Frequently Asked Questions

Before contacting us with your question, please read the answers to the most common questions below. They are ordered in the sequence in which you have encountered them.

In brief, AMFTRB only maintains the content of the national MFT exam and its relationships with partners who administer the exam and score results.

Please note that AMFTRB does not:
*Contact PTC, †Contact your state board

  • send or verify scores*
  • determine your eligibility†
  • issue approval codes†
  • track your scores*
  • take exam applications*
  • manage exam registrations*
  • adjust or handle scheduling*
  • change exam windows*
  • process accommodations*
  • know when you took the exam*
  • make refunds*
  • license candidates†
  • know your password*
  • provide eligibility extensions*


*Contact PTC, †Contact your state board

Note: AMFTRB is aware of several scams targeting MFT National Examination candidates. They include offers of access to live test items appearing on the MFT National Examination and offers to change candidate scores. Purchasing such services will likely result in financial loss and may constitute ethics violations. Two AMFTRB-sanctioned sources of information for MFT National Examination candidates are the Candidate Handbook on AMFTRB’s website and the information available under the Students, MFT Candidates & Licensees tab on this website.

For registration or payment issues, scores, and requesting copies:

Please review the Handbook for Candidates or contact Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at 212-356-0660.

For issues with the practice exam or vouchers (for administrators only):

Contact Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at 212-356-0660

For scheduling, rescheduling, and testing center questions or issues:

Review the Handbook for Candidates or contact Prometric at (800) 741-0934.

For eligibility, approval codes, licensing, or transfer requirements:

Contact your state board or jurisdiction.  

Four organizations to be familiar with

The role of AMFTRB

  1. develops and maintains the contents of the exam
  2. maintains and oversees its partnership with Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) and Prometric
  3. AMFTRB does not:
    • send authorization codes,
    • register exam candidates,
    • schedule testing,
    • send scores,
    • oversee issues with fees or refunds,
    • send accommodations
    • manage the practice exam or send vouchers
    • license candidates,
    • issue passwords,
    • does not determine candidate eligibility.

    These functions are provided by the state boards or jurisdictions, PTC, and Prometric, as outlined below.

The role of your State Board or Jurisdiction:

  1. determines your eligibility to take the exam
  2. provides your authorization code to register for the exam
  3. issues your license or equivalent

The role of Professional Testing Corporation (PTC)

  1. manages registration, fees, refunds, and related processes.
  2. provides the scheduling authorization for Prometric
  3. provides scoring and results to you and your state board of jurisdiction
  4. at your request, sends duplicate scores to other boards
  5. manages the practice exam and school vouchers
  6. oversee exam windows and registration exceptions
  7. fields your concerns and issues encountered with the exam contents

Contact PTC at https://ptcny.com/contact or (212) 356-0660

The role of Prometric

  1. facilitates scheduling and rescheduling, fees, refunds, etc.
  2. manages the testing facilities and administration of the exam
  3. facilitates the practice exam: its registration, fees, accommodations, and refunds
  4. provides technical support for the test site

Contact Prometric at https://www.prometric.com/AMFTRB

Scores, Scoring, and Copies

When will I receive my scores?

Approximately 20 business days after the close of each testing period, scores will be reported to state licensing boards and emailed to candidates. AMFTRB does not distribute scores or monitor their status; you must contact PTC.

It’s been 20 days; why haven’t I received my scores?

If you or your state board or jurisdiction do not receive your scores after 20 business days following the close of the testing period, please contact PTC directly—neither Prometric nor AMFTRB distributes scores. AMFTRB does not distribute scores or monitor the status of your scores; you must contact PTC.

What is the passing score?

The passing score on the MFT National Examination is established by a panel of expert judges on an “anchor examination.” The modified Angoff method is used to determine the passing score. Each panel member estimates, for each test item, what percentage of minimally competent therapists would get it correct. Their responses are examined and analyzed by psychometric experts, and the Examination Advisory Committee can make minor adjustments. The anchor examination becomes the standard of knowledge to which all future forms of an examination are compared. Some forms of the examination will contain individual items that may differ in difficulty from items on other forms. To compensate for these variations, test forms are compared using a psychometric process called equating. This equating process accounts for differences in item difficulty and adjusts the passing score accordingly.

