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North Carolina Marriage & Family Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Full marriage and family therapy license. Inactive, reinstated and restored statuses retain this license identity. This survey asserts current applicability as of September 22, 2026.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board · Application information

Conversion from LMFTA to LMFT
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit a complete online application and applicable fee; rule .0801 closes associate files if materials are not received within two years. Board-approved examination eligibility does not itself establish license eligibility.
Background Check
The Board requires the $38 background check, fingerprints and signed release for applications submitted on or after October 1, 2025, pursuant to its authority under G.S. 90-270.63. The SBI report must reach the Board before the application is submitted.
Character
Good moral character, three Board-form endorsements by persons familiar with the applicant, and no conduct constituting grounds for denial under G.S. 90-270.60.
Clinical Experience
At least 1,500 supervised clinical hours, at most 500 from the qualifying degree and at least 1,000 after the degree, including at least 500 relational hours. No more than 250 assessment hours and 250 psychoeducation hours may be counted under .0506.
Current Associate License
Applicant must currently hold an NC LMFTA and have completed all required clinical and supervision hours. Continue at least one hour of supervision monthly until LMFT approval.
Education
Minimum recognized master's degree in MFT or a related mental-health degree with Board-accepted MFT coursework; related degrees may be supplemented by equivalent recognized post-master's or postdoctoral training. Official transcripts and, where requested, contemporary syllabi must be sent to the Board. Rules .0501 and .0503 preserve earlier-enrollment coursework alternatives; .0504 allows a post-degree practicum of at least 120 clinical contact hours and 24 supervision hours; .0505 recognizes qualifying nondegree postgraduate programs, excluding workshops and general CE.
Prior Passing Score
A passing national MFT score may be transferred instead of retaking the examination. Board FAQ: "No, exam scores do not expire." The currently offered registered examination remains a requirement leaf.
Supervision
At least 200 concurrent approved supervision hours under .0502; graduates who completed 200 during their MFT degree require at least 25 more after graduation. An AAMFT Approved Supervisor or accepted Supervisor Candidate must document qualifying hours.
Placement on inactive status and annual inactive maintenance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Associate Term
There is no time limit while annual inactive maintenance is paid.
Eligibility
Hold a valid unexpired license and do not actively practice MFT; request inactive status through the licensure portal.
Restriction
Do not practice or hold yourself out as practicing while inactive; annual inactive maintenance fee is $50, with no active renewal fee or CE.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit a complete online application and applicable fee; rule .0801 closes associate files if materials are not received within two years. Board-approved examination eligibility does not itself establish license eligibility.
Background Check
The Board requires the $38 background check, fingerprints and signed release for applications submitted on or after October 1, 2025, pursuant to its authority under G.S. 90-270.63. The SBI report must reach the Board before the application is submitted.
Character
Good moral character, three Board-form endorsements by persons familiar with the applicant, and no conduct constituting grounds for denial under G.S. 90-270.60.
Clinical Experience
At least 1,500 supervised clinical hours, at most 500 from the qualifying degree and at least 1,000 after the degree, including at least 500 relational hours. No more than 250 assessment hours and 250 psychoeducation hours may be counted under .0506.
Education
Minimum recognized master's degree in MFT or a related mental-health degree with Board-accepted MFT coursework; related degrees may be supplemented by equivalent recognized post-master's or postdoctoral training. Official transcripts and, where requested, contemporary syllabi must be sent to the Board. Rules .0501 and .0503 preserve earlier-enrollment coursework alternatives; .0504 allows a post-degree practicum of at least 120 clinical contact hours and 24 supervision hours; .0505 recognizes qualifying nondegree postgraduate programs, excluding workshops and general CE.
Prior Passing Score
A passing national MFT score may be transferred instead of retaking the examination. Board FAQ: "No, exam scores do not expire." The currently offered registered examination remains a requirement leaf.
Supervision
At least 200 concurrent approved supervision hours under .0502; graduates who completed 200 during their MFT degree require at least 25 more after graduation. An AAMFT Approved Supervisor or accepted Supervisor Candidate must document qualifying hours.
