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Michigan 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.

Limited license

Board-limited marriage and family therapy license for safe practice or patient protection; includes limited issuance following reinstatement.

Licensing authority: Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy / Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs · Application information

Late renewal within sixty days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application and applicable fees.
Board Restrictions
Preserve the limited-license conditions.
Continued Competence
Maintain professional competence; the LMFT guide states that professional continuing education is not required for renewal, while implicit-bias and human-trafficking training remain required.
Human Trafficking
Certify prior completion of one-time human-trafficking training.
Implicit Bias
Complete one hour of implicit-bias training per year of the renewal cycle.
Moral Character
Answer moral-character and disciplinary questions and provide required explanations.
Timing
Apply within 60 days after expiration, pay the applicable fees and fulfill renewal requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after a five year revocation waiting period
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Criminal History And Fees
Provide the criminal history check and pay reinstatement and applicable licensing fees under MCL 333.16245(7)-(8).
Current Examination
Take and pass the current licensure examination under MCL 333.16247(2).
Eligibility
Wait the statutory five years after the applicable revocation; a permanently revoked license is ineligible.
Hearing
Establish good moral character, safe and competent practice, satisfaction of reinstatement guidelines and public interest by clear and convincing evidence.
Practice Limitations
If the Board issues a limited license upon reinstatement, comply with its restrictions.
Probation
Complete one year of probation under Board-set conditions.
Professional Evaluation
Submit the professional skills assessment or evaluation in Guideline 7; its unspecified format is a condition.
Remediation
Comply with Board-imposed corrective measures, training and disciplinary-order terms.
Relicensure more than three years after expiration
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Age
Be at least 18 years old under MCL 333.16174(1)(a).
Application
Submit the Department application, requested supporting documents and applicable fees.
Board Restrictions
Preserve the license-type and Board-imposed limitations.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints for the criminal history check when required; guides exempt relicensure applicants whose license expired within the preceding three years.
English Language
Demonstrate working knowledge of English through qualifying education or an approved English proficiency examination; language testing is an applicant condition.
Expiration
Former limited license expired more than three years ago; the generally worded R 338.7215(2) governs relicensure.
Human Trafficking
Complete the one-time human-trafficking identification training prescribed by R 338.7202.
Implicit Bias
For initial issuance, complete two hours of implicit-bias training within the preceding five years, as stated in the January 26, 2026 licensing guide.
License Alternative
An unrestricted MFT license held in another state or Canadian province during the preceding three years substitutes for the examination.
License Verification
Disclose prior health-profession licenses and obtain primary-source verification; establish no pending disciplinary proceedings or sanctions currently in force.
Moral Character
Establish good moral character and explain reportable convictions or sanctions.
Score Window
Otherwise pass the adopted national examination within the preceding three years.
Social Security Number
Provide an SSN or the applicable exemption affidavit.
Relicensure within three years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
Be at least 18 years old under MCL 333.16174(1)(a).
Application
Submit the Department application, requested supporting documents and applicable fees.
Board Restrictions
The Board determines and maintains the appropriate restrictions on the relicensed form.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints for the criminal history check when required; guides exempt relicensure applicants whose license expired within the preceding three years.
English Language
Demonstrate working knowledge of English through qualifying education or an approved English proficiency examination; language testing is an applicant condition.
Expiration
Former limited license expired within three years.
Human Trafficking
Complete the one-time human-trafficking identification training prescribed by R 338.7202.
Implicit Bias
For initial issuance, complete two hours of implicit-bias training within the preceding five years, as stated in the January 26, 2026 licensing guide.
License Verification
Disclose prior health-profession licenses and obtain primary-source verification; establish no pending disciplinary proceedings or sanctions currently in force.
Moral Character
Establish good moral character and explain reportable convictions or sanctions.
Social Security Number
Provide an SSN or the applicable exemption affidavit.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of the limited license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application and applicable fees.
Board Restrictions
Preserve all Board-imposed practice restrictions; the general renewal rule governs without supplying a new examination requirement.
Continued Competence
Maintain professional competence; the LMFT guide states that professional continuing education is not required for renewal, while implicit-bias and human-trafficking training remain required.
Human Trafficking
Certify prior completion of one-time human-trafficking training.
Implicit Bias
Complete one hour of implicit-bias training per year of the renewal cycle.
Moral Character
Answer moral-character and disciplinary questions and provide required explanations.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Clinical academic limited license

Statutorily authorized limited marriage and family therapy license for practice connected with academic employment or a contract; profession-specific initial issuance is unresolved.

