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

Arkansas Marriage and Family Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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Specializes in treating relationship and family issues.

What the Arkansas data shows for Marriage and Family Therapists

Becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in Arkansas means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 2,743 training hours, a passing score on MFT National Examination, and 2 years of supervised work experience, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Arkansas regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

Upfront cost is $130, with renewal running $118 on a 2-year cycle. 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 Arkansas

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
2,743 hours
Exam Requirement
MFT National Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$130
Renewal Fee
$118
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 Arkansas licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Arkansas licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Marriage and Family Therapist in Arkansas? ▼
In Arkansas, the license path calls for 2743 education/training hours, a passing score on MFT National Examination, and a $130 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Arkansas? ▼
Certification as a marriage and family therapist in Arkansas means clearing the state's checklist: 2743 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Arkansas licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Arkansas from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for marriage and family therapists: MFT Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Arkansas licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Arkansas require a background check for Marriage and Family Therapist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for marriage and family therapist licensing in Arkansas. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist in Arkansas? ▼
To stay licensed as a marriage and family therapist in Arkansas, plan on 36 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $118.

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.