As a result, the required standard of knowledge for passing the examination remains consistent from test form to test form. Therefore, there is no standard or consistent score across exam administrations that represents a passing score. Please understand that if you hear or believe that the national exam passing score is 60, 70, or any other number, this does not follow the exam scoring guidelines in the exam candidate Handbook.

Who can I talk to about my score?

For the security and reliability of the exam, AMFTRB does not discuss the exam, scores, or outcomes with candidates. If you have failed the exam, please see the discussion below. Further, please consider working with your clinical supervisor and/or academic faculty to address the domain areas in which your score report indicated that you had strengths and weaknesses.

How do I find my state board contacts?

See the AMFTRB home page guide here…

How do I have my scores sent to my state board or jurisdiction?

Your scores are automatically sent to the state board or jurisdiction that approved you to take the exam. If you are requesting copies or a score transfer of your scores to another jurisdiction, see the question below. Note: If you took the California test, you will need to contact the CA board; PTC only tracks the national exam. Also, AMFTRB does not distribute scores or monitor their status; you must contact PTC.

Can I have my new scores sent to a jurisdiction other than where I took the exam?

The scores can only go to the state board through which they applied for licensure. After the exam results go out, you can use the score transfer form to send them to other boards.

How can I request an official copy of my scores?

Fill out the online Score Transfer Request form through PTC (fee listed in Handbook). You can use this form to obtain a copy of your scores for yourself, a new state board, your school, or your employer. If you have any questions about your score records, forgot when you took the exam, or about the online transfer request form, please contact PTC at https://ptcny.com/about/#contact or by phone at (212) 356-0660. Note: If you took the California test, you will need to contact the CA board; PTC only tracks the national exam.

Note: if you or your board does not receive the scores in a timely manner, contact PTC at (212) 356-0660. AMFTRB does not distribute scores or monitor their status; you must contact PTC.

How do I change my request to send score copies?

If you made a mistake in your request, contact Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at https://ptcny.com/contact or (212) 356-0660 to make the change.

What if I ordered copies of my scores but never received them?

If you or your state board or jurisdiction do not receive your scores in a timely manner, please contact PTC directly—AMFTRB does not distribute scores or monitor the status of your scores; you must contact PTC.

How do I find out when I took the national exam?

It is most likely that you took your exam just before becoming licensed, which will remind you of the year you took the exam. Contact the state board or jurisdiction in which you were first licensed to ask when they received a copy of your score report. If you failed to keep a copy of your exam score when you received it, or have forgotten when (month and year) or which state approved you to take the exam, contact PTC at https://ptcny.com/about/#contact or by phone at (212) 356-0660.

Is my passing test score good indefinitely?

In most states, the score has no expiration date. A few states have limited the number of years an exam score is valid and thus accepted. This is a question for the state board or jurisdiction where you are practicing or plan to practice as an LMFT: https://amftrb.org/#board. Start there. Board contacts: https://amftrb.org/#board

I took the exam a while ago. How can I recover my password?

Contact Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at https://ptcny.com/contact or (212) 356-0660

Does AMFTRB release national exam statistics and pass/fail percentages?

AMFTRB provides an annual report to the 53 individual member states, jurisdictions, commonwealths, and territories that act as the legal entities responsible for licensing LMFTs. These entities have the decision-making responsibility for their jurisdiction’s data, and its availability. You are free to contact them directly.

Eligibility and Requirements

How do I know if I am eligible to take the exam?

Only your state jurisdiction can determine your eligibility each time you take the exam. So, if you fail the exam the first time you take it, you must contact your state board or jurisdiction to confirm your eligibility before applying to retake the exam. AMFTRB or PTC do not determine your eligibility. More on the process…

How do I get my Approval Code to register for the Exam?

Contact your state jurisdiction to determine your eligibility, and if their requirements are met, they will send you your approval code. You can only use your approval code once, so if you fail the exam, you will have to acquire another approval code from your state jurisdiction before applying for the exam again. You can find your state or jurisdiction board contact information here. AMFTRB or PTC do not issue approval codes. More on the process…

How long is my Approval Code good for?

The approval code is valid for one exam. The general AMFTRB guideline is that approval codes are valid for up to 1 year from the date of issuance or until the exam is taken (pass or fail). However, if the exam is never taken, the validity period of the approval code varies by state and jurisdiction, so check with your state board for its policy.

