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

Colorado 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 Colorado data shows for Marriage and Family Therapists

Colorado's path to marriage and family therapist licensure runs through 3,351 hours of approved instruction, 2 years of supervised work experience, and a passing score on MFT National Examination, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Colorado folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

Budget $267 to get started, plus $224 at each renewal 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.

On reciprocity, marriage and family therapists should know: MFT Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Requirements in Colorado

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
3,351 hours
Exam Requirement
MFT National Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$267
Renewal Fee
$224
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 Colorado licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Colorado licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Marriage and Family Therapist in Colorado? ▼
Colorado's requirements cover 3351 hours of education or training, the MFT National Examination exam, and an initial fee of $267. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Colorado? ▼
To become a licensed marriage and family therapist in Colorado, you must meet the state's requirements including 3351 hours of education and 2 years of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Colorado licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Colorado 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 Colorado licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Colorado require a background check for Marriage and Family Therapist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for marriage and family therapist licensing in Colorado. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist in Colorado? ▼
Licensed marriage and family therapists in Colorado must complete 36 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $224.

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.