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Mississippi Marriage & Family Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

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

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

Independent marriage and family therapy license. Statutory exemptions for supervised trainees and other licensed professions are exemptions, not additional licenses issued by this Board.

Licensing authority: Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists · Application information

Reinstatement after suspension or revocation
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit a signed and notarized complete application, required documents, recent photograph and fees; the Board considers the application only after receiving all required items.
Background Check
Acceptable fingerprint criminal-history and sex-offender checks received directly from governmental authorities. Rule 2.2 requires clearance within 180 days of the completed application; the associate application section VI(5) asks for 90 days.
Character
Good moral character, no prohibited professional conduct, and no unresolved disciplinary matter to the Board's satisfaction; disclose background and disciplinary information honestly.
Disciplinary Order
All conditions of suspension, revocation, disciplinary action or Board order must be completed to the Board's satisfaction. Reinstatement remains subject to Board approval.
Education
Master's or doctoral degree in MFT from a COAMFTE-accredited program, or a program in candidacy at graduation that subsequently received COAMFTE accreditation; official transcript sent directly by the institution.
Exam Timing
The Board requires a passing AMFTRB score before considering the license application. A currently enrolled COAMFTE student may seek approval to sit within 90 days before graduation with written program-director approval; Board approval and an examination application are required.
Minimum Age
At least 21 years of age under section 73-54-13(d) and Part 1903 Rule 2.2(B)(7).
New Qualifications
Rule 4.3(A)(4) requires a new license application meeting current licensing qualifications, including the identified national MFT examination; prior passing-score evidence remains relevant without presuming a mandatory retake.
Nonpractice Affidavit
Notarized affidavit of no unauthorized MFT practice or MFT title use since expiration, suspension or revocation; applicable licensure exemptions or lawful practice under another state's valid license are recognized by the rule.
Postgraduate Experience
Two years of documented MFT clinical experience after the first qualifying degree in an agency, institution or group practice, including at least 1,000 direct client-contact hours; apply within two years after completing that experience.
Practicum
A clinical practicum of at least 12 consecutive months: 500 client contact hours, including at least 300 direct and 100 relational contact hours, and 100 supervision hours, under an AAMFT Approved Supervisor or appropriately supervised Supervisor Candidate; practicum groups no larger than eight.
Reinstatement Documents
Completed reinstatement application and supporting evidence, letter explaining the request, CE documentation for the period that would have required CE, and reinstatement and other fees.
Score Evidence
Provide official verification of passing AMFTRB results. A previously passed examination remains represented by the frozen current registered version, in accordance with the survey contract; the leaf does not instruct an already-qualified applicant to retake it.
Supervision
200 total MFT supervision hours, at least 50 individual, at least 100 with an AAMFT Approved Supervisor; up to 100 graduate supervision hours may count, and all 100 postgraduate hours require a Board-approved supervisor.
Supervision Credit
Up to one year of a qualifying COAMFTE doctoral clinical internship may count toward experience; the Board may accept up to half of the required 100 postgraduate supervision hours obtained outside Mississippi when substantially equivalent.
Supervision Documentation
Supervisor sends the first evaluation at 10 to 12 months, final evaluation and termination documentation at completion; submit verification of postgraduate experience and three references from licensed mental-health professionals who have known the applicant for at least one year.
Supervision Plan
Board approval before postgraduate supervision; no more than four preapproval hours may count for developing the plan. Supervision normally spans 24 to 36 consecutive months, averaging weekly one-hour or biweekly two-hour meetings, with Board-approved extensions for unusual circumstances.
Initial licensure by education, supervised experience and examination
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit a signed and notarized complete application, required documents, recent photograph and fees; the Board considers the application only after receiving all required items.
Background Check
Acceptable fingerprint criminal-history and sex-offender checks received directly from governmental authorities. Rule 2.2 requires clearance within 180 days of the completed application; the associate application section VI(5) asks for 90 days.
Character
Good moral character, no prohibited professional conduct, and no unresolved disciplinary matter to the Board's satisfaction; disclose background and disciplinary information honestly.
Education
Master's or doctoral degree in MFT from a COAMFTE-accredited program, or a program in candidacy at graduation that subsequently received COAMFTE accreditation; official transcript sent directly by the institution.
Exam Timing
The Board requires a passing AMFTRB score before considering the license application. A currently enrolled COAMFTE student may seek approval to sit within 90 days before graduation with written program-director approval; Board approval and an examination application are required.
Minimum Age
At least 21 years of age under section 73-54-13(d) and Part 1903 Rule 2.2(B)(7).
Postgraduate Experience
Two years of documented MFT clinical experience after the first qualifying degree in an agency, institution or group practice, including at least 1,000 direct client-contact hours; apply within two years after completing that experience.
Practicum
A clinical practicum of at least 12 consecutive months: 500 client contact hours, including at least 300 direct and 100 relational contact hours, and 100 supervision hours, under an AAMFT Approved Supervisor or appropriately supervised Supervisor Candidate; practicum groups no larger than eight.
Score Evidence
Provide official verification of passing AMFTRB results. A previously passed examination remains represented by the frozen current registered version, in accordance with the survey contract; the leaf does not instruct an already-qualified applicant to retake it.
Supervision
200 total MFT supervision hours, at least 50 individual, at least 100 with an AAMFT Approved Supervisor; up to 100 graduate supervision hours may count, and all 100 postgraduate hours require a Board-approved supervisor.
Supervision Credit
Up to one year of a qualifying COAMFTE doctoral clinical internship may count toward experience; the Board may accept up to half of the required 100 postgraduate supervision hours obtained outside Mississippi when substantially equivalent.
Supervision Documentation
Supervisor sends the first evaluation at 10 to 12 months, final evaluation and termination documentation at completion; submit verification of postgraduate experience and three references from licensed mental-health professionals who have known the applicant for at least one year.
Supervision Plan
Board approval before postgraduate supervision; no more than four preapproval hours may count for developing the plan. Supervision normally spans 24 to 36 consecutive months, averaging weekly one-hour or biweekly two-hour meetings, with Board-approved extensions for unusual circumstances.
Restoration of a license lapsed more than thirty days and no more than two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete renewal application, supporting documents, CE summary as applicable and fees; first-time criminal-history check, if none was previously submitted, must be received directly within 180 days.
Board Reinstatement Procedure
Rule 2.4(E) calls this reinstatement after 30 days. Submit reinstatement forms, explanation, required nonpractice affidavit, background check, CE documentation and fees.
Conflicting Rule Examination Demand
Rule 4.3(A)(4) states: "The licensee must apply for a new license and must meet the requirements and conditions for licensure set forth in the governing law and the rules and regulations that are in effect at the time the new application or re-application is received by the Board." Section 73-54-27(2) expressly permits renewal of a license lapsed no more than two years; this statutory renewal route is retained without an exam leaf, and the lower-ranked new-licensure demand remains an applicant condition.
Continuing Education
24 approved continuing-education hours in each two-year period, including four MFT ethics hours; no CE for the first renewal. Rule 4.1 limits distance learning to 12 hours, including no more than two ethics hours; approved supervisors also need two supervision hours.
Examination Boundary
Section 73-54-27 and Part 1903 Rule 4.2 prescribe renewal by application, applicable continuing education and fees; they do not impose an MFT examination for this renewal route. Course post-tests, where used for continuing education, are training conditions.
Renewal Period
Biennial renewal by September 30 of the applicable year; term begins October 1 and ends September 30.
Timing
License lapsed for more than 30 days but no more than two years; section 73-54-27(2) permits renewal on payment of all fees in arrears.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2018-07-01.

