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Maryland Marriage & Family Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

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Certified Professional Counselor–Marriage and Family Therapist

Certificate authorizing marriage and family therapy practice while effective, for individuals certified on or before September 30, 2008.

Licensing authority: Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists · Application information

Grandfathered CPC MFT certificate renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application And Fee
Complete renewal application and pay the renewal fee; the renewed term is not longer than two years.
Continuing Education
40 CEUs per two-year renewal: at least 30 Category A and at most 10 Category B, or all 40 Category A; a renewal period shorter than two years requires at least 20 Category A. Retain completion records for four years; no carryover of excess CEUs.
Criminal History
Selected renewal applicants undergo required CHRC, repeated every six years after the initial renewal-related check under 17-504(f).
Existing Credential
Continuously current CPC-MFT certificate originally issued on or before September 30, 2008; this is renewal, not new certification.
No Inactive Or Lapsed Reinstatement
Health Occupations 17-505(a)(3) prohibits inactive status and 17-505(b)(2) prohibits reinstatement following failure to renew a CPC-MFT certificate.
Outstanding Penalties
An imposed unpaid disciplinary penalty must be paid before renewal or reinstatement under COMAR 10.58.09.07C.
Training
The obtained training notice addresses health-occupation licensees at license renewal; it does not itself establish an additional CPC-MFT certificate-renewal obligation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal with a Board approved CE completion extension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
Board may grant an extension and renew, deny the request or renewal, or issue another appropriate order.
Circumstances
Failure must clearly result from significant illness, procedural or technical difficulty, or circumstances beyond the applicant's control, with reasonable and appropriate efforts to fulfill CE requirements.
Credit Restriction
CEUs completing the extension count only for the preceding renewal period.
Other Renewal Conditions
Meet all other current renewal requirements and applicable fees; CPC-MFT cannot be reinstated after nonrenewal.
Request
Submit a written request by the renewal date.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Discretionary reinstatement after revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
For reasons the Board considers sufficient, a majority of serving members may reinstate under 17-514; comply with any imposed order conditions.
Outstanding Penalties
An imposed unpaid disciplinary penalty must be paid before renewal or reinstatement under COMAR 10.58.09.07C.
Prior Revocation
Previously held license or certificate was revoked; this is not reinstatement following failure to renew.
Unidentified Conditions
Any case-specific testing or health evaluations in a future order are applicant conditions; 17-514 names no currently offered licensing examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist

Clinical MFT license, including issuance by examination or transfer and out-of-state waiver, and the license status routes retained below.

Licensing authority: board of professional counselors and therapists · Application information

