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Maine Marriage & Family Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

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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.

Conditional Marriage and Family Therapist

Clinical MFT license requiring Board-approved supervision while completing postgraduate experience.

Licensing authority: Maine Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure · Application information

Renewal after continuing education lapse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Family Violence Education
One-time completion of at least 12 hours in family or intimate partner violence under 32 M.R.S. section 13860(2); equivalent qualifying coursework, teaching or practice experience may satisfy this requirement.
Lapse Cause
License lapsed because continuing-education requirements were not met; renewal is permitted upon completion of required continuing education.
Renewal
Biennial renewal application, fee, and attestation of 55 continuing-education contact hours, including at least four in ethics; additional information may be required.
Term Limits
Conditional license term limits and any Board order remain applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by substantially equivalent license and five consecutive years of practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Board application, applicable fees, proposed disclosure statement and requested supporting materials.
Background Check
Initial and endorsement applicants are subject to Maine and FBI criminal-history checks, including fingerprints, under 32 M.R.S. section 13858-A.
Exam Boundary
32 M.R.S. section 13857(2)(B) and Chapter 6 section 3(1) establish this route through existing licensure and practice evidence and do not require an identified examination or passing-score submission.
Existing License
Valid, substantially equivalent license in good standing at the licensure level sought, held for at least five consecutive years immediately preceding application; the jurisdiction has no reciprocal agreement.
Foreign Education
Education or training obtained outside the United States must be evaluated by World Education Services, Center for Educational Documentation or another Board-approved service; the Board determines substantial similarity under Chapter 6 section 2.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under 32 M.R.S. section 13858.
Practice Evidence
Chapter 6 section 3(1) requires licenses, laws and rules, a verifiable practice resume and license verifications for the preceding five consecutive years; the Board determines equivalence.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence and adherence to the ethics of the counseling profession.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Transition from temporary conditional license
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit the Board application, applicable fees, proposed disclosure statement and requested supporting materials.
Background Check
Initial and endorsement applicants are subject to Maine and FBI criminal-history checks, including fingerprints, under 32 M.R.S. section 13858-A.
Existing License
Hold a temporary conditional MFT license and submit proof of a passing AMFTRB score obtained during its term.
Foreign Education
Education or training obtained outside the United States must be evaluated by World Education Services, Center for Educational Documentation or another Board-approved service; the Board determines substantial similarity under Chapter 6 section 2.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under 32 M.R.S. section 13858.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence and adherence to the ethics of the counseling profession.
Transition
Conditional license issues without further application or fee; the temporary license terminates and supervised experience continues without interruption.
Initial conditional licensure
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit the Board application, applicable fees, proposed disclosure statement and requested supporting materials.
Background Check
Initial and endorsement applicants are subject to Maine and FBI criminal-history checks, including fingerprints, under 32 M.R.S. section 13858-A.
Education
Qualifying regionally accredited master’s or doctoral degree of at least 60 semester hours (or equivalent): CACREP marital/couple/family program, COAMFTE doctoral program with clinical practicum, or coursework substantially satisfying Chapter 4 section 2 core areas. Nonconforming degrees require supplemental graduate coursework to meet 60 hours and required areas.
Exam Timing
Submit a passing AMFTRB score or request Board approval to take it; successful examination is required for conditional licensure.
Experience
The postgraduate experience is earned after issuance under an approved supervision plan.
Foreign Education
Education or training obtained outside the United States must be evaluated by World Education Services, Center for Educational Documentation or another Board-approved service; the Board determines substantial similarity under Chapter 6 section 2.
Internship
A full academic-year internship ordinarily includes 900 hours with 360 direct-client-contact hours. The rule accepts 1,000 hours of lawful supervised counseling with 400 direct clinical hours in lieu of practicum and internship, or a 600-hour internship with increased postgraduate supervised experience.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under 32 M.R.S. section 13858.
Practice Restriction
Practice only under approved supervision; use the conditional designation and obtain prior approval before changing supervisors.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence and adherence to the ethics of the counseling profession.