Late renewal within thirty days of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete renewal application, supporting documents, CE summary as applicable and fees; first-time criminal-history check, if none was previously submitted, must be received directly within 180 days.
Continuing Education
24 approved continuing-education hours in each two-year period, including four MFT ethics hours; no CE for the first renewal. Rule 4.1 limits distance learning to 12 hours, including no more than two ethics hours; approved supervisors also need two supervision hours.
Examination Boundary
Section 73-54-27 and Part 1903 Rule 4.2 prescribe renewal by application, applicable continuing education and fees; they do not impose an MFT examination for this renewal route. Course post-tests, where used for continuing education, are training conditions.
Renewal Period
Biennial renewal by September 30 of the applicable year; term begins October 1 and ends September 30.
Timing
Renewal submitted less than 30 calendar days after expiration is a late renewal and carries a late fee; no MFT practice is permitted while the license is lapsed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2018-07-01.

Military Family Freedom Act recognition based on experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Character And Conduct
No disqualifying criminal record or conduct that warrants refusal, suspension or revocation; no license surrender for negligence or misconduct and no unresolved complaint or investigation, subject to the statutory resolution provision.
Conditional Jurisprudence
Section 73-50-1(5) permits a relevant Mississippi jurisprudential examination only if the occupation already requires it. This conditional slot is not an independently identified state examination.
Documents And Fees
Application and supporting military or licensing/experience documentation, statutory fees, and required criminal-history checks.
Military Relationship
Applicant is a military member, or married to or dependent on a military member, under section 73-50-1. The military-trained specialty alternative requires the applicant's own qualifying occupational specialty.
Older Board Eligibility Demands
Rule 3.4(A) also asks for active medical-corps duty or honorable separation within six months, two professional references and two years of practice in the preceding five years. These are the older Board rule's demands; section 73-50-1 governs the statutory eligibility alternatives.
Older Board Examination Demand
Part 1901 Rule 3.4(A)(4) states: "Submit verification of a completed licensing examination as described in these rules." Part 1903 Rule 2.2(D) identifies AMFTRB. This older lower-ranked rule demand is recorded as an applicant condition; the subsequent mandatory statutory recognition criteria control the requirement tree.
Processing
Board issues or denies within 120 days. When processing takes longer than two weeks, section 73-50-1(6) requires an interim permit within 30 days on affidavit and fee conditions.
Qualifying Basis
At least three years of lawful MFT work in a state that did not license the occupation, with a similar scope as determined by the Board.
Scope
MFT discipline and qualifying practice scope must be accepted by the Board; this route does not confer authority beyond the recognized practice level.
Statutory Examination Boundary
Section 73-50-1(3)-(4) supplies mandatory eligibility notwithstanding other law. Military testing or equivalent training and experience is an applicant qualification, and verification of another jurisdiction's licensing history is prior qualification evidence; these statutory recognition routes impose no identified currently offered MFT examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-07-01.

Military Family Freedom Act recognition based on license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Character And Conduct
No disqualifying criminal record or conduct that warrants refusal, suspension or revocation; no license surrender for negligence or misconduct and no unresolved complaint or investigation, subject to the statutory resolution provision.
Conditional Jurisprudence
Section 73-50-1(5) permits a relevant Mississippi jurisprudential examination only if the occupation already requires it. This conditional slot is not an independently identified state examination.
Documents And Fees
Application and supporting military or licensing/experience documentation, statutory fees, and required criminal-history checks.
Military Relationship
Applicant is a military member, or married to or dependent on a military member, under section 73-50-1. The military-trained specialty alternative requires the applicant's own qualifying occupational specialty.
Older Board Eligibility Demands
Rule 3.4(A) also asks for active medical-corps duty or honorable separation within six months, two professional references and two years of practice in the preceding five years. These are the older Board rule's demands; section 73-50-1 governs the statutory eligibility alternatives.
Older Board Examination Demand
Part 1901 Rule 3.4(A)(4) states: "Submit verification of a completed licensing examination as described in these rules." Part 1903 Rule 2.2(D) identifies AMFTRB. This older lower-ranked rule demand is recorded as an applicant condition; the subsequent mandatory statutory recognition criteria control the requirement tree.
Processing
Board issues or denies within 120 days. When processing takes longer than two weeks, section 73-50-1(6) requires an interim permit within 30 days on affidavit and fee conditions.
Qualifying Basis
Current and valid license in another state with a Board-determined similar MFT scope, held for at least one year and in good standing.
Scope
MFT discipline and qualifying practice scope must be accepted by the Board; this route does not confer authority beyond the recognized practice level.
Statutory Examination Boundary
Section 73-50-1(3)-(4) supplies mandatory eligibility notwithstanding other law. Military testing or equivalent training and experience is an applicant qualification, and verification of another jurisdiction's licensing history is prior qualification evidence; these statutory recognition routes impose no identified currently offered MFT examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-07-01.

Military Family Freedom Act recognition based on specialty
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Character And Conduct
No disqualifying criminal record or conduct that warrants refusal, suspension or revocation; no license surrender for negligence or misconduct and no unresolved complaint or investigation, subject to the statutory resolution provision.
Conditional Jurisprudence
Section 73-50-1(5) permits a relevant Mississippi jurisprudential examination only if the occupation already requires it. This conditional slot is not an independently identified state examination.
Documents And Fees
Application and supporting military or licensing/experience documentation, statutory fees, and required criminal-history checks.
Military Relationship
Applicant is a military member, or married to or dependent on a military member, under section 73-50-1. The military-trained specialty alternative requires the applicant's own qualifying occupational specialty.
Older Board Eligibility Demands
Rule 3.4(A) also asks for active medical-corps duty or honorable separation within six months, two professional references and two years of practice in the preceding five years. These are the older Board rule's demands; section 73-50-1 governs the statutory eligibility alternatives.
Older Board Examination Demand
Part 1901 Rule 3.4(A)(4) states: "Submit verification of a completed licensing examination as described in these rules." Part 1903 Rule 2.2(D) identifies AMFTRB. This older lower-ranked rule demand is recorded as an applicant condition; the subsequent mandatory statutory recognition criteria control the requirement tree.
Processing
Board issues or denies within 120 days. When processing takes longer than two weeks, section 73-50-1(6) requires an interim permit within 30 days on affidavit and fee conditions.
Qualifying Basis
Awarded a qualifying military occupational specialty, completed military training, completed testing or equivalent training and experience, and performed in that specialty.
Scope
MFT discipline and qualifying practice scope must be accepted by the Board; this route does not confer authority beyond the recognized practice level.
Statutory Examination Boundary
Section 73-50-1(3)-(4) supplies mandatory eligibility notwithstanding other law. Military testing or equivalent training and experience is an applicant qualification, and verification of another jurisdiction's licensing history is prior qualification evidence; these statutory recognition routes impose no identified currently offered MFT examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-07-01.

