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Minnesota Marriage & Family Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

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emeritus license status

Emeritus status for duly licensed marriage and family therapists aged 62 or older who are retired from active practice; marriage and family therapy and mental health professional practice are prohibited.

Licensing authority: Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy · Application information

Conversion to emeritus status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Indicate request on renewal form or petition in writing and pay the one-time emeritus fee.
Continuing Education
Continuing education requirements do not apply.
Current License
Currently duly licensed Minnesota marriage and family therapist, age 62 or older, retired from active practice.
Discipline
Not subject to current disciplinary suspension, revocation, qualification, condition, or practice restriction.
Practice
No MFT or mental-health-professional practice while emeritus.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

LMFT Guest License

Nonresident guest licensure valid for one year, authorizing up to five consecutive months of practice.

Licensing authority: Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy · Application information

Initial guest licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background Check
Fingerprint-based criminal background check and required fees.
Board Implementation Restriction
The Board’s current Guest Licensure page says: The MN Board of MFT will issue an LMFT Guest License to qualifying LMFTs who complete the application process. Only those holding a current LMFT license in good standing in another US jurisdiction may apply. Applicants for LMFT licensure, license holders currently subject to a disciplinary or correction action license order, those who have an expired license, or those holding an associate or trainee licensee are NOT eligible. Completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check is required.
Character
Good moral character and no pending complaints or active disciplinary/corrective action in any jurisdiction.
Education
Qualifying master’s or doctoral MFT degree, or Board-determined equivalent related graduate education and practicum under 5300.0140. A foreign degree requires a NACES-member evaluation under 5300.0145.
Existing License
License, certification, or registration in good standing to practice marriage and family therapy from another jurisdiction under 148B.331(1)(b)(1).
Residency
Nonresident of Minnesota who is not seeking ordinary Minnesota licensure; apply at least 30 days before planned practice.
Term
One-year license authorizing a maximum of five consecutive months of practice. Nonrenewable; a new application is permitted following expiration if eligibility continues.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Guest licensure reapplication
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background Check
Fingerprint-based criminal background check and required fees.
Board Implementation Restriction
The Board’s current Guest Licensure page says: The MN Board of MFT will issue an LMFT Guest License to qualifying LMFTs who complete the application process. Only those holding a current LMFT license in good standing in another US jurisdiction may apply. Applicants for LMFT licensure, license holders currently subject to a disciplinary or correction action license order, those who have an expired license, or those holding an associate or trainee licensee are NOT eligible. Completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check is required.
Character
Good moral character and no pending complaints or active disciplinary/corrective action in any jurisdiction.
Education
Qualifying master’s or doctoral MFT degree, or Board-determined equivalent related graduate education and practicum under 5300.0140. A foreign degree requires a NACES-member evaluation under 5300.0145.
Existing License
License, certification, or registration in good standing to practice marriage and family therapy from another jurisdiction under 148B.331(1)(b)(1).
Previous Guest License
Previous guest license has expired; continued eligibility must be established on reapplication.
Residency
Nonresident of Minnesota who is not seeking ordinary Minnesota licensure; apply at least 30 days before planned practice.
Term
One-year license authorizing a maximum of five consecutive months of practice. Nonrenewable; a new application is permitted following expiration if eligibility continues.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT)

Associate licensure following the national examination; practice remains under a Board-approved LMFT supervisor.

Licensing authority: Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy · Application information

