Pass the National Marriage and Family Therapy Exam

[@paulsworld3626]

Thanks Kevin! Your video was definitely helpful and I passed the 2nd time as well. I couldn't help but laugh along with you because I failed the first time around on the National exam. I also was surprised we have the same birthday 2/12 (Abe Lincoln's too). So, I am originally licensed in California (I'm a native Angeleno) since 2021 just before COVID hit and fortunately passed my first time. I went to grad school at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena. I saw Cali clients via telehealth during the pandemic. I moved to Charlotte, NC shortly after getting licensed in Cali (3 years ago now) and I decided to get licensure here. I also plan on moving to Georgia this year, so I decided to take the National exam. I haven't been licensed long enough (5 years fully licensed) for reciprocity/license portability, so you're basically required to take the National exam in certain states (it varies state to state). The first time I took it (yes folks, it ain't cheap $350 every time you take it) and if I remember correctly, you have to pay the state you're in a separate $70 every time you need to take it again. I'm at $800 which doesn't include the study materials yet and the AMFTRB Practice Exam is another $70 which is 3 hours - don't take this until you have finished studying and a month before your exam date - I passed which was a relief. My first time taking it I went in pretty cocky, "I got this!" - yeah right - I failed by 10 points! Unlike the California clinical exam - you have to wait a month max to get your results via email (no stress whatsoever ). For the California clinical exam you get your results as soon as you finish the exam. The National is different in that regard, so talk about torture ugh! Anyhoot, I take accountability for thinking I could wing it but that pissed me off and I became extra determined! I purchased the study materials you recommended by Dr. Volini which I loved. I also purchased some study cards from AATBS which I don't recommend (everything is so over-priced $120 and I found them useless because it's all in the book and other study materials). I loved watching KZbin videos from Stephanie Anaya - she rocks! I also purchased the MFT Pro and Lite apps which I found helpful and easy to use while on your phone. Know the difference between genogram symbols and Minuchin's Familly Mapping symbols (it can be all so confusing and lots of symbols are similar in both) - know the boundary symbols and the interactional dynamic symbols, relationship status, children order. Oh another big one was the statistics questions - there are a couple on the exam - so be familiar with research findings/Statistics. A statistical study is..., testing for validity. I took 4 months before taking it the second time and I studied my a$$ off - you are definitely going to over-study and on the actual exam you'll notice not every theory is even asked about but know the most popular ones (e.g. Structural) - any Systems Theory. Better to be safe than sorry and I was glad to brush up and learned a lot more this time around. At times, I was overwhelmed with the amount of information my brain was registering and the amount of memory recall required with so much information. But I persevered and definitely took time out's for self-care and to watch LOVE IS BLIND (mindless entertainment combined with potential future clients) or some comedy to laugh. I would sometimes study all day because I was fortunate to take some time off work. I made it my other job and became a study monster. Life can wait for now. I need to pass this beeyotch next time. I got my results the 2nd time around much faster (in 2 weeks as opposed to a month the first time I took it). I did take them at different locations but its the same testing corp (PTC). Make sure you give yourself enough time when scheduling your exam date with PTC and depending where you live - some centers fill up quickly so I drove to another state the first time and rented a hotel for the night since the site in my city was already full. For me personally, I am already a very spiritual person but I had some serious conversations with whoever is listening and I received positive affirmation that this is my calling and to have faith in myself. That helped me very much to combat any past self-confidence/self-worth stuff I struggled with. This exam is such a head trip but just remember to stay focused and think positively - get a good nights rest before. I never schedule my exams early in the morning (noon is better for me personally). I wear my soundproof headset they give you and I become laser focused and read each question at a safe pace and made sure each word sunk in - I flagged questions I was uncertain of but answered them and hoped I had enough time to go back after I finished. Try your best not to look at the clock - just answer each question and don't stop. I had to use the bathroom the second time I took it and was so pissed at my bladder - I ran and came right back. You are going to be shocked how 4 hours can go by in what feels like 2 hours max. I almost feel like I disassociated because I was fiercely focused. I didn't want to know the time at all until I knew I was at question 165 (there are 180 questions) because I will panic if I think I don't have enough time, so I used emotional regulation big time. I took deep breaths and noticed the questions got easier for me towards the end. I had 45 minutes left and was shocked - is this a good sign or bad - oh fu(%!! I went over my flagged questions again and went ahead and submitted it with 20 minutes left. So I got my results last week and they came in just 2 weeks this time around. The email came at 9:30 am and I was still half asleep because I didn't believe it was my results this soon. I was shaking like a damn leaf getting that email - you have to click on a link, enter a code they give you in advance and then it takes you to that damn letter - just look for the word CONGRATULATIONS. That's all I saw and fell to the floor and grabbed my phone again and read it 5 times before it sunk in. I took 15 screen shots LMFAO - and then started balling my eyes out like I did the first time I passed the California Clinical Exam. People don't realize the hell we go through to get full licensure and all the fees and hoops we have to jump through in grad school and practicum, all our clients and group therapy and adolescents we loved and our challenging clients. Our personal lives are also still occurring (trials and tribulations). All the damn signatures and paperwork you have to save and get to your licensing board. It all flashes back when you see that word PASS. Where's our damn acknowledgment and recognition, our academy and emmy award for helping others/saving others in some cases. Don’t even get me started on the student loans 🤦🏽‍♂️and financial debt this profession puts you in to obtain a required masters degree. It’s a damn shame our loans aren’t entirely forgiven for what we do. Let’s see what Student loan forgiveness does (not holding my breath). It's a humble profession and if you do it right - the universe will reward you - trust me - this I know for sure. But finally passing is extremely validating and I'm so proud of myself. I'm so glad it's done and I don't have to take it a 3rd time and can give my finances a break. Some of my colleagues took the California Clinical exam 4 times before passing and I totally get it. Test phobia is a real thing but you can out smart your fear - FU$% FEAR, I've come too far. I commend and praise you all my fellow healers. Stay focused, stay positive. You can do this♥ If you have any questions hmu on insta: @iambravetherapy