Reinstatement within one year following a CE related lapse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Cause Of Lapse
License was not renewed because of failure to complete renewal CE.
Continuing Education
Complete the 40 CEUs required for the preceding renewal period within that year; count them only once.
Criminal History
Complete any CHRC required under Health Occupations 17-504(f).
Fee
Pay the reinstatement fee and any outstanding disciplinary penalties.
Time Limit
Within one calendar year after renewal date and otherwise entitled to reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Clinical licensure by examination with another Board approved credential
Application
Complete the Board-approved application and pay applicable fees; submit online under the Board notice effective June 20 and July 1, 2026.
Clinical Experience
At least two years and 2,000 postgraduate supervised MFT clinical hours; at least 1,000 direct hours, at most 1,000 indirect hours; 100 face-to-face supervision hours with at least 50 individual and at most 50 group hours.
Conditional Fitness Evaluation
If the Board finds reasonable evidence of possible harm, Health Occupations 17-513.1 requires a mental-health or physical examination by its designated practitioner. This is a health evaluation condition, not a licensing examination leaf.
Coursework
Meet COMAR 10.58.08.04A(2)-(3), including the stated 45 semester/68 quarter core credit requirement and the enumerated family systems, psychopathology, family and couples therapy, gender/ethnicity, sexuality, and ethical/legal/professional coursework.
Criminal History
Submit the criminal history records check required by Health Occupations 17-501 and 17-501.1; the Board must receive and evaluate the results before issuance.
Degree
Board-approved accredited master's degree in MFT or substantially equivalent program with 60 semester/90 quarter graduate credits, or doctorate with 90 semester/135 quarter graduate credits.
Exam Approval Window
The Board sends examination approval to eligible applicants; examinations must be taken within one year of that notice, or a new application and fee are required.
Existing Credential
Hold another credential approved by the Board under COMAR 10.58.08.05A(1); applicants already holding Maryland LGMFT use the separate transfer route.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Mla Certificate
If MLA is taken before application, its certificate must be submitted with the complete application within one year; otherwise retake it at additional expense.
Moral Character
Good moral character.
Other Jurisdiction Hours
Under COMAR 10.58.08.05D the Board may count another jurisdiction's hours when obtained under its rules and meeting the stated coursework requirements; its cross-reference to .06D is retained as published, although current .06 has only A and B.
Practicum
Supervised internship/practicum with at least 60 supervision hours and 300 direct client-contact hours, including at least 100 relational therapy hours.
Prior Law Examination
The Board MLA notice states: "If you have already taken and passed the Maryland Law Exam, this notice does not apply to you and no further action is necessary." This is prior evidence for the replaced examination, not a leaf or a no-exam alternative.
References
COMAR 10.58.01.04A(4) requires at least three references from persons familiar with the applicant's work.
Retakes
Retakes are permitted within the testing authority time frame or a Board extension for exceptional circumstances; otherwise submit a new application and fee.
Supervision Timing
COMAR 10.58.08.05A(3)(f) states that the 100 face-to-face clinical supervision hours shall be completed within two years of the awarding of the master's degree.
Supervisor Distribution
At least 80 percent of the direct and indirect experience hours must be supervised by a Board-approved clinical MFT supervisor who is an LCMFT; no more than 20 percent may be supervised by the specified approved other mental-health providers with at least five years delivering MFT services.
Transcripts
Submit official transcripts and documentation required by the Board, subject to the current online submission instructions.
Transfer from Maryland LGMFT to LCMFT
Application
Complete the Board-approved application and pay applicable fees; submit online under the Board notice effective June 20 and July 1, 2026.
Clinical Experience
At least two years and 2,000 postgraduate supervised MFT clinical hours; at least 1,000 direct hours, at most 1,000 indirect hours; 100 face-to-face supervision hours with at least 50 individual and at most 50 group hours.
Conditional Fitness Evaluation
If the Board finds reasonable evidence of possible harm, Health Occupations 17-513.1 requires a mental-health or physical examination by its designated practitioner. This is a health evaluation condition, not a licensing examination leaf.
Coursework
Meet COMAR 10.58.08.04A(2)-(3), including the stated 45 semester/68 quarter core credit requirement and the enumerated family systems, psychopathology, family and couples therapy, gender/ethnicity, sexuality, and ethical/legal/professional coursework.