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Affirmation
Renewal application affirms that information is true and correct.
Continuing Education
LMFT: 40 Board-approved hours every two years, including three ethics/professional-study hours and at least four cultural-responsiveness hours; supervisors devote at least ten percent to supervision education. LAMFT: no continuing education required for renewal.
Deadline
Renew on or before current license expiration.
Existing License
Existing LAMFT license; renew annually through the Board application and required renewal fee.
Renewal Limit
Associate status may renew annually for up to six additional years after initial issuance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Disciplinary restoration
Application
Completed Board reinstatement application, statement of reasons, notarized affirmation of no unauthorized practice or title use, required reinstatement and renewal fees.
Associate Scope
5300.0100(8) defines licensee to include LAMFT. The general former-licensee provisions are applied as written, subject to the associate duration limit and any Board variance.
Board Discretion
Restoration requires reasons sufficient to the Board and five-member vote; Board orders and probation conditions must be met.
Continuing Education
Evidence of continuing education that would have applied during expiration, limited to a minimum of five years for the five-year-or-more route; LAMFT renewal has no continuing-education obligation under 5300.0320(1).
Current Qualifications
Meet current education and experience requirements and retake and pass both the national and state examinations as 5300.0300(3) states.
Eligibility
No fact, circumstance, or condition that would justify revocation or suspension; unauthorized practice may cause denial or discipline.
Prior License
Former LAMFT license; at least five years since expiration or termination, applying under 5300.0300.
Disciplinary restoration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Completed Board reinstatement application, statement of reasons, notarized affirmation of no unauthorized practice or title use, required reinstatement and renewal fees.
Associate Scope
5300.0100(8) defines licensee to include LAMFT. The general former-licensee provisions are applied as written, subject to the associate duration limit and any Board variance.
Board Discretion
Restoration requires reasons sufficient to the Board and five-member vote; Board orders and probation conditions must be met.
Continuing Education
Evidence of continuing education that would have applied during expiration, limited to a minimum of five years for the five-year-or-more route; LAMFT renewal has no continuing-education obligation under 5300.0320(1).
Eligibility
No fact, circumstance, or condition that would justify revocation or suspension; unauthorized practice may cause denial or discipline.
Prior License
Former LAMFT license; less than five years since expiration or termination, applying under 5300.0300.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial associate licensure
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Complete the Board application, obtain Board approval, and pay the required fee; licensure is not automatic upon examination passage.
Background Check
Fingerprint-based criminal background check during initial Board application.
Education
Qualifying master’s or doctoral MFT degree, or Board-determined equivalent related graduate education and practicum under 5300.0140. A foreign degree requires a NACES-member evaluation under 5300.0145.
Ethics
Agree to conduct professional activities under the Minnesota MFT code of ethics.
National Examination
Pass the AMFTRB national examination before applying for LAMFT licensure.
Supervision
Practice only under a Board-approved LMFT supervisor; observe all laws and rules governing LMFT practice.
Term
Initial one-year status; annual renewal permitted for up to six additional years.
Late annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Affirmation
Renewal application affirms that information is true and correct.
Continuing Education
LMFT: 40 Board-approved hours every two years, including three ethics/professional-study hours and at least four cultural-responsiveness hours; supervisors devote at least ten percent to supervision education. LAMFT: no continuing education required for renewal.
Deadline
Within 30 days after license expiration, with late fee.
Existing License
Existing LAMFT license; renew annually through the Board application and required renewal fee.
Renewal Limit
Associate status may renew annually for up to six additional years after initial issuance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement
Application
Completed Board reinstatement application, statement of reasons, notarized affirmation of no unauthorized practice or title use, required reinstatement and renewal fees.
Associate Scope
5300.0100(8) defines licensee to include LAMFT. The general former-licensee provisions are applied as written, subject to the associate duration limit and any Board variance.
Continuing Education
Evidence of continuing education that would have applied during expiration, limited to a minimum of five years for the five-year-or-more route; LAMFT renewal has no continuing-education obligation under 5300.0320(1).
Current Qualifications
Meet current education and experience requirements and retake and pass both the national and state examinations as 5300.0300(3) states.
Eligibility
No fact, circumstance, or condition that would justify revocation or suspension; unauthorized practice may cause denial or discipline.
Prior License
Former LAMFT license; at least five years since expiration or termination, applying under 5300.0300.
Reinstatement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Completed Board reinstatement application, statement of reasons, notarized affirmation of no unauthorized practice or title use, required reinstatement and renewal fees.
Associate Scope
5300.0100(8) defines licensee to include LAMFT. The general former-licensee provisions are applied as written, subject to the associate duration limit and any Board variance.
Continuing Education
Evidence of continuing education that would have applied during expiration, limited to a minimum of five years for the five-year-or-more route; LAMFT renewal has no continuing-education obligation under 5300.0320(1).
Eligibility
No fact, circumstance, or condition that would justify revocation or suspension; unauthorized practice may cause denial or discipline.
Prior License
Former LAMFT license; less than five years since expiration or termination, applying under 5300.0300.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Voluntary relicensure
Application
Completed Board reinstatement application, statement of reasons, notarized affirmation of no unauthorized practice or title use, required reinstatement and renewal fees.
Associate Scope
5300.0100(8) defines licensee to include LAMFT. The general former-licensee provisions are applied as written, subject to the associate duration limit and any Board variance.
Continuing Education
Evidence of continuing education that would have applied during expiration, limited to a minimum of five years for the five-year-or-more route; LAMFT renewal has no continuing-education obligation under 5300.0320(1).
Current Qualifications
Meet current education and experience requirements and retake and pass both the national and state examinations as 5300.0300(3) states.
Eligibility
No fact, circumstance, or condition that would justify revocation or suspension; unauthorized practice may cause denial or discipline.
Prior License
Former LAMFT license; at least five years since expiration or termination, applying under 5300.0300.
Voluntary relicensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Completed Board reinstatement application, statement of reasons, notarized affirmation of no unauthorized practice or title use, required reinstatement and renewal fees.
Associate Scope
5300.0100(8) defines licensee to include LAMFT. The general former-licensee provisions are applied as written, subject to the associate duration limit and any Board variance.
Continuing Education
Evidence of continuing education that would have applied during expiration, limited to a minimum of five years for the five-year-or-more route; LAMFT renewal has no continuing-education obligation under 5300.0320(1).
Eligibility
No fact, circumstance, or condition that would justify revocation or suspension; unauthorized practice may cause denial or discipline.
Prior License
Former LAMFT license; less than five years since expiration or termination, applying under 5300.0300.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