Licensing authority: Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy / Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs · Application information

Late renewal within sixty days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application and applicable fees.
Board Restrictions
Preserve the limited-license conditions.
Continued Competence
Maintain professional competence; the LMFT guide states that professional continuing education is not required for renewal, while implicit-bias and human-trafficking training remain required.
Human Trafficking
Certify prior completion of one-time human-trafficking training.
Implicit Bias
Complete one hour of implicit-bias training per year of the renewal cycle.
Moral Character
Answer moral-character and disciplinary questions and provide required explanations.
Timing
Apply within 60 days after expiration, pay the applicable fees and fulfill renewal requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure more than three years after expiration
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Age
Be at least 18 years old under MCL 333.16174(1)(a).
Application
Submit the Department application, requested supporting documents and applicable fees.
Board Restrictions
Preserve the license-type and Board-imposed limitations.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints for the criminal history check when required; guides exempt relicensure applicants whose license expired within the preceding three years.
English Language
Demonstrate working knowledge of English through qualifying education or an approved English proficiency examination; language testing is an applicant condition.
Expiration
Former limited license expired more than three years ago; the generally worded R 338.7215(2) governs relicensure.
Human Trafficking
Complete the one-time human-trafficking identification training prescribed by R 338.7202.
Implicit Bias
For initial issuance, complete two hours of implicit-bias training within the preceding five years, as stated in the January 26, 2026 licensing guide.
License Alternative
An unrestricted MFT license held in another state or Canadian province during the preceding three years substitutes for the examination.
License Verification
Disclose prior health-profession licenses and obtain primary-source verification; establish no pending disciplinary proceedings or sanctions currently in force.
Moral Character
Establish good moral character and explain reportable convictions or sanctions.
Score Window
Otherwise pass the adopted national examination within the preceding three years.
Social Security Number
Provide an SSN or the applicable exemption affidavit.
Relicensure within three years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
Be at least 18 years old under MCL 333.16174(1)(a).
Application
Submit the Department application, requested supporting documents and applicable fees.
Board Restrictions
The Board determines and maintains the appropriate restrictions on the relicensed form.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints for the criminal history check when required; guides exempt relicensure applicants whose license expired within the preceding three years.
English Language
Demonstrate working knowledge of English through qualifying education or an approved English proficiency examination; language testing is an applicant condition.
Expiration
Former limited license expired within three years.
Human Trafficking
Complete the one-time human-trafficking identification training prescribed by R 338.7202.
Implicit Bias
For initial issuance, complete two hours of implicit-bias training within the preceding five years, as stated in the January 26, 2026 licensing guide.
License Verification
Disclose prior health-profession licenses and obtain primary-source verification; establish no pending disciplinary proceedings or sanctions currently in force.
Moral Character
Establish good moral character and explain reportable convictions or sanctions.
Social Security Number
Provide an SSN or the applicable exemption affidavit.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of the limited license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application and applicable fees.
Board Restrictions
Preserve all Board-imposed practice restrictions; the general renewal rule governs without supplying a new examination requirement.
Continued Competence
Maintain professional competence; the LMFT guide states that professional continuing education is not required for renewal, while implicit-bias and human-trafficking training remain required.
Human Trafficking
Certify prior completion of one-time human-trafficking training.
Implicit Bias
Complete one hour of implicit-bias training per year of the renewal cycle.
Moral Character
Answer moral-character and disciplinary questions and provide required explanations.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Limited Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Educational limited license to accumulate supervised post-degree experience; annually renewable at most five times.

