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

Maryland Marriage and Family Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Specializes in treating relationship and family issues.

What the Maryland data shows for Marriage and Family Therapists

To practice as a marriage and family therapist in Maryland, the state licensing board requires 3,162 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 Maryland's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

The initial price tag is $224, and renewal costs $191 every 2 years. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 36 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

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

Licensing Requirements in Maryland

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
3,162 hours
Exam Requirement
MFT National Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$224
Renewal Fee
$191
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 Maryland licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Maryland licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Marriage and Family Therapist in Maryland? ▼
Maryland requires 3162 education/training hours, passing an exam (MFT National Examination), and an initial fee of $224. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Maryland? ▼
Maryland licenses marriage and family therapists who complete its requirements (3162 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Maryland licensing board.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Maryland 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 Maryland licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Maryland require a background check for Marriage and Family Therapist licensing? ▼
Maryland does require a background check before issuing a marriage and family therapist license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist in Maryland? ▼
Licensed marriage and family therapists in Maryland must complete 36 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $191.

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.