Criminal History
Submit the criminal history records check required by Health Occupations 17-501 and 17-501.1; the Board must receive and evaluate the results before issuance.
Degree
Board-approved accredited master's degree in MFT or substantially equivalent program with 60 semester/90 quarter graduate credits, or doctorate with 90 semester/135 quarter graduate credits.
Exam Approval Window
The Board sends examination approval to eligible applicants; examinations must be taken within one year of that notice, or a new application and fee are required.
Existing Credential
Hold an active Maryland LGMFT license in good standing; document the required supervised experience completed as an LGMFT.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Mla Certificate
If MLA is taken before application, its certificate must be submitted with the complete application within one year; otherwise retake it at additional expense.
Moral Character
Good moral character.
Other Jurisdiction Hours
Under COMAR 10.58.08.05D the Board may count another jurisdiction's hours when obtained under its rules and meeting the stated coursework requirements; its cross-reference to .06D is retained as published, although current .06 has only A and B.
Practicum
Supervised internship/practicum with at least 60 supervision hours and 300 direct client-contact hours, including at least 100 relational therapy hours.
Previous Exam Passes
The existing graduate license entails previous AMFTRB and law examination evidence; current offered examinations remain leaves even when no new sitting is required.
Prior Law Examination
The Board MLA notice states: "If you have already taken and passed the Maryland Law Exam, this notice does not apply to you and no further action is necessary." This is prior evidence for the replaced examination, not a leaf or a no-exam alternative.
References
COMAR 10.58.01.04A(4) requires at least three references from persons familiar with the applicant's work.
Retakes
Retakes are permitted within the testing authority time frame or a Board extension for exceptional circumstances; otherwise submit a new application and fee.
Supervision Timing
COMAR 10.58.08.05A(3)(f) states that the 100 face-to-face clinical supervision hours shall be completed within two years of the awarding of the master's degree.
Supervisor Distribution
At least 80 percent of the direct and indirect experience hours must be supervised by a Board-approved clinical MFT supervisor who is an LCMFT; no more than 20 percent may be supervised by the specified approved other mental-health providers with at least five years delivering MFT services.
Transcripts
Submit official transcripts and documentation required by the Board, subject to the current online submission instructions.
Transfer of an active license to inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application And Fee
Request inactive status on the Board-approved form and pay the applicable annual fee.
Existing License
Apply while the license is still active.
Practice
Inactive status does not authorize practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Board approved MFT supervisor status for an LCMFT
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional Coursework
At least six semester or ten quarter graduate credits in Theories of Couples and Family Therapy under .08B(2).
Approval
File the Board-approved supervisor application; obtain approval and provide the supervisee with the Board approval letter.
Existing License
Hold an active clinical MFT license; .08C(3) requires it to have been without disciplinary restrictions or conditions for the two preceding years.
Supervision Practice
Meet .07 standards and .09 responsibilities, including contracts, scope, documentation and Board audits.
Training Alternatives
Complete at least one .08B(1) experience/training alternative: two years documented MFT supervision; three semester/five quarter credits of clinical supervision; a graduate MFT supervision course; AAMFT Approved Supervisor; or AAMFT Supervisor in Training/Candidate designation. These are experience, coursework or designation conditions, not licensing examination leaves.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Out of state licensure or certification by statutory waiver
Maryland Law Assessment (MLA)
Application
Board-approved online application and applicable fee.
Compliance
Comply with Health Occupations Title 17 and COMAR 10.58.03 ethics.
Criminal History
Criminal history records check under Health Occupations 17-501.1.
Disciplinary History
No past or pending discipline and no act or omission that would justify Maryland denial or discipline.
Existing License
Licensed or certified as a clinical MFT in another jurisdiction under Health Occupations 17-306; COMAR 10.58.08.06 describes a clinical MFT license or Board-established equivalent.
License Verifications
Supply each current license and documentation of current good standing.
