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

Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania data shows for Marriage and Family Therapists

Pennsylvania's path to marriage and family therapist licensure runs through 3,068 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. Pennsylvania folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

The initial price tag is $203, and renewal costs $174 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 Pennsylvania

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
3,068 hours
Exam Requirement
MFT National Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$203
Renewal Fee
$174
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 Pennsylvania licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Pennsylvania licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Marriage and Family Therapist in Pennsylvania? ▼
Pennsylvania requires 3068 education/training hours, passing an exam (MFT National Examination), and an initial fee of $203. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Pennsylvania? ▼
To become a licensed marriage and family therapist in Pennsylvania, you must meet the state's requirements including 3068 hours of education and 2 years of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Pennsylvania licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Pennsylvania from another state? ▼
For marriage and family therapists, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: MFT Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Pennsylvania licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Pennsylvania require a background check for Marriage and Family Therapist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for marriage and family therapist licensing in Pennsylvania. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist in Pennsylvania? ▼
Pennsylvania ties continued marriage and family therapist licensure to 36 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $174 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.