My Approval Code does not work.

Contact PTC or your state board or jurisdiction. AMFTRB does not issue or manage approval codes.

Can I take the exam while I’m still in graduate school?

While your state board or jurisdiction may permit you to take the exam and subsequently accept your scores, the answer is generally “no.” The examination is constructed for and normed on a post-graduate degree candidate with the required supervised experience hours. See the License Requirements document.

Is there a time limit on my eligibility to take the exam?

The short answer is “yes.” Some state boards and jurisdictions only allow you to be a candidate for a limited time. Depending on the state/jurisdiction, you may have to reapply and meet the eligibility requirements again. Contact your board for guidance specific to your situation.

Can I take the exam without the required supervision hours?

Probably “no.” But this is a question for your school’s supervisory staff, or your state/jurisdiction mental health board. AMFTRB or PTC cannot determine your eligibility as it relates to supervision and experience.

Can I take the exam remotely or at home?

No. The national MFT exam is administered only by Prometric at proctored exam centers.

Can I take the test in one state when I intend to practice in another?

The short answer is “yes.” Caveats:

  1. If you know where you are moving and the move is imminent, you might want to apply for an approval code from the state board or jurisdiction where you intend to practice, as passing the exam is only one of the requirements to become licensed. Note: Your score can only be reported to the state that provided your approval code.
  2. If you are moving but not sure where, you can request an approval code from your current board, take the exam, and then transfer your score to the state or jurisdictional board where you will practice. However, because a passing score is only one of the requirements for licensure, you still may need to meet other requirements for this new jurisdiction. Notably, the Handbook for Candidates states, “PTC registers only examination scores on the MFT National Examination. Other requirements for licensure are handled by individual state licensing boards.“
  3. Once you have your approval code, you can sit for the exam at any Prometric Testing Center.
  4. This does not apply to practicing in a different country or non-US territory. You will have to contact those mental health boards for details on practicing there.

Can I take the exam in a state other than where I received my approval code or intend to practice?

Yes. you can take the exam at any Prometric testing center.

Can I take the exam outside the United States, its Territories, or Canada?

Candidates may take the test outside the US. However, international candidates must be approved by one of the jurisdictions/states. Once they receive their authorization, candidates must locate a testing center and schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment online at www.prometric.com/AMFTRB. Scores will be sent to the state board that the candidate indicated on their application.

Whether it’s in-person or teletherapy, AMFTRB does not set the requirements for individual states, so contact the state board(s) or jurisdiction(s) where your client(s) now reside to find out their requirements for licensing and policies. Normally, you must be licensed in the state where your client resides to provide therapy. Any temporary orders that a state may currently have in place must be followed, and may provide temporary crisis rules that must be followed.

Registering for the Exam

How do I register for the exam?

First of all, please read the Exam Roadmap on our site.

Decide when you want to take the exam and find the application deadline for your exam window.

Next, go to the PTC (Professional Testing Corporation) website registration page. If you have any issues with registration, e.g., the form isn’t working, contact Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at 212-356-0660.

Please do not submit and pay for more than one application at a time, since the application fees are not refundable. If you pass the exam on the first try, any fees paid for an application for a later testing period will not be refunded.

For all scheduling, rescheduling, and testing center questions, review the Handbook for Candidates or contact Prometric at (800) 741-0934.

How do I reschedule my examination time?

You may reschedule your exam time under the following conditions:

  1. There are no stipulations if your request is submitted 30 days or more before the original appointment.
  2. If the request is submitted 5–29 days before the original appointment, candidates may reschedule for a rescheduling fee paid to Prometric.
  3. If less than 5 days before the original appointment, candidates will need to reapply for a future testing period and pay the standard fees.
  4. Candidates can reschedule their examination appointments within the same testing period, provided the request is submitted within the timeframe described below. Reschedule within the permitted time frame by calling or going to the Prometric website.

Different month: If you want to reschedule in a different month, contact Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at https://ptcny.com/contact or (212) 356-0660. There is a one-time transfer fee (see the Handbook for Candidates).  

Same month: Contact Prometric at (800) 741-0934

For more information, see the transfer policy in the Handbook for Candidates.

