AMFTRB MFT National Exam study guide
AMFTRB MFT National Exam · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The MFT National Examination is developed and administered by the Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB), the association of state licensing boards that regulate LMFTs. Jurisdictions use the exam as one of the requirements for licensing candidates, so it is typically taken after graduate training and during or near the supervised post-degree experience required by your state board. The AMFTRB MFT National Exam study guide has 5 sections and about 1,518 words.
01Marriage and Family Therapy Practice Foundations
Practice Foundations covers the theories, models, and systemic concepts that underpin clinical work: general systems theory (circularity, feedback loops, homeostasis, boundaries, triangulation), structural, strategic, Bowenian/intergenerational, experiential, solution-focused, narrative, and cognitive-behavioral couple/family approaches. Know each model's core assumptions, signature interventions, and typical target population.
292 words, about 1 min02Assessment and Diagnosis
Assessment and Diagnosis covers the diagnostic process, use of the DSM-5-TR, standardized and systemic assessment tools, and the integration of individual diagnosis with relational context. Candidates must know criteria-level distinctions among major disorders and understand when a relational problem (e.g., V-code/relational problem) versus an individual disorder is the appropriate focus.
324 words, about 2 min03Treatment Planning and Intervention
This domain covers building collaborative, measurable treatment plans and selecting/sequencing interventions. Candidates must translate assessment into goals, objectives, and interventions, monitor progress, and adapt treatment to couple/family dynamics and stage of change.
283 words, about 1 min04Professional Ethics and Legal Issues
Ethics and legal issues test knowledge of professional codes (e.g., AAMFT Code of Ethics), confidentiality and its limits, informed consent, boundary and multiple-relationship management, competence, mandated reporting, and legal duties such as duty to warn/protect. Confidentiality and its exceptions : danger to self/others, child/elder/dependent adult abuse, court order.
314 words, about 2 min05Supervision, Consultation, and Professional Development
This domain addresses the supervisory relationship, models and stages of supervision, evaluation, gatekeeping, consultation, and ongoing professional development. Candidates must understand supervisor responsibilities, ethical boundaries in supervision, and how to use consultation appropriately.
305 words, about 2 min