Supervisor
Board-approved supervisor meeting Chapter 4 section 4(3), with no familial, cohabiting or personal relationship with the supervisee.
Term
Initial two-year term, normally renewable twice, exclusive of inactive periods; further renewal requires genuine hardship preventing timely completion.
Late renewal within 90 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conditional Term
Normally no more than two additional two-year periods beyond the initial term, excluding inactive periods; further renewal requires documented extenuating genuine hardship.
Family Violence Education
One-time completion of at least 12 hours in family or intimate partner violence under 32 M.R.S. section 13860(2); equivalent qualifying coursework, teaching or practice experience may satisfy this requirement.
Renewal
Biennial renewal application, fee, and attestation of 55 continuing-education contact hours, including at least four in ethics; additional information may be required.
Timeliness
Application after expiration but within 90 days; pay the additional late fee. The renewed license begins on the late-renewal date and is not retroactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Application after completion of revocation or suspension
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Apply at the requested license level under the corresponding Chapter 4 requirements; prior passing examination evidence remains an examination leaf.
Background Check
Initial and endorsement applicants are subject to Maine and FBI criminal-history checks, including fingerprints, under 32 M.R.S. section 13858-A.
Competency Review
The statute does not identify a separate examination for the Board’s rehabilitation/competency review; record the review as an applicant condition.
Discipline
The revocation or suspension period must be completed; the Board must conduct a competency review and determine acceptable rehabilitation.
Education
Qualifying regionally accredited master’s or doctoral degree of at least 60 semester hours (or equivalent): CACREP marital/couple/family program, COAMFTE doctoral program with clinical practicum, or coursework substantially satisfying Chapter 4 section 2 core areas. Nonconforming degrees require supplemental graduate coursework to meet 60 hours and required areas.
Experience
At least two years after the qualifying degree: ordinarily 3,000 clinical hours, including 1,000 with couples and families, and 200 supervision hours (100 individual); with a 600-hour internship, 4,000 clinical hours, 1,500 with couples and families and 300 supervision hours (150 individual). Approved supervision must be regular and documented.
Foreign Education
Education or training obtained outside the United States must be evaluated by World Education Services, Center for Educational Documentation or another Board-approved service; the Board determines substantial similarity under Chapter 6 section 2.
Internship
A full academic-year internship ordinarily includes 900 hours with 360 direct-client-contact hours. The rule accepts 1,000 hours of lawful supervised counseling with 400 direct clinical hours in lieu of practicum and internship, or a 600-hour internship with increased postgraduate supervised experience.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under 32 M.R.S. section 13858.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence and adherence to the ethics of the counseling profession.
Supervisor
Board-approved supervisor meeting Chapter 4 section 4(3), with no familial, cohabiting or personal relationship with the supervisee.
Reinstatement from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional Conditions
The Board may set other requirements and conditions needed to ensure competence to resume practice; this provision names no examination.
Continuing Education
The Board sets the appropriate continuing education based on inactive duration, not exceeding 40 hours and excluding peer supervision.
Existing License
An inactive MFT license originally held at the conditional level.
Supervision Plan
A proposed supervision plan must be submitted and approved when the prior license was conditional.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement more than 90 days late, within two years
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit the Board application, applicable fees, proposed disclosure statement and requested supporting materials.
Background Check
Initial and endorsement applicants are subject to Maine and FBI criminal-history checks, including fingerprints, under 32 M.R.S. section 13858-A.
Conditional Level
For conditional reinstatement, submit an approved supervision plan and comply with conditional-license practice limits.
Education
Qualifying regionally accredited master’s or doctoral degree of at least 60 semester hours (or equivalent): CACREP marital/couple/family program, COAMFTE doctoral program with clinical practicum, or coursework substantially satisfying Chapter 4 section 2 core areas. Nonconforming degrees require supplemental graduate coursework to meet 60 hours and required areas.
Examination Waiver
Within two years, the Board may waive examination after considering public protection when the application and late/renewal fees are received.