Independent marriage and family therapy licensure, including examination and reciprocity pathways.

Licensing authority: Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy · Application information

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Affirmation
Renewal application affirms that information is true and correct.
Continuing Education
LMFT: 40 Board-approved hours every two years, including three ethics/professional-study hours and at least four cultural-responsiveness hours; supervisors devote at least ten percent to supervision education. LAMFT: no continuing education required for renewal.
Deadline
Renew on or before current license expiration.
Existing License
Existing LMFT license; renew annually through the Board application and required renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Disciplinary restoration
Application
Completed Board reinstatement application, statement of reasons, notarized affirmation of no unauthorized practice or title use, required reinstatement and renewal fees.
Board Discretion
Restoration requires reasons sufficient to the Board and five-member vote; Board orders and probation conditions must be met.
Continuing Education
Evidence of continuing education that would have applied during expiration, limited to a minimum of five years for the five-year-or-more route; LAMFT renewal has no continuing-education obligation under 5300.0320(1).
Current Qualifications
Meet current education and experience requirements and retake and pass both the national and state examinations as 5300.0300(3) states.
Eligibility
No fact, circumstance, or condition that would justify revocation or suspension; unauthorized practice may cause denial or discipline.
Prior License
Former LMFT license; at least five years since expiration or termination, applying under 5300.0300.
Disciplinary restoration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Completed Board reinstatement application, statement of reasons, notarized affirmation of no unauthorized practice or title use, required reinstatement and renewal fees.
Board Discretion
Restoration requires reasons sufficient to the Board and five-member vote; Board orders and probation conditions must be met.
Continuing Education
Evidence of continuing education that would have applied during expiration, limited to a minimum of five years for the five-year-or-more route; LAMFT renewal has no continuing-education obligation under 5300.0320(1).
Eligibility
No fact, circumstance, or condition that would justify revocation or suspension; unauthorized practice may cause denial or discipline.
Prior License
Former LMFT license; less than five years since expiration or termination, applying under 5300.0300.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation from emeritus status
Continuing Education
Provide applicable reinstatement continuing-education evidence.
Current Qualifications
Current education and experience; retake and pass national and state examinations under 5300.0300(3).
Previous Status
Minnesota LMFT granted emeritus status five years or more ago.
Procedure
Apply under the 5300.0300 reinstatement procedure; only reinstatement and current annual renewal fees are required.
Threshold Reading
5300.0315(4) incorporates 5300.0300 and expressly directs statuses older than five years to subpart 3; the incorporated subpart itself says five years or more.
Reactivation from emeritus status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Provide applicable reinstatement continuing-education evidence.
Previous Status
Minnesota LMFT granted emeritus status less than five years ago.
Procedure
Apply under the 5300.0300 reinstatement procedure; only reinstatement and current annual renewal fees are required.
Threshold Reading
5300.0315(4) incorporates 5300.0300 and expressly directs statuses older than five years to subpart 3; the incorporated subpart itself says five years or more.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination
Age
At least 18 years old.
Application Timing
Apply for the national examination within six months of commencing supervised experience; complete postgraduate experience within two to seven years from filing, unless the Board grants a variance. Maintain a permanent activity log.
Background Check
Fingerprint-based criminal background check and Board approval of the licensure application.
Character
Good moral character, supported by two qualified LMFT endorsements; endorsers cannot be employees, clients, former clients, or relatives.
Education
Qualifying master’s or doctoral MFT degree, or Board-determined equivalent related graduate education and practicum under 5300.0140. A foreign degree requires a NACES-member evaluation under 5300.0145.
Electronic Supervision
148B.33(1a) requires acceptance of all required supervision through real-time, two-way audio and video; this statutory rule controls over the older electronic-supervision caps in 5300.0150 and 5300.0155.
Ethics
Agreement to observe the Minnesota MFT code of ethics.
Experience
At least 4,000 supervised postgraduate hours over at least 24 months, including 1,000 clinical client-contact hours, at least 500 with couples/families/relational groups, and 200 hours of supervision including 100 individual hours, with verification under 5300.0155.
Experience Cohort
Eligible to commence postgraduate supervised experience on or after August 1, 2016.
Fees
Application and applicable licensure fees are required.
Legal Work Eligibility
United States citizenship or lawful entitlement to remain and work in the United States under 148B.33(1)(3).
