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

Tennessee Marriage and Family Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Specializes in treating relationship and family issues.

What the Tennessee data shows for Marriage and Family Therapists

Becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in Tennessee means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 2,878 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. Tennessee regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

The initial price tag is $160, and renewal costs $141 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.

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

Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
2,878 hours
Exam Requirement
MFT National Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$160
Renewal Fee
$141
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 Tennessee licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Tennessee licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Marriage and Family Therapist in Tennessee? ▼
In Tennessee, the license path calls for 2878 education/training hours, a passing score on MFT National Examination, and a $160 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Tennessee? ▼
Tennessee licenses marriage and family therapists who complete its requirements (2878 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Tennessee licensing board.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Tennessee require a background check for Marriage and Family Therapist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the marriage and family therapist licensing process in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee? ▼
Licensed marriage and family therapists in Tennessee must complete 36 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $141.

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.