Licensure by endorsement for nonresidents
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Complete signed and notarized application, photo, transcript, license verification and fees; current endorsement checklist also asks for AMFTRB passing-score verification.
Background Check
Fingerprint criminal-history and background check received directly within 90 days before the completed application under Rule 2.2(G)(2)(d).
Discipline
No disciplinary record or pending disciplinary action; the Board defers action while pending matters remain unresolved.
License And Equivalence
Rule 2.2(G)(2) asks for at least one year of independent licensure and education, work experience and clinical supervision equivalent to Mississippi; license verification must arrive directly from the licensing authority.
Residence
Applicant is a nonresident and holds an independent MFT license in another state.
Score Evidence
The national Examination in Marital and Family Therapy must have been passed; prior passage of the currently offered exam remains a leaf.
Waiver Statement
The Board's Form 401 section VI(b) states: "The Board may waive the examination requirement only under exceptional circumstances." Record that implementation statement for the applicant; section 73-54-23(1) requires national examination passage.
Reactivation from approved inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Demonstrate compliance with continuing-education requirements; Rule 4.2(H) requires CE for the immediate two years before renewal or reactivation, and Rule 2.4(F) asks for CE that would have been required during inactive status.
Examination Boundary
Section 73-54-27(5) defines return from inactive to active status by notification, fee and continuing-education compliance; no MFT examination is prescribed for this reactivation route.
Inactive Term
Inactive status is two years, with a possible additional two-year Board-approved extension. If the period ends without a requested and granted extension, the rules deem the license lapsed and require a new application.
Notification
Notify the Board in writing of intention to resume active practice and pay the current fee.
Prior Status
Previously issued LMFT license was placed on approved inactive status; associates are not eligible for inactive status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2018-07-01.

New application after a lapse exceeding two years
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit a signed and notarized complete application, required documents, recent photograph and fees; the Board considers the application only after receiving all required items.
Background Check
Acceptable fingerprint criminal-history and sex-offender checks received directly from governmental authorities. Rule 2.2 requires clearance within 180 days of the completed application; the associate application section VI(5) asks for 90 days.
Character
Good moral character, no prohibited professional conduct, and no unresolved disciplinary matter to the Board's satisfaction; disclose background and disciplinary information honestly.
Education
Master's or doctoral degree in MFT from a COAMFTE-accredited program, or a program in candidacy at graduation that subsequently received COAMFTE accreditation; official transcript sent directly by the institution.
Exam Timing
The Board requires a passing AMFTRB score before considering the license application. A currently enrolled COAMFTE student may seek approval to sit within 90 days before graduation with written program-director approval; Board approval and an examination application are required.
Minimum Age
At least 21 years of age under section 73-54-13(d) and Part 1903 Rule 2.2(B)(7).
Postgraduate Experience
Two years of documented MFT clinical experience after the first qualifying degree in an agency, institution or group practice, including at least 1,000 direct client-contact hours; apply within two years after completing that experience.
Practicum
A clinical practicum of at least 12 consecutive months: 500 client contact hours, including at least 300 direct and 100 relational contact hours, and 100 supervision hours, under an AAMFT Approved Supervisor or appropriately supervised Supervisor Candidate; practicum groups no larger than eight.
Previous Passing Score
A previously passed currently offered AMFTRB examination is still a leaf. The sources require current licensure qualifications; they do not state that every applicant must retake a previously passed national examination.
Prior License
Previous license has lapsed more than two years; reapply under qualifications in effect when the new application is received.
Score Evidence
Provide official verification of passing AMFTRB results. A previously passed examination remains represented by the frozen current registered version, in accordance with the survey contract; the leaf does not instruct an already-qualified applicant to retake it.
Supervision
200 total MFT supervision hours, at least 50 individual, at least 100 with an AAMFT Approved Supervisor; up to 100 graduate supervision hours may count, and all 100 postgraduate hours require a Board-approved supervisor.
Supervision Credit
Up to one year of a qualifying COAMFTE doctoral clinical internship may count toward experience; the Board may accept up to half of the required 100 postgraduate supervision hours obtained outside Mississippi when substantially equivalent.
Supervision Documentation
Supervisor sends the first evaluation at 10 to 12 months, final evaluation and termination documentation at completion; submit verification of postgraduate experience and three references from licensed mental-health professionals who have known the applicant for at least one year.
Supervision Plan
Board approval before postgraduate supervision; no more than four preapproval hours may count for developing the plan. Supervision normally spans 24 to 36 consecutive months, averaging weekly one-hour or biweekly two-hour meetings, with Board-approved extensions for unusual circumstances.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete renewal application, supporting documents, CE summary as applicable and fees; first-time criminal-history check, if none was previously submitted, must be received directly within 180 days.
Continuing Education
24 approved continuing-education hours in each two-year period, including four MFT ethics hours; no CE for the first renewal. Rule 4.1 limits distance learning to 12 hours, including no more than two ethics hours; approved supervisors also need two supervision hours.
Examination Boundary
Section 73-54-27 and Part 1903 Rule 4.2 prescribe renewal by application, applicable continuing education and fees; they do not impose an MFT examination for this renewal route. Course post-tests, where used for continuing education, are training conditions.
Renewal Period
Biennial renewal by September 30 of the applicable year; term begins October 1 and ends September 30.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2018-07-01.