Experience
At least two years after the qualifying degree: ordinarily 3,000 clinical hours, including 1,000 with couples and families, and 200 supervision hours (100 individual); with a 600-hour internship, 4,000 clinical hours, 1,500 with couples and families and 300 supervision hours (150 individual). Approved supervision must be regular and documented.
Foreign Education
Education or training obtained outside the United States must be evaluated by World Education Services, Center for Educational Documentation or another Board-approved service; the Board determines substantial similarity under Chapter 6 section 2.
Initial Requirements
Subject to all requirements governing new applicants; the currently offered AMFTRB examination remains a leaf, including an accepted prior passing score.
Internship
A full academic-year internship ordinarily includes 900 hours with 360 direct-client-contact hours. The rule accepts 1,000 hours of lawful supervised counseling with 400 direct clinical hours in lieu of practicum and internship, or a 600-hour internship with increased postgraduate supervised experience.
Lapse
Renewal application submitted more than 90 days after expiration and within two years.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under 32 M.R.S. section 13858.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence and adherence to the ethics of the counseling profession.
Supervisor
Board-approved supervisor meeting Chapter 4 section 4(3), with no familial, cohabiting or personal relationship with the supervisee.
Reinstatement more than two years late
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit the Board application, applicable fees, proposed disclosure statement and requested supporting materials.
Background Check
Initial and endorsement applicants are subject to Maine and FBI criminal-history checks, including fingerprints, under 32 M.R.S. section 13858-A.
Conditional Level
For conditional reinstatement, submit an approved supervision plan and comply with conditional-license practice limits.
Education
Qualifying regionally accredited master’s or doctoral degree of at least 60 semester hours (or equivalent): CACREP marital/couple/family program, COAMFTE doctoral program with clinical practicum, or coursework substantially satisfying Chapter 4 section 2 core areas. Nonconforming degrees require supplemental graduate coursework to meet 60 hours and required areas.
Examination Waiver
The specific examination-waiver authority in section 13860(1) applies only within two years of expiration.
Experience
At least two years after the qualifying degree: ordinarily 3,000 clinical hours, including 1,000 with couples and families, and 200 supervision hours (100 individual); with a 600-hour internship, 4,000 clinical hours, 1,500 with couples and families and 300 supervision hours (150 individual). Approved supervision must be regular and documented.
Foreign Education
Education or training obtained outside the United States must be evaluated by World Education Services, Center for Educational Documentation or another Board-approved service; the Board determines substantial similarity under Chapter 6 section 2.
Initial Requirements
Subject to all requirements governing new applicants; the currently offered AMFTRB examination remains a leaf, including an accepted prior passing score.
Internship
A full academic-year internship ordinarily includes 900 hours with 360 direct-client-contact hours. The rule accepts 1,000 hours of lawful supervised counseling with 400 direct clinical hours in lieu of practicum and internship, or a 600-hour internship with increased postgraduate supervised experience.
Lapse
Renewal application submitted more than two years after expiration.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under 32 M.R.S. section 13858.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence and adherence to the ethics of the counseling profession.
Supervisor
Board-approved supervisor meeting Chapter 4 section 4(3), with no familial, cohabiting or personal relationship with the supervisee.
Timely license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conditional Term
Normally no more than two additional two-year periods beyond the initial term, excluding inactive periods; further renewal requires documented extenuating genuine hardship.
Family Violence Education
One-time completion of at least 12 hours in family or intimate partner violence under 32 M.R.S. section 13860(2); equivalent qualifying coursework, teaching or practice experience may satisfy this requirement.
Renewal
Biennial renewal application, fee, and attestation of 55 continuing-education contact hours, including at least four in ethics; additional information may be required.
Timeliness
Renew before expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by substantially similar qualifications
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit the Board application, applicable fees, proposed disclosure statement and requested supporting materials.
Background Check
Initial and endorsement applicants are subject to Maine and FBI criminal-history checks, including fingerprints, under 32 M.R.S. section 13858-A.
