OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

Louisiana Marriage & Family Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

US-LA · License preparation

300 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Loading selected examination banks…

Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

Licensing authority: Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners · Application information

Endorsement with less than one year licensed elsewhere
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Alternative
Section 3701(B) allows a substantially equivalent examination at Advisory Committee discretion. That unnamed alternative is a condition; the registered AMFTRB exam is the identified examination.
Application
Apply by endorsement with fee, official transcript, verification from every licensing jurisdiction and background check. Maintain good standing with no disqualifying discipline.
License
Less than one year licensed as an MFT elsewhere, with substantially equivalent or higher requirements.
Prior exam documentation
The Board Application Information page states: If an examination was passed to obtain licensure, applicants must contact the examination agency to send LA LPCBE an official score report verifying the passing score.  It is also required that applicants request an official graduate transcript to be forwarded to the Board office.  Institutions may send an electronic transcript directly to credspec@lpcboard.org
Endorsement with at least one but less than five years licensed elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply by endorsement with fee, official transcript, verification from every licensing jurisdiction and background check. Maintain good standing with no disqualifying discipline.
Exam scope
R.S. 37:1118(B) and the complete §3701(A) qualification list name no examination for this tier. The implementing page’s conditional request for an unspecified examination score already passed is retained as a documentation condition; it identifies no currently offered exam.
License
At least one but less than five years licensed as an MFT elsewhere, substantially equivalent or higher requirements, at least one year active MFT practice and 40 CEHs in the preceding two years.
Prior exam documentation
The Board Application Information page states: If an examination was passed to obtain licensure, applicants must contact the examination agency to send LA LPCBE an official score report verifying the passing score.  It is also required that applicants request an official graduate transcript to be forwarded to the Board office.  Institutions may send an electronic transcript directly to credspec@lpcboard.org

