Marriage and Family Therapist / Alabama
2026 data Alabama board official source

Alabama Marriage and Family Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Specializes in treating relationship and family issues.

What the Alabama data shows for Marriage and Family Therapists

Alabama sets the entry bar for marriage and family therapists at 2,811 training hours and a passing score on MFT National Examination, with 2 years of supervised work experience expected. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Alabama's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

The initial price tag is $145, and renewal costs $129 every 2 years. Maintaining the license requires 36 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: MFT Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Requirements in Alabama

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
2,811 hours
Exam Requirement
MFT National Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$145
Renewal Fee
$129
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
36 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years

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Compare all states for Marriage and Family Therapist All Alabama licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Alabama licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Marriage and Family Therapist in Alabama? ▼
Alabama requires 2811 education/training hours, passing an exam (MFT National Examination), and an initial fee of $145. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Alabama? ▼
Certification as a marriage and family therapist in Alabama means clearing the state's checklist: 2811 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Alabama licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Alabama from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for marriage and family therapists nationally works like this: MFT Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Alabama. Verify the specifics with the Alabama licensing board.
Does Alabama require a background check for Marriage and Family Therapist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the marriage and family therapist licensing process in Alabama. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist in Alabama? ▼
Alabama ties continued marriage and family therapist licensure to 36 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $129 renewal fee.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.