Military spouse licensure by endorsement under G.S. 93B 15.1(b)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Associate Scope
This route concerns the full LMFT practice level.
Board Instructions
21 NCAC 31 .0301(a) says "All applicants for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist or Marriage and Family Therapy Associate shall be required to pass the National Marriage and Family Therapy Examination." The specific overriding statute controls the endorsement route; this general rule is retained as the Board's contrary implementing demand.
Fees
No initial Board application fee under G.S. 93B-15.1(k); third-party background-check costs and ordinary renewal fees may still be charged.
Military Spouse
Applicant is a military spouse holding a current equivalent or higher-level license in another jurisdiction. Demonstrate occupation competency through Board-determined methods such as CE or recent practice for at least two of the preceding five years.
Standing
Good standing, no discipline, no disqualifying conduct and no pending complaints; a complaint defers the Board's decision until its disposition. Relevant full-time, part-time, paid and volunteer experience counts.
Statutory Override
G.S. 93B-15.1(b) begins "Notwithstanding any other provision of law" and lists licensure, competency and standing conditions without naming an examination. No identifiable current examination is prescribed by that statutory endorsement route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after license expiration exceeding two years
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit a complete online application and applicable fee; rule .0801 closes associate files if materials are not received within two years. Board-approved examination eligibility does not itself establish license eligibility.
Background Check
The Board requires the $38 background check, fingerprints and signed release for applications submitted on or after October 1, 2025, pursuant to its authority under G.S. 90-270.63. The SBI report must reach the Board before the application is submitted.
Character
Good moral character, three Board-form endorsements by persons familiar with the applicant, and no conduct constituting grounds for denial under G.S. 90-270.60.
Clinical Experience
At least 1,500 supervised clinical hours, at most 500 from the qualifying degree and at least 1,000 after the degree, including at least 500 relational hours. No more than 250 assessment hours and 250 psychoeducation hours may be counted under .0506.
Education
Minimum recognized master's degree in MFT or a related mental-health degree with Board-accepted MFT coursework; related degrees may be supplemented by equivalent recognized post-master's or postdoctoral training. Official transcripts and, where requested, contemporary syllabi must be sent to the Board. Rules .0501 and .0503 preserve earlier-enrollment coursework alternatives; .0504 allows a post-degree practicum of at least 120 clinical contact hours and 24 supervision hours; .0505 recognizes qualifying nondegree postgraduate programs, excluding workshops and general CE.
Previous Expiration
A license expired for more than two years cannot be reinstated; apply anew under Sections .0200 and .0300 and pay the applicable application fee.
Prior Passing Score
A passing national MFT score may be transferred instead of retaking the examination. Board FAQ: "No, exam scores do not expire." The currently offered registered examination remains a requirement leaf.
Supervision
At least 200 concurrent approved supervision hours under .0502; graduates who completed 200 during their MFT degree require at least 25 more after graduation. An AAMFT Approved Supervisor or accepted Supervisor Candidate must document qualifying hours.
Return from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a written/online reactivation or reinstatement application and $200 reactivation fee; the Board considers competency individually.
Associate Term
Return to the existing LMFT identity.
Competency
G.S. 90-270.58B(c) requires "such showing of competency to resume practice as the Board may require". It names no identifiable examination; Board implementing instructions specify CE and fees.
Continuing Education
Board instructions require documentation of CE during the most recent two-year period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication after license denial or revocation
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit a complete online application and applicable fee; rule .0801 closes associate files if materials are not received within two years. Board-approved examination eligibility does not itself establish license eligibility.
Background Check
The Board requires the $38 background check, fingerprints and signed release for applications submitted on or after October 1, 2025, pursuant to its authority under G.S. 90-270.63. The SBI report must reach the Board before the application is submitted.
Character
Good moral character, three Board-form endorsements by persons familiar with the applicant, and no conduct constituting grounds for denial under G.S. 90-270.60.
Clinical Experience
At least 1,500 supervised clinical hours, at most 500 from the qualifying degree and at least 1,000 after the degree, including at least 500 relational hours. No more than 250 assessment hours and 250 psychoeducation hours may be counted under .0506.
