Recent state Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) licensing test results revealed that 93 percent of CIIS psychology graduates who took the exam passed.

In the period of January 1 through June 30, 2007, 26 out of the 28 CIIS graduates passed the challenging test given by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), the licensing and regulatory body for MFTs as well as for clinical social workers and educational psychologists. Also, 24 out of the 26 who passed were first-time takers of the test.

During the same six-month time period in 2006, CIIS’s pass rate was even higher, at 97 percent.

“The Institute’s high pass rate on the MFT licensing exam is a clear indicator that CIIS provides not only an excellent education but also a thorough preparation for the licensing exam,” says CIIS President Joseph Subbiondo.

According to the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) the MFT licensing exams, which are occupationally oriented competency-based tests, are “a challenging undertaking.” Applicants are tested for their ability to assess, diagnose, and treat a range of presenting problems, among other key competencies. In order to qualify for licensure, applicants must complete a doctoral or two-year master’s degree, pass a comprehensive written and oral examination, and complete at least 3,000 hours of documented internship hours.

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals, couples, families and groups to “achieve more adequate, satisfying and productive marriage, family and social adjustment,” according to CAMFT. The practice also includes premarital counseling, child counseling, divorce or separation counseling and other relationship counseling.