CBMT Board Certification Practice
Exam ,Questions with Answers and
Rationales
## Domain I: Safety (Approx. 5 Questions)
**1. A music therapist notices that a client's electronic assistive device
has a frayed cord. What is the MOST appropriate action?**
A) Tape the cord and continue the session
B) Remove the device and document the observation
C) Ask the client to be careful with the cord
D) Ignore the issue to avoid upsetting the client
**Answer: B**
**Rationale:** The CBMT Domain I emphasizes inspecting materials
and instruments regularly and complying with safety protocols. A
frayed cord presents a clear electrical hazard that must be addressed
immediately by removing the device and documenting the concern .
,**2. A client with a history of seizures begins to exhibit aura symptoms
during a music therapy session. The therapist should FIRST:**
A) Continue the music to help the client remain calm
B) Stop the session and implement seizure precautions
C) Ask the client to describe what they are experiencing
D) Call for emergency medical assistance
**Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Recognizing and responding to clear and present
dangers is a primary responsibility. The therapist must stop the session
and implement safety protocols immediately when seizure symptoms
are observed .
**3. Which of the following is the correct procedure for cleaning a
shared electronic keyboard between clients?**
A) Wipe with a dry cloth only
B) Spray disinfectant directly onto the keys
C) Use an approved disinfectant wipe on keys and surfaces
D) Clean only if the client appears ill
,**Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Infection control protocols require using approved
disinfectant wipes on instruments between clients. Spraying directly
onto keyboards can damage electronics, and dry cloths do not
adequately disinfect .
**4. A music therapist is working with a client in a psychiatric unit who
suddenly becomes agitated and throws a percussion instrument. The
therapist's BEST response is:**
A) Immediately end the session and leave the room
B) Physically restrain the client
C) Maintain a calm demeanor, remove the instrument, and redirect to a
calming activity
D) Call security to remove the client
**Answer: C**
**Rationale:** De-escalation techniques include maintaining calm,
removing the source of agitation, and redirecting. Physical restraint
should only be used as a last resort and typically requires specific
training .
**5. Which music experience should be used with CAUTION for a client
with PTSD?**
, A) Live familiar songs
B) Instrumental improvisation
C) Guided imagery with music
D) Lyric analysis
**Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Guided imagery with music can evoke strong emotional
responses and potentially trigger traumatic memories. The CBMT
Domain I emphasizes recognizing potential harm of music experiences
and using them with care, particularly with trauma clients .
---
## Domain II: Referral, Assessment, Interpretation, and Treatment
Planning (Approx. 35 Questions)
**6. A 17-year-old demonstrates sudden decline in grades, increased
absences, inability to concentrate, and flat affect. When approached,
the student states he is fine. Reports indicate the client responds to
music. To assess possible causes of the change in behavior, the music
therapist should FIRST:**
A) Observe the student in a non-music setting
B) Conduct a music therapy assessment
Exam ,Questions with Answers and
Rationales
## Domain I: Safety (Approx. 5 Questions)
**1. A music therapist notices that a client's electronic assistive device
has a frayed cord. What is the MOST appropriate action?**
A) Tape the cord and continue the session
B) Remove the device and document the observation
C) Ask the client to be careful with the cord
D) Ignore the issue to avoid upsetting the client
**Answer: B**
**Rationale:** The CBMT Domain I emphasizes inspecting materials
and instruments regularly and complying with safety protocols. A
frayed cord presents a clear electrical hazard that must be addressed
immediately by removing the device and documenting the concern .
,**2. A client with a history of seizures begins to exhibit aura symptoms
during a music therapy session. The therapist should FIRST:**
A) Continue the music to help the client remain calm
B) Stop the session and implement seizure precautions
C) Ask the client to describe what they are experiencing
D) Call for emergency medical assistance
**Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Recognizing and responding to clear and present
dangers is a primary responsibility. The therapist must stop the session
and implement safety protocols immediately when seizure symptoms
are observed .
**3. Which of the following is the correct procedure for cleaning a
shared electronic keyboard between clients?**
A) Wipe with a dry cloth only
B) Spray disinfectant directly onto the keys
C) Use an approved disinfectant wipe on keys and surfaces
D) Clean only if the client appears ill
,**Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Infection control protocols require using approved
disinfectant wipes on instruments between clients. Spraying directly
onto keyboards can damage electronics, and dry cloths do not
adequately disinfect .
**4. A music therapist is working with a client in a psychiatric unit who
suddenly becomes agitated and throws a percussion instrument. The
therapist's BEST response is:**
A) Immediately end the session and leave the room
B) Physically restrain the client
C) Maintain a calm demeanor, remove the instrument, and redirect to a
calming activity
D) Call security to remove the client
**Answer: C**
**Rationale:** De-escalation techniques include maintaining calm,
removing the source of agitation, and redirecting. Physical restraint
should only be used as a last resort and typically requires specific
training .
**5. Which music experience should be used with CAUTION for a client
with PTSD?**
, A) Live familiar songs
B) Instrumental improvisation
C) Guided imagery with music
D) Lyric analysis
**Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Guided imagery with music can evoke strong emotional
responses and potentially trigger traumatic memories. The CBMT
Domain I emphasizes recognizing potential harm of music experiences
and using them with care, particularly with trauma clients .
---
## Domain II: Referral, Assessment, Interpretation, and Treatment
Planning (Approx. 35 Questions)
**6. A 17-year-old demonstrates sudden decline in grades, increased
absences, inability to concentrate, and flat affect. When approached,
the student states he is fine. Reports indicate the client responds to
music. To assess possible causes of the change in behavior, the music
therapist should FIRST:**
A) Observe the student in a non-music setting
B) Conduct a music therapy assessment