PLEASE NOTE: Canceling or not showing up for your examination appointment will result in a forfeiture of examination fees. So, be sure to choose your examination period carefully before applying for the exam.

I missed the registration deadline. Can I get an extension?

A few exceptions are made, contingent on a number of factors. Contact PTC immediately (AMFTRB does not oversee scheduling).

When are exam dates for next year posted?

There is no set date, though dates for the next year could be available on the PTC registration form as early as September 1. AMFTRB will post them on the website by October at the latest. Dates are posted here.

How do I find testing locations near me?

Visit https://www.prometric.com/AMFTRB. Click on Location (there will be up to a 2-minute wait). Select/enter your options and follow the arrows. The resulting locations will be presented on the final page.

What if there are no testing locations, or they are filled up?

You will need to move your test to another period or test site, which may be in a neighboring state if you are located close enough. Please contact PTC at www.ptcny.com/contact, or 212-356-0660.

Can I get a fee discount for the exam?

I’m sorry, but no discounts are available for the national exam. Each time an exam is administered, there are costs for the approval, delivery, administration, and scoring of the exam by many different personnel, as well as the physical costs of sites, computer programming, and data storage. Approved training programs may offer vouchers for the Practice exam.

I am in the military, so how do I register to take the exam?

  1. First, follow the same process for approval in your state/jurisdiction to take the Examination as any other candidate would, informing them of your current situation.
  2. Once you receive the jurisdiction ID code, register with PTC as you would for all other candidates.
  3.  We suggest you confirm with your branch of the military that you have been approved through their state or jurisdiction to take the exam. You can reference https://www.cool.osd.mil/arm, which shows that the exam is approved.
  4. You can request reimbursement for the exam fees. 

I registered for the exam—when will I get a reply?

If you have completed your online application for the exam with us and paid for it, you will be contacted within 11 weeks.

Eleven weeks prior to the first day of the testing period, you will receive an email from notices@ptcny.com with a Scheduling Authorization from notices@ptcny.com. Appointment times are first-come, first-served, so schedule your appointment as soon as you receive your Scheduling Authorization in order to maximize your chance of testing at your preferred location and on your preferred date.

I made a mistake or wish to edit my application. How do I make an edit or correction?

Contact Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at https://ptcny.com/contact or (212) 356-0660, and they will make the edit for you.

I registered, but can I get a refund if I back out or cancel?

As the Handbook for Candidates states, exam fees are:

  • Non-refundable
  • Non-transferable
  • Includes testing center fees
  • No discounts available

I was disqualified for giving misleading information on my application. Can I appeal?

There are certain conditions under which you can appeal to AMBTRB within 30 days of any action. Please see the Appeals Policy and Procedure (#c).

I lost my registration password

Contact Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at https://ptcny.com/contact or (212) 356-0660

Preparing for the Exam

Is there a Practice Exam?

Yes, and you can read about it here. There are two forms of the practice exam. Each is offered in the regular 2-hour format and an extended 3-hour format for qualifying ADA candidates. Some of the questions on both forms of the practice exam are the same, so you may choose to take only one or the other depending on your individual situation. There are no refunds if you decide to take both forms.

Can I get a discount on the Practice Exam?

There is a fee for each practice exam attempt (see the Handbook for the current fee). There are no discounts as such for the practice exam. However, if your school is an approved training program, it may offer vouchers and administer the practice exam for you, so check with them first. Address any issues you have about taking the exam purchased with vouchers with your institution and not PTC or AMFTRB.

Why didn’t I receive a link or voucher code for the Practice Exam?

Neither AMFTRB nor PTC sends voucher codes to individual candidates; your institution’s representative distributes links and voucher codes, so contact your institution.

Does AMFTRB recommend any study materials?

The exam is not a teaching tool. It is a test and only one part of what a state uses to determine if a candidate is ready to be licensed. Many exam preparation programs are available. For AMFTRB to create a study guide as described, it could create a conflict of interest, as AMFTRB is responsible for creating, developing, and administering the exam.

Therefore,AMFTRB cannot recommend any study materials beyond the official Handbook for Candidates, our Exam page, and the Practice Exam. Because it would constitute a conflict of interest, AMFTRB has a policy of not recommending any courses, study materials, or methods for exam preparation. We offer the practice exam to give examinees a sense of what will be covered on the exam, the look and feel of the exam, and the mechanics of taking it. Contact your state board or jurisdiction for further recommendations.