Conditional Level
For a conditional license, postgraduate supervised experience remains to be earned under a Board-approved plan.
Education
Qualifying regionally accredited master’s or doctoral degree of at least 60 semester hours (or equivalent): CACREP marital/couple/family program, COAMFTE doctoral program with clinical practicum, or coursework substantially satisfying Chapter 4 section 2 core areas. Nonconforming degrees require supplemental graduate coursework to meet 60 hours and required areas.
Equivalence
Submit the current license and Chapter 4 application materials, including AMFTRB evidence; the Board determines substantial similarity and may accept copies of previously supplied reference and supervisor statements.
Existing License
Licensed in good standing in a jurisdiction without a reciprocal agreement, and not eligible under the five-year equivalent-license pathway.
Experience
At least two years after the qualifying degree: ordinarily 3,000 clinical hours, including 1,000 with couples and families, and 200 supervision hours (100 individual); with a 600-hour internship, 4,000 clinical hours, 1,500 with couples and families and 300 supervision hours (150 individual). Approved supervision must be regular and documented.
Foreign Education
Education or training obtained outside the United States must be evaluated by World Education Services, Center for Educational Documentation or another Board-approved service; the Board determines substantial similarity under Chapter 6 section 2.
Internship
A full academic-year internship ordinarily includes 900 hours with 360 direct-client-contact hours. The rule accepts 1,000 hours of lawful supervised counseling with 400 direct clinical hours in lieu of practicum and internship, or a 600-hour internship with increased postgraduate supervised experience.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under 32 M.R.S. section 13858.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence and adherence to the ethics of the counseling profession.
Supervisor
Board-approved supervisor meeting Chapter 4 section 4(3), with no familial, cohabiting or personal relationship with the supervisee.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Independent clinical MFT license; permits diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders.

Licensing authority: Maine Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure · Application information

Renewal after continuing education lapse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Family Violence Education
One-time completion of at least 12 hours in family or intimate partner violence under 32 M.R.S. section 13860(2); equivalent qualifying coursework, teaching or practice experience may satisfy this requirement.
Lapse Cause
License lapsed because continuing-education requirements were not met; renewal is permitted upon completion of required continuing education.
Renewal
Biennial renewal application, fee, and attestation of 55 continuing-education contact hours, including at least four in ethics; additional information may be required.
Term Limits
Conditional license term limits and any Board order remain applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial full licensure with recognized equivalent supervised experience
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit the Board application, applicable fees, proposed disclosure statement and requested supporting materials.
Background Check
Initial and endorsement applicants are subject to Maine and FBI criminal-history checks, including fingerprints, under 32 M.R.S. section 13858-A.
Conditional Waiver
The Board may waive conditional licensure in whole or in part and recognize lawful post-degree supervised clinical experience substantially equivalent to Chapter 4 section 4. This waiver concerns conditional licensure and experience, not the AMFTRB examination.
Continuing Education
The 55-hour conditional-license continuing-education submission is waived when conditional licensure was waived or not required.
Education
Qualifying regionally accredited master’s or doctoral degree of at least 60 semester hours (or equivalent): CACREP marital/couple/family program, COAMFTE doctoral program with clinical practicum, or coursework substantially satisfying Chapter 4 section 2 core areas. Nonconforming degrees require supplemental graduate coursework to meet 60 hours and required areas.
Experience
At least two years after the qualifying degree: ordinarily 3,000 clinical hours, including 1,000 with couples and families, and 200 supervision hours (100 individual); with a 600-hour internship, 4,000 clinical hours, 1,500 with couples and families and 300 supervision hours (150 individual). Approved supervision must be regular and documented.
Foreign Education
Education or training obtained outside the United States must be evaluated by World Education Services, Center for Educational Documentation or another Board-approved service; the Board determines substantial similarity under Chapter 6 section 2.