Education
Minimum recognized master's degree in MFT or a related mental-health degree with Board-accepted MFT coursework; related degrees may be supplemented by equivalent recognized post-master's or postdoctoral training. Official transcripts and, where requested, contemporary syllabi must be sent to the Board. Rules .0501 and .0503 preserve earlier-enrollment coursework alternatives; .0504 allows a post-degree practicum of at least 120 clinical contact hours and 24 supervision hours; .0505 recognizes qualifying nondegree postgraduate programs, excluding workshops and general CE.
Prior Passing Score
A passing national MFT score may be transferred instead of retaking the examination. Board FAQ: "No, exam scores do not expire." The currently offered registered examination remains a requirement leaf.
Supervision
At least 200 concurrent approved supervision hours under .0502; graduates who completed 200 during their MFT degree require at least 25 more after graduation. An AAMFT Approved Supervisor or accepted Supervisor Candidate must document qualifying hours.
Waiting Period
G.S. 90-270.60(g) permits reapplication one calendar year after denial or revocation; applicant must again satisfy current license requirements and any lawful Board disciplinary conditions.
Licensure by reciprocity
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Background Check
The Board requires the $38 background check, fingerprints and signed release for applications submitted on or after October 1, 2025, pursuant to its authority under G.S. 90-270.63. The SBI report must reach the Board before the application is submitted.
Documentation
Application, fee, license verification and official examination-score documentation. Board checklist requests transcript, qualifying coursework list, three endorsements, work history, identification and social security information.
Experience Conflict
The Board's undated checklist says reciprocal applicants must have been actively licensed for "at least the five (5) years prior to and currently" to avoid clinical/supervision reporting. G.S. 90-270.56 and the March 2026 guidelines require two continuous years. The controlling statute determines the route; applicants should address the older checklist demand with the Board.
Implementation Conflict
The general Board Examination FAQ states: "The only exam accepted and recognized for NC MFT Licensure purposes is the AMFTRB National MFT Exam." The reciprocity statute and specific reciprocity page accept the other-state clinical alternative; the statute controls.
Licensure
Currently unrestricted and in good standing as an LMFT in another state; licensed and actively practicing for at least two continuous years, with no unresolved complaints in any jurisdiction, throughout the application process.
Other State Exam Alternative
G.S. 90-270.56(4) also accepts the clinical examination required by the licensing board regulating marriage and family therapy in California. Under this task contract that other state examination is an applicant condition, not an NC route leaf; an applicant qualifying through it need not have passed the national exam.
Prior Passing Score
A passing national MFT score may be transferred instead of retaking the examination. Board FAQ: "No, exam scores do not expire." The currently offered registered examination remains a requirement leaf.
Reinstatement after expiration within two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Associate Term
This restores the existing LMFT license.
Boundary Conflict
The Board renewal FAQ says "two years or more" cannot be reinstated, while rule .0403(a) says "within two years" and .0403(b) requires a new application only for "more than two years". The rule controls at the two-year boundary.
Continuing Education
Pay the reinstatement fee and document the CE hours that would have been required had the license not expired; Board reinstatement and reactivation applications are online.
Eligibility
License expired for nonpayment of renewal fees or noncompliance with CE; rule .0403(a) allows reinstatement within two years of expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Annual Renewal
Licenses expire July 1; submit online renewal and fee with contact information and proof of continuing education.
Continuing Education
20 CE hours each renewal period, including at least 3 ethics hours. Up to 12 hours of approved ongoing supervision may count; no carryover. Board-required documentation and audits apply.
Waivers
G.S. 90-270.58C permits a hardship waiver of up to 12 months and waivers for active military duty overseas; rules .0401 and .0701 provide military-related fee, deadline and CE relief when their criteria apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military order recognition of a covered professional license under SCRA
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background Check
The licensing authority may conduct a background check before recognition or temporary issuance.
Compact
If the covered license operates in multiple states pursuant to an applicable interstate compact, the compact or applicable state law controls and this provision does not apply.
Covered License
Covered license at the corresponding professional practice level, in good standing, with no revocation, imposed discipline, pending unprofessional-conduct investigation or surrender during such investigation.
