Tips for the CBMT Board Certification Exam

Passing the Music Therapist–Board Certified (MT-BC) exam is a milestone many of us dream about from the very first music therapy class. It represents years of coursework, clinical hours, supervision, self-reflection, and growth. Not just as a student, but as a therapist. If you’re preparing to sit for the CBMT Board Certification Exam, take a deep breath. You are closer than you think.

Understanding the Exam Itself

To earn the MT-BC credential, candidates must pass the CBMT board certification exam, a 150-question exam delivered in one of two forms. While that number can feel intimidating, it’s important to know that only 130 of those questions are scored (the remaining 20 are pretest questions used to shape future exams).

Eligibility to sit for the exam comes after completing the required academic and clinical training as established by the American Music Therapy Association. Once you pass, you’ll receive official certification from CBMT, which is valid for 5 years. During each 5 year cycle, music therapists complete 100 continuing education credits to maintain their credential. So this exam is not the end of learning, it’s the beginning of growing into the music therapist you’ve worked so hard to become. 

Using CBMT Resources to Your Advantage

One of the most helpful preparation tools CBMT offers is the Self-Assessment Examination (SAE). These practice exams are written in the same style and format as the real test and cover all CBMT Board Certification Domains. While none of the questions appear on the actual exam, they provide invaluable insight into how questions are structured and what content areas may need more attention. There are two SAEs available, both updated every five years based on the Practice Analysis Study, and each is offered for $49.95. For many candidates, these exams are a key confidence-builder.

In addition to practice exams, CBMT provides several essential documents that are well worth your time. 

• Board Certification Domains which outline the core areas of practice:

  • Safety

  • Referral, Assessment, Interpretation, and Treatment Planning

  • Treatment Implementation and Documentation

  • Evaluation and Termination

  • Professional Development and Responsibilities

• Self-Assessment Bibliography

• BCD Application User Guide

Studying Tips

When taking practice exams, try to recreate the testing environment as closely as possible. Set aside three uninterrupted hours, put your phone in another room, grab a pencil and paper, and treat it like the real thing. Build in short breaks for water, the bathroom, or deep breathing (just as you’ll do on exam day). 

Three hours is a long time to stay focused, so make a plan ahead of time. Decide how many questions you’ll answer before taking a brief pause. This strategy can help prevent burnout and keep your mind sharp.

Many test-takers find it helpful to prepare a “cheat sheet” in advance- something you’ll rewrite on your scratch paper once the exam begins. This might include the circle of fifths, a keyboard diagram, guitar string names, transposition charts, or keywords associated with different music therapy approaches. Practice writing this sheet multiple times before test day so it comes naturally and becomes a grounding ritual.

As you study, consider compiling everything into one personalized study guide. Keeping notes, reminders, and weak areas in a single place can make studying feel less overwhelming and more focused.

And remember - you don’t have to do this alone. Talking through concepts with peers, supervisors, or friends can deepen your understanding. Flashcards, Quizlets, and mock quizzes are great ways to reinforce definitions and build confidence through repetition.

How to Approach Exam Questions

One of the trickiest parts of the CBMT exam is learning to answer questions as they are written- not as you wish they were. Try not to let personal client experiences influence your responses. Instead, stay literal and grounded in the information provided.

If a question feels confusing, break it down:

• Who is this question about?

• What information is given?

• Which CBMT domain is being assessed?

Conceptual questions often resemble long-form math problems, presenting a scenario and asking you to choose the most correct response. Sometimes more than one answer may seem right. But, your job is to identify the best answer based solely on the details provided, without adding “what ifs.”

Use the testing software’s flagging feature to mark questions you’re unsure about. You can always return to them after completing the rest of the exam.

And if you feel yourself hitting a wall, pause. Take a sip of water. Take 3 deep breaths. Remind yourself: I am capable. I am prepared. I can do this.

Taking Care of Yourself

Preparation isn’t just about studying, it’s about caring for your body and mind. Go to bed early. Eat a nourishing breakfast. Move your body, even briefly. Listen to music that grounds or energizes you - whatever you need most. Avoid last-minute cramming and trust the work you’ve already done.

All of these small choices add up to a calmer, confidence-filled test day.

Additional Support Options

If you learn best with support, tutoring can be a worthy investment. Programs like The Melodic Mentor offer individualized and group options tailored to your needs. Many candidates find that working through targeted practice questions and talking aloud through difficult concepts provides clarity and confidence when it matters most.

After the Exam: Whatever the Outcome

Your score report will indicate either a pass or fail. Currently, passing requires 97 correct answers out of the 130 scored questions. You’ll also receive raw scores for each major content area, which can be incredibly helpful for understanding your strengths.

If you don’t pass on your first attempt, know this: you are not alone, and this result does not define you or your ability as a music therapist. Many incredibly skilled, compassionate clinicians need more than one attempt. That does not make them any less capable or deserving of the MT-BC credential.

If needed, you can email CBMT to request a breakdown of your minor content scores. This information can be a guide as you shape your next study plan, helping you focus your energy where it’s most helpful. CBMT does require a 30-day waiting period before retaking the exam, and while that can feel frustrating, it can also be an opportunity. Give yourself permission to rest, to feel what you need to feel, and to find small moments of joy while you continue preparing.

Standardized tests are hard. They measure a tiny snapshot of your abilities. They do not measure your empathy, your musicianship, your presence in the room, or the meaningful connections you create with clients and families every day.

You have already put in years of work, learning, and heart to get to this point. Trust the foundation you’ve built. You are capable, you are prepared, and you belong in this field.

We are rooting for you, every step of the way!