Prior Examination Passage
National examination passage remains a requirement leaf even when completed before the LMFT application. State examination follows completion of education and experience and approval of the final application.
Reexamination
After a failed national or state examination, reexamination is allowed no more than five times without a Board variance under 5300.0240(7).
Licensure by examination
Age
At least 18 years old.
Background Check
Fingerprint-based criminal background check and Board approval of the licensure application.
Character
Good moral character, supported by two qualified LMFT endorsements; endorsers cannot be employees, clients, former clients, or relatives.
Education
Qualifying master’s or doctoral MFT degree, or Board-determined equivalent related graduate education and practicum under 5300.0140. A foreign degree requires a NACES-member evaluation under 5300.0145.
Electronic Supervision
148B.33(1a) requires acceptance of all required supervision through real-time, two-way audio and video; this statutory rule controls over the older electronic-supervision caps in 5300.0150 and 5300.0155.
Ethics
Agreement to observe the Minnesota MFT code of ethics.
Experience
At least 4,000 supervised postgraduate hours over at least 24 months, including 1,000 clinical client-contact hours, at least 500 with couples/families/relational groups, and 200 hours of supervision including 100 individual hours, with verification under 5300.0150.
Experience Cohort
Eligible to commence postgraduate supervised experience before August 1, 2016.
Fees
Application and applicable licensure fees are required.
Legal Work Eligibility
United States citizenship or lawful entitlement to remain and work in the United States under 148B.33(1)(3).
Prior Examination Passage
National examination passage remains a requirement leaf even when completed before the LMFT application. State examination follows completion of education and experience and approval of the final application.
Reexamination
After a failed national or state examination, reexamination is allowed no more than five times without a Board variance under 5300.0240(7).
Late annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Affirmation
Renewal application affirms that information is true and correct.
Continuing Education
LMFT: 40 Board-approved hours every two years, including three ethics/professional-study hours and at least four cultural-responsiveness hours; supervisors devote at least ten percent to supervision education. LAMFT: no continuing education required for renewal.
Deadline
Within 30 days after license expiration, with late fee.
Existing License
Existing LMFT license; renew annually through the Board application and required renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Ordinary licensure following temporary military license
Age
At least 18 years old.
Background Check
Fingerprint-based criminal background check and Board approval of the licensure application.
Character
Good moral character, supported by two qualified LMFT endorsements; endorsers cannot be employees, clients, former clients, or relatives.
Completion Deadline
Complete ordinary licensure requirements during the temporary term to remain licensed after it expires.
Education
Qualifying master’s or doctoral MFT degree, or Board-determined equivalent related graduate education and practicum under 5300.0140. A foreign degree requires a NACES-member evaluation under 5300.0145.
Electronic Supervision
148B.33(1a) requires acceptance of all required supervision through real-time, two-way audio and video; this statutory rule controls over the older electronic-supervision caps in 5300.0150 and 5300.0155.
Ethics
Agreement to observe the Minnesota MFT code of ethics.
Fees
Application and applicable licensure fees are required.
Legal Work Eligibility
United States citizenship or lawful entitlement to remain and work in the United States under 148B.33(1)(3).
Military Status
Holder of the six-month temporary military LMFT license.
Prior Examination Passage
National examination passage remains a requirement leaf even when completed before the LMFT application. State examination follows completion of education and experience and approval of the final application.
Reexamination
After a failed national or state examination, reexamination is allowed no more than five times without a Board variance under 5300.0240(7).
Licensure by reciprocity
Application
Notarized reciprocity application, agreement to comply with Minnesota ethics, and applicable fees.
Background Check
Complete fingerprint-based criminal background check.
Cohort
At least five continuous preceding years of United States jurisdiction licensure without adverse license action.
Current License
Current LMFT license from another jurisdiction; standards at initial licensure must be equivalent to or exceed current Minnesota standards.
Discipline
Board may refuse or discipline a license based on adverse action, unreported charges, or refusal of licensure elsewhere.
Education Equivalency
Five continuous years of United States jurisdiction LMFT licensure preceding application satisfies education; otherwise the Board determines equivalency.
Experience Equivalency
Five continuous preceding years without adverse license action satisfies supervised experience; otherwise the Board determines equivalency.
National Examination
Passage of the national examination is required; an applicant licensed elsewhere without passing it must pass before reciprocity approval. Prior passage remains an examination leaf.
