All AMFTRB testing was suspended in March, 2020 as the COVID-19 Pandemic began to take hold in the US and the country was directed to stay home in most states. As of May 16, 2020, AMFTRB has begun testing again at Prometric Testing Centers (PTC) in states that are beginning to open up again. Follow this link to see if your state is allowing Prometric to begin testing for your exam: https://www.prometric.com/site-openings
The exam is now offered during 4 specific testing windows each year. You make an appointment to take the exam at the time you register with your state board. For more information, visit https://amftrb.org/mft-exam/dates/.
Computer based testing was instituted in November, 2001. When you register for the exam with your state board, they will give you details of where and when you may take the exam. The AMFTRB has contracted with Prometric-Thomson Learning Centers which has numerous locations in each state. You must take the exam at one of these centers during one of the periods of time it is available each year. Only basic computer skills are necessary to take the exam.
Generally speaking the answer to this is no, though individual proctors may be more or less lenient. If you have a medical problem, handicap or just know you will need some refreshment during the exam period, it would be best to communicate with your registration board in your state ahead of time and let them know what the problem is. Generally, the boards are responsive to examinees individual needs.
A candidate has 4 hours to complete the exam. We have heard of extensions being granted to those with special needs. Importantly, over the course of the 4 hours of testing, examinees generally change how they approach questions. Some people tire and become less careful, while others gain or lose confidence. It is important to take a number of practice exams to see how you handle the lengthy session. The FSI Workshop teaches participants test-taking strategies which include a disciplined approach to each question, over the course of the entire exam.
The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions, with 4 answers to choose from. You have 4 hours to complete the exam which is administered under strictly controlled conditions. Many questions are based upon clinical vignettes. FSI has developed an ove
It will not necessarily help and many say it is actually a hindrance. However, if you have practiced according to some of the currently accepted principles of the MFT field you may find some number of questions relatively easy for you. However, keep in mind that this is primarily an examination that tests knowledge more than clinical intuition. Years of clinical practice tend to distance us from the kind of intellectual hair-splitting and knowledge-based questions which are on the exam. Most clinicians are busy enough "being present" and responding to interpersonal cues that arise in a face-to-face therapy session, rather [...]
FSI has developed specific strategies for those people that historically have not done well on standardized tests or have learning disabilities. Ask us how we might help you personally if this is the case. FSI's Workshops raise exam candidates test scores considerably. Those least experienced and expert with standardized tests tend to gain the most from the Workshops.
The exam does seem to be hardest for those out of school the longest. Nevertheless, try to not to panic! Get organized instead. While there is an enormous amount of material that you are responsible for showing competence in, this test is passable. It does, however, require structure and diligence on your part and the development of a study plan. You could look over the AMFTRB Knowledge and Practice Domains and try to assemble all your old notebooks and texts and put together what materials you have and a list of those additional ones you believe you need to get, [...]
At the time of the initial creation of the exam, about 1992, the field of MFT was divided into 48 areas of knowledge (now known as the Knowledge Domains) and clinical practice skills, (now known as Practice Domains). Experts in each Knowledge Domain were identified from among senior MFT's. Each of these experts wrote questions in their area after being trained in the construction of standardized test questions. In 2005, this number was increased to 56 and then again, in 2015 to 74 Knowledge Domains and 6 Practice Domains; Family Solutions updated all our study materials to include the changes [...]