Licensing authority: Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy / Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs · Application information

Educational limited licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
Be at least 18 years old under MCL 333.16174(1)(a).
Application
Submit the Department application, requested supporting documents and applicable fees.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints for the criminal history check when required; guides exempt relicensure applicants whose license expired within the preceding three years.
Doctoral Waiver
MCL 333.16909(2) waives the 300-hour and 1000-hour experience requirements for an approved accredited doctoral MFT degree.
Education
Complete a Board-approved masters or higher MFT program, or an approved masters or higher degree with the graduate courses specified in MCL 333.16909(1)(a)(ii).
English Language
Demonstrate working knowledge of English through qualifying education or an approved English proficiency examination; language testing is an applicant condition.
Human Trafficking
Complete the one-time human-trafficking identification training prescribed by R 338.7202.
Implicit Bias
For initial issuance, complete two hours of implicit-bias training within the preceding five years, as stated in the January 26, 2026 licensing guide.
License Verification
Disclose prior health-profession licenses and obtain primary-source verification; establish no pending disciplinary proceedings or sanctions currently in force.
Moral Character
Establish good moral character and explain reportable convictions or sanctions.
Practicum
Complete at least eight consecutive months and 300 direct-client hours, with at least half involving families, couples or family subsystems physically present; at least 60 concurrent supervision hours at a 1:5 ratio, verified by a qualified supervisor.
Purpose
The educational limited license permits accumulation of post-degree experience. Later eligibility to sit the national exam does not make the exam a limited-license initial issuance requirement.
Social Security Number
Provide an SSN or the applicable exemption affidavit.
Supervision
Practice only under a fully licensed MFT in an organized health-care setting or other Board-approved arrangement; do not represent independent practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within sixty days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application and applicable fees.
Continued Competence
Maintain professional competence; the LMFT guide states that professional continuing education is not required for renewal, while implicit-bias and human-trafficking training remain required.
Cycle
Annual renewal with at most five renewals.
Human Trafficking
Certify prior completion of one-time human-trafficking training.
Implicit Bias
Complete one hour of implicit-bias training per year of the renewal cycle.
Moral Character
Answer moral-character and disciplinary questions and provide required explanations.
Timing
Apply within 60 days after expiration, pay renewal and late-renewal fees and fulfill renewal requirements; practice and title use may continue during the statutory grace period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure more than three years after expiration
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Age
Be at least 18 years old under MCL 333.16174(1)(a).
Application
Submit the Department application, requested supporting documents and applicable fees.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints for the criminal history check when required; guides exempt relicensure applicants whose license expired within the preceding three years.
English Language
Demonstrate working knowledge of English through qualifying education or an approved English proficiency examination; language testing is an applicant condition.
Expiration
License expired more than three years ago; R 338.7215(2) applies to relicensure applicants and requires fingerprints.
Human Trafficking
Complete the one-time human-trafficking identification training prescribed by R 338.7202.
Implementation Difference
The LMFT guide describes a current unrestricted outside license as the alternative. The higher-ranked rule also accepts one held during the preceding three years. The educational limited guide states the relicensure procedure and fee without creating an exception to R 338.7215.
Implicit Bias
For initial issuance, complete two hours of implicit-bias training within the preceding five years, as stated in the January 26, 2026 licensing guide.
License Alternative
An unrestricted MFT license held in another state or Canadian province during the preceding three years is an alternative to the examination.
License Verification
Disclose prior health-profession licenses and obtain primary-source verification; establish no pending disciplinary proceedings or sanctions currently in force.
Moral Character
Establish good moral character and explain reportable convictions or sanctions.
Practice Restrictions
The relicensed license retains the applicable license-type limitations.
Score Window
When relying on examination, pass the adopted national exam within the three years preceding application.
Social Security Number
Provide an SSN or the applicable exemption affidavit.
Relicensure within three years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
Be at least 18 years old under MCL 333.16174(1)(a).
Application
Submit the Department application, requested supporting documents and applicable fees.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints for the criminal history check when required; guides exempt relicensure applicants whose license expired within the preceding three years.
English Language
Demonstrate working knowledge of English through qualifying education or an approved English proficiency examination; language testing is an applicant condition.
Expiration
License expired within the preceding three years; submit application and fees and establish good moral character.
Human Trafficking
Complete the one-time human-trafficking identification training prescribed by R 338.7202.
Implicit Bias
For initial issuance, complete two hours of implicit-bias training within the preceding five years, as stated in the January 26, 2026 licensing guide.
License Verification
Disclose prior health-profession licenses and obtain primary-source verification; establish no pending disciplinary proceedings or sanctions currently in force.
Moral Character
Establish good moral character and explain reportable convictions or sanctions.
Practice Restrictions
Preserve the license type and any applicable supervision or practice limitations.
Social Security Number
Provide an SSN or the applicable exemption affidavit.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

License renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application and applicable fees.
Continued Competence
Maintain professional competence; the LMFT guide states that professional continuing education is not required for renewal, while implicit-bias and human-trafficking training remain required.
Cycle
Annual renewal with at most five renewals.
Human Trafficking
Certify prior completion of one-time human-trafficking training.
Implicit Bias
Complete one hour of implicit-bias training per year of the renewal cycle.
Moral Character
Answer moral-character and disciplinary questions and provide required explanations.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Full marriage and family therapist license, including examination, endorsement, military waiver, renewal, relicensure and reinstatement routes.

Licensing authority: Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy / Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs · Application information

Licensure by endorsement
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Age
Be at least 18 years old under MCL 333.16174(1)(a).
Application
Submit the Department application, requested supporting documents and applicable fees.
Canadian Billing
Under MCL 333.16186(1)(d), a Canadian license holder must perform the services billed here in Michigan and originate reimbursement requests from Michigan employment.
Canadian Education
Applicants licensed in Canada must have completed qualifying education in Canada or the United States.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints for the criminal history check when required; guides exempt relicensure applicants whose license expired within the preceding three years.
Current License
Hold a current full MFT license in another state or Canadian province; submit direct verification.
English Language
Demonstrate working knowledge of English through qualifying education or an approved English proficiency examination; language testing is an applicant condition.
Exam Alternative
R 338.7213(1)(d) accepts either the AMFTRB national examination or the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist California Clinical Examination. The latter belongs to another state and is an applicant condition, not a Michigan leaf.
Human Trafficking
Complete the one-time human-trafficking identification training prescribed by R 338.7202.
Implicit Bias
For initial issuance, complete two hours of implicit-bias training within the preceding five years, as stated in the January 26, 2026 licensing guide.
Interview
The Board may require a personal interview under MCL 333.16186(2).
License Verification
Disclose prior health-profession licenses and obtain primary-source verification; establish no pending disciplinary proceedings or sanctions currently in force.
Moral Character
Establish good moral character and explain reportable convictions or sanctions.
Score Verification
Provide primary-source proof of the accepted passing score, including a score earned before application.
Social Security Number
Provide an SSN or the applicable exemption affidavit.
Licensure by examination
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Age
Be at least 18 years old under MCL 333.16174(1)(a).
Application
Submit the Department application, requested supporting documents and applicable fees.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints for the criminal history check when required; guides exempt relicensure applicants whose license expired within the preceding three years.
Doctoral Waiver
MCL 333.16909(2) waives the 300-hour and 1000-hour experience requirements for an approved accredited doctoral MFT degree.
Education
Complete a Board-approved masters or higher MFT program, or an approved masters or higher degree with the graduate courses specified in MCL 333.16909(1)(a)(ii).
English Language
Demonstrate working knowledge of English through qualifying education or an approved English proficiency examination; language testing is an applicant condition.
Exam Eligibility
The Board approves testing after qualifying education and practicum requirements are verified and provides the PTC approval code. Documentation previously submitted for an active limited license need not be resubmitted.
Human Trafficking
Complete the one-time human-trafficking identification training prescribed by R 338.7202.
Implicit Bias
For initial issuance, complete two hours of implicit-bias training within the preceding five years, as stated in the January 26, 2026 licensing guide.
License Verification
Disclose prior health-profession licenses and obtain primary-source verification; establish no pending disciplinary proceedings or sanctions currently in force.
Moral Character
Establish good moral character and explain reportable convictions or sanctions.
Post Degree Experience
Complete at least 1000 direct-client hours with at least half involving families, couples or family subsystems; 200 concurrent supervision hours at a 1:5 ratio, including at least 100 individual hours with at most one other supervisee; remaining group supervision has at most six supervisees. Meet the timing, verification and face-to-face requirements in MCL 333.16909(1)(c).
Practicum
Complete at least eight consecutive months and 300 direct-client hours, with at least half involving families, couples or family subsystems physically present; at least 60 concurrent supervision hours at a 1:5 ratio, verified by a qualified supervisor.
Primary Source Documents
Submit school transcripts and educational certification and the required supervisor evaluation forms.
Social Security Number
Provide an SSN or the applicable exemption affidavit.
Late renewal within sixty days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application and applicable fees.
Continued Competence
Maintain professional competence; the LMFT guide states that professional continuing education is not required for renewal, while implicit-bias and human-trafficking training remain required.
Cycle
Three-year renewal cycle.
Human Trafficking
Certify prior completion of one-time human-trafficking training.
Implicit Bias
Complete one hour of implicit-bias training per year of the renewal cycle.