Universal recognition based on lawful experience in an unlicensed occupation
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Complete application, signed and notarized universal-recognition affidavit, documentary proof and required fees.
Conditional Jurisprudence
Section 73-50-2(5) and Rule 3.5(B)(4) allow a state-law examination only if the occupation's issuance already requires such an examination. This conditional slot does not identify an actually administered MFT state examination and is recorded as a condition.
Conduct
No disqualifying criminal record, no conduct constituting grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation, no license surrender for negligence or intentional misconduct, and no unresolved investigation or complaint; pay applicable fees and submit the required background check.
National Examination
Effective July 1, 2026, section 73-50-2(14) preserves MFT education, supervised training and examination requirements under section 73-54-23; that section requires passage of the national MFT examination. Prior passage is a requirement leaf regardless of when taken.
Older Implementation Timing
Part 1903 Rule 2.2(G)(3) says 30 days for the permit and 360 days for its expiration; Part 1901 Rule 3.5(E)-(F) and the affidavit say 30 days and 365 days. The 2026 statute controls MFT permit issuance at 60 days.
Preserved Requirements
The experience alternative in subsection (4) is retained alongside subsection (14); the latter preserves the MFT examination requirement. Any requested education, supervised-training or credential documentation under section 73-54-23 remains an applicant condition, rather than a reason to remove the named examination.
Processing
Issue or deny within 120 days; for an MFT application taking more than two weeks, the 2026 statute provides an interim permit within 60 days, on the statutory affidavit and fee conditions.
Qualifying Experience
At least three years of lawful MFT work in a state that did not license the occupation, in a similar scope of practice; satisfy section 73-50-2(3)(c)-(f). Prior work and the Board's same-level determination are applicant conditions.
Residence
Establish Mississippi residence through a state-issued identification card, residential utility bill, ownership or lease, in-state employment or promised employment, or other Board-approved documentation.
Same Practice Level
Recognition is in the discipline applied for and at the same practice level and similar MFT scope, as determined by the Board; it does not enlarge the applicant's authorized scope.
Universal recognition based on an out of state license
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Complete application, signed and notarized universal-recognition affidavit, documentary proof and required fees.
Conditional Jurisprudence
Section 73-50-2(5) and Rule 3.5(B)(4) allow a state-law examination only if the occupation's issuance already requires such an examination. This conditional slot does not identify an actually administered MFT state examination and is recorded as a condition.
Conduct
No disqualifying criminal record, no conduct constituting grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation, no license surrender for negligence or intentional misconduct, and no unresolved investigation or complaint; pay applicable fees and submit the required background check.
National Examination
Effective July 1, 2026, section 73-50-2(14) preserves MFT education, supervised training and examination requirements under section 73-54-23; that section requires passage of the national MFT examination. Prior passage is a requirement leaf regardless of when taken.
Older Implementation Timing
Part 1903 Rule 2.2(G)(3) says 30 days for the permit and 360 days for its expiration; Part 1901 Rule 3.5(E)-(F) and the affidavit say 30 days and 365 days. The 2026 statute controls MFT permit issuance at 60 days.
Processing
Issue or deny within 120 days; for an MFT application taking more than two weeks, the 2026 statute provides an interim permit within 60 days, on the statutory affidavit and fee conditions.
Qualifying License
Current and valid MFT license in good standing held in another state for at least one year; the other licensing authority verifies fulfillment of its minimum education and applicable experience, examination and supervision requirements.
Residence
Establish Mississippi residence through a state-issued identification card, residential utility bill, ownership or lease, in-state employment or promised employment, or other Board-approved documentation.
Same Practice Level
Recognition is in the discipline applied for and at the same practice level and similar MFT scope, as determined by the Board; it does not enlarge the applicant's authorized scope.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate (LMFTA)

Associate license for supervised practice in an agency under a Board-approved supervision contract; statutory term is twenty-four months, renewable to a total of forty-eight months.

Licensing authority: Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists · Application information

Reinstatement after suspension or revocation
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit a signed and notarized complete application, required documents, recent photograph and fees; the Board considers the application only after receiving all required items.
Application Practicum Statement
The Board's current associate application section V asks the applicant to attest to 500 face-to-face hours including 200 relational hours and a supervision ratio of one to six. These are the application's statements; the controlling rule specifies 100 relational hours and 100 supervision hours.
Background Check
Acceptable fingerprint criminal-history and sex-offender checks received directly from governmental authorities. Rule 2.2 requires clearance within 180 days of the completed application; the associate application section VI(5) asks for 90 days.
Character
Good moral character, no prohibited professional conduct, and no unresolved disciplinary matter to the Board's satisfaction; disclose background and disciplinary information honestly.
Disciplinary Order
All conditions of suspension, revocation, disciplinary action or Board order must be completed to the Board's satisfaction. Reinstatement remains subject to Board approval.
Education
Master's or doctoral degree in MFT from a COAMFTE-accredited program, or a program in candidacy at graduation that subsequently received COAMFTE accreditation; official transcript sent directly by the institution.
Exam Timing
The Board requires a passing AMFTRB score before considering the license application. A currently enrolled COAMFTE student may seek approval to sit within 90 days before graduation with written program-director approval; Board approval and an examination application are required.
License Term
Issued for 24 months, renewable biennially to a total of 48 months under section 73-54-17(2).
Minimum Age
At least 21 years of age under section 73-54-13(d) and Part 1903 Rule 2.2(B)(7).
New Qualifications
Rule 4.3(A)(4) requires a new license application meeting current licensing qualifications, including the identified national MFT examination; prior passing-score evidence remains relevant without presuming a mandatory retake.
Nonpractice Affidavit
Notarized affidavit of no unauthorized MFT practice or MFT title use since expiration, suspension or revocation; applicable licensure exemptions or lawful practice under another state's valid license are recognized by the rule.
Practicum
Section 73-54-17(2)(b) requires 500 practicum client-contact hours and 100 clinical-supervision hours before the degree. Rule 2.2(E)(3) adds a 12-month practicum, at least 300 direct and 100 relational contact hours, AAMFT-qualified supervision and groups no larger than eight.
References
Three acceptable professional references sent directly by licensed mental-health professionals who have known the applicant for at least one year.
Reinstatement Documents
Completed reinstatement application and supporting evidence, letter explaining the request, CE documentation for the period that would have required CE, and reinstatement and other fees.
Score Evidence
Provide official verification of passing AMFTRB results. A previously passed examination remains represented by the frozen current registered version, in accordance with the survey contract; the leaf does not instruct an already-qualified applicant to retake it.
Supervised Practice
Provide all services under a qualified supervisor and a Board-approved supervision contract in an agency setting; submit the approved plan.
Initial associate licensure by education, practicum and examination
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit a signed and notarized complete application, required documents, recent photograph and fees; the Board considers the application only after receiving all required items.
Application Practicum Statement
The Board's current associate application section V asks the applicant to attest to 500 face-to-face hours including 200 relational hours and a supervision ratio of one to six. These are the application's statements; the controlling rule specifies 100 relational hours and 100 supervision hours.
Background Check
Acceptable fingerprint criminal-history and sex-offender checks received directly from governmental authorities. Rule 2.2 requires clearance within 180 days of the completed application; the associate application section VI(5) asks for 90 days.
Character
Good moral character, no prohibited professional conduct, and no unresolved disciplinary matter to the Board's satisfaction; disclose background and disciplinary information honestly.
Education
Master's or doctoral degree in MFT from a COAMFTE-accredited program, or a program in candidacy at graduation that subsequently received COAMFTE accreditation; official transcript sent directly by the institution.
Exam Timing
The Board requires a passing AMFTRB score before considering the license application. A currently enrolled COAMFTE student may seek approval to sit within 90 days before graduation with written program-director approval; Board approval and an examination application are required.
License Term
Issued for 24 months, renewable biennially to a total of 48 months under section 73-54-17(2).
Minimum Age
At least 21 years of age under section 73-54-13(d) and Part 1903 Rule 2.2(B)(7).
Practicum
Section 73-54-17(2)(b) requires 500 practicum client-contact hours and 100 clinical-supervision hours before the degree. Rule 2.2(E)(3) adds a 12-month practicum, at least 300 direct and 100 relational contact hours, AAMFT-qualified supervision and groups no larger than eight.
References
Three acceptable professional references sent directly by licensed mental-health professionals who have known the applicant for at least one year.
Score Evidence
Provide official verification of passing AMFTRB results. A previously passed examination remains represented by the frozen current registered version, in accordance with the survey contract; the leaf does not instruct an already-qualified applicant to retake it.
Supervised Practice
Provide all services under a qualified supervisor and a Board-approved supervision contract in an agency setting; submit the approved plan.
Restoration of a license lapsed more than thirty days and no more than two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete renewal application, supporting documents, CE summary as applicable and fees; first-time criminal-history check, if none was previously submitted, must be received directly within 180 days.
Board Reinstatement Procedure
Rule 2.4(E) calls this reinstatement after 30 days. Submit reinstatement forms, explanation, required nonpractice affidavit, background check, CE documentation and fees.
Conflicting Rule Examination Demand
Rule 4.3(A)(4) states: "The licensee must apply for a new license and must meet the requirements and conditions for licensure set forth in the governing law and the rules and regulations that are in effect at the time the new application or re-application is received by the Board." Section 73-54-27(2) expressly permits renewal of a license lapsed no more than two years; this statutory renewal route is retained without an exam leaf, and the lower-ranked new-licensure demand remains an applicant condition.
Continuing Education
Section 73-54-27(4) names associates in the continuing-education obligation; Part 1903 Rule 4.1(A) states associates are not required to participate. The statutory obligation is retained with the Board's exemption statement; the 24-hour and ethics-hour amounts are published for LMFTs.
Examination Boundary
Section 73-54-27 and Part 1903 Rule 4.2 prescribe renewal by application, applicable continuing education and fees; they do not impose an MFT examination for this renewal route. Course post-tests, where used for continuing education, are training conditions.
Maximum Term
Section 73-54-17(2) limits associate licensure to a total of 48 months.
Renewal Period
Biennial renewal by September 30 of the applicable year; term begins October 1 and ends September 30.
Timing
License lapsed for more than 30 days but no more than two years; section 73-54-27(2) permits renewal on payment of all fees in arrears.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2018-07-01.