Dated Board Information
The Board application page and its linked 2023 DOJ fact sheet mention two years of licensure or active use. The current statute, amended December 23, 2024, instead specifies the application in subsection (c); it controls. The older demand is retained for the applicant to see.
Recognition
The federal statute recognizes the covered license's scope of practice in the new residence; it does not require an NC national-examination score or permanent NC license issuance.
Relocation
Servicemember or spouse relocates residence to NC because of military orders. File proof of orders, marriage certificate for a spouse, and notarized affidavit covering identity, complete truthful statements, understanding and compliance with NC requirements and scope, and good standing in every state of licensure.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate

Supervised associate license with a statutory three-year term and possible one-year extension; annual Board administration does not restart this term.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board · Application information

Annual associate continuing education and Board renewal administration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Annual Administration
The Board FAQ states "Annual renewal will be required for each year of LMFTA licensure." Rule .0701 expressly requires annual CE submissions by LMFTAs. Complete the Board's annual forms, fees and 20 CE hours (including 3 ethics hours) during the unextended statutory term.
Interpretation
Treat the annual Board renewal instruction as administrative maintenance within the statutory term; it does not create a fresh three-year term or dispense with the statutory extension petition.
Statutory Term
G.S. 90-270.54A(b)-(c) fixes a three-year license and says an associate license shall not be renewed, allowing a one-year extension on special circumstances and steady progress.
Supervision
Maintain at least one hour of approved supervision monthly until LMFT approval.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Placement on inactive status and annual inactive maintenance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Associate Term
Inactive status does not stop the three-year associate clock or approved one-year extension.
Eligibility
Hold a valid unexpired license and do not actively practice MFT; request inactive status through the licensure portal.
Restriction
Do not practice or hold yourself out as practicing while inactive; annual inactive maintenance fee is $50, with no active renewal fee or CE.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial supervised associate licensure
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit a complete online application and applicable fee; rule .0801 closes associate files if materials are not received within two years. Board-approved examination eligibility does not itself establish license eligibility.
Background Check
The Board requires the $38 background check, fingerprints and signed release for applications submitted on or after October 1, 2025, pursuant to its authority under G.S. 90-270.63. The SBI report must reach the Board before the application is submitted.
Character
Good moral character, three Board-form endorsements by persons familiar with the applicant, and no conduct constituting grounds for denial under G.S. 90-270.60.
Education
Minimum recognized master's degree in MFT or a related mental-health degree with Board-accepted MFT coursework; related degrees may be supplemented by equivalent recognized post-master's or postdoctoral training. Official transcripts and, where requested, contemporary syllabi must be sent to the Board. Rules .0501 and .0503 preserve earlier-enrollment coursework alternatives; .0504 allows a post-degree practicum of at least 120 clinical contact hours and 24 supervision hours; .0505 recognizes qualifying nondegree postgraduate programs, excluding workshops and general CE.
License Term
Three years from issuance, with a possible one-year extension for special circumstances and steady progress toward LMFT licensure; this is a license term, not an exam-version period.
Prior Passing Score
A passing national MFT score may be transferred instead of retaking the examination. Board FAQ: "No, exam scores do not expire." The currently offered registered examination remains a requirement leaf.
Supervision Agreement
Show intent to accrue the required supervised clinical experience and submit a Board-accepted agreement with an AAMFT-approved supervisor; remain under ongoing supervision and disclose associate status and supervisor to clients.
Military spouse licensure by endorsement under G.S. 93B 15.1(b)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Associate Scope
For an associate license, equivalent qualifications and supervision restrictions must match that practice level.
Board Instructions
21 NCAC 31 .0301(a) says "All applicants for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist or Marriage and Family Therapy Associate shall be required to pass the National Marriage and Family Therapy Examination." The specific overriding statute controls the endorsement route; this general rule is retained as the Board's contrary implementing demand.
Fees
No initial Board application fee under G.S. 93B-15.1(k); third-party background-check costs and ordinary renewal fees may still be charged.
Military Spouse
Applicant is a military spouse holding a current equivalent or higher-level license in another jurisdiction. Demonstrate occupation competency through Board-determined methods such as CE or recent practice for at least two of the preceding five years.
