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

California 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 California data shows for Marriage and Family Therapists

Becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in California means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 3,486 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. California regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

Upfront cost is $297, with renewal running $248 on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 36-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

For marriage and family therapists, the reciprocity picture is: MFT Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Requirements in California

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
3,486 hours
Exam Requirement
MFT National Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$297
Renewal Fee
$248
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 California licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with California licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Marriage and Family Therapist in California? ▼
California's requirements cover 3486 hours of education or training, the MFT National Examination exam, and an initial fee of $297. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California? ▼
Certification as a marriage and family therapist in California means clearing the state's checklist: 3486 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The California licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to California 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 California licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does California require a background check for Marriage and Family Therapist licensing? ▼
Yes, California requires a criminal background check as part of the marriage and family therapist licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist in California? ▼
To stay licensed as a marriage and family therapist in California, plan on 36 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $248.

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.