Late renewal within thirty days of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete renewal application, supporting documents, CE summary as applicable and fees; first-time criminal-history check, if none was previously submitted, must be received directly within 180 days.
Continuing Education
Section 73-54-27(4) names associates in the continuing-education obligation; Part 1903 Rule 4.1(A) states associates are not required to participate. The statutory obligation is retained with the Board's exemption statement; the 24-hour and ethics-hour amounts are published for LMFTs.
Examination Boundary
Section 73-54-27 and Part 1903 Rule 4.2 prescribe renewal by application, applicable continuing education and fees; they do not impose an MFT examination for this renewal route. Course post-tests, where used for continuing education, are training conditions.
Maximum Term
Section 73-54-17(2) limits associate licensure to a total of 48 months.
Renewal Period
Biennial renewal by September 30 of the applicable year; term begins October 1 and ends September 30.
Timing
Renewal submitted less than 30 calendar days after expiration is a late renewal and carries a late fee; no MFT practice is permitted while the license is lapsed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2018-07-01.

Military Family Freedom Act recognition based on experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Associate Practice
Recognition is limited to an associate MFT practice level determined by the Board, with supervised services and the statutory associate license term.
Character And Conduct
No disqualifying criminal record or conduct that warrants refusal, suspension or revocation; no license surrender for negligence or misconduct and no unresolved complaint or investigation, subject to the statutory resolution provision.
Conditional Jurisprudence
Section 73-50-1(5) permits a relevant Mississippi jurisprudential examination only if the occupation already requires it. This conditional slot is not an independently identified state examination.
Documents And Fees
Application and supporting military or licensing/experience documentation, statutory fees, and required criminal-history checks.
Military Relationship
Applicant is a military member, or married to or dependent on a military member, under section 73-50-1. The military-trained specialty alternative requires the applicant's own qualifying occupational specialty.
Older Board Eligibility Demands
Rule 3.4(A) also asks for active medical-corps duty or honorable separation within six months, two professional references and two years of practice in the preceding five years. These are the older Board rule's demands; section 73-50-1 governs the statutory eligibility alternatives.
Older Board Examination Demand
Part 1901 Rule 3.4(A)(4) states: "Submit verification of a completed licensing examination as described in these rules." Part 1903 Rule 2.2(D) identifies AMFTRB. This older lower-ranked rule demand is recorded as an applicant condition; the subsequent mandatory statutory recognition criteria control the requirement tree.
Processing
Board issues or denies within 120 days. When processing takes longer than two weeks, section 73-50-1(6) requires an interim permit within 30 days on affidavit and fee conditions.
Qualifying Basis
At least three years of lawful MFT work in a state that did not license the occupation, with a similar scope as determined by the Board.
Scope
MFT discipline and qualifying practice scope must be accepted by the Board; this route does not confer authority beyond the recognized practice level.
Statutory Examination Boundary
Section 73-50-1(3)-(4) supplies mandatory eligibility notwithstanding other law. Military testing or equivalent training and experience is an applicant qualification, and verification of another jurisdiction's licensing history is prior qualification evidence; these statutory recognition routes impose no identified currently offered MFT examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-07-01.

Military Family Freedom Act recognition based on license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Associate Practice
Recognition is limited to an associate MFT practice level determined by the Board, with supervised services and the statutory associate license term.
Character And Conduct
No disqualifying criminal record or conduct that warrants refusal, suspension or revocation; no license surrender for negligence or misconduct and no unresolved complaint or investigation, subject to the statutory resolution provision.
Conditional Jurisprudence
Section 73-50-1(5) permits a relevant Mississippi jurisprudential examination only if the occupation already requires it. This conditional slot is not an independently identified state examination.
Documents And Fees
Application and supporting military or licensing/experience documentation, statutory fees, and required criminal-history checks.
Military Relationship
Applicant is a military member, or married to or dependent on a military member, under section 73-50-1. The military-trained specialty alternative requires the applicant's own qualifying occupational specialty.
Older Board Eligibility Demands
Rule 3.4(A) also asks for active medical-corps duty or honorable separation within six months, two professional references and two years of practice in the preceding five years. These are the older Board rule's demands; section 73-50-1 governs the statutory eligibility alternatives.
Older Board Examination Demand
Part 1901 Rule 3.4(A)(4) states: "Submit verification of a completed licensing examination as described in these rules." Part 1903 Rule 2.2(D) identifies AMFTRB. This older lower-ranked rule demand is recorded as an applicant condition; the subsequent mandatory statutory recognition criteria control the requirement tree.
Processing
Board issues or denies within 120 days. When processing takes longer than two weeks, section 73-50-1(6) requires an interim permit within 30 days on affidavit and fee conditions.
Qualifying Basis
Current and valid license in another state with a Board-determined similar MFT scope, held for at least one year and in good standing.
Scope
MFT discipline and qualifying practice scope must be accepted by the Board; this route does not confer authority beyond the recognized practice level.
Statutory Examination Boundary
Section 73-50-1(3)-(4) supplies mandatory eligibility notwithstanding other law. Military testing or equivalent training and experience is an applicant qualification, and verification of another jurisdiction's licensing history is prior qualification evidence; these statutory recognition routes impose no identified currently offered MFT examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-07-01.