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Approval
Advisory Committee approval before examination; application and fee, good moral character, compliance with law, official educational and supervision documentation, background check and statement of practice.
Education
Meet one R.S. 37:1116(B)(1) and §3309 option: COAMFTE degree/certificate; qualifying CACREP degree with six MFT courses; Board-approved substantially equivalent clinical mental-health degree/certificate; or Board-approved pre-July 1, 2010 program. The qualifying degree includes 60 graduate semester hours, practicum/internship and six diagnostic psychopathology credits where required by §3309(C).
Experience
Two calendar years of supervised postgraduate MFT work. Section 3315(C) requires 3,000 clinical-service hours: 2,000 direct (up to 500 qualifying graduate hours may count), 1,000 indirect, and 200 qualified supervision hours including 100 individual, with permitted graduate supervision credit. Complete within six years of provisional approval.
Licensure by examination with transferred out of state supervision
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Approval
Advisory Committee approval before examination; application and fee, good moral character, compliance with law, official educational and supervision documentation, background check and statement of practice.
Education
Meet one R.S. 37:1116(B)(1) and §3309 option: COAMFTE degree/certificate; qualifying CACREP degree with six MFT courses; Board-approved substantially equivalent clinical mental-health degree/certificate; or Board-approved pre-July 1, 2010 program. The qualifying degree includes 60 graduate semester hours, practicum/internship and six diagnostic psychopathology credits where required by §3309(C).
Experience
Two calendar years of supervised postgraduate MFT work. Section 3315(C) requires 3,000 clinical-service hours: 2,000 direct (up to 500 qualifying graduate hours may count), 1,000 indirect, and 200 qualified supervision hours including 100 individual, with permitted graduate supervision credit. Complete within six years of provisional approval.
Transfer
Advisory Committee may approve up to 2,100 out-of-state supervised hours: 1,200 direct, 815 indirect, and 85 face-to-face supervision, under an approved supervisor meeting Louisiana qualifications.
Late renewal of LMFT licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Lapse
A license not renewed by December 31 lapses. Renew within two years with fees in arrears and CE documentation. The Board additionally requires fingerprints and signed privacy acknowledgment. Do not practice during lapse.
Renewal
Every two years by December 31: application, fee, 40 CEHs including three MFT ethics and six diagnosis hours, and updated statement of practice for changes. Social/cultural CE requirements beginning in 2027 are not applied to September 2026.
Supervisory status
The separate LMFT supervisor designation has its own orientation examination requirement and renewal route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military servicemember or spouse license portability
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply by endorsement with military orders as the Board instructs. Background checks may be required; interstate-compact cases follow §4025a(e).
License
Covered out-of-state professional license in good standing, without disqualifying discipline, pending investigation or surrender.
Relocation
Relocate because of military orders; submit orders, spouse marriage certificate if applicable, and the notarized affidavit under 50 U.S.C. 4025a(c).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication after LMFT licensure expires
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Approval
Advisory Committee approval before examination; application and fee, good moral character, compliance with law, official educational and supervision documentation, background check and statement of practice.
Education
Meet one R.S. 37:1116(B)(1) and §3309 option: COAMFTE degree/certificate; qualifying CACREP degree with six MFT courses; Board-approved substantially equivalent clinical mental-health degree/certificate; or Board-approved pre-July 1, 2010 program. The qualifying degree includes 60 graduate semester hours, practicum/internship and six diagnostic psychopathology credits where required by §3309(C).
Experience
Two calendar years of supervised postgraduate MFT work. Section 3315(C) requires 3,000 clinical-service hours: 2,000 direct (up to 500 qualifying graduate hours may count), 1,000 indirect, and 200 qualified supervision hours including 100 individual, with permitted graduate supervision credit. Complete within six years of provisional approval.
Expiration
A license not renewed within two years of lapse expires; reapply under current licensure rules. Existing passage affects another sitting, not reference to the currently offered examination.
Reciprocal licensure after at least five years licensed elsewhere
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Apply by endorsement with fee, official transcript, verification from every licensing jurisdiction and background check. Maintain good standing with no disqualifying discipline.
Prior exam documentation
The Board Application Information page states: If an examination was passed to obtain licensure, applicants must contact the examination agency to send LA LPCBE an official score report verifying the passing score.  It is also required that applicants request an official graduate transcript to be forwarded to the Board office.  Institutions may send an electronic transcript directly to credspec@lpcboard.org
Prior license
At least five years as an MFT licensed in a jurisdiction identified in R.S. 37:1118(A), and passage of the AMFTRB exam.
Rule conditions
Section 3701(A) additionally states at least one year active MFT practice and 40 CEHs in the preceding two years; its omission of an examination does not erase the statute’s express passing requirement.
Reinstatement following revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Revocation
May apply no sooner than two years after revocation is legally effective; Board approval and compliance with applicable orders are required. Section 3921 names no examination requirement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement following suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Suspension
Suspension may last up to two years; the Board then re-evaluates and may reinstate or revoke. Approval and compliance with the applicable order are required. Section 3921 names no examination requirement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial LMFT license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Every two years by December 31: application, fee, 40 CEHs including three MFT ethics and six diagnosis hours, and updated statement of practice for changes. Social/cultural CE requirements beginning in 2027 are not applied to September 2026.
Supervisory status
The separate LMFT supervisor designation has its own orientation examination requirement and renewal route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (PLMFT)

Licensing authority: Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners · Application information

