Marriage and Family Therapist / District of Columbia
2026 data District of Columbia board official source

District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia data shows for Marriage and Family Therapists

To practice as a marriage and family therapist in District of Columbia, the state licensing board requires 3,073 documented education or training hours, a passing score on MFT National Examination, and 2 years of supervised work experience. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under District of Columbia's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

Upfront cost is $204, with renewal running $175 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 District of Columbia

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
3,073 hours
Exam Requirement
MFT National Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$204
Renewal Fee
$175
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 District of Columbia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with District of Columbia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Marriage and Family Therapist in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia requires 3073 education/training hours, passing an exam (MFT National Examination), and an initial fee of $204. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Marriage and Family Therapist in District of Columbia? ▼
Certification as a marriage and family therapist in District of Columbia means clearing the state's checklist: 3073 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The District of Columbia licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia. Verify the specifics with the District of Columbia licensing board.
Does District of Columbia require a background check for Marriage and Family Therapist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the marriage and family therapist licensing process in District of Columbia. 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 District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia ties continued marriage and family therapist licensure to 36 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $175 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.