Military Family Freedom Act recognition based on specialty
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Associate Practice
Recognition is limited to an associate MFT practice level determined by the Board, with supervised services and the statutory associate license term.
Character And Conduct
No disqualifying criminal record or conduct that warrants refusal, suspension or revocation; no license surrender for negligence or misconduct and no unresolved complaint or investigation, subject to the statutory resolution provision.
Conditional Jurisprudence
Section 73-50-1(5) permits a relevant Mississippi jurisprudential examination only if the occupation already requires it. This conditional slot is not an independently identified state examination.
Documents And Fees
Application and supporting military or licensing/experience documentation, statutory fees, and required criminal-history checks.
Military Relationship
Applicant is a military member, or married to or dependent on a military member, under section 73-50-1. The military-trained specialty alternative requires the applicant's own qualifying occupational specialty.
Older Board Eligibility Demands
Rule 3.4(A) also asks for active medical-corps duty or honorable separation within six months, two professional references and two years of practice in the preceding five years. These are the older Board rule's demands; section 73-50-1 governs the statutory eligibility alternatives.
Older Board Examination Demand
Part 1901 Rule 3.4(A)(4) states: "Submit verification of a completed licensing examination as described in these rules." Part 1903 Rule 2.2(D) identifies AMFTRB. This older lower-ranked rule demand is recorded as an applicant condition; the subsequent mandatory statutory recognition criteria control the requirement tree.
Processing
Board issues or denies within 120 days. When processing takes longer than two weeks, section 73-50-1(6) requires an interim permit within 30 days on affidavit and fee conditions.
Qualifying Basis
Awarded a qualifying military occupational specialty, completed military training, completed testing or equivalent training and experience, and performed in that specialty.
Scope
MFT discipline and qualifying practice scope must be accepted by the Board; this route does not confer authority beyond the recognized practice level.
Statutory Examination Boundary
Section 73-50-1(3)-(4) supplies mandatory eligibility notwithstanding other law. Military testing or equivalent training and experience is an applicant qualification, and verification of another jurisdiction's licensing history is prior qualification evidence; these statutory recognition routes impose no identified currently offered MFT examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-07-01.

New application after a lapse exceeding two years
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit a signed and notarized complete application, required documents, recent photograph and fees; the Board considers the application only after receiving all required items.
Application Practicum Statement
The Board's current associate application section V asks the applicant to attest to 500 face-to-face hours including 200 relational hours and a supervision ratio of one to six. These are the application's statements; the controlling rule specifies 100 relational hours and 100 supervision hours.
Background Check
Acceptable fingerprint criminal-history and sex-offender checks received directly from governmental authorities. Rule 2.2 requires clearance within 180 days of the completed application; the associate application section VI(5) asks for 90 days.
Character
Good moral character, no prohibited professional conduct, and no unresolved disciplinary matter to the Board's satisfaction; disclose background and disciplinary information honestly.
Education
Master's or doctoral degree in MFT from a COAMFTE-accredited program, or a program in candidacy at graduation that subsequently received COAMFTE accreditation; official transcript sent directly by the institution.
Exam Timing
The Board requires a passing AMFTRB score before considering the license application. A currently enrolled COAMFTE student may seek approval to sit within 90 days before graduation with written program-director approval; Board approval and an examination application are required.
License Term
Issued for 24 months, renewable biennially to a total of 48 months under section 73-54-17(2).
Minimum Age
At least 21 years of age under section 73-54-13(d) and Part 1903 Rule 2.2(B)(7).
Practicum
Section 73-54-17(2)(b) requires 500 practicum client-contact hours and 100 clinical-supervision hours before the degree. Rule 2.2(E)(3) adds a 12-month practicum, at least 300 direct and 100 relational contact hours, AAMFT-qualified supervision and groups no larger than eight.
Previous Passing Score
A previously passed currently offered AMFTRB examination is still a leaf. The sources require current licensure qualifications; they do not state that every applicant must retake a previously passed national examination.
Prior License
Previous license has lapsed more than two years; reapply under qualifications in effect when the new application is received.
References
Three acceptable professional references sent directly by licensed mental-health professionals who have known the applicant for at least one year.
Score Evidence
Provide official verification of passing AMFTRB results. A previously passed examination remains represented by the frozen current registered version, in accordance with the survey contract; the leaf does not instruct an already-qualified applicant to retake it.
Supervised Practice
Provide all services under a qualified supervisor and a Board-approved supervision contract in an agency setting; submit the approved plan.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete renewal application, supporting documents, CE summary as applicable and fees; first-time criminal-history check, if none was previously submitted, must be received directly within 180 days.
Continuing Education
Section 73-54-27(4) names associates in the continuing-education obligation; Part 1903 Rule 4.1(A) states associates are not required to participate. The statutory obligation is retained with the Board's exemption statement; the 24-hour and ethics-hour amounts are published for LMFTs.
Examination Boundary
Section 73-54-27 and Part 1903 Rule 4.2 prescribe renewal by application, applicable continuing education and fees; they do not impose an MFT examination for this renewal route. Course post-tests, where used for continuing education, are training conditions.
Maximum Term
Section 73-54-17(2) limits associate licensure to a total of 48 months.
Renewal Period
Biennial renewal by September 30 of the applicable year; term begins October 1 and ends September 30.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2018-07-01.

Universal recognition based on lawful experience in an unlicensed occupation
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Complete application, signed and notarized universal-recognition affidavit, documentary proof and required fees.
Associate Scope
This recognition claim is limited to the associate practice level; section 73-50-2 grants recognition at the same level. The associate's supervised-practice conditions and 48-month total term remain applicable.
Board Endorsement Statement
Part 1903 Rule 2.2(G)(1) states: "The Board does not license Marriage and Family Therapy Associates by endorsement." This older rule is retained as an applicant-visible statement; the controlling recognition statute speaks to licenses in the same discipline and at the same practice level.
Conditional Jurisprudence
Section 73-50-2(5) and Rule 3.5(B)(4) allow a state-law examination only if the occupation's issuance already requires such an examination. This conditional slot does not identify an actually administered MFT state examination and is recorded as a condition.
Conduct
No disqualifying criminal record, no conduct constituting grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation, no license surrender for negligence or intentional misconduct, and no unresolved investigation or complaint; pay applicable fees and submit the required background check.
National Examination
Effective July 1, 2026, section 73-50-2(14) preserves MFT education, supervised training and examination requirements under section 73-54-23; that section requires passage of the national MFT examination. Prior passage is a requirement leaf regardless of when taken.
Older Implementation Timing
Part 1903 Rule 2.2(G)(3) says 30 days for the permit and 360 days for its expiration; Part 1901 Rule 3.5(E)-(F) and the affidavit say 30 days and 365 days. The 2026 statute controls MFT permit issuance at 60 days.
Preserved Requirements
The experience alternative in subsection (4) is retained alongside subsection (14); the latter preserves the MFT examination requirement. Any requested education, supervised-training or credential documentation under section 73-54-23 remains an applicant condition, rather than a reason to remove the named examination.
Processing
Issue or deny within 120 days; for an MFT application taking more than two weeks, the 2026 statute provides an interim permit within 60 days, on the statutory affidavit and fee conditions.
Qualifying Experience
At least three years of lawful MFT work in a state that did not license the occupation, in a similar scope of practice; satisfy section 73-50-2(3)(c)-(f). Prior work and the Board's same-level determination are applicant conditions.
Residence
Establish Mississippi residence through a state-issued identification card, residential utility bill, ownership or lease, in-state employment or promised employment, or other Board-approved documentation.
Same Practice Level
Recognition is in the discipline applied for and at the same practice level and similar MFT scope, as determined by the Board; it does not enlarge the applicant's authorized scope.
Universal recognition based on an out of state license
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Complete application, signed and notarized universal-recognition affidavit, documentary proof and required fees.
Associate Scope
This recognition claim is limited to the associate practice level; section 73-50-2 grants recognition at the same level. The associate's supervised-practice conditions and 48-month total term remain applicable.
Board Endorsement Statement
Part 1903 Rule 2.2(G)(1) states: "The Board does not license Marriage and Family Therapy Associates by endorsement." This older rule is retained as an applicant-visible statement; the controlling recognition statute speaks to licenses in the same discipline and at the same practice level.
Conditional Jurisprudence
Section 73-50-2(5) and Rule 3.5(B)(4) allow a state-law examination only if the occupation's issuance already requires such an examination. This conditional slot does not identify an actually administered MFT state examination and is recorded as a condition.
Conduct
No disqualifying criminal record, no conduct constituting grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation, no license surrender for negligence or intentional misconduct, and no unresolved investigation or complaint; pay applicable fees and submit the required background check.
National Examination
Effective July 1, 2026, section 73-50-2(14) preserves MFT education, supervised training and examination requirements under section 73-54-23; that section requires passage of the national MFT examination. Prior passage is a requirement leaf regardless of when taken.
Older Implementation Timing
Part 1903 Rule 2.2(G)(3) says 30 days for the permit and 360 days for its expiration; Part 1901 Rule 3.5(E)-(F) and the affidavit say 30 days and 365 days. The 2026 statute controls MFT permit issuance at 60 days.
Processing
Issue or deny within 120 days; for an MFT application taking more than two weeks, the 2026 statute provides an interim permit within 60 days, on the statutory affidavit and fee conditions.
Qualifying License
Current and valid MFT license in good standing held in another state for at least one year; the other licensing authority verifies fulfillment of its minimum education and applicable experience, examination and supervision requirements.
Residence
Establish Mississippi residence through a state-issued identification card, residential utility bill, ownership or lease, in-state employment or promised employment, or other Board-approved documentation.
Same Practice Level
Recognition is in the discipline applied for and at the same practice level and similar MFT scope, as determined by the Board; it does not enlarge the applicant's authorized scope.

