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

Virginia 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 Virginia data shows for Marriage and Family Therapists

Becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in Virginia means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 2,905 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. Virginia regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

The initial price tag is $166, and renewal costs $146 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 Virginia

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
2,905 hours
Exam Requirement
MFT National Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$166
Renewal Fee
$146
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 Virginia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Virginia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Marriage and Family Therapist in Virginia? ▼
Virginia's requirements cover 2905 hours of education or training, the MFT National Examination exam, and an initial fee of $166. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Virginia? ▼
To become a licensed marriage and family therapist in Virginia, you must meet the state's requirements including 2905 hours of education and 2 years of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Virginia licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Virginia 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 Virginia. Verify the specifics with the Virginia licensing board.
Does Virginia require a background check for Marriage and Family Therapist licensing? ▼
Virginia 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 Virginia? ▼
Virginia ties continued marriage and family therapist licensure to 36 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $146 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.