State Examination
All reciprocity applicants must pass the Minnesota state examination.
Verification
Other jurisdiction sends license verification directly; applicant establishes equivalency by a preponderance of the evidence and provides the licensing law/rules.
Licensure by reciprocity
Application
Notarized reciprocity application, agreement to comply with Minnesota ethics, and applicable fees.
Background Check
Complete fingerprint-based criminal background check.
Cohort
Applicants who do not satisfy both the five-year continuous United States licensure and no-adverse-action conditions, including shorter-duration or non-United-States licensure.
Current License
Current LMFT license from another jurisdiction; standards at initial licensure must be equivalent to or exceed current Minnesota standards.
Discipline
Board may refuse or discipline a license based on adverse action, unreported charges, or refusal of licensure elsewhere.
Education Equivalency
Five continuous years of United States jurisdiction LMFT licensure preceding application satisfies education; otherwise the Board determines equivalency.
Experience Equivalency
Five continuous preceding years without adverse license action satisfies supervised experience; otherwise the Board determines equivalency.
National Examination
Passage of the national examination is required; an applicant licensed elsewhere without passing it must pass before reciprocity approval. Prior passage remains an examination leaf.
State Examination
All reciprocity applicants must pass the Minnesota state examination.
Verification
Other jurisdiction sends license verification directly; applicant establishes equivalency by a preponderance of the evidence and provides the licensing law/rules.
Reinstatement
Application
Completed Board reinstatement application, statement of reasons, notarized affirmation of no unauthorized practice or title use, required reinstatement and renewal fees.
Continuing Education
Evidence of continuing education that would have applied during expiration, limited to a minimum of five years for the five-year-or-more route; LAMFT renewal has no continuing-education obligation under 5300.0320(1).
Current Qualifications
Meet current education and experience requirements and retake and pass both the national and state examinations as 5300.0300(3) states.
Eligibility
No fact, circumstance, or condition that would justify revocation or suspension; unauthorized practice may cause denial or discipline.
Prior License
Former LMFT license; at least five years since expiration or termination, applying under 5300.0300.
Reinstatement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Completed Board reinstatement application, statement of reasons, notarized affirmation of no unauthorized practice or title use, required reinstatement and renewal fees.
Continuing Education
Evidence of continuing education that would have applied during expiration, limited to a minimum of five years for the five-year-or-more route; LAMFT renewal has no continuing-education obligation under 5300.0320(1).
Eligibility
No fact, circumstance, or condition that would justify revocation or suspension; unauthorized practice may cause denial or discipline.
Prior License
Former LMFT license; less than five years since expiration or termination, applying under 5300.0300.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resume practice after continuing education exemption
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete the continuing-education requirements that would have applied for the preceding five years, or the relevant portion of those five years.
Existing License
Unexpired LMFT license with prior retired or permanent-disability continuing-education exemption under 5300.0320(11).
Notice
Before resuming practice, submit written notice of intent to resume.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Voluntary relicensure
Application
Completed Board reinstatement application, statement of reasons, notarized affirmation of no unauthorized practice or title use, required reinstatement and renewal fees.
Continuing Education
Evidence of continuing education that would have applied during expiration, limited to a minimum of five years for the five-year-or-more route; LAMFT renewal has no continuing-education obligation under 5300.0320(1).
Current Qualifications
Meet current education and experience requirements and retake and pass both the national and state examinations as 5300.0300(3) states.
Eligibility
No fact, circumstance, or condition that would justify revocation or suspension; unauthorized practice may cause denial or discipline.
Prior License
Former LMFT license; at least five years since expiration or termination, applying under 5300.0300.
Voluntary relicensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Completed Board reinstatement application, statement of reasons, notarized affirmation of no unauthorized practice or title use, required reinstatement and renewal fees.
Continuing Education
Evidence of continuing education that would have applied during expiration, limited to a minimum of five years for the five-year-or-more route; LAMFT renewal has no continuing-education obligation under 5300.0320(1).
Eligibility
No fact, circumstance, or condition that would justify revocation or suspension; unauthorized practice may cause denial or discipline.
Prior License
Former LMFT license; less than five years since expiration or termination, applying under 5300.0300.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