Temporary License by Examination of Credentials for Marriage and Family Therapy

Temporary license under section 73-54-23(2), confined to a nonprofit health or family counseling facility and the qualifying out-of-state MFT scope; up to 365 days while regular licensure is completed.

Licensing authority: Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists · Application information

Temporary license by examination of out of state MFT credentials
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Board-prescribed application, credential verification, applicable fees and criminal-history check.
Duration
Issue within 60 days after receipt of qualifying credentials; practice while a regular license is being obtained for no more than 365 days.
National Examination
Must have passed the applicable national examination for marriage and family therapy. The ASWB alternative in the same statute applies to social workers, not to this MFT applicant.
Practice Setting
Practice is limited to a nonprofit health or family counseling facility and the same recognized scope.
Qualifying License
Licensed or certified in MFT in another state for at least one year, in good standing, with requirements for the same scope of practice that establish competency to the Board.
Reimbursement
Insurers reimburse based on the temporary license, subject to repayment if the regular application is denied.

Temporary Practice Permit for Marriage and Family Therapy

Interim practice permit pending recognition of credentials or military qualifications, distinct from the nonprofit-facility temporary license under section 73-54-23(2).

Licensing authority: Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists · Application information

Temporary practice permit pending military recognition based on experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Character And Conduct
No disqualifying criminal record or conduct that warrants refusal, suspension or revocation; no license surrender for negligence or misconduct and no unresolved complaint or investigation, subject to the statutory resolution provision.
Conditional Jurisprudence
Section 73-50-1(5) permits a relevant Mississippi jurisprudential examination only if the occupation already requires it. This conditional slot is not an independently identified state examination.
Documents And Fees
Application and supporting military or licensing/experience documentation, statutory fees, and required criminal-history checks.
Military Relationship
Applicant is a military member, or married to or dependent on a military member, under section 73-50-1. The military-trained specialty alternative requires the applicant's own qualifying occupational specialty.
Older Board Eligibility Demands
Rule 3.4(A) also asks for active medical-corps duty or honorable separation within six months, two professional references and two years of practice in the preceding five years. These are the older Board rule's demands; section 73-50-1 governs the statutory eligibility alternatives.
Older Board Examination Demand
Part 1901 Rule 3.4(A)(4) states: "Submit verification of a completed licensing examination as described in these rules." Part 1903 Rule 2.2(D) identifies AMFTRB. This older lower-ranked rule demand is recorded as an applicant condition; the subsequent mandatory statutory recognition criteria control the requirement tree.
Permit Practice
Practice pending license grant or denial, within the qualifying MFT practice scope. A 365-day expiration is stated if the applicant fails the applicable subsection (5) requirement.
Permit Trigger
Military recognition application takes more than two weeks; provide statutory sworn eligibility affidavit and fees. Permit is issued within 30 days.
Processing
Board issues or denies within 120 days. When processing takes longer than two weeks, section 73-50-1(6) requires an interim permit within 30 days on affidavit and fee conditions.
Qualifying Basis
At least three years of lawful similar-scope MFT work where the other state did not license the occupation.
Scope
MFT discipline and qualifying practice scope must be accepted by the Board; this route does not confer authority beyond the recognized practice level.
Statutory Examination Boundary
Section 73-50-1(3)-(4) supplies mandatory eligibility notwithstanding other law. Military testing or equivalent training and experience is an applicant qualification, and verification of another jurisdiction's licensing history is prior qualification evidence; these statutory recognition routes impose no identified currently offered MFT examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-01.

Temporary practice permit pending military recognition based on license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Character And Conduct
No disqualifying criminal record or conduct that warrants refusal, suspension or revocation; no license surrender for negligence or misconduct and no unresolved complaint or investigation, subject to the statutory resolution provision.
Conditional Jurisprudence
Section 73-50-1(5) permits a relevant Mississippi jurisprudential examination only if the occupation already requires it. This conditional slot is not an independently identified state examination.
Documents And Fees
Application and supporting military or licensing/experience documentation, statutory fees, and required criminal-history checks.
Military Relationship
Applicant is a military member, or married to or dependent on a military member, under section 73-50-1. The military-trained specialty alternative requires the applicant's own qualifying occupational specialty.
Older Board Eligibility Demands
Rule 3.4(A) also asks for active medical-corps duty or honorable separation within six months, two professional references and two years of practice in the preceding five years. These are the older Board rule's demands; section 73-50-1 governs the statutory eligibility alternatives.
Older Board Examination Demand
Part 1901 Rule 3.4(A)(4) states: "Submit verification of a completed licensing examination as described in these rules." Part 1903 Rule 2.2(D) identifies AMFTRB. This older lower-ranked rule demand is recorded as an applicant condition; the subsequent mandatory statutory recognition criteria control the requirement tree.
Permit Practice
Practice pending license grant or denial, within the qualifying MFT practice scope. A 365-day expiration is stated if the applicant fails the applicable subsection (5) requirement.
Permit Trigger
Military recognition application takes more than two weeks; provide statutory sworn eligibility affidavit and fees. Permit is issued within 30 days.
Processing
Board issues or denies within 120 days. When processing takes longer than two weeks, section 73-50-1(6) requires an interim permit within 30 days on affidavit and fee conditions.
Qualifying Basis
Current and valid similar-scope MFT license in another state held at least one year.
Scope
MFT discipline and qualifying practice scope must be accepted by the Board; this route does not confer authority beyond the recognized practice level.
Statutory Examination Boundary
Section 73-50-1(3)-(4) supplies mandatory eligibility notwithstanding other law. Military testing or equivalent training and experience is an applicant qualification, and verification of another jurisdiction's licensing history is prior qualification evidence; these statutory recognition routes impose no identified currently offered MFT examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-01.