Moral Character
Answer moral-character and disciplinary questions and provide required explanations.
Timing
Apply within 60 days after expiration, pay renewal and late-renewal fees and fulfill renewal requirements; practice and title use may continue during the statutory grace period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure without examination for military members, veterans or dependents
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competence
Demonstrate competence through training, experience or another Department-prescribed method.
Criminal History
Comply with the fingerprint criminal history check under MCL 333.16174(3).
Current License
Hold a current good-standing license in another state or country with substantially equivalent or higher requirements.
Dependent Definition
MCL 333.16303(3) defines dependent as spouse, surviving spouse, child under 26 or surviving child under 26, and references the statutory veteran definition.
Military Status
Be an armed-forces or uniformed-services member, a veteran or an eligible dependent.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after a five year revocation waiting period
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Criminal History And Fees
Provide the criminal history check and pay reinstatement and applicable licensing fees under MCL 333.16245(7)-(8).
Current Examination
Take and pass the current licensure examination under MCL 333.16247(2).
Eligibility
Wait the statutory five years after the applicable revocation; a permanently revoked license is ineligible.
Hearing
Establish good moral character, safe and competent practice, satisfaction of reinstatement guidelines and public interest by clear and convincing evidence.
Practice Limitations
If the Board issues a limited license upon reinstatement, comply with its restrictions.
Probation
Complete one year of probation under Board-set conditions.
Professional Evaluation
Submit the professional skills assessment or evaluation in Guideline 7; its unspecified format is a condition.
Remediation
Comply with Board-imposed corrective measures, training and disciplinary-order terms.
Reinstatement upon payment of the insurance assessment installment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Criminal History And Fees
Comply with applicable reinstatement processing and criminal-history requirements.
Payment
Pay the installment; MCL 333.16245(3) requires reinstatement on payment.
Suspension Ground
Suspension for failure to pay the installment identified in MCL 333.16221(j).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure more than three years after expiration
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Age
Be at least 18 years old under MCL 333.16174(1)(a).
Application
Submit the Department application, requested supporting documents and applicable fees.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints for the criminal history check when required; guides exempt relicensure applicants whose license expired within the preceding three years.
English Language
Demonstrate working knowledge of English through qualifying education or an approved English proficiency examination; language testing is an applicant condition.
Expiration
License expired more than three years ago; R 338.7215(2) applies to relicensure applicants and requires fingerprints.
Human Trafficking
Complete the one-time human-trafficking identification training prescribed by R 338.7202.
Implementation Difference
The LMFT guide describes a current unrestricted outside license as the alternative. The higher-ranked rule also accepts one held during the preceding three years. The educational limited guide states the relicensure procedure and fee without creating an exception to R 338.7215.
Implicit Bias
For initial issuance, complete two hours of implicit-bias training within the preceding five years, as stated in the January 26, 2026 licensing guide.
License Alternative
An unrestricted MFT license held in another state or Canadian province during the preceding three years is an alternative to the examination.
License Verification
Disclose prior health-profession licenses and obtain primary-source verification; establish no pending disciplinary proceedings or sanctions currently in force.
Moral Character
Establish good moral character and explain reportable convictions or sanctions.
Practice Restrictions
The relicensed license retains the applicable license-type limitations.
Score Window
When relying on examination, pass the adopted national exam within the three years preceding application.
Social Security Number
Provide an SSN or the applicable exemption affidavit.
Relicensure within three years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
Be at least 18 years old under MCL 333.16174(1)(a).
Application
Submit the Department application, requested supporting documents and applicable fees.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints for the criminal history check when required; guides exempt relicensure applicants whose license expired within the preceding three years.
English Language
Demonstrate working knowledge of English through qualifying education or an approved English proficiency examination; language testing is an applicant condition.
Expiration
License expired within the preceding three years; submit application and fees and establish good moral character.
Human Trafficking
Complete the one-time human-trafficking identification training prescribed by R 338.7202.
Implicit Bias
For initial issuance, complete two hours of implicit-bias training within the preceding five years, as stated in the January 26, 2026 licensing guide.
License Verification
Disclose prior health-profession licenses and obtain primary-source verification; establish no pending disciplinary proceedings or sanctions currently in force.
Moral Character
Establish good moral character and explain reportable convictions or sanctions.
Practice Restrictions
Preserve the license type and any applicable supervision or practice limitations.
Social Security Number
Provide an SSN or the applicable exemption affidavit.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

License renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application and applicable fees.
Continued Competence
Maintain professional competence; the LMFT guide states that professional continuing education is not required for renewal, while implicit-bias and human-trafficking training remain required.
Cycle
Three-year renewal cycle.
Human Trafficking
Certify prior completion of one-time human-trafficking training.
Implicit Bias
Complete one hour of implicit-bias training per year of the renewal cycle.
Moral Character
Answer moral-character and disciplinary questions and provide required explanations.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Nonclinical limited license

Statutorily authorized nonclinical marriage and family therapy license for academic, research or administrative work; profession-specific initial issuance is unresolved.

Licensing authority: Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy / Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs · Application information

Late renewal within sixty days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application and applicable fees.
Board Restrictions
Preserve the limited-license conditions.
Continued Competence
Maintain professional competence; the LMFT guide states that professional continuing education is not required for renewal, while implicit-bias and human-trafficking training remain required.
Human Trafficking
Certify prior completion of one-time human-trafficking training.
Implicit Bias
Complete one hour of implicit-bias training per year of the renewal cycle.
Moral Character
Answer moral-character and disciplinary questions and provide required explanations.
Timing
Apply within 60 days after expiration, pay the applicable fees and fulfill renewal requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure more than three years after expiration
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Age
Be at least 18 years old under MCL 333.16174(1)(a).
Application
Submit the Department application, requested supporting documents and applicable fees.
Board Restrictions
Preserve the license-type and Board-imposed limitations.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints for the criminal history check when required; guides exempt relicensure applicants whose license expired within the preceding three years.
English Language
Demonstrate working knowledge of English through qualifying education or an approved English proficiency examination; language testing is an applicant condition.
Expiration
Former limited license expired more than three years ago; the generally worded R 338.7215(2) governs relicensure.
Human Trafficking
Complete the one-time human-trafficking identification training prescribed by R 338.7202.
Implicit Bias
For initial issuance, complete two hours of implicit-bias training within the preceding five years, as stated in the January 26, 2026 licensing guide.
License Alternative
An unrestricted MFT license held in another state or Canadian province during the preceding three years substitutes for the examination.
License Verification
Disclose prior health-profession licenses and obtain primary-source verification; establish no pending disciplinary proceedings or sanctions currently in force.
Moral Character
Establish good moral character and explain reportable convictions or sanctions.
Score Window
Otherwise pass the adopted national examination within the preceding three years.
Social Security Number
Provide an SSN or the applicable exemption affidavit.
Relicensure within three years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
Be at least 18 years old under MCL 333.16174(1)(a).
Application
Submit the Department application, requested supporting documents and applicable fees.
Board Restrictions
The Board determines and maintains the appropriate restrictions on the relicensed form.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints for the criminal history check when required; guides exempt relicensure applicants whose license expired within the preceding three years.
English Language
Demonstrate working knowledge of English through qualifying education or an approved English proficiency examination; language testing is an applicant condition.
Expiration
Former limited license expired within three years.
Human Trafficking
Complete the one-time human-trafficking identification training prescribed by R 338.7202.
Implicit Bias
