CAMFT Article

Regulatory & Pre-Licensed Update: CAMFT Advocacy: The AMFTRB National Exam in California

By LA-CAMFT Editorial Team (Source: CAMFT State Leadership)

One of the most frequently asked questions among California Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFTs) and trainees centers on the potential transition from the California LMFT Clinical Examination to the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National Examination.

Adoption of the AMFTRB National Exam remains a key strategic priority for CAMFT, specifically aimed at advancing licensure portability across state lines and aligning California’s licensing requirements with standard national benchmarks.

As conversations with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) continue, here are the essential updates and what they mean for candidates currently on the path to licensure:

1. Has California Transitioned to the National Exam?

Not yet. The BBS has delayed its formal discussion of a potential transition to the AMFTRB National Exam until its November 2026 Board meeting.

For clinicians currently accumulating hours or preparing for exams, the existing California LMFT Clinical Examination remains fully in place. No immediate changes to the examination process are expected, and candidates eligible to test should proceed under existing California exam protocols without delay.

2. When Will Candidates Learn More?

Further updates are anticipated following the BBS Board meeting in late November 2026. CAMFT leadership is closely monitoring developments and will distribute updates to chapter leadership and members as soon as outcomes from the board discussion become public.

3. What Is CAMFT Doing to Advocate for Portability?

CAMFT remains actively engaged with BBS decision-makers to champion adoption of the AMFTRB National Exam. CAMFT has specifically requested that any regulatory, operational, or administrative concerns contributing to timeline delays be reviewed publicly with stakeholders during the November meeting. CAMFT continues to explore all administrative pathways to bring national exam portability to California clinicians.

Practical Guidance for Candidates

If you are preparing for your licensing exams today, do not pause your studies or delay your application process:

• Stay the Course: Continue preparing for and taking the California LMFT Clinical Exam as required.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for post-November BBS announcements in future issues of Voices and via CAMFT’s statewide alerts.
• Connect with LA-CAMFT: Attend our monthly chapter events and networking mixers to connect with fellow associates, study partners, and licensed supervisors.