Initial provisional licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 21 years old.
Application
Board application, fee, educational documentation, statement of practice and criminal background check.
Character
Good moral character and compliance with law and Board regulations.
Education
Qualifying graduate degree or postgraduate MFT certificate; one of four §3309 academic options, 60 semester hours, practicum/internship and diagnostic psychopathology credits where required.
Practice
Approved supervisor and practice setting; no independent practice or direct fees from clients.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal of provisional licensure
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Additional assessment
At Advisory Committee discretion an oral examination may be required under §3315(D)(1)(d); no separately identifiable offered oral examination is named, so this is an applicant condition.
Exam
Take the national MFT examination and send scores until a passing score is achieved; otherwise attempt at least once per renewal period. Already passing excuses another sitting.
Lapse
Renew within 90 days, by January 31, with all documentation, fees in arrears, late fee and the Board’s background-check/privacy acknowledgment materials. No practice or supervised-hour accrual during lapse.
Limit
Obtain full licensure within six years of initial provisional approval.
Renewal
Every two years in October: application, fee, supervised-hour report, updated statement of practice and 20 CEHs, including 1.5 MFT ethics and 1.5 diagnosis hours. Social/cultural CE changes beginning in 2027 are not applied in September 2026.
Provisional licensure with out of state education or experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 21 years old.
Application
Board application, fee, educational documentation, statement of practice and criminal background check.
Character
Good moral character and compliance with law and Board regulations.
Education
Qualifying graduate degree or postgraduate MFT certificate; one of four §3309 academic options, 60 semester hours, practicum/internship and diagnostic psychopathology credits where required.
Out of state
Meet Louisiana academic requirements. The Advisory Committee may approve up to 2,100 qualifying transferred supervised hours. Additional diagnostic psychopathology coursework applies where §3309 requires it.
Practice
Approved supervisor and practice setting; no independent practice or direct fees from clients.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication for provisional licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 21 years old.
Application
Board application, fee, educational documentation, statement of practice and criminal background check.
Character
Good moral character and compliance with law and Board regulations.
Education
Qualifying graduate degree or postgraduate MFT certificate; one of four §3309 academic options, 60 semester hours, practicum/internship and diagnostic psychopathology credits where required.
Practice
Approved supervisor and practice setting; no independent practice or direct fees from clients.
Reapplication
After the 90-day late-renewal period, reapply under current provisional rules with recent CEHs; forfeit supervised hours accrued during the renewal period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication for provisional licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 21 years old.
Application
Board application, fee, educational documentation, statement of practice and criminal background check.
Character
Good moral character and compliance with law and Board regulations.
Education
Qualifying graduate degree or postgraduate MFT certificate; one of four §3309 academic options, 60 semester hours, practicum/internship and diagnostic psychopathology credits where required.
Practice
Approved supervisor and practice setting; no independent practice or direct fees from clients.
Reapplication
After six years without full licensure, forfeit all accumulated supervised hours and reapply under current provisional rules with recent CEHs.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement following revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Revocation
May apply no sooner than two years after revocation is legally effective; Board approval and compliance with applicable orders are required. Section 3921 names no examination requirement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement following suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Suspension
Suspension may last up to two years; the Board then re-evaluates and may reinstate or revoke. Approval and compliance with the applicable order are required. Section 3921 names no examination requirement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial provisional license renewal
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Additional assessment
At Advisory Committee discretion an oral examination may be required under §3315(D)(1)(d); no separately identifiable offered oral examination is named, so this is an applicant condition.
Exam
Take the national MFT examination and send scores until a passing score is achieved; otherwise attempt at least once per renewal period. Already passing excuses another sitting.
Limit
Obtain full licensure within six years of initial provisional approval.
Renewal
Every two years in October: application, fee, supervised-hour report, updated statement of practice and 20 CEHs, including 1.5 MFT ethics and 1.5 diagnosis hours. Social/cultural CE changes beginning in 2027 are not applied in September 2026.

AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination

Provider
Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB); administered for AMFTRB by Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at Prometric computer-based testing centers
Format
Computer-based examination of objective multiple-choice questions, each with four alternative answers of which only one is correct; given during a one-week testing window every month; scores on the six domains and the total examination are reported after the window closes
Exam questions
180 multiple-choice items
Time limit
4 hours total testing time
Passing score
Criterion-referenced passing score set on an anchor examination by a modified Angoff method and adjusted across forms by equating; the reported score equals the total number of correct responses
Exam fee
US $370.00 examination fee (includes testing center fees)
Examination outline
  • Domain 01 — The Practice of Systemic Therapy — Tasks related to incorporating systemic theory and perspectives into practice activities, and establishing and maintaining ongoing therapeutic relationships with the client system inclusive of diverse cultural contexts. (16%; 29 items) (16%)
    • 01.01 Conceptualize therapy consistent with the philosophical perspectives of systemic theory.
    • 01.02 Maintain consistency between systemic theory and clinical practice.
    • 01.03 Integrate individual treatment approaches with systemic treatment approaches.
    • 01.04 Integrate multiple dimensions of diversity and social justice theories with systemic treatment approaches.
    • 01.05 Use a systemic perspective to co-create a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental space.
    • 01.06 Use a systemic perspective to co-create a therapeutic relationship with the client system.
    • 01.07 Use a systemic perspective to understand the complexities inherent in therapeutic interactions (e.g., family homeostasis, self of the therapist).
  • Domain 02 — Assessing, Hypothesizing, and Diagnosing — Tasks related to assessing and conceptualizing the various dimensions of the client system inclusive of diverse cultural contexts, including forming and reformulating systemic hypotheses and diagnosing the client system to guide therapeutic activities and interventions, including use of artificial intelligence (AI) as appropriate. (16%; 29 items) (16%)
    • 02.01 Assess the client system’s verbal and non-verbal communication styles to develop hypotheses about relationship patterns, perceptions, and responses to the reciprocal influence of relational patterns and the presenting issues.
    • 02.02 Assess the mental status of clients.
    • 02.03 Assess historic and current self-injurious behavior, suicidal ideation and intent, and/or homicidal ideation and intent.
    • 02.04 Identify and assess behavioral dynamics, processes, and interactional patterns (e.g., boundaries, roles, rules, alliances, coalitions, and hierarchies) within the client system to determine systemic functioning.
    • 02.05 Formulate and continually assess hypotheses regarding the client system that consider and incorporate diverse contexts.
    • 02.06 Assess appropriateness of potential treatment and therapeutic delivery modalities for the client system.
    • 02.07 Assess environmental factors (e.g., discrimination, gang violence, migration) affecting the client system.
    • 02.08 Assess the client system’s levels of economic, social, emotional, physical, spiritual, and cognitive functioning.
    • 02.09 Assess historic and current effects of substance use disorders on the functioning of the client system.
    • 02.10 Assess historic and current effects of violence or trauma, including vicarious trauma, on the client system.
    • 02.11 Assess historic and current effects of childhood experiences and traumas on the client system.
    • 02.12 Assess historic and current effects of impact of process use disorders (e.g., gambling, internet use, technology use, shopping) on functioning of the client system.
    • 02.13 Assess historic and current effects of sexual functioning on the client system.
    • 02.14 Assess how the developmental and family life cycle stages of the client system impact problem formation, maintenance, and resolution.
    • 02.15 Assess strengths, resources, coping skills, and resilience within and available to the client system.
    • 02.16 Select, administer, review, and/or interpret results of standardized instruments within the therapist’s training, competence, and scope of practice.
    • 02.17 Assess and diagnose clients in accordance with current DSM and ICD diagnostic criteria while maintaining a systems perspective.
    • 02.18 Formulate treatment hypotheses that integrate systemic perspectives, assessment inventories, and diagnostic impressions.
    • 02.19 Assess effects of occupational issues on the client system (e.g., military personnel, workers in geographically dispersed locations, first responders).
    • 02.20 Collaborate with the client system to determine need for evaluation by other professional and community systems.
    • 02.21 Collaborate with professional and community systems as appropriate in making diagnoses and establishing treatment priorities.
    • 02.22 Collaborate with the client system to refer as appropriate based on diagnoses and treatment priorities.
  • Domain 03 — Designing and Conducting Treatment — Tasks related to developing and implementing a course of culturally responsive treatment with the client system, including identifying possible therapeutic models, implementing associated interventions, and treatment planning, including use of artificial intelligence (AI) as appropriate. (17%; 30 items) (17%)
    • 03.01 Evaluate and maintain a quality therapeutic alliance with the client system.
    • 03.02 Establish therapeutic contracts.
    • 03.03 Utilize assessment information to develop a treatment plan that reflects a contextual understanding of the presenting issue.
    • 03.04 Determine relevant short-term goals, long-term goals and objectives for treatment, as well as criteria for successful completion of treatment.
    • 03.05 Identify the client system’s previous and current attempts to resolve the presenting issues.
    • 03.06 Identify members of client and collateral systems involved in resolving issues.
    • 03.07 Develop and monitor ongoing safety plan to address identified safety risks for the client in all therapeutic delivery contexts.
    • 03.08 Engage in therapeutic interventions based on theory and current research and a shared contextual understanding of the client system and presenting issues.
    • 03.09 Clarify with the client system the rationale for selecting therapeutic interventions as appropriate.