Temporary practice permit pending military recognition based on specialty
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Character And Conduct
No disqualifying criminal record or conduct that warrants refusal, suspension or revocation; no license surrender for negligence or misconduct and no unresolved complaint or investigation, subject to the statutory resolution provision.
Conditional Jurisprudence
Section 73-50-1(5) permits a relevant Mississippi jurisprudential examination only if the occupation already requires it. This conditional slot is not an independently identified state examination.
Documents And Fees
Application and supporting military or licensing/experience documentation, statutory fees, and required criminal-history checks.
Military Relationship
Applicant is a military member, or married to or dependent on a military member, under section 73-50-1. The military-trained specialty alternative requires the applicant's own qualifying occupational specialty.
Older Board Eligibility Demands
Rule 3.4(A) also asks for active medical-corps duty or honorable separation within six months, two professional references and two years of practice in the preceding five years. These are the older Board rule's demands; section 73-50-1 governs the statutory eligibility alternatives.
Older Board Examination Demand
Part 1901 Rule 3.4(A)(4) states: "Submit verification of a completed licensing examination as described in these rules." Part 1903 Rule 2.2(D) identifies AMFTRB. This older lower-ranked rule demand is recorded as an applicant condition; the subsequent mandatory statutory recognition criteria control the requirement tree.
Permit Practice
Practice pending license grant or denial, within the qualifying MFT practice scope. A 365-day expiration is stated if the applicant fails the applicable subsection (5) requirement.
Permit Trigger
Military recognition application takes more than two weeks; provide statutory sworn eligibility affidavit and fees. Permit is issued within 30 days.
Processing
Board issues or denies within 120 days. When processing takes longer than two weeks, section 73-50-1(6) requires an interim permit within 30 days on affidavit and fee conditions.
Qualifying Basis
Qualifying military occupational specialty, military training, testing or equivalent training and experience, and performance in the specialty.
Scope
MFT discipline and qualifying practice scope must be accepted by the Board; this route does not confer authority beyond the recognized practice level.
Statutory Examination Boundary
Section 73-50-1(3)-(4) supplies mandatory eligibility notwithstanding other law. Military testing or equivalent training and experience is an applicant qualification, and verification of another jurisdiction's licensing history is prior qualification evidence; these statutory recognition routes impose no identified currently offered MFT examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-01.

Temporary practice permit pending universal recognition based on experience
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Complete application, signed and notarized universal-recognition affidavit, documentary proof and required fees.
Conditional Jurisprudence
Section 73-50-2(5) and Rule 3.5(B)(4) allow a state-law examination only if the occupation's issuance already requires such an examination. This conditional slot does not identify an actually administered MFT state examination and is recorded as a condition.
Conduct
No disqualifying criminal record, no conduct constituting grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation, no license surrender for negligence or intentional misconduct, and no unresolved investigation or complaint; pay applicable fees and submit the required background check.
National Examination
Effective July 1, 2026, section 73-50-2(14) preserves MFT education, supervised training and examination requirements under section 73-54-23; that section requires passage of the national MFT examination. Prior passage is a requirement leaf regardless of when taken.
Older Implementation Timing
Part 1903 Rule 2.2(G)(3) says 30 days for the permit and 360 days for its expiration; Part 1901 Rule 3.5(E)-(F) and the affidavit say 30 days and 365 days. The 2026 statute controls MFT permit issuance at 60 days.
Permit Duration
The statute states a 365-day temporary-license expiration if the applicant fails to satisfy subsections (3)-(5), as applicable.
Permit Practice
May practice pending grant or denial of the license. Insufficient criminal-history results or education, training or examination inquiries under section 73-54-23 require suspension and revocation of the permit upon notice.
Permit Trigger
MFT recognition application pending for longer than two weeks; applicant supplies an affidavit under penalty of perjury affirming subsection (3) or (4) and pays fees. The statute requires the permit within 60 days.
Processing
Issue or deny within 120 days; for an MFT application taking more than two weeks, the 2026 statute provides an interim permit within 60 days, on the statutory affidavit and fee conditions.
Qualifying Basis
At least three years of lawful MFT work in an occupation not licensed by the other state, with the Board-determined same practice level and scope.
Residence
Establish Mississippi residence through a state-issued identification card, residential utility bill, ownership or lease, in-state employment or promised employment, or other Board-approved documentation.
Same Practice Level
Recognition is in the discipline applied for and at the same practice level and similar MFT scope, as determined by the Board; it does not enlarge the applicant's authorized scope.
Temporary practice permit pending universal recognition based on license
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Complete application, signed and notarized universal-recognition affidavit, documentary proof and required fees.
Conditional Jurisprudence
Section 73-50-2(5) and Rule 3.5(B)(4) allow a state-law examination only if the occupation's issuance already requires such an examination. This conditional slot does not identify an actually administered MFT state examination and is recorded as a condition.
Conduct
No disqualifying criminal record, no conduct constituting grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation, no license surrender for negligence or intentional misconduct, and no unresolved investigation or complaint; pay applicable fees and submit the required background check.
National Examination
Effective July 1, 2026, section 73-50-2(14) preserves MFT education, supervised training and examination requirements under section 73-54-23; that section requires passage of the national MFT examination. Prior passage is a requirement leaf regardless of when taken.
Older Implementation Timing
Part 1903 Rule 2.2(G)(3) says 30 days for the permit and 360 days for its expiration; Part 1901 Rule 3.5(E)-(F) and the affidavit say 30 days and 365 days. The 2026 statute controls MFT permit issuance at 60 days.
Permit Duration
The statute states a 365-day temporary-license expiration if the applicant fails to satisfy subsections (3)-(5), as applicable.
Permit Practice
May practice pending grant or denial of the license. Insufficient criminal-history results or education, training or examination inquiries under section 73-54-23 require suspension and revocation of the permit upon notice.
Permit Trigger
MFT recognition application pending for longer than two weeks; applicant supplies an affidavit under penalty of perjury affirming subsection (3) or (4) and pays fees. The statute requires the permit within 60 days.
Processing
Issue or deny within 120 days; for an MFT application taking more than two weeks, the 2026 statute provides an interim permit within 60 days, on the statutory affidavit and fee conditions.
Qualifying Basis
Current and valid out-of-state MFT license in good standing held at least one year, with the statutory same-level and scope requirements.
Residence
Establish Mississippi residence through a state-issued identification card, residential utility bill, ownership or lease, in-state employment or promised employment, or other Board-approved documentation.
Same Practice Level
Recognition is in the discipline applied for and at the same practice level and similar MFT scope, as determined by the Board; it does not enlarge the applicant's authorized scope.

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