The Marital and Family
Therapy Exam is an exam used by state licensing boards to help assist with
evaluating an applicant’s knowledge for licensure. It determines whether or not
an applicant has the necessary skills to hold an entry-level position in the
marital and family therapy field.
The exam is given through
the Association
of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
Before candidates can
take the exam, their credentials need to
be examined. Experience requirements vary from state to state, so it’s
important to check with the licensing board where you live.
How long is the MFT exam?
The MFT is a computer-based exam and is 4 hours long with 180 multiple-choice questions.
When is the exam given?
The exam is given during an established one-week per month testing period. This does not include holidays. You will take the exam at a computer-based testing facility managed by Prometric.
How do I register for the exam?
In order to sit for the exam, you will first need to contact your jurisdiction to get an application and eligibility requirements. Once you get approved by your jurisdiction, they will send you an approval letter, along with an approval code, and a link to the PTC online application system.
Once you complete the application, you will receive an identification number and information regarding their Prometric testing centers.
*Important: Hundreds of Prometric testing centers are located all throughout the United States and Canada. You must contact Prometric directly to schedule your exam appointment and the location where you will be taking the exam.
How much is the examination fee?
The fee for the Marital and Family Therapy Exam is $365.
*Important: The fee for the exam is non-refundable, so make sure you are prepared to take the exam before registering.
What if I scheduled my exam, but need to reschedule my testing date?
If you need to reschedule your exam date you may request a transfer to a future testing date. You can transfer your exam to a future testing date by visiting the PTC website.
*There is a transfer fee of $50 if it is within 5-29 days before your exam. You cannot reschedule within 5 days of your test date. Please keep this in mind when scheduling your test appointment.
When can I expect my results?
You will not receive your results at the PSI testing site. Approximately 20 business days after the closing of each testing period, examinees scores will be reported to state licensing boards, and then mailed to the candidate.
What happens if I get my score back, and it turns out that I failed? May I take it again?
Yes. If you failed the exam, you can definitely retake it. However, You are only permitted to take the exam 3 times in a 12-month period.
You must also complete a new application and pay another exam fee. You can do this on the PTCNY website: www.ptcny.com.
What score do I need to get in order to pass the MFT exam?
The passing score for the MFT exam varies from state to state. There is no set score.
What if I’m a person with a disability? Will I be accommodated?
Yes. If you are someone with a disability, you will be accommodated. But keep in mind that you will need to provide appropriate documentation from a physician.
What can I expect on test day?
On the day of the exam, be sure to arrive 15-20 minutes early. If you are late, you may not be allowed inside the testing site. You must arrive with your government-issued photo identification. If you do not have your ID on you, you will not be allowed to take the exam.
You may not bring any electronic devices into the testing room – this includes cell phones, laptops, and/or tablets.
Restroom breaks are permitted during the exam, but you may not leave the testing room for any other reason.
What kind of questions will I be tested on?
The MFT covers six different domains:
- Domain 1 – The Practice of Systemic Therapy (24%):
- This domain focuses on systemic theory and perspective, and how you will incorporate it into practice activities.
- Domain 2 – Assessing, Hypothesizing, and Diagnosing (15.5%):
- Focuses on assessing, formulating hypotheses, and diagnosing the client system.
- Domain 3 – Designing and Conducting Treatment (24.5%):
- Focuses on developing and enforcing interventions with the client system.
- Domain 4 – Evaluating Ongoing Process and Terminating Treatment (12%):
- This domain focuses on the continuous evaluation of the treatment plan, as well as planning for termination.
- Domain 5 – Managing Crisis Situations (10%):
- Focuses on assessing and managing emergency situations.
- Domain 6 – Maintaining Ethical, Legal, and Professional Standards (14%):
- Focuses on legal and ethical codes, as well as professionalism.
What if I move out of state? Can I have my scores transferred?
Yes. If you move to another state, your scores may be transferred. However, there is a $50 transfer fee. To request a transfer, you must fill out a score transfer form at the PTCNY website.
*Important: You will need the identification number given to you when you registered for the MFT examination in order to fill out the score transfer form.
How Can I Prepare for the MFT Test?
That’s a great question. We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.
- Do yourself a favor and study. Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try. Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping. All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance. If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
- Get a study guide or set of flashcards. Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them. We’ve tried to make it easy for you by tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see links to both!