Mla Certificate
If MLA is taken before application, its certificate must be submitted with the complete application within one year; otherwise retake it at additional expense.
Moral Character
Good moral character.
Prior Law Examination
The Board MLA notice states: "If you have already taken and passed the Maryland Law Exam, this notice does not apply to you and no further action is necessary." This is prior evidence for the replaced examination, not a leaf or a no-exam alternative.
State Law Examination
The Board exercises 17-306(b)(2) through COMAR 10.58.08.06A(3), requiring a passing state law examination.
Transcripts
COMAR 10.58.01.04A(2) expressly excepts out-of-state MFT applicants from its official-transcript requirement.
Waiver
Health Occupations 17-306(a) waives 17-303(d), (e), (f), and (h); 17-306(b)(1) prohibits requiring a national certification examination. COMAR 10.58.08.06B implements that national-exam waiver.
Reactivation from inactive status beyond five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application And Fee
COMAR 10.58.08.05G(5) requires a new application and nonrefundable fee.
Continuing Education
COMAR 10.58.05.10C requires 80 Category A CEUs for three or more years inactive, including 40 in the two years preceding reactivation.
Current Renewal Requirements
Health Occupations 17-505(a)(2) requires the renewal requirements then in effect; .05G(5) does not state the current-initial-licensure requirement that .05F(3) expressly states for expired licenses.
Outstanding Penalties
An imposed unpaid disciplinary penalty must be paid before renewal or reinstatement under COMAR 10.58.09.07C.
Time Limit
More than five years on inactive status.
Training
At the first license renewal after April 1, 2026, attest to approved implicit bias and structural racism training; previous implicit bias completion need not be repeated, but structural racism training is required. These are one-time requirements and have no stated number of CE hours.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation from inactive status within five calendar years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Submit proof of 20 CEUs for each inactive year, at least 40 in the immediately preceding two years, under .05G(4); the general .05.10C states 40 Category A for up to two inactive years or 80 Category A for three or more years, including 40 in the preceding two years.
Current Renewal Requirements
Comply with current renewal requirements under Health Occupations 17-505(a)(2), including applicable training, application, fees and background check.
Outstanding Penalties
An imposed unpaid disciplinary penalty must be paid before renewal or reinstatement under COMAR 10.58.09.07C.
Time Limit
Within five calendar years after inactive placement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after a license has been expired more than five years
Application
Complete the Board-approved application and pay applicable fees; submit online under the Board notice effective June 20 and July 1, 2026.
Clinical Experience
At least two years and 2,000 postgraduate supervised MFT clinical hours; at least 1,000 direct hours, at most 1,000 indirect hours; 100 face-to-face supervision hours with at least 50 individual and at most 50 group hours.
Conditional Fitness Evaluation
If the Board finds reasonable evidence of possible harm, Health Occupations 17-513.1 requires a mental-health or physical examination by its designated practitioner. This is a health evaluation condition, not a licensing examination leaf.
Coursework
Meet COMAR 10.58.08.04A(2)-(3), including the stated 45 semester/68 quarter core credit requirement and the enumerated family systems, psychopathology, family and couples therapy, gender/ethnicity, sexuality, and ethical/legal/professional coursework.
Criminal History
Submit the criminal history records check required by Health Occupations 17-501 and 17-501.1; the Board must receive and evaluate the results before issuance.
Current Requirements
Complete a new application and meet current licensure requirements under COMAR 10.58.08.05.
Degree
Board-approved accredited master's degree in MFT or substantially equivalent program with 60 semester/90 quarter graduate credits, or doctorate with 90 semester/135 quarter graduate credits.
Exam Approval Window
The Board sends examination approval to eligible applicants; examinations must be taken within one year of that notice, or a new application and fee are required.
Expiration
License expired more than five calendar years before the reinstatement request.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Mla Certificate
If MLA is taken before application, its certificate must be submitted with the complete application within one year; otherwise retake it at additional expense.
Moral Character
Good moral character.
Other Jurisdiction Hours
Under COMAR 10.58.08.05D the Board may count another jurisdiction's hours when obtained under its rules and meeting the stated coursework requirements; its cross-reference to .06D is retained as published, although current .06 has only A and B.