temporary military license

Six-month temporary LMFT licensure for qualifying active-duty military members, their spouses, and veterans who left service within the preceding two years with honorable or general discharge status; ordinary licensure requirements must be completed during the temporary period.

Licensing authority: Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy · Application information

Temporary military licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Contact the Board for its temporary LMFT application and pay the applicable fee.
Background Check
Current criminal background study with no conviction that the Board determines adversely affects eligibility.
Existing License
Current valid license, certificate, or permit in another state without a history of regulatory disciplinary action.
Military Status
Active-duty military member, spouse of an active-duty member, or veteran discharged honorably or generally within the two years preceding application.
Subsequent Ordinary License
During the temporary period, complete the ordinary LMFT application; continued licensure after the temporary term requires 148B.33 subdivisions 1 and 2. Those examinations belong to the ordinary LMFT completion route.
Term
Six months from initial temporary issuance.

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

MN MFT state jurisprudence examination

Provider
Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy
Format
In-person written examination; short answers
Passing score
Pass/fail; passing score determined by the Board
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • Minnesota Statutes § 13.41 — Licensing Data
  • Minnesota Health Records Act — §§ 144.291–144.298
  • Consent of Minors for Health Services — §§ 144.341–144.347
  • Health Care Bill of Rights — §§ 144.651 and 144.652
  • Marriage and Family Therapy Practice Act — §§ 148B.29–148B.392
  • Minnesota Statutes § 214.078 — Protection from Conversion Therapy
  • Adult Mental Health Act — §§ 245.461–245.4711
  • Children’s Mental Health Act — §§ 245.487–245.4887
  • Mental Health Uniform Service Standards Act — Chapter 245I
  • Minnesota Statutes § 260E.06 — Maltreatment Reporting
  • Minnesota Statutes § 624.7171 — Extreme Risk Protection Orders
  • Minnesota Statutes § 626.557 — Reporting of Maltreatment of Vulnerable Adults
  • Minnesota Statutes § 645.451 — Definitions, Continued
  • Minnesota Rules Chapter 5300 — Marriage and Family Therapy
Examination sources