What Is the Passing Score for the National MFT Exam? (2025 Update)

When I first started preparing for the National Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) exam, one of my biggest questions was: “What score do I need to pass?” Since the MFT exam is a high-stakes test for licensure, understanding the passing score requirements is key to building confidence before test day.

Overview of the National MFT Exam

The National MFT exam, administered by the Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB), is a standardized test required for licensure in most U.S. states.

• Format: Computer-based exam.
• Number of Questions: 180 multiple-choice (150 scored, 30 pre-test/unscored).
• Time Limit: 4 hours.
• Domains Covered: Practice of MFT, assessing/diagnosing, and treatment planning/intervention.

The Passing Score for the MFT Exam (2025)

Unlike a traditional exam where you need a fixed percentage (e.g., 70%), the MFT exam uses a scaled scoring system.

• Scaled Passing Score: around 70% correct (typically 102–106 out of 150 scored items).
• The exact number of correct answers needed may vary slightly depending on the version of the exam you receive.
• The exam is equated across different forms, meaning difficulty is adjusted so the passing standard remains consistent.

👉 In other words, you don’t need to aim for 100% — but you do need to consistently score above 70% on practice tests to feel confident.

Why the MFT Exam Uses Scaled Scoring

The exam is designed to be fair across multiple test versions. If one version is slightly harder, the scaled scoring ensures that the passing standard stays the same nationwide.

For example:

• On one version, passing might mean answering 104 questions correctly.
• On another, it might be 102 questions.

This protects test-takers from being penalized if their exam form happens to be more difficult.

How to Know If You’re Ready to Pass

To gauge your readiness, aim for:

• 75–80% correct on practice exams.
• Consistency across all exam domains (not just your strong areas).
• The ability to apply clinical reasoning to complex case scenarios.

Pro Study Tip 📘

Don’t just aim for the bare minimum passing score. Build a buffer zone by consistently scoring higher on practice tests — that way, you’ll walk into the exam with confidence.

👉 Check out our MFT Practice Questions + Study Guide — updated for 2025, with 500+ exam-style questions, detailed rationales, and domain-specific practice tests to help you exceed the passing score.

Quick Recap: MFT Exam Passing Score (2025)

Exam Section	Details
Format	180 multiple-choice (150 scored, 30 unscored)
Passing Score	Scaled, typically 102–106 correct (≈70%)
Time Limit	4 hours
Domains Tested	Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment Planning, Intervention

✅ Final Thought: The National MFT exam passing score is typically around 70% (102–106 correct out of 150 scored items). While the exact number may vary by test form, preparing with consistent 75–80% practice scores will give you the confidence you need to succeed on exam day.