How Long Should I Study for the MFT Exam? (2025 Guide)

When I first started preparing for the National Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) exam, I asked the same question you probably have: “How long should I study for the MFT exam?” The answer depends on your background, schedule, and test-taking confidence, but most candidates need 2–3 months of structured preparation to feel ready.

Recommended Study Timeline for the MFT Exam (2025)

The AMFTRB exam is a 180-question test (150 scored, 30 unscored) that covers six content domains. Because of its length and complexity, preparation should be steady and organized.

  • Total Study Time: 8–12 weeks (≈ 100–150 hours).
  • Weekly Commitment: 8–12 hours per week.
  • Final Two Weeks: Increase practice testing and review weaker areas.

👉 If you’re balancing work or school, plan for at least 3 months of consistent study. If you can study full-time, you may feel prepared in 6–8 weeks.

Study Plan by Timeline

3-Month Study Plan (Most Common)

  • Month 1: Content review — focus on systemic models, ethics, and assessment.
  • Month 2: Apply knowledge — practice case-based questions by domain.
  • Month 3: Exam simulation — take 150–180 question practice exams under timed conditions.

2-Month Accelerated Plan

  • Weeks 1–3: Intensive content review.
  • Weeks 4–6: Daily practice questions.
  • Weeks 7–8: 2–3 full-length practice exams, focused review of weak areas.

1-Month Cram Plan (Not Recommended Unless Experienced)

  • Daily study (3–4 hours).
  • Heavy focus on practice exams and rationales.
  • Works best if you’ve recently finished graduate-level MFT coursework.

Factors That Influence Study Time

  1. Your Background: If you recently completed your degree, you may need less review than someone who graduated years ago.
  2. Test-Taking Skills: Strong multiple-choice test-takers may need less prep time.
  3. Familiarity with Therapy Models: The more comfortable you are with Bowenian, Structural, Strategic, Narrative, CBT, and Solution-Focused models, the less content review you’ll need.
  4. Workload & Commitments: If you’re working full-time, expect to spread prep over 12+ weeks.

Pro Study Tip 📘

The MFT exam is less about memorizing and more about applying systemic therapy to case scenarios. The best way to prepare is to practice in the exact style of the exam.

👉 Check out our MFT Practice Questions + Study Guide — updated for 2025, with hundreds of case-based questions, domain-specific practice sets, and full-length timed exams to help you build endurance.

MFT Exam Study Time (2025)

Study Plan Total Time Best For
3 Months 8–12 weeks Most candidates balancing work/school
2 Months 6–8 weeks Full-time, focused study
1 Month 4 weeks Recent grads or repeat test-takers

✅ Final Thought: Most candidates need 2–3 months (100–150 hours total) to prepare for the MFT exam. The key is consistency: reviewing the six domains, practicing exam-style questions, and taking full-length simulations to build stamina. With a structured plan, you’ll feel confident and ready to pass.

Back to blog