MT-BC Exam: Required Documentation for Eligibility

Preparing to take the Music Therapy Board Certification Examination (MT-BC)? The Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) requires specific documentation to verify your eligibility, depending on your pathway to certification. Whether you’re a new applicant, pursuing an equivalency degree, following the alternate route, or re-entering after expired certification, this guide outlines the documents you need to submit to ensure a smooth application process.

New Applicants

For those who have completed a music therapy program, the following documents are required:

1. Official Transcript of Music Therapy Coursework:
   • Submit an official transcript (copies are not accepted).
   • Have paper transcripts mailed to the CBMT office (address listed on page 2 of the CBMT guidelines) or electronic transcripts emailed to Karen Howat at KH@CBMT.org.
   • The transcript must show the internship course, but it does not need to include the degree awarded or final internship grade.
   • If the degree conferral is not shown, CBMT will contact your Program Director to confirm completion of all requirements.
2. Internship Completion Confirmation:
   • Provide a letter or email from your internship site verifying the date you successfully completed your internship.

Equivalency Degree/Certificate

If you earned a music therapy equivalency from an AMTA-approved program, submit:

• All documents listed for new applicants (official transcript and internship confirmation).
• If your undergraduate degree is not listed on your music therapy transcript, include a copy of your undergraduate transcript showing your name, school name, and degree conferral date. This can be scanned and emailed to CBMT and does not need to be official.

Music Therapy Association’s Alternate Route/Track

For candidates who completed the alternate route/track:

• Submit a copy of the original letter from the Music Therapy Association verifying that you have met the qualifications for the alternate route/track.

Re-Entry Applicants (Expired Certification)

If you were previously board-certified and your certification has expired, follow these steps:

1. Submit an Exam Application:
   • Log in to www.cbmt.org, create an account, and submit an Exam Application.
   • Include your last board certification number and the date your certification expired.
   • If your name has changed, upload a name change document.
2. Pay the Examination Fee:
   • After your application is reviewed, log in to your CBMT account to pay the fee.
3. Schedule Your Exam:
   • Within approximately 5 business days of fee processing, you’ll receive an email with instructions to schedule your exam with PSI. Your Exam Application will include an Exam Authorization page with your Exam Scheduling ID# and a 90-day eligibility period to book your test.

Important Note

CBMT does not accept evidence of another credential as proof of eligibility. Ensure you provide the exact documentation outlined for your pathway.

Get Started

Submitting the correct documentation is crucial for a successful MT-BC exam application. Review the requirements carefully and visit www.cbmt.org to begin your application. With the right preparation, you’re one step closer to earning or renewing your board certification!