For initial issuance, complete two hours of implicit-bias training within the preceding five years, as stated in the January 26, 2026 licensing guide.
License Verification
Disclose prior health-profession licenses and obtain primary-source verification; establish no pending disciplinary proceedings or sanctions currently in force.
Moral Character
Establish good moral character and explain reportable convictions or sanctions.
Social Security Number
Provide an SSN or the applicable exemption affidavit.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of the limited license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application and applicable fees.
Board Restrictions
Preserve all Board-imposed practice restrictions; the general renewal rule governs without supplying a new examination requirement.
Continued Competence
Maintain professional competence; the LMFT guide states that professional continuing education is not required for renewal, while implicit-bias and human-trafficking training remain required.
Human Trafficking
Certify prior completion of one-time human-trafficking training.
Implicit Bias
Complete one hour of implicit-bias training per year of the renewal cycle.
Moral Character
Answer moral-character and disciplinary questions and provide required explanations.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Special volunteer license

Retired marriage and family therapist providing uncompensated care to indigent and needy individuals or in medically underserved areas.

Licensing authority: Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy / Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs · Application information

Special volunteer licensure
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit the special volunteer application and required retirement and compensation attestations.
Exam Qualification
MCL 333.16184(2) requires compliance with applicable licensing rules, including R 338.7205(e) proof of a passing adopted national examination score. The score may predate the application. The volunteer guide describes prior licensure and attestation without prescribing a new sitting.
Out Of Practice
If out of practice for at least three years, submit fingerprints and two-thirds of any profession-specific renewal CE requirement; the LMFT guide states that professional CE is not required.
Retirement
Previously held a Michigan MFT license in good standing when it expired and retired from compensated practice.
Scope
Remain within the profession and scope licensed before retirement.
Service
Serve indigent or needy individuals or provide care in medically underserved areas; receive no direct or indirect compensation and expect none.
Training
Meet applicable human-trafficking, implicit-bias, English-language and license-verification requirements.
Late special volunteer renewal within sixty days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application and applicable fees.
Compensation
Provide updated acknowledgment of uncompensated care.
Continued Competence
Maintain professional competence; the LMFT guide states that professional continuing education is not required for renewal, while implicit-bias and human-trafficking training remain required.
Fees
Special volunteer license renewal is fee-exempt under MCL 333.16184(2).
Human Trafficking
Certify prior completion of one-time human-trafficking training.
Implicit Bias
Complete one hour of implicit-bias training per year of the renewal cycle.
Moral Character
Answer moral-character and disciplinary questions and provide required explanations.
Timing
Apply within the statutory 60-day grace period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Special volunteer renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application and applicable fees.
Compensation
Provide updated acknowledgment and documentation of uncompensated care under MCL 333.16184(2).
Continued Competence
Maintain professional competence; the LMFT guide states that professional continuing education is not required for renewal, while implicit-bias and human-trafficking training remain required.
Fees
No special volunteer license renewal fee.
Human Trafficking
Certify prior completion of one-time human-trafficking training.
Implicit Bias
Complete one hour of implicit-bias training per year of the renewal cycle.
Moral Character
Answer moral-character and disciplinary questions and provide required explanations.
Scope
Continue the retired-profession scope and service restrictions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary license