Practicum
Supervised internship/practicum with at least 60 supervision hours and 300 direct client-contact hours, including at least 100 relational therapy hours.
Previous Scores
Existing passing evidence and MLA predecessor waiver are applicant conditions; currently offered examinations remain leaves.
Prior Law Examination
The Board MLA notice states: "If you have already taken and passed the Maryland Law Exam, this notice does not apply to you and no further action is necessary." This is prior evidence for the replaced examination, not a leaf or a no-exam alternative.
References
COMAR 10.58.01.04A(4) requires at least three references from persons familiar with the applicant's work.
Retakes
Retakes are permitted within the testing authority time frame or a Board extension for exceptional circumstances; otherwise submit a new application and fee.
Supervision Timing
COMAR 10.58.08.05A(3)(f) states that the 100 face-to-face clinical supervision hours shall be completed within two years of the awarding of the master's degree.
Supervisor Distribution
At least 80 percent of the direct and indirect experience hours must be supervised by a Board-approved clinical MFT supervisor who is an LCMFT; no more than 20 percent may be supervised by the specified approved other mental-health providers with at least five years delivering MFT services.
Transcripts
Submit official transcripts and documentation required by the Board, subject to the current online submission instructions.
Reinstatement after nonrenewal within five calendar years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete a minimum of 20 CEUs for each year within the five-year period; reinstatement CEUs cannot count again for a future renewal.
Criminal History
If the lapse lasted one year or longer, complete the renewal/reinstatement CHRC required by 17-504(f).
Eligibility
Otherwise entitled to reinstatement under Health Occupations 17-505(b), subject to Board approval.
Fee
Pay the Board reinstatement fee.
Outstanding Penalties
An imposed unpaid disciplinary penalty must be paid before renewal or reinstatement under COMAR 10.58.09.07C.
Practice
No practice while expired; resume only after reinstatement.
Time Limit
Within five calendar years after the license renewal date.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Clinical license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application And Fee
Complete renewal application and pay the renewal fee; the renewed term is not longer than two years.
Continuing Education
40 CEUs per two-year renewal: at least 30 Category A and at most 10 Category B, or all 40 Category A; a renewal period shorter than two years requires at least 20 Category A. Retain completion records for four years; no carryover of excess CEUs.
Criminal History
Selected renewal applicants undergo required CHRC, repeated every six years after the initial renewal-related check under 17-504(f).
Existing Credential
Otherwise entitled to the current license or certificate; renew before its expiration.
Outstanding Penalties
An imposed unpaid disciplinary penalty must be paid before renewal or reinstatement under COMAR 10.58.09.07C.
Training
At the first license renewal after April 1, 2026, attest to approved implicit bias and structural racism training; previous implicit bias completion need not be repeated, but structural racism training is required. These are one-time requirements and have no stated number of CE hours.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal with a Board approved CE completion extension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
Board may grant an extension and renew, deny the request or renewal, or issue another appropriate order.
Circumstances
Failure must clearly result from significant illness, procedural or technical difficulty, or circumstances beyond the applicant's control, with reasonable and appropriate efforts to fulfill CE requirements.
Credit Restriction
CEUs completing the extension count only for the preceding renewal period.
Other Renewal Conditions
Meet all other current renewal requirements and applicable fees; CPC-MFT cannot be reinstated after nonrenewal.
Request
Submit a written request by the renewal date.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Discretionary reinstatement after revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
For reasons the Board considers sufficient, a majority of serving members may reinstate under 17-514; comply with any imposed order conditions.
Outstanding Penalties
An imposed unpaid disciplinary penalty must be paid before renewal or reinstatement under COMAR 10.58.09.07C.
Prior Revocation
Previously held license or certificate was revoked; this is not reinstatement following failure to renew.
Unidentified Conditions
Any case-specific testing or health evaluations in a future order are applicant conditions; 17-514 names no currently offered licensing examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist

Graduate MFT license for supervised practice; limited duration with extensions and reinstatement.

Licensing authority: board of professional counselors and therapists · Application information

Reinstatement within one year following a CE related lapse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Cause Of Lapse
License was not renewed because of failure to complete renewal CE.
Continuing Education
Complete the 40 CEUs required for the preceding renewal period within that year; count them only once.
Criminal History
Complete any CHRC required under Health Occupations 17-504(f).
Fee
Pay the reinstatement fee and any outstanding disciplinary penalties.
Time Limit
Within one calendar year after renewal date and otherwise entitled to reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Exceptional graduate extension beyond six years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
The Board may grant an extension beyond the six-year maximum in certain circumstances under .04F(4).
Continuing Education
Later extensions remain subject to COMAR 10.58.05 and applicable current renewal training requirements.
Notification
Notify the Board in writing.
Practice
Continue supervised practice under the graduate license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

First two year graduate license extension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply on the Board-approved form before the current graduate license expires.
Clinical Hours
Unable to accumulate clinical hours for clinical licensure within the original two years.
Continuing Education
No CEUs required for the first two-year extension.
Practice
Continue supervised graduate practice; independent practice and supervision of others remain prohibited.
Term
Two-year extension within the ordinary six-year maximum.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Transfer of an active license to inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application And Fee
Request inactive status on the Board-approved form and pay the applicable annual fee.
Existing License
Apply while the license is still active.
Practice
Inactive status does not authorize practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial graduate licensure
Application
Complete the Board-approved application and pay applicable fees; submit online under the Board notice effective June 20 and July 1, 2026.
Conditional Fitness Evaluation
If the Board finds reasonable evidence of possible harm, Health Occupations 17-513.1 requires a mental-health or physical examination by its designated practitioner. This is a health evaluation condition, not a licensing examination leaf.
Coursework
Meet COMAR 10.58.08.04A(2)-(3), including the stated 45 semester/68 quarter core credit requirement and the enumerated family systems, psychopathology, family and couples therapy, gender/ethnicity, sexuality, and ethical/legal/professional coursework.
Criminal History
Submit the criminal history records check required by Health Occupations 17-501 and 17-501.1; the Board must receive and evaluate the results before issuance.
Degree
Board-approved accredited master's degree in MFT or substantially equivalent program with 60 semester/90 quarter graduate credits, or doctorate with 90 semester/135 quarter graduate credits.
Exam Approval Window
The Board sends examination approval to eligible applicants; examinations must be taken within one year of that notice, or a new application and fee are required.
License Term
License expires two years after issuance; extensions are a separate route.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Mla Certificate
If MLA is taken before application, its certificate must be submitted with the complete application within one year; otherwise retake it at additional expense.
Moral Character
Good moral character.
Practicum
Supervised internship/practicum with at least 60 supervision hours and 300 direct client-contact hours, including at least 100 relational therapy hours.
Prior Law Examination
The Board MLA notice states: "If you have already taken and passed the Maryland Law Exam, this notice does not apply to you and no further action is necessary." This is prior evidence for the replaced examination, not a leaf or a no-exam alternative.
References
COMAR 10.58.01.04A(4) requires at least three references from persons familiar with the applicant's work.
Retakes
Retakes are permitted within the testing authority time frame or a Board extension for exceptional circumstances; otherwise submit a new application and fee.
Supervised Practice
Practice only under a Board-approved supervisor while obtaining the clinical hours; do not practice independently or provide supervision.
Transcripts
Submit official transcripts and documentation required by the Board, subject to the current online submission instructions.
Graduate license reactivation from inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application And Fee
Complete the applicable request and pay applicable fees; resolve outstanding disciplinary penalties.
Continuing Education
40 Category A CEUs for up to two inactive years, or 80 Category A for three or more years, at least 40 in the preceding two years.
Current Renewal Requirements
Meet renewal requirements in effect at request under Health Occupations 17-505(a)(2); reactivation does not eliminate graduate supervision or extension limits.
Existing Status
Hold a graduate license on inactive status.
Training
At the first license renewal after April 1, 2026, attest to approved implicit bias and structural racism training; previous implicit bias completion need not be repeated, but structural racism training is required. These are one-time requirements and have no stated number of CE hours.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after a license has been expired more than five years
Application
Complete the Board-approved application and pay applicable fees; submit online under the Board notice effective June 20 and July 1, 2026.
