Big Changes Are Coming to the CBMT Exam: What You Need to Know
- melodicmentor1
- Sep 27
- 3 min read
by Kayla Stubblefield-Williams, LPMT, MT-BC
Are you planning to take the CBMT exam in the next year or two? If so, it is important to pay attention because major updates are coming. Every few years, the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) reviews what music therapists are actually doing in practice and uses that information to revise the exam. The next set of changes is almost here, and it will affect the domains, self-assessment exams, and how you prepare.
Change can feel overwhelming, but staying informed now means you can prepare with confidence later.
What is Changing
New Board Certification Domains: The new domains go live on October 27, 2025. If you test before this date, your exam will still reflect the 2020 domains. If you test on or after this date, the 2025 domains will apply. These domains shape everything on the exam, so it is essential to know which version matches your exam date.
Updates to Self-Assessment Exams (SAEs): Beginning on September 15, 2025, CBMT will offer SAEs aligned with both the 2020 and the 2025 domains. On October 26, 2025, the 2020 version will be retired. If you are testing later in 2025 or beyond, make sure you are practicing with the correct version. You can find information about SAEs on the CBMT Candidate FAQ page.
Exam Item Updates: Older exam questions that no longer reflect current practice will be revised or removed. New questions will be introduced that match the results of the most recent Practice Analysis. This means you may see content that feels updated compared to older resources.
Why This Matters for You
You need to make sure your study resources align with the domains for your exam date.
The self-assessment exam you use should match the version of domains you will be tested on.
Newer content may feel unfamiliar if your materials are outdated.
It is normal to feel stressed or uncertain during a period of change, and acknowledging that feeling is part of the preparation process.
What Stays the Same
Even with these changes, many parts of your preparation do not change. The exam still measures your ability to think critically, apply best practices, and use your clinical judgment. The overarching themes of music therapy practice remain consistent. Choosing interventions that are ethical and evidence-based, understanding the therapeutic relationship, and applying strategies that benefit the client will always apply.
Breaking down questions, looking for the “best” rather than just a “good” answer, and applying test-taking strategies will still be the key to success. The structure may shift slightly, but the skills you develop while preparing are durable and will continue to serve you.
How Melodic Mentor Supports You
At Melodic Mentor, I write all of my own practice questions. For the past two years, I have created original questions that align with CBMT standards and reflect how the exam is actually written. These are not recycled from textbooks or outdated resources. They are carefully designed to reflect best practices and to help you strengthen your critical thinking skills.
Because of this approach, my students have achieved a 93% pass rate as of May 2025, compared to CBMT’s overall pass rate of 52% reported in 2025. (Exam and Certificant Data)
As CBMT transitions to the 2025 domains, I will continue to update my resources so your preparation always aligns with the exam you are taking. More importantly, I will help you recognize that the foundation of your study remains steady. Best practices in music therapy do not disappear when the domains shift. My goal is to help you focus on the consistent themes and approach each question with confidence.
I also want to normalize that it is completely valid to feel anxious or uncertain about these updates. Many students feel the same way when changes are introduced. The important thing is to remember that the core of the exam remains the same: showing that you can safely and effectively use music therapy in practice. Together, we can navigate these updates so you feel supported and prepared.