Temporary marriage and family therapy license pending examination or issued to a qualifying military dependent; durations and renewal conditions differ by route.

Licensing authority: Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy / Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs · Application information

Temporary licensure for a military or veteran dependent
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Criminal History
Comply with the fingerprint check under MCL 333.16174(3).
Current License
Hold a current good-standing MFT license from an equivalent authority in another state or country.
Duration
Six months, with one additional six-month term under the statutory renewal conditions.
Military Status
Be an eligible dependent of an armed-forces member, uniformed-services member or veteran.
Supervision
Practice under an unrestricted, nontemporary licensee of the same profession.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

One additional six month temporary term
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Determination
The Board must determine that additional time is necessary to fulfill initial-licensure requirements.
Continuing Eligibility
Continue to satisfy MCL 333.16181(5).
Duration
Only one additional six-month term.
Supervision
Continue the required supervision.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary licensure pending examination
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Age
Be at least 18 years old under MCL 333.16174(1)(a).
Application
Submit the Department application, requested supporting documents and applicable fees.
Board Discretion
The Board may grant this temporary license.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints for the criminal history check when required; guides exempt relicensure applicants whose license expired within the preceding three years.
Doctoral Waiver
MCL 333.16909(2) waives the 300-hour and 1000-hour experience requirements for an approved accredited doctoral MFT degree.
Duration
Nonrenewable, valid for 18 months and automatically void upon examination failure.
Education
Complete a Board-approved masters or higher MFT program, or an approved masters or higher degree with the graduate courses specified in MCL 333.16909(1)(a)(ii).
Eligibility
Complete all requirements except the examination or other required evaluation; have no prior evaluation failure and no suspended or revoked license.
English Language
Demonstrate working knowledge of English through qualifying education or an approved English proficiency examination; language testing is an applicant condition.
Exam Eligibility
The Board approves testing after qualifying education and practicum requirements are verified and provides the PTC approval code. Documentation previously submitted for an active limited license need not be resubmitted.
Exam Timing
The adopted national examination is pending and may occur after temporary issuance.
Human Trafficking
Complete the one-time human-trafficking identification training prescribed by R 338.7202.
Implicit Bias
For initial issuance, complete two hours of implicit-bias training within the preceding five years, as stated in the January 26, 2026 licensing guide.
License Verification
Disclose prior health-profession licenses and obtain primary-source verification; establish no pending disciplinary proceedings or sanctions currently in force.
Moral Character
Establish good moral character and explain reportable convictions or sanctions.
Post Degree Experience
Complete at least 1000 direct-client hours with at least half involving families, couples or family subsystems; 200 concurrent supervision hours at a 1:5 ratio, including at least 100 individual hours with at most one other supervisee; remaining group supervision has at most six supervisees. Meet the timing, verification and face-to-face requirements in MCL 333.16909(1)(c).
Practicum
Complete at least eight consecutive months and 300 direct-client hours, with at least half involving families, couples or family subsystems physically present; at least 60 concurrent supervision hours at a 1:5 ratio, verified by a qualified supervisor.
Primary Source Documents
Submit school transcripts and educational certification and the required supervisor evaluation forms.
Social Security Number
Provide an SSN or the applicable exemption affidavit.
Supervision
Practice only under an unrestricted, nontemporary licensee of the same profession under MCL 333.16181(3).

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