    • 03.10 Collaborate with the client system to determine sequence of treatment and identify which members will be involved.
    • 03.11 Develop and monitor recovery-oriented systemic care for treatment of substance use disorders.
    • 03.12 Use genograms and/or family mapping as therapeutic interventions as indicated.
    • 03.13 Facilitate client system change through restructuring and reorganization.
    • 03.14 Collaborate with the client system to identify and explore competing priorities of client issues to be addressed in treatment.
    • 03.15 Assist the client system in developing decision-making, coping, and effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills in their relational contexts.
    • 03.16 Attend to the homeostatic process and its impact on the client system’s ability to attain therapeutic goals.
    • 03.17 Assist the client system in developing alternative perspectives of the presenting issues to facilitate solutions.
    • 03.18 Influence client behavior and perceptions through use of metaphor, rewriting narratives, mindfulness, etc.
    • 03.19 Integrate cultural, spiritual, social, intellectual, and biological characteristics and strengths of the client system when devising effective treatment strategies.
    • 03.20 Recognize and support client autonomy when devising effective treatment strategies.
    • 03.21 Maintain awareness of common side effects of medications, monitor client system for these within the boundaries of professional competence, and coordinate care with any relevant prescribers.
    • 03.22 Adapt therapeutic stance and interventions to accommodate the process and structure of all therapeutic delivery modalities.
  • Domain 04 — Evaluating Ongoing Process and Terminating Treatment — Tasks related to continuously evaluating the therapeutic process, incorporating feedback into the course of treatment, and planning for termination, inclusive of different cultural contexts and use of artificial intelligence (AI) as appropriate. (16%; 29 items) (16%)
    • 04.01 Use theory and current research in the ongoing evaluation of process, outcomes, and termination.
    • 04.02 Evaluate the progress of therapy in collaboration with client and collateral systems as indicated.
    • 04.03 Modify treatment plan in collaboration with client and collateral systems as indicated.
    • 04.04 Continually evaluate client system appropriateness for all therapeutic delivery modalities.
    • 04.05 Develop a termination plan in collaboration with the client and collateral systems to maintain therapeutic gains after treatment has ended.
    • 04.06 Terminate therapeutic relationship in a professional and culturally responsive manner.
  • Domain 05 — Managing Crisis Situations — Tasks related to assessing and managing emergency situations, inclusive of different cultural contexts, and intervening when clinically indicated and/or legally mandated. (16%; 29 items) (16%)
    • 05.01 Assess impairment in the client system during crisis situations to determine if and what immediate interventions may be needed.
    • 05.02 Assess for presence of suicidal ideation and determine the level of intervention.
    • 05.03 Assess for risk of violence toward the client from others to determine the need for intervention.
    • 05.04 Assess the client’s potential for self-injurious behavior to determine level of intervention.
    • 05.05 Assess the client’s potential for violence or harm toward others, including the therapist, to determine level of intervention.
    • 05.06 Assess risk of violence toward therapist from sources outside of the client system and develop a safety plan.
    • 05.07 Assess impact of community-level crisis on client system and develop interventions as they pertain to that crisis.
    • 05.08 Assess the impact of client system’s trauma history and other relevant contextual factors on current crisis.
    • 05.09 Collaborate with other relevant stakeholders in managing client system’s crisis.
    • 05.10 Respond to emerging crisis as appropriate to the therapeutic delivery modality and use relevant crisis resources.
  • Domain 06 — Maintaining Ethical, Legal, and Professional Standards — Tasks related to ongoing adherence to legal and ethical codes and treatment agreements, maintaining culturally responsive competency, upholding professional standards, and utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical practice. (19%; 34 items) (19%)
    • 06.01 Demonstrate professional responsibility and competence regarding legal issues and regulations across therapeutic delivery modalities, including use of artificial intelligence (AI).
    • 06.02 Compare agency and employment policies with relevant ethics code, statutes, case law, and regulations and privilege the higher standard.
    • 06.03 Integrate current ethical codes of licensing boards, relevant professional organizations, and associations into appropriate professional practice.
    • 06.04 Adhere to relevant business laws related to clinical practice (e.g., Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, False Claims Act, etc.)
    • 06.05 Practice within therapist’s scope of competence.
    • 06.06 Maintain awareness of and effectively manage how the therapist’s personal issues, life experiences, values and morals, and previous trauma impact the therapeutic process.
    • 06.07 Maintain awareness of and effectively manage how the supervisors’ personal issues, life experiences, values and morals, and previous trauma influence the supervisory process
    • 06.08 Adhere to treatment agreements with client systems and respect the rights of clients.
    • 06.09 Provide the client system with written professional disclosures regarding fees, credentials, reporting complaints, confidentiality, privileged communication, and providing technologically assisted services, including use of artificial intelligence (AI), etc.
    • 06.10 Confirm the client system’s identities, locations, and safety levels at the beginning of each teletherapy session.
    • 06.11 Monitor and mitigate risk for potential exploitation of the client system by the therapist.
    • 06.12 Consult with colleagues and other professionals as necessary regarding ethical and legal issues, and document these consultations.
    • 06.13 Respect the roles and responsibilities of other professionals involved in the client system’s treatment process as they relate to ethical and legal issues.
    • 06.14 Maintain accurate and timely records including long-term safe and confidential storage and plan record transfer and/or disposal within timeframes specified by current statutes.
    • 06.15 Adhere to ethical and regulatory guidelines for engaging in the supervisor-supervisee relationship across modalities.
Examination sources