2026 data Minnesota board official source

Minnesota Marriage and Family Therapist License Requirements

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

Specializes in treating relationship and family issues.

What the Minnesota data shows for Marriage and Family Therapists

To practice as a marriage and family therapist in Minnesota, the state licensing board requires 2,851 documented education or training hours, a passing score on the MFT National Examination 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 Minnesota's professional licensing framework, which classifies training as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

Upfront cost is $154, with renewal running $136 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 is available: MFT Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Compared to the profession-wide pattern, the numbers above should be cross-checked against other states before relocating — licensing cost, training hours, and exam requirements vary enough that a different state may cut thousands of dollars and months of training from the path. The state board, not this page, is the final authority; verify every field below with the official regulator before you pay fees or enroll in training.

Licensing Requirements in Minnesota

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
2,851 hours
Exam Requirement
MFT National Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$154
Renewal Fee
$136
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
36 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years

License Reciprocity

MFT Licensure Compact: adoption underway

Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Minnesota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Marriage and Family Therapist in Minnesota?
Minnesota requires 2851 education/training hours, passing an exam (MFT National Examination), and an initial fee of $154. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Minnesota?
To become a licensed marriage and family therapist in Minnesota, you must meet the state's requirements including 2851 hours of education and 2 years of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Minnesota licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Minnesota from another state?
Minnesota has reciprocity provisions: MFT Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Many professions are covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability. Contact the Minnesota licensing board for specific reciprocity details.
Does Minnesota require a background check for Marriage and Family Therapist licensing?
Yes, Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
Licensed marriage and family therapists in Minnesota must complete 36 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $136.

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

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