Here are typical passing score cutoffs on the California LMFT Law & Ethics Exam, California LCSW Law & Ethics Exam, California LPCC Law & Ethics Exam, and the California LMFT Clinical Exam.
In 2018, the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) stopped publishing current passing scores for BBS exams. These scores and ranges are drawn from prior test cycles and from anecdotal reports from customers. The passing score cutoffs for these exams may vary by exam cycle and by exam version, even within the same cycle. That's why we provide ranges below.
California LMFT Law & Ethics Exam
The passing score cutoff for the California LMFT Law & Ethics Exam has typically been around 35 out of 50 scored items (70%). It would be unusual to have a passing score cutoff below 33 or above 37. You can improve your chances of passing by using our 2025 California LMFT Law & Ethics Exam study guide including practice exam and our online California MFT Law & Ethics Exam prep program.
California LCSW Law & Ethics Exam
The passing score cutoff for the California LCSW Law & Ethics Exam has typically been around 35 out of 50 scored items (70%). It would be unusual to have a passing score cutoff below 33 or above 37. You can improve your chances of passing by using our 2025 California LCSW Law & Ethics Exam study guide including practice exam and our online California LCSW Law & Ethics Exam prep program.
California LPCC Law & Ethics Exam
The passing score cutoff for the California LPCC Law & Ethics Exam has typically been around 35 out of 50 scored items (70%). It would be unusual to have a passing score cutoff below 33 or above 37. You can improve your chances of passing by using our online California LPCC Law & Ethics Exam prep program.
California LMFT Clinical Exam
On September 1, 2024, the California MFT Clinical Exam changed from 170 items (150 of which were scored) to 150 items (125 of which are scored). The passing score cutoff for the prior, 170-item version of the California MFT Exam (the MFT Clinical Exam) was typically around 100 out of 150 scored items (67%). It can vary by exam cycle and version.
With the new, shortened length, we expect the passing score cutoff on the California MFT Clinical Exam to remain in the 67-70% range (so, likely somewhere between 84 and 88 out of 125 scored items) for most cycles and versions. You can improve your chances of passing by using our online California LMFT Clinical Exam prep program.
A note about exam results
For all BBS-run exams (so, all of the exams above, but not the clinical exams for LPCCs or LCSWs, since those are national exams run by outside entities), your results sheet will only show your specific score and your subscale scores if you do not pass. If you pass your exam, the results sheet will not show your exact score, and at present there is no way to obtain that information from the BBS.