Conditional Fitness Evaluation
If the Board finds reasonable evidence of possible harm, Health Occupations 17-513.1 requires a mental-health or physical examination by its designated practitioner. This is a health evaluation condition, not a licensing examination leaf.
Coursework
Meet COMAR 10.58.08.04A(2)-(3), including the stated 45 semester/68 quarter core credit requirement and the enumerated family systems, psychopathology, family and couples therapy, gender/ethnicity, sexuality, and ethical/legal/professional coursework.
Criminal History
Submit the criminal history records check required by Health Occupations 17-501 and 17-501.1; the Board must receive and evaluate the results before issuance.
Current Requirements
Complete a new application and meet current licensure requirements under COMAR 10.58.08.04.
Degree
Board-approved accredited master's degree in MFT or substantially equivalent program with 60 semester/90 quarter graduate credits, or doctorate with 90 semester/135 quarter graduate credits.
Exam Approval Window
The Board sends examination approval to eligible applicants; examinations must be taken within one year of that notice, or a new application and fee are required.
Expiration
License expired more than five calendar years before the reinstatement request.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Mla Certificate
If MLA is taken before application, its certificate must be submitted with the complete application within one year; otherwise retake it at additional expense.
Moral Character
Good moral character.
Practicum
Supervised internship/practicum with at least 60 supervision hours and 300 direct client-contact hours, including at least 100 relational therapy hours.
Previous Scores
Existing passing evidence and MLA predecessor waiver are applicant conditions; currently offered examinations remain leaves.
Prior Law Examination
The Board MLA notice states: "If you have already taken and passed the Maryland Law Exam, this notice does not apply to you and no further action is necessary." This is prior evidence for the replaced examination, not a leaf or a no-exam alternative.
References
COMAR 10.58.01.04A(4) requires at least three references from persons familiar with the applicant's work.
Retakes
Retakes are permitted within the testing authority time frame or a Board extension for exceptional circumstances; otherwise submit a new application and fee.
Transcripts
Submit official transcripts and documentation required by the Board, subject to the current online submission instructions.
Reinstatement after nonrenewal within five calendar years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete a minimum of 20 CEUs for each year within the five-year period; reinstatement CEUs cannot count again for a future renewal.
Criminal History
If the lapse lasted one year or longer, complete the renewal/reinstatement CHRC required by 17-504(f).
Eligibility
Otherwise entitled to reinstatement under Health Occupations 17-505(b), subject to Board approval.
Fee
Pay the Board reinstatement fee.
Outstanding Penalties
An imposed unpaid disciplinary penalty must be paid before renewal or reinstatement under COMAR 10.58.09.07C.
Practice
No practice while expired; resume only after reinstatement.
Time Limit
Within five calendar years after the license renewal date.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Discretionary reinstatement after revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
For reasons the Board considers sufficient, a majority of serving members may reinstate under 17-514; comply with any imposed order conditions.
Outstanding Penalties
An imposed unpaid disciplinary penalty must be paid before renewal or reinstatement under COMAR 10.58.09.07C.
Prior Revocation
Previously held license or certificate was revoked; this is not reinstatement following failure to renew.
Unidentified Conditions
Any case-specific testing or health evaluations in a future order are applicant conditions; 17-514 names no currently offered licensing examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Subsequent two year graduate license extension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply on the Board-approved form before the current graduate license expires.
Clinical Hours
Required clinical hours remain incomplete.
Continuing Education
Subsequent approved extensions are subject to COMAR 10.58.05 continuing education requirements, including applicable current renewal training requirements.
Practice
Continue supervised graduate practice; independent practice and supervision of others remain prohibited.
Term
Two-year extension within the ordinary six-year maximum.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

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

Maryland Law Assessment (MLA)

Provider
Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists; administered by the Center for Credentialing & Education
Format
Readings and questions; all items must be answered correctly for a completion certificate
Exam questions
36 questions
Passing score
No fail and no reported numeric score; all items must be answered correctly
Examination outline
  • Maryland Code, Health Occupations Article, Title 17 — Professional Counselors and Therapists
  • COMAR 10.58.01 — General Regulations
  • COMAR 10.58.03 — Code of Ethics
  • COMAR 10.58.04 — Hearing Procedures
  • COMAR 10.58.05 — Continuing Education
  • COMAR 10.58.06 — Teletherapy
  • COMAR 10.58.07 — Alcohol and Drug Counselors — Requirements for Certification and Licensure
  • COMAR 10.58.08 — Marriage and Family Therapists — Requirements for Licensure
  • COMAR 10.58.09 — Disciplinary Sanctions and Monetary Penalties
  • COMAR 10.58.10 — Compelling Purpose Disclosure
  • COMAR 10.58.11 — Advanced Assessment Activities
  • COMAR 10.58.12 — Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors — Requirements for Licensure
  • COMAR 10.58.17 — Art Therapists
Examination sources