Internship
A full academic-year internship ordinarily includes 900 hours with 360 direct-client-contact hours. The rule accepts 1,000 hours of lawful supervised counseling with 400 direct clinical hours in lieu of practicum and internship, or a 600-hour internship with increased postgraduate supervised experience.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under 32 M.R.S. section 13858.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence and adherence to the ethics of the counseling profession.
Supervisor
Board-approved supervisor meeting Chapter 4 section 4(3), with no familial, cohabiting or personal relationship with the supervisee.
Licensure by endorsement under Chapter 6 A
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit the Board application, applicable fees, proposed disclosure statement and requested supporting materials.
Application Evidence
Submit the endorsement application, fee, proposed disclosure statement and official verifications of all current and historical professional licenses.
Background Check
Initial and endorsement applicants are subject to Maine and FBI criminal-history checks, including fingerprints, under 32 M.R.S. section 13858-A.
Existing License
Hold an active, full, equivalent MFT license in a United States jurisdiction maintaining substantially equivalent license requirements. Conditional license holders use the standard application process.
Foreign Education
Education or training obtained outside the United States must be evaluated by World Education Services, Center for Educational Documentation or another Board-approved service; the Board determines substantial similarity under Chapter 6 section 2.
Good Standing
No pending complaint, allegation or investigation; no suspension or practice restriction; never surrendered a license or had a license revoked.
Jurisdiction Equivalence
Chapter 6-A evaluates whether the other jurisdiction maintains an initial pathway requiring a qualifying 60-hour master’s degree, an AMFTRB passing score and supervised clinical experience with couples and families and individual/group supervision. The AMFTRB leaf reflects the named examination criterion; this does not state that every endorsement applicant must newly sit it or originally qualified through that precise pathway.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under 32 M.R.S. section 13858.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence and adherence to the ethics of the counseling profession.
Initial full licensure after conditional supervised experience
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit the Board application, applicable fees, proposed disclosure statement and requested supporting materials.
Background Check
Initial and endorsement applicants are subject to Maine and FBI criminal-history checks, including fingerprints, under 32 M.R.S. section 13858-A.
Conditional License
Hold a conditional MFT license while earning required supervised experience, unless the Board recognizes lawful substantially equivalent experience.
Continuing Education
Certify 55 continuing-education hours during conditional licensure, unless conditional licensure was waived or not required.
Education
Qualifying regionally accredited master’s or doctoral degree of at least 60 semester hours (or equivalent): CACREP marital/couple/family program, COAMFTE doctoral program with clinical practicum, or coursework substantially satisfying Chapter 4 section 2 core areas. Nonconforming degrees require supplemental graduate coursework to meet 60 hours and required areas.
Exam Timing
Submit proof of the AMFTRB passing score or a request to take the examination; a previously obtained passing score remains an examination leaf.
Experience
At least two years after the qualifying degree: ordinarily 3,000 clinical hours, including 1,000 with couples and families, and 200 supervision hours (100 individual); with a 600-hour internship, 4,000 clinical hours, 1,500 with couples and families and 300 supervision hours (150 individual). Approved supervision must be regular and documented.
Foreign Education
Education or training obtained outside the United States must be evaluated by World Education Services, Center for Educational Documentation or another Board-approved service; the Board determines substantial similarity under Chapter 6 section 2.
Internship
A full academic-year internship ordinarily includes 900 hours with 360 direct-client-contact hours. The rule accepts 1,000 hours of lawful supervised counseling with 400 direct clinical hours in lieu of practicum and internship, or a 600-hour internship with increased postgraduate supervised experience.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under 32 M.R.S. section 13858.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence and adherence to the ethics of the counseling profession.
Supervisor
Board-approved supervisor meeting Chapter 4 section 4(3), with no familial, cohabiting or personal relationship with the supervisee.
Licensure by substantially equivalent license and five consecutive years of practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Board application, applicable fees, proposed disclosure statement and requested supporting materials.
Background Check
Initial and endorsement applicants are subject to Maine and FBI criminal-history checks, including fingerprints, under 32 M.R.S. section 13858-A.
