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

South Carolina Marriage and Family Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Specializes in treating relationship and family issues.

What the South Carolina data shows for Marriage and Family Therapists

Becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in South Carolina means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 2,716 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. South Carolina regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

Budget $124 to get started, plus $113 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 36-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

For marriage and family therapists, the reciprocity picture is: MFT Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Requirements in South Carolina

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
2,716 hours
Exam Requirement
MFT National Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$124
Renewal Fee
$113
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 South Carolina licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with South Carolina licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Marriage and Family Therapist in South Carolina? ▼
South Carolina requires 2716 education/training hours, passing an exam (MFT National Examination), and an initial fee of $124. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Marriage and Family Therapist in South Carolina? ▼
To become a licensed marriage and family therapist in South Carolina, you must meet the state's requirements including 2716 hours of education and 2 years of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the South Carolina licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to South 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 South Carolina licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does South Carolina require a background check for Marriage and Family Therapist licensing? ▼
Yes, South Carolina 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 South Carolina? ▼
South Carolina ties continued marriage and family therapist licensure to 36 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $113 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.