Multiple Exam Attempts- You're Not Alone

An Interview with Cynthia Candelaria, MT-BC

Interviewed by Kayla Stubblefield-Williams, LPMT, MT-BC

For many aspiring music therapists, the journey to board certification is filled with challenges, self-doubt, and perseverance. Cynthia Candelaria, MT-BC, knows this firsthand. After multiple attempts at the CBMT exam, she not only passed but emerged stronger, more resilient, and deeply committed to her work. As a former student of Melodic Mentor, Cynthia sat down with us to share her experience—the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

Cynthia Candelaria, MT-BC

Personal Experience with the Exam

Can you walk us through your experience with the CBMT exam? How many times did you take it before passing, and what were your biggest takeaways from each attempt?

I began studying for the exam a month after my internship ended while also juggling my final semester in Florida State’s music therapy master’s equivalency program. Between writing my thesis and prepping for the test, I felt overwhelmed. During my internship, I had taken a practice test and lightly studied for my first exam attempt, thinking, How hard could it be? I felt confident—until I got my results. I failed by 9 points.

I told myself, No biggie, I’ll get it next time. Then came the second attempt. And the third. And the fourth. Each time, I saw those dreaded words: You have failed this examination.

After my second failure, I started tutoring and studied relentlessly—hours every day. But I kept falling short. At one point, I even failed with the same score twice in a row. I began tying my worth to this one exam and feeling hopeless.

That’s when I realized my approach wasn’t working. I needed to change how I studied—and how I treated myself. Instead of cramming, I focused on my weakest areas. I took daily practice tests to actively combat my anxiety. Test anxiety had been my biggest challenge, and with each failure, it worsened. I worked with my therapist and started the process of getting accommodations. With extra time, I finally felt a sense of relief.

When I took the exam for the fifth time, I prepared for the worst—but also, for the first time, felt a glimmer of optimism. After finishing the test, I folded my results slip and planned to read it later at home. But then, the proctor casually said, Oh, congrats, by the way.

I gasped, What do you mean?

She smiled and said, You passed.

I pulled out the slip. There it was: You have PASSED this examination.

Tears streamed down my face. I almost dropped the paper. Then, I hugged the proctor like I had just won the lottery.

After failing multiple times, I realized that failure isn’t the end—it’s part of the journey. Anxiety had been my biggest roadblock, but I learned to manage it. More than anything, I learned to be kinder to myself. I realized success isn’t about getting it right on the first try—it’s about persistence.

How did it feel to see a failing score multiple times?

After my second attempt, my heart sank. A wave of sadness hit me. I started questioning if I was truly cut out to be a music therapist. My mind raced: Was I smart enough? Was I good enough? The feeling of failure was overwhelming.

How did you handle the emotional weight of not passing? What helped you move forward instead of giving up?

Honestly? I didn’t handle it well at first. After each attempt, I would go home and cry. I felt embarrassed and dreaded telling people I had failed—again.

But I’m incredibly grateful for my friends, family, and mentors. They never let me give up. They reminded me that this one test did not define me.

Did you notice any patterns across your attempts?

Yes! My biggest struggles were:

1. Referral, assessment, interpretation of assessment, and treatment planning

2. Treatment implementation and documentation

Each time I took the test, anxiety took over. I second-guessed nearly every question. It wasn’t just about knowing the material—it was about trusting myself.

Biggest misconceptions about the CBMT exam before taking it?

I thought it would be easier. I assumed studying would be straightforward. I didn’t anticipate how much anxiety would affect my performance or how much detail I needed to know.

Study & Preparation Strategies

What changed in your study approach? What helped you pass?

I changed everything.

• Tutoring 2-3 times a week

• Daily practice tests targeting my weak areas

• Deep dives into the AMTA Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, and Population Fact Sheets

"Most importantly, I worked with Kayla from Melodic Mentor, LLC, who created over 100 personalized questions just for me. That level of support meant everything."

Were there specific resources or study techniques that helped?

Yes!

• Practice tests (from CBMT and Melodic Mentor, LLC) they helped me manage anxiety and eliminate wrong answers

• Books I relied on:

• Treatment Planning for Music Therapy Cases (Anita Gadberry)

• Music Therapy Handbook (Barbara Wheeler)

• An Introduction to Music Therapy Theory and Practice (Third Edition)

What study habits didn’t work for you?

• Flashcards—they frustrated me. I needed active learning, not memorization.

• Taking only two practice tests—I didn’t get enough exposure to question types.

Test Anxiety & Mental Resilience

Did you experience test anxiety? How did you manage it?

Absolutely. It controlled me for the first four attempts.

To manage it, I:

• Practiced deep breathing before and during the test

• Paused when overwhelmed

• Got extra time accommodations

• Built my confidence through daily practice tests

Did you face external or internal pressures?

OMG, yes.

Externally:

• I had a job offer contingent on passing within six months.

• I worked at a coffee shop to pay for tutoring and exam fees. I had a master’s degree but was a cashier/barista.

Internally:

• I put so much pressure on myself to pass. I tied my self-worth to this one test.

• I felt like I had to be perfect and constantly working.

Looking back, I wish I had given myself permission to breathe.

Advice for Others in the Same Position

What would you say to someone who just found out they didn’t pass?

"I know how crushing it feels, but this is just one moment—it’s not the end of your journey. Take time to process. But don’t get stuck in disappointment. Failure does not define you. Learn from it, adjust, and keep going. You will pass."

How did failing actually help you in the long run?

It made me a better music therapist. Now, when I face real-world challenges, I think: If I can survive five attempts at the CBMT, I can handle this.

Life After Passing

How did it feel to finally pass?

I blasted Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” in my car, singing and crying. I felt free.

Has this experience changed how you approach music therapy?

Absolutely. I no longer fear failure. I embrace it as part of growth.

I used to be embarrassed that it took me five tries. Now? I’m proud. Because it’s not about how many times you try—it’s about never giving up.

Cynthia Candelaria, MT-BC

You’re Not Alone—Join Melodic Mentor Today!

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about your next steps, know that you don’t have to go through this journey alone. At Melodic Mentor, I provide personalized tutoring, practice exams, and a supportive community to help you build confidence and pass the CBMT exam.

Ready to take the next step? Join Melodic Mentor today and let’s turn your challenges into success—one study session at a time.

Explore my FREE consultation & tutoring options here: https://the-melodic-mentor.square.site

Did this story resonate with you? If you’ve faced challenges with the CBMT exam or connected with Cynthia’s journey, leave a comment below! Your experiences and insights can help support others who are going through the same process. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Kayla Stubblefield-Williams, LPMT, MT-BC

Melodic Mentor, LLC

Founder & Lead Instructor

melodicmentor1@gmail.com