Music Therapy Certification Exam Information


The Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) is an accredited national level organization, which certifies individuals who wish to practice Music Therapy. Since 1986 the Board has awarded the credential MT-BC (Board Certifications to Music Therapists) to 4500 therapists.

Exam Eligibility

• Candidates who seek Board Certification via examination should have completed academic and clinical training requirements for music therapy or its equivalent as laid out by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).
• An official transcript proving that the degree in music therapy or its equivalent was pursued and awarded needs to be submitted with the application along with details of coursework and completion of internship.

Exam registration

• There are no application deadlines, candidates meeting the eligibility criterion can apply for the exam by submitting the fees any time during the year.
• Candidates who wish to recertify after 5 years can do so by retaking the exam or by continuing education and accruing credits in music therapy education.
• The BC application fees are $220 including an examination fee of $175. Recertification fee is set at $100.

Exam Details

• The exam is administered at over 100 assessment centers across the country managed by AMP.
• The exam is computer-based.
• The certification exam consists of 150 questions in multiple-choice format. 20 questions of these are pre test questions and are not added to the score of the present test.
• Raw scores with pass/fail results can be obtained from the test supervisor in writing immediately after taking the test.
• The MT certification is valid for a period of 5 years.

Exam Duration

      The total time allotted for the exam is three hours.

Exam Content    

• Music Theory, Perception, and Skills in Clinical Situations – 22 items
• Initial Initial Assessment and Treatment Planning -30 items
• Treatment Implementation and Termination -42 items
• Ongoing Documentation and Evaluation of Therapy -21 items
• Professional Development and Responsibilities -15 items
• Ongoing Documentation and Evaluation of Therapy-21 items

Music Therapy Certification Exam Study Guide


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