to use TDC again for my LCSW Clinical Exam. I went through the program twice as suggested because I really wanted to make sure I passed on the first try. I'm so grateful I did because when I went through it the second time, there were things I forgot/missed, and it helped solidify the information I already learned. I'm loved the structure of the program, and I'll be forever grateful for it helping me to pass my exam with confidence. Thank you TDC!”
     
Sarah Smith, California
October 14, 2025
LCSW Exam Prep: ASWB Clinical Level Exam
“TDC is the reason I passed my exam! The TDC study program taught me how to think about answering the questions on the LCSW exam and that is invaluable. After completing the TDC study program, I felt confident and prepared to take my exam. Now, I recommend TDC to all of my friends!”
     
Hailley Pollak, California
October 12, 2025
LCSW Exam Prep: ASWB Clinical Level Exam
“I can't recommend the Therapist Development Center enough! I felt so prepared going into the exam and I passed by a much wider margin than I ever anticipated. I am so thankful for my clinical supervisor suggesting this course and I have already recommended it to several peers who have also recently passed.”
     
Elizabeth Ehrenfelt, Oregon
October 11, 2025
LCSW Exam Prep: ASWB Clinical Level Exam

California MFT Clinical Exam

FAQs

1. 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 any additionally required 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 your 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 your initial approval to test. If you do not complete the exam in this timeframe, your application will be considered abandoned. If an application is abandoned, you must re-apply and will lose any hours of experience that are more than six (6) years old (with the exception of 500 hours accrued as a trainee)

2. 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 matter, but the BBS also wants to ensure you know how to apply this knowledge in different clinical scenarios. 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 all of the information you need to learn and how to apply that knowledge to the questions that are most likely to appear on the exam.

3. 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.

4. What is the application processing time for the California Clinical MFT Exam?

The application processing time for the California Clinical MFT Exam varies based on the volume of applications as well as 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.

5. 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 65% to 68%. 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 125 scored questions, the MFT Clinical Exam will always include 25 questions that are considered experimental and will not count toward your final score.

6. What is the structure of the MFT Clinical Exam?

The MFT Clinical Exam is a standardized 150 question multiple-choice question test. 125 of the test questions are scored, and 25 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.

7. What do I do once I successfully PASS the California MFT Clinical Exam?

  1. Celebrate this awesome achievement.
  2. Submit your application for your initial license.
  3. Continue receiving supervision until your license is issued.

8. Do I have access to a coach?

Absolutely! Free coaching is one of the key features that sets us apart from other companies. While using our program, you can submit a question anytime, and one of our coaches will email you back within two business days with a personalized response. Our programs provide everything you need to PASS WITH CONFIDENCE. If you need additional support, you can discuss your options with your coach.

9. How do I access my course?

You can find your purchased courses in your Study Center.

10. Can I listen to the audio files without using Wi-Fi or data?

No. At this time, audio files are streamed through our website, so you must use either Wi-Fi or mobile data.

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