Marriage and Family Therapist / North Carolina
2026 data North Carolina board official source

North Carolina 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 North Carolina data shows for Marriage and Family Therapists

Becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in North Carolina means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 2,946 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. North Carolina regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

Upfront cost is $175, with renewal running $153 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.

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

Licensing Requirements in North Carolina

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
2,946 hours
Exam Requirement
MFT National Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$175
Renewal Fee
$153
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 North Carolina licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with North Carolina licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Marriage and Family Therapist in North Carolina? ▼
In North Carolina, the license path calls for 2946 education/training hours, a passing score on MFT National Examination, and a $175 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Marriage and Family Therapist in North Carolina? ▼
Certification as a marriage and family therapist in North Carolina means clearing the state's checklist: 2946 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The North Carolina licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to North Carolina from another state? ▼
Marriage and Family Therapist licenses generally reciprocate as follows: MFT Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The North Carolina licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does North Carolina require a background check for Marriage and Family Therapist licensing? ▼
North Carolina 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 North Carolina? ▼
To stay licensed as a marriage and family therapist in North Carolina, plan on 36 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $153.

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.