What is on the exam?

For details please read up here . . .

Or see the exam Handbook (“Content Outline”).

The items on this exam are developed and intended to assess your critical thinking skills as well as your ethical and legal decision-making skills.

Accommodations

I have a disability; how can I be accommodated?

All centers are fully accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The criteria for requesting Test Accommodations are those outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Requesting Test Accommodations requires submission of appropriate documentation (e.g., a physician’s letter). The online application process allows you to attach documentation.

You may take the exam in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act Title III Regulations, Subpart C, Section 36.309 “Examinations and courses”, and if you meet the AMFTRB requirements for an ADA exception. When you apply to take the exam with PTC,  complete the Request for Test Accommodations Form available from www.ptcny.com and upload both sides of that Form to your application. You will be contacted by PTC regarding your requested test accommodations. Note: The lead time for ADA accommodations is 8 weeks, rather than the usual 4 weeks for non-ADA applications. Please see the  Handbook for Candidates for other details.

I’m not a native English speaker. Can I have more time for the exam?

A special arrangement for English Language Learners (ELL) can be obtained only from your state licensing board, and not all states will allow this arrangement, as it is not an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) sanctioned accommodation. Candidates wishing to learn more about this arrangement should contact their state licensing board directly. Read more here

What are the criteria required to apply for test accommodations?

The criteria for requesting Test Accommodations are those outlined in the Americans With Disabilities Act. Requesting Test Accommodations requires submission of appropriate documentation (e.g., a physician’s letter). The online application process allows you to attach documentation.

Can I take the exam on paper instead of a computer?

You may take the paper exam in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act Title III Regulations, Subpart C, Section 36.309 “Examinations and courses”, and meet the AMFTRB requirements for an ADA exception: https://amftrb.org/mft-exam/faqs/#disabilities. When you apply to take the exam with PTC (https://www.ptcny.com/PTC/contact.asp), fill out the request for an ADA accommodation https://ptcny.com/candidate-corner/request-test-accommodations/. You will be contacted by PTC to arrange for your specific need. Note: the lead time for ADA accommodations is 8 weeks, rather than the usual 4 weeks for non-ADA applications. Please see the Handbook for Candidates for other details.

Can I take the exam in a private room?

Yes, you can request a private room to take the exam. It is on the form you need to complete. Once your accommodation request is received, you may also talk with PTC staff about your specific needs.

I was denied an accommodation. Can I appeal?

There are certain conditions under which you can appeal to AMBTRB within 30 days of any action. Please see the Appeals Policy and Procedure (#a).

Taking the Exam

Can I bring any references with me during the exam?

No materials or electronic devices are allowed. Please see the Rules for the Exam. You will be required to sign the Security Agreement, stating that you understand and will comply with this stipulation.

Are there allowances for bad weather?

If inclement weather prevents you from reaching the testing center, or the testing center closes due to weather, please contact PTC directly by phone or through their ticketing system. You will be transferred to a future testing window.

What if there were problems at the test center that impacted my ability to take the exam?

Per the Handbook for Candidates, any candidate who feels the examination was negatively affected by test center treatment or conditions should notify staff immediately. The situation or any comments about the exam environment should also be reported to PTC at www.ptcny.com/contact or 212-356-0660 within three days of the exam date.

  1. What can I do if there’s glare on the computer screen?
    Try tilting the computer monitor or adjusting the chair. If that does not resolve the problem, please inform the proctor.
  2. What can I do if I experience a delay in starting my test?
    If there is a delay, please alert the proctor immediately. Once the delay is resolved, you can resume or start your exam; you will get all of your time (i.e., the delay will not reduce the amount of time you have to take the exam).
  3. What can I do if the computer malfunctions while I am taking the examination?
    If there is a computer malfunction during your exam, please let the proctor know immediately. Once the malfunction is resolved, you can resume or start your exam; you will get all the time you had (i.e., the delay will not reduce the time you have to take the exam). The candidate should be able to resume where they left off. If the malfunction cannot be resolved, leave and contact PTC for assistance. Generally, responses are saved, but if the candidate must leave the center due to a technical issue that cannot be resolved, they will need to reschedule the exam and start it from the beginning the next time.