Exam Boundary
32 M.R.S. section 13857(2)(B) and Chapter 6 section 3(1) establish this route through existing licensure and practice evidence and do not require an identified examination or passing-score submission.
Existing License
Valid, substantially equivalent license in good standing at the licensure level sought, held for at least five consecutive years immediately preceding application; the jurisdiction has no reciprocal agreement.
Foreign Education
Education or training obtained outside the United States must be evaluated by World Education Services, Center for Educational Documentation or another Board-approved service; the Board determines substantial similarity under Chapter 6 section 2.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under 32 M.R.S. section 13858.
Practice Evidence
Chapter 6 section 3(1) requires licenses, laws and rules, a verifiable practice resume and license verifications for the preceding five consecutive years; the Board determines equivalence.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence and adherence to the ethics of the counseling profession.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within 90 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Family Violence Education
One-time completion of at least 12 hours in family or intimate partner violence under 32 M.R.S. section 13860(2); equivalent qualifying coursework, teaching or practice experience may satisfy this requirement.
Renewal
Biennial renewal application, fee, and attestation of 55 continuing-education contact hours, including at least four in ethics; additional information may be required.
Timeliness
Application after expiration but within 90 days; pay the additional late fee. The renewed license begins on the late-renewal date and is not retroactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Application after completion of revocation or suspension
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Apply at the requested license level under the corresponding Chapter 4 requirements; prior passing examination evidence remains an examination leaf.
Background Check
Initial and endorsement applicants are subject to Maine and FBI criminal-history checks, including fingerprints, under 32 M.R.S. section 13858-A.
Competency Review
The statute does not identify a separate examination for the Board’s rehabilitation/competency review; record the review as an applicant condition.
Discipline
The revocation or suspension period must be completed; the Board must conduct a competency review and determine acceptable rehabilitation.
Education
Qualifying regionally accredited master’s or doctoral degree of at least 60 semester hours (or equivalent): CACREP marital/couple/family program, COAMFTE doctoral program with clinical practicum, or coursework substantially satisfying Chapter 4 section 2 core areas. Nonconforming degrees require supplemental graduate coursework to meet 60 hours and required areas.
Experience
At least two years after the qualifying degree: ordinarily 3,000 clinical hours, including 1,000 with couples and families, and 200 supervision hours (100 individual); with a 600-hour internship, 4,000 clinical hours, 1,500 with couples and families and 300 supervision hours (150 individual). Approved supervision must be regular and documented.
Foreign Education
Education or training obtained outside the United States must be evaluated by World Education Services, Center for Educational Documentation or another Board-approved service; the Board determines substantial similarity under Chapter 6 section 2.
Internship
A full academic-year internship ordinarily includes 900 hours with 360 direct-client-contact hours. The rule accepts 1,000 hours of lawful supervised counseling with 400 direct clinical hours in lieu of practicum and internship, or a 600-hour internship with increased postgraduate supervised experience.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under 32 M.R.S. section 13858.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence and adherence to the ethics of the counseling profession.
Supervisor
Board-approved supervisor meeting Chapter 4 section 4(3), with no familial, cohabiting or personal relationship with the supervisee.
Reinstatement from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional Conditions
The Board may set other requirements and conditions needed to ensure competence to resume practice; this provision names no examination.
Continuing Education
The Board sets the appropriate continuing education based on inactive duration, not exceeding 40 hours and excluding peer supervision.
Existing License
An inactive MFT license originally held at the full level.
Supervision Plan
A proposed supervision plan must be submitted and approved when the prior license was conditional.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement more than 90 days late, within two years
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit the Board application, applicable fees, proposed disclosure statement and requested supporting materials.
Background Check
Initial and endorsement applicants are subject to Maine and FBI criminal-history checks, including fingerprints, under 32 M.R.S. section 13858-A.
Education
Qualifying regionally accredited master’s or doctoral degree of at least 60 semester hours (or equivalent): CACREP marital/couple/family program, COAMFTE doctoral program with clinical practicum, or coursework substantially satisfying Chapter 4 section 2 core areas. Nonconforming degrees require supplemental graduate coursework to meet 60 hours and required areas.
