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 question six below for additional information).

The passing score for the National MFT Exam is established by a panel of expert judges and changes 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 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 the appropriate state licensing board and are mailed to test takers within 20 business days of their exam date.

Eligibility to sit for the exam differs 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 includes 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.

The AMFTRB National MFT Exam is administered one week each month. The schedule for upcoming exam periods can be found here.

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).

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

The answer to this question will vary based on the state you are moving to and the requirements established by that state’s MFT licensing board. The first step will be to apply to the state MFT licensing board for the state you are moving to. Once that state MFT board reviews your application and credentials, they will inform you whether you have any deficits or whether 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 accept the California MFT Clinical Exam, which means MFTs moving to these states may not have to take the AMFTRB National MFT Exam. If you’re licensed in California and moving, check with your individual state’s licensing board to determine if the California MFT Exam will fulfill the exam requirement.

The National MFT Exam has more questions than the California MFT Clinical Exam (180 versus 150). The content areas have some overlap, but the National MFT Exam covers more domains (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 consists mostly of reasoning-based questions. However, The National MFT exam does include exam questions that will test your critical thinking skills.

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 and to account for the overlap between programs.

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.

You can find your purchased courses in your Study Center.

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