What if I believe there were errors in the contents of the exam itself?

If you feel there were errors in the actual content of the exam, this should also be reported to PTC at www.ptcny.com/contact, or 212-356-0660 within three days of the exam date, or make comments in the survey at the end of the exam.

My scores were canceled because of issues at the testing center. Can I appeal?

There are certain conditions under which you can appeal to AMBTRB within 30 days of any action. Please see the Appeals Policy and Procedure (#b).

What happens if my exam time is canceled by Prometric?

According to the Handbook for Candidates, be sure to contact PTC immediately to explain your situation and what has happened. Contact Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at https://ptcny.com/contact or (212) 356-0660

What is taking the Exam like?

  1. What are the testing centers like?
    Testing centers are built to standard specifications and vary primarily in size. Private modular workstations provide ample workspace, comfortable seating, and proper lighting. Proctors monitor the testing process through an observation window and from within the testing room. Parabolic mirrors mounted on the walls assist proctors in observing the testing process. All testing sessions are videotaped, and audio monitored. During your testing session, people taking examinations other than the Marital and Family Therapy Examination may be working in the testing room.
  2. Is computer knowledge necessary?
    Computer knowledge is not required to take a computerized examination.
    Before the examination begins, a simple introductory lesson (tutorial) is presented that explains the process of selecting answers and moving from question to question. The time candidates spend on the practice lesson does not count against the time allotted for the examination. Most candidates take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete the tutorial and may repeat it if desired. Candidates may select their answers using either the keyboard or the mouse. Candidates are strongly encouraged to use the tutorial presented just prior to taking the examination.
  3. While taking the examination, can I move back and forth between test questions?
    Yes. While taking the computerized examinations, candidates can skip forward or backward through the examination and review questions at any point during their testing session.
  4. Can I mark items for later review?
    Yes. The testing software includes a feature that allows candidates to “mark” questions they might wish to review later, if time permits. Any question can be marked, whether it is left blank or answered. Questions can be reviewed whether or not they have been marked. It is not necessary to unmark a question in order for it to be scored at the end of the examination.
  5. Can I use scratch paper when taking the examination?
    Yes, candidates are given 2 pieces of paper and a pencil to use during their exam, and they must return both items before leaving the test center.
  6. Can I use earplugs when taking the examination?
    Yes. Candidates may use earplugs supplied by the testing center or bring their own. Earplugs are not automatically distributed to candidates. Candidates must ask Prometric staff for them. Contact Prometric at (800) 741-0934. However, because Prometric does not guarantee the availability of earplugs, candidates who believe that they will need earplugs are strongly advised to bring their own. The candidate should let PTC know if they want to bring their own earplugs so that the proctor can be alerted.
  7. Can I make comments concerning the test administration?
    Candidates can leave brief, specific comments at the end of the exam. Candidates may email their comments to PTC or call them at 212-356-0660.

Failing the Exam

I failed the exam; what are my options?

  • If you failed, you may apply to have your exam’s score verified. See “below,” I failed by only a few points . . . below.”
  • You may apply to retake the exam. See “Taking the Exam Multiple Times” below.
  • You can only use your approval code once, so if you fail the exam, you will have to acquire another approval code from your state jurisdiction before applying for the exam again.
  • See pages 15–27 of the Handbook for Candidates
  • Learn more about the exam and its content to ensure you are familiar with the material. Note that AMFTRB does not recommend study materials beyond those described below and in our comprehensive overview.
  • Take a break.
  • Take the practice exam.
  • Read about the testing centers and conditions.
  • Talk to your state board or jurisdiction.
  • Work with your graduate training program faculty and your supervisor on the domains in which you were weakest, and review fundamental foundational theories. Carefully study all the exam details thoroughly.
  • If there was a technology failure or another environmental issue outside your control that might have impeded your ability to complete the exam and was reported to the proctor at the time of the exam, then contact PTC, Prometric, or AMFTRB.
  • AMFTRB offers the MFT National Examination as a standardized examination for use by its member state boards and jurisdictions. Each member board makes an independent determination on whether the examination meets its individual needs and licensing requirements. There is no vehicle for an applicant to challenge the validity of the exam, its questions, or its scoring.