Examination Waiver
Within two years, the Board may waive examination after considering public protection when the application and late/renewal fees are received.
Experience
At least two years after the qualifying degree: ordinarily 3,000 clinical hours, including 1,000 with couples and families, and 200 supervision hours (100 individual); with a 600-hour internship, 4,000 clinical hours, 1,500 with couples and families and 300 supervision hours (150 individual). Approved supervision must be regular and documented.
Foreign Education
Education or training obtained outside the United States must be evaluated by World Education Services, Center for Educational Documentation or another Board-approved service; the Board determines substantial similarity under Chapter 6 section 2.
Initial Requirements
Subject to all requirements governing new applicants; the currently offered AMFTRB examination remains a leaf, including an accepted prior passing score.
Internship
A full academic-year internship ordinarily includes 900 hours with 360 direct-client-contact hours. The rule accepts 1,000 hours of lawful supervised counseling with 400 direct clinical hours in lieu of practicum and internship, or a 600-hour internship with increased postgraduate supervised experience.
Lapse
Renewal application submitted more than 90 days after expiration and within two years.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under 32 M.R.S. section 13858.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence and adherence to the ethics of the counseling profession.
Supervisor
Board-approved supervisor meeting Chapter 4 section 4(3), with no familial, cohabiting or personal relationship with the supervisee.
Reinstatement more than two years late
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit the Board application, applicable fees, proposed disclosure statement and requested supporting materials.
Background Check
Initial and endorsement applicants are subject to Maine and FBI criminal-history checks, including fingerprints, under 32 M.R.S. section 13858-A.
Education
Qualifying regionally accredited master’s or doctoral degree of at least 60 semester hours (or equivalent): CACREP marital/couple/family program, COAMFTE doctoral program with clinical practicum, or coursework substantially satisfying Chapter 4 section 2 core areas. Nonconforming degrees require supplemental graduate coursework to meet 60 hours and required areas.
Examination Waiver
The specific examination-waiver authority in section 13860(1) applies only within two years of expiration.
Experience
At least two years after the qualifying degree: ordinarily 3,000 clinical hours, including 1,000 with couples and families, and 200 supervision hours (100 individual); with a 600-hour internship, 4,000 clinical hours, 1,500 with couples and families and 300 supervision hours (150 individual). Approved supervision must be regular and documented.
Foreign Education
Education or training obtained outside the United States must be evaluated by World Education Services, Center for Educational Documentation or another Board-approved service; the Board determines substantial similarity under Chapter 6 section 2.
Initial Requirements
Subject to all requirements governing new applicants; the currently offered AMFTRB examination remains a leaf, including an accepted prior passing score.
Internship
A full academic-year internship ordinarily includes 900 hours with 360 direct-client-contact hours. The rule accepts 1,000 hours of lawful supervised counseling with 400 direct clinical hours in lieu of practicum and internship, or a 600-hour internship with increased postgraduate supervised experience.
Lapse
Renewal application submitted more than two years after expiration.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under 32 M.R.S. section 13858.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence and adherence to the ethics of the counseling profession.
Supervisor
Board-approved supervisor meeting Chapter 4 section 4(3), with no familial, cohabiting or personal relationship with the supervisee.
Timely license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Family Violence Education
One-time completion of at least 12 hours in family or intimate partner violence under 32 M.R.S. section 13860(2); equivalent qualifying coursework, teaching or practice experience may satisfy this requirement.
Renewal
Biennial renewal application, fee, and attestation of 55 continuing-education contact hours, including at least four in ethics; additional information may be required.
Timeliness
Renew before expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by substantially similar qualifications
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit the Board application, applicable fees, proposed disclosure statement and requested supporting materials.
Background Check
Initial and endorsement applicants are subject to Maine and FBI criminal-history checks, including fingerprints, under 32 M.R.S. section 13858-A.
