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

Washington 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 Washington data shows for Marriage and Family Therapists

To practice as a marriage and family therapist in Washington, the state licensing board requires 3,311 documented education or training hours, a passing score on MFT National Examination, and 2 years of supervised work experience. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Washington's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

The initial price tag is $257, and renewal costs $217 every 2 years. The license also carries an ongoing 36-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: MFT Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Requirements in Washington

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
3,311 hours
Exam Requirement
MFT National Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$257
Renewal Fee
$217
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 Washington licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Washington licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Marriage and Family Therapist in Washington? ▼
Washington's requirements cover 3311 hours of education or training, the MFT National Examination exam, and an initial fee of $257. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Washington? ▼
Washington licenses marriage and family therapists who complete its requirements (3311 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Washington licensing board.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Washington 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 Washington. Verify the specifics with the Washington licensing board.
Does Washington require a background check for Marriage and Family Therapist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the marriage and family therapist licensing process in Washington. 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 Washington? ▼
Washington ties continued marriage and family therapist licensure to 36 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $217 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.