I failed by only a few points. Can I have my Exam score verified?

Candidates who fail the examination may request verification of their exam score from their data file. See the Handbook under “Requesting an Exam Score Verification.” This is a manual check of the data file by the testing service to determine whether any scoring errors have occurred. Although the probability of such an error is extremely remote and PTC automatically reviews all data, this service is available.

To request score verification, please contact PTC:

PTC must receive requests no later than 90 days after the examination date. Candidates who fail the examination will not be permitted to see the examination questions. For test security reasons, no candidate may review the examination or any of its items directly.

Can I get a refund if I didn’t pass?

Sorry, no. Each time an exam is administered, costs cover approval, delivery, administration, and scoring by multiple personnel, as well as the physical costs of sites, computer programming, and data storage.

How do I retake the exam?

First of all, your eligibility to retake the exam for any reason is not a question for AMFTRB, but for your state board or jurisdiction. AMFTRB does not determine your eligibility to take the exam or issue approval codes—that is the role of your state board. Your approval code for exam registration is valid only once, so each registration requires a new approval code issued by your state board or jurisdiction. That said, consider the following:

Four things you must do:
If you have failed the exam and wish to retest, please read page 15 of the Handbook for Candidates. In summary: a.) talk to your state board or jurisdiction, b.) you will need to reapply to take the exam, c.) you will need to contact your board for a new or renewed eligibility code, d.) you will have to pay the full exam fee.

1. How often can I take the examination?
This may vary by state. However, a candidate may take the examination no more than three times in any 12-month period. Explanation: There are only four exam forms a year, and a candidate cannot retake the same form. Given the deadlines for applying to take the exam after receiving a score report, it would be challenging to meet the application deadlines with a new approval code from the state for each application.

2. Do I need an extension?
If your state board/jurisdiction has a policy about an MFT candidate taking the exam within a certain amount of time to remain as a state MFT intern or candidate, and you have gone beyond that time frame, only the state board can provide any “eligibility extension.”

3. If I apply for the examination, but do not take it, will I receive a refund of my examination fee?
No. (Handbook for Candidates, REFUNDS/TRANSFERS)

4. In the event of failure, do I need to wait a specified period of time before I can test again?
Although there is no specified waiting period, due to the registration timeline, the next available testing period would be in three months. For example, a candidate takes the exam in January and fails. Because it would be too late to register for the February or March testing period, the candidate would register for the April or later test period.

Can I review my answers or compare them to the correct answers?

To protect the integrity of the examinations, AMFTRB does not provide answers to the individual questions contained in either the actual or practice examinations.

I experienced mental duress during the exam. Can I appeal?

There are certain conditions under which you can appeal to AMBTRB within 30 days of any action. Please see the Appeals Policy and Procedure (#d).

Are there any considerations for those who took the exam in Florida or New York?

Florida and New York use a SCALED SCORE. If you want your raw score, that is, the number of items you scored correctly of the 180 items, you can submit a Score Transfer Service & Duplicate Score Report Request at https://www.ptcny.com/exam-sponsors/amftrb or amftrb.org. There is a fee for each request.

California

How do I test in California, or transfer my scores to or from California?

Why aren’t you seeing California on the PTC form? If you took the California MFT exam, and not the national exam by AMFTRB, neither PTC nor AMFTRB will have any record of your California scores. You will need to contact the California state board for copies of your scores or to answer any questions about your tests or testing in California. AMFTRB and PTC have no jurisdiction in California and do not maintain any records of tests taken in California.

Here are all the details concerning California’s unique situation.

I live and/or practice in California. How do I take the national MFT exam?

Because the California board cannot issue the approval codes necessary for registering for the national exam, you will need to find another state board or jurisdiction to “sponsor” you and qualify you for the exam, and provide you with an approval code. AMFTRB does not recommend any specific board, but you may try nearby states.

I am licensed in California, but can I provide therapy in other states?

See the question about practicing in other states. Be advised that the California MFT exam and the national exam administered by AMFTRB are not the same exam. Currently, to be licensed in California, you must pass the California exam and meet the requirements set by the California Board. A California license may or may not be accepted by states or jurisdictions; therefore, it is up to those boards to determine whether a California LMFT meets the requirements to practice in that state. Please read more about the California situation here.

More information: