CBMT Practice Exam Actual
Questions with Correct Answers|
2026/27 Updated
This comprehensive practice exam is aligned with the CBMT Board Certification
Domains, which include: Safety, Referral/Assessment/Interpretation/Treatment
Planning, Treatment Implementation and Documentation, Evaluation and
Termination, and Professional Development and Responsibilities . The actual
CBMT exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (130 scored, 20 pretest)
with a 3-hour time limit .
---
Domain I: Safety (Questions 1–5)
Question 1
A music therapist notices that a client with a seizure disorder appears to be
having an absence seizure during a group session. The client is staring blankly and
is unresponsive. What is the therapist's FIRST action?
A) Continue the music experience to avoid drawing attention to the client
B) Stop the music and call for medical assistance immediately
C) Observe the client carefully while ensuring safety and note the duration
D) Ask the client a question to try to bring them out of the seizure
,**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** The therapist must first recognize and respond to situations with
clear and present dangers . Absence seizures typically last only a few seconds to a
minute, and the primary concern is ensuring the client's safety while observing
and documenting the episode. Calling for assistance is indicated for prolonged
seizures, but observing and maintaining safety is the immediate priority.
---
Question 2
A music therapist is preparing instruments for a session with clients who have
compromised immune systems. Which action demonstrates proper infection
control?
A) Wiping guitar strings with a dry cloth after each use
B) Cleaning shared instruments with appropriate disinfectant between clients
C) Allowing clients to bring their own instruments without cleaning
D) Using the same microphone for all clients without cleaning
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Infection control protocols must be observed, including universal
precautions and disinfecting instruments between clients . This is especially
critical when working with immunocompromised populations.
---
,Question 3
Which client population would most likely have contraindications for live music
experiences involving wind instruments?
A) Clients with depression
B) Clients with asthma
C) Clients with autism spectrum disorder
D) Clients with anxiety disorders
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** The therapist must recognize client populations and health
conditions for which music experiences are contraindicated . Clients with
respiratory conditions such as asthma may have difficulty with wind instruments,
which require increased respiratory effort.
---
Question 4
A music therapist notices that a tambourine's jingles have become loose and
could potentially detach. What should the therapist do?
A) Continue using the instrument as it still makes sound
B) Remove the tambourine from use until it can be repaired
C) Warn clients to be careful when using the instrument
, D) Tighten the jingles during the session if time allows
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** The therapist must inspect materials and instruments on a regular
basis . Loose parts present a choking hazard or safety risk and should be removed
from use until repaired.
---
Question 5
A music therapist is working in a psychiatric unit. A client begins pacing rapidly
and speaking loudly in an agitated tone during a group session. What is the
therapist's BEST response?
A) Continue the session as planned to maintain consistency
B) Ask the client to sit down and participate appropriately
C) De-escalate by using calm music and acknowledge the client's feelings
D) End the session immediately for all clients
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** The therapist must utilize consistent interactions that promote a
sense of safety and security . De-escalation techniques, including calm music and
verbal acknowledgment, help manage agitation without escalating the situation.
Questions with Correct Answers|
2026/27 Updated
This comprehensive practice exam is aligned with the CBMT Board Certification
Domains, which include: Safety, Referral/Assessment/Interpretation/Treatment
Planning, Treatment Implementation and Documentation, Evaluation and
Termination, and Professional Development and Responsibilities . The actual
CBMT exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (130 scored, 20 pretest)
with a 3-hour time limit .
---
Domain I: Safety (Questions 1–5)
Question 1
A music therapist notices that a client with a seizure disorder appears to be
having an absence seizure during a group session. The client is staring blankly and
is unresponsive. What is the therapist's FIRST action?
A) Continue the music experience to avoid drawing attention to the client
B) Stop the music and call for medical assistance immediately
C) Observe the client carefully while ensuring safety and note the duration
D) Ask the client a question to try to bring them out of the seizure
,**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** The therapist must first recognize and respond to situations with
clear and present dangers . Absence seizures typically last only a few seconds to a
minute, and the primary concern is ensuring the client's safety while observing
and documenting the episode. Calling for assistance is indicated for prolonged
seizures, but observing and maintaining safety is the immediate priority.
---
Question 2
A music therapist is preparing instruments for a session with clients who have
compromised immune systems. Which action demonstrates proper infection
control?
A) Wiping guitar strings with a dry cloth after each use
B) Cleaning shared instruments with appropriate disinfectant between clients
C) Allowing clients to bring their own instruments without cleaning
D) Using the same microphone for all clients without cleaning
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Infection control protocols must be observed, including universal
precautions and disinfecting instruments between clients . This is especially
critical when working with immunocompromised populations.
---
,Question 3
Which client population would most likely have contraindications for live music
experiences involving wind instruments?
A) Clients with depression
B) Clients with asthma
C) Clients with autism spectrum disorder
D) Clients with anxiety disorders
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** The therapist must recognize client populations and health
conditions for which music experiences are contraindicated . Clients with
respiratory conditions such as asthma may have difficulty with wind instruments,
which require increased respiratory effort.
---
Question 4
A music therapist notices that a tambourine's jingles have become loose and
could potentially detach. What should the therapist do?
A) Continue using the instrument as it still makes sound
B) Remove the tambourine from use until it can be repaired
C) Warn clients to be careful when using the instrument
, D) Tighten the jingles during the session if time allows
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** The therapist must inspect materials and instruments on a regular
basis . Loose parts present a choking hazard or safety risk and should be removed
from use until repaired.
---
Question 5
A music therapist is working in a psychiatric unit. A client begins pacing rapidly
and speaking loudly in an agitated tone during a group session. What is the
therapist's BEST response?
A) Continue the session as planned to maintain consistency
B) Ask the client to sit down and participate appropriately
C) De-escalate by using calm music and acknowledge the client's feelings
D) End the session immediately for all clients
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** The therapist must utilize consistent interactions that promote a
sense of safety and security . De-escalation techniques, including calm music and
verbal acknowledgment, help manage agitation without escalating the situation.
