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

Ohio Marriage and Family Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Specializes in treating relationship and family issues.

What the Ohio data shows for Marriage and Family Therapists

Ohio's path to marriage and family therapist licensure runs through 3,014 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. Ohio folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

The initial price tag is $191, and renewal costs $165 every 2 years. 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 Ohio

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
3,014 hours
Exam Requirement
MFT National Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$191
Renewal Fee
$165
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
36 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Marriage and Family Therapist All Ohio licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Ohio licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Marriage and Family Therapist in Ohio? ▼
Ohio requires 3014 education/training hours, passing an exam (MFT National Examination), and an initial fee of $191. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Ohio? ▼
To become a licensed marriage and family therapist in Ohio, you must meet the state's requirements including 3014 hours of education and 2 years of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Ohio licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Ohio 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 Ohio. Verify the specifics with the Ohio licensing board.
Does Ohio require a background check for Marriage and Family Therapist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the marriage and family therapist licensing process in Ohio. 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 Ohio? ▼
Ohio ties continued marriage and family therapist licensure to 36 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $165 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.