[@kevyu]

Paul thank you so much for your story and insights! That's wild that we have same birthday! CONGRATULATIONS on your passing and I hope that your move to Georgia went well! All the best.

[@chocpch]

Congratulations on passing! I’m applying to take the exam in Ga. Thanks for the tips and the links you provided.

[@kevyu]

Good luck!! Glad it was helpful!

[@KaptainKKD]

I am absolutely dreading this test. Thanks for all your insight into your mistakes and eventual triumph. Can't wait to get this over with haha

[@kevyu]

Goodluck!!!

[@ericsesame6321]

Exam in 4 days. Key terms jumbled. 🤯 If I pass, I'll share the good news by late October. If I don't post by then, well, you know why. 😂

[@kevyu]

@@ericsesame6321 Goodluck!!!!

[@cakesinthecity]

This is so exciting!! Thanks for sharing!

[@ericchips9314]

Congratulations! I sincerely appreciate your feedback. I am going to take it mid-March. I am reading, "the Green book" as we called it in school. I'm organizing every name and term, and grouping the theories that sound similar. I found case studies on family therapy, genogram and the DSM 5. My friends recommended taking practice exams several times. It's rare to meet a fellow male clinician. 😂 Perhaps we can connect. Good luck with building your private practice. I know you will help change many lives.

[@rop7429]

Thanks for sharing! I missed it by 3 points in the SAME categories. I have these same resources but this def motivated me to lock back in ✨💪

[@kevyu]

You got this!

[@terrencegriffin3013]

I have the same book

[@terrencegriffin3013]

Thanks for this video. I take my exam on August 19 my anxiety is at a 10. I have been studying everyday and taking practice exams.

[@jaylenesiruno3122]

I am currently a fourth year undergraduate student interested in becoming an LMFT and this video is way ahead of where I am at haha but it is very helpful and helps future me 😊

[@kevyu]

Congratulations on graduating undergrad! Good luck on any journey you decide to pursue!

[@ericchips9314]

You can do it. One day, one step at a time. Before you know it, you'll be there sharing a similar success story.

[@JimB16]

Congrats! They don't have an oral exam anymore? In the past you had to meet with a committee...present a case and answer questions from experienced licensed therapists..

[@spring8521]

And congratulations!!!

[@kevyu]

Thank you!!

[@HARVEYLENTSFIRMLLC]

What study guides did you use?

[@l0velystina]

Thank you for this video! I am so close to finishing my hours, so I need to start studying. How many months would you recommend to study before taking the exam? Also, it’s always really cool when seeing another Asian therapist😊

[@kevyu]

For me, I think 2 months because anything longer than that I felt burnt out!

[@MissElaineTang]

Congratulations 🎉👍

[@kevyu]

Thank you!!

[@alayahcantu5722]

congratulations 🎉

[@kevyu]

Thank you Alayah!

[@3sheru]

You video was very helpful. I am preparing for my exam in the next weeks and needed to hear that it is doable. It is overwhelming right now. Wish me good luck! Congratulations on your passing and starting your own practice. Please share more ideas on how to set up the practice and how do you get supervised while running your own practice? Do you have to hire a supervisor?

[@kevyu]

Glad it was helpful and good luck! I have my California licensing exam on Wednesday! Since the private practice is in Illinois I do not need supervision but I am going to use Motivo for supervision for case consulation!

[@ericchips9314]

Thank you for sharing your study guide! How do I contact Shannon?

[@alliegaona6769]

How different were the California and the National exam? I’m using TDC for the California exam and am wondering if I will need a whole different study program for the national one or if the TDC California one would be fine to prepare for both.

[@MsCGarnica]

The national must be easier than the california Lmft exam.

[@spring8521]

I got mine in a month! Eeeek

[@kevyu]

Let me know how it goes!!

[@erikfragoso4028]

Was the exam 240 minutes --4 hours OR was it 4 Horus & 15 minutes = 255 minutes I am taking my exam at the same place you took yours in Alhambra,,,, the appt length on the email states 255 minutes which is over 4 hours. Can you please clarify this. I have anxiety about finishing there LMFT clinical exam on time and I pray that I do not rush

[@kevyu]

I would follow your email instructions and also clarify with the testing center. I think 255 sounds right to me.

[@kevyu]

Goodluck!!

[@terence4427]

Did you take the AMFTRB exam?

[@kevyu]

I did not! I only did the 5 practice questions. I totally forgot!

[@therapeuticeating]

I’m using the TDC too - I took all the pdf downloads and practically rewrote them. The audio is draining and boring! I listen sped up 1.5 & only listen in the car so I can’t distract too much

[@randomoverpopulatedworldid3286]

ok fine... but they took Adler out