Education
Qualifying regionally accredited master’s or doctoral degree of at least 60 semester hours (or equivalent): CACREP marital/couple/family program, COAMFTE doctoral program with clinical practicum, or coursework substantially satisfying Chapter 4 section 2 core areas. Nonconforming degrees require supplemental graduate coursework to meet 60 hours and required areas.
Equivalence
Submit the current license and Chapter 4 application materials, including AMFTRB evidence; the Board determines substantial similarity and may accept copies of previously supplied reference and supervisor statements.
Existing License
Licensed in good standing in a jurisdiction without a reciprocal agreement, and not eligible under the five-year equivalent-license pathway.
Experience
At least two years after the qualifying degree: ordinarily 3,000 clinical hours, including 1,000 with couples and families, and 200 supervision hours (100 individual); with a 600-hour internship, 4,000 clinical hours, 1,500 with couples and families and 300 supervision hours (150 individual). Approved supervision must be regular and documented.
Foreign Education
Education or training obtained outside the United States must be evaluated by World Education Services, Center for Educational Documentation or another Board-approved service; the Board determines substantial similarity under Chapter 6 section 2.
Internship
A full academic-year internship ordinarily includes 900 hours with 360 direct-client-contact hours. The rule accepts 1,000 hours of lawful supervised counseling with 400 direct clinical hours in lieu of practicum and internship, or a 600-hour internship with increased postgraduate supervised experience.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under 32 M.R.S. section 13858.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence and adherence to the ethics of the counseling profession.
Supervisor
Board-approved supervisor meeting Chapter 4 section 4(3), with no familial, cohabiting or personal relationship with the supervisee.

Temporary Conditional Marriage and Family Therapist

Nonrenewable temporary conditional MFT license for up to six months, with examination and agency supervision requirements.

Licensing authority: Maine Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure · Application information

Temporary conditional licensure pending examination
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit the Board application, applicable fees, proposed disclosure statement and requested supporting materials.
Background Check
Initial and endorsement applicants are subject to Maine and FBI criminal-history checks, including fingerprints, under 32 M.R.S. section 13858-A.
Board Application
Chapter 4 section 6(1) states the implementing application demand: education and an agency supervision plan, disclosure statement, recent professional references, historical license verifications, fees and other requested information.
Education
Qualifying regionally accredited master’s or doctoral degree of at least 60 semester hours (or equivalent): CACREP marital/couple/family program, COAMFTE doctoral program with clinical practicum, or coursework substantially satisfying Chapter 4 section 2 core areas. Nonconforming degrees require supplemental graduate coursework to meet 60 hours and required areas.
Employment
Employed under clinical supervision at an agency providing mental-health services.
Exam Deadline
Apply for and successfully complete AMFTRB within the license term, no longer than six months. If the examination is failed, experience during the temporary license cannot count toward full licensure.
Experience
At least two years after the qualifying degree: ordinarily 3,000 clinical hours, including 1,000 with couples and families, and 200 supervision hours (100 individual); with a 600-hour internship, 4,000 clinical hours, 1,500 with couples and families and 300 supervision hours (150 individual). Approved supervision must be regular and documented.
Foreign Education
Education or training obtained outside the United States must be evaluated by World Education Services, Center for Educational Documentation or another Board-approved service; the Board determines substantial similarity under Chapter 6 section 2.
Internship
A full academic-year internship ordinarily includes 900 hours with 360 direct-client-contact hours. The rule accepts 1,000 hours of lawful supervised counseling with 400 direct clinical hours in lieu of practicum and internship, or a 600-hour internship with increased postgraduate supervised experience.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under 32 M.R.S. section 13858.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence and adherence to the ethics of the counseling profession.
Statutory Eligibility
32 M.R.S. section 13858(3) says the applicant meets that subsection’s requirements except examination, including its supervised-experience requirement.
Supervisor
Board-approved supervisor meeting Chapter 4 section 4(3), with no familial, cohabiting or personal relationship with the supervisee.
Term
Nonrenewable term not exceeding six months.

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