Standing
Good standing, no discipline, no disqualifying conduct and no pending complaints; a complaint defers the Board's decision until its disposition. Relevant full-time, part-time, paid and volunteer experience counts.
Statutory Override
G.S. 93B-15.1(b) begins "Notwithstanding any other provision of law" and lists licensure, competency and standing conditions without naming an examination. No identifiable current examination is prescribed by that statutory endorsement route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after license expiration exceeding two years
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit a complete online application and applicable fee; rule .0801 closes associate files if materials are not received within two years. Board-approved examination eligibility does not itself establish license eligibility.
Background Check
The Board requires the $38 background check, fingerprints and signed release for applications submitted on or after October 1, 2025, pursuant to its authority under G.S. 90-270.63. The SBI report must reach the Board before the application is submitted.
Character
Good moral character, three Board-form endorsements by persons familiar with the applicant, and no conduct constituting grounds for denial under G.S. 90-270.60.
Education
Minimum recognized master's degree in MFT or a related mental-health degree with Board-accepted MFT coursework; related degrees may be supplemented by equivalent recognized post-master's or postdoctoral training. Official transcripts and, where requested, contemporary syllabi must be sent to the Board. Rules .0501 and .0503 preserve earlier-enrollment coursework alternatives; .0504 allows a post-degree practicum of at least 120 clinical contact hours and 24 supervision hours; .0505 recognizes qualifying nondegree postgraduate programs, excluding workshops and general CE.
Previous Expiration
A license expired for more than two years cannot be reinstated; apply anew under Sections .0200 and .0300 and pay the applicable application fee.
Prior Passing Score
A passing national MFT score may be transferred instead of retaking the examination. Board FAQ: "No, exam scores do not expire." The currently offered registered examination remains a requirement leaf.
Supervision Agreement
Meet .0801 associate coursework, character and supervision-agreement conditions; the previous associate term is not administratively extended.
One year associate license extension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Limit
One-year extension of the original three-year license; continue approved supervision and annual CE requirements.
Petition
Written petition demonstrating special circumstances and steady progress toward LMFT licensure, Board approval of extension application and applicable fee.
Special Circumstances
Events outside the associate's control or fault, including illness of self, life partner, spouse or child, or death of life partner, spouse or child.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a written/online reactivation or reinstatement application and $200 reactivation fee; the Board considers competency individually.
Associate Term
Any reactivation remains subject to the original statutory associate-license term.
Competency
G.S. 90-270.58B(c) requires "such showing of competency to resume practice as the Board may require". It names no identifiable examination; Board implementing instructions specify CE and fees.
Continuing Education
Board instructions require documentation of CE during the most recent two-year period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication after license denial or revocation
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit a complete online application and applicable fee; rule .0801 closes associate files if materials are not received within two years. Board-approved examination eligibility does not itself establish license eligibility.
Background Check
The Board requires the $38 background check, fingerprints and signed release for applications submitted on or after October 1, 2025, pursuant to its authority under G.S. 90-270.63. The SBI report must reach the Board before the application is submitted.
Character
Good moral character, three Board-form endorsements by persons familiar with the applicant, and no conduct constituting grounds for denial under G.S. 90-270.60.
Education
Minimum recognized master's degree in MFT or a related mental-health degree with Board-accepted MFT coursework; related degrees may be supplemented by equivalent recognized post-master's or postdoctoral training. Official transcripts and, where requested, contemporary syllabi must be sent to the Board. Rules .0501 and .0503 preserve earlier-enrollment coursework alternatives; .0504 allows a post-degree practicum of at least 120 clinical contact hours and 24 supervision hours; .0505 recognizes qualifying nondegree postgraduate programs, excluding workshops and general CE.
Prior Passing Score
A passing national MFT score may be transferred instead of retaking the examination. Board FAQ: "No, exam scores do not expire." The currently offered registered examination remains a requirement leaf.
Supervision Agreement
The .0801 associate supervision agreement and intent to accrue clinical experience remain required.
Waiting Period
G.S. 90-270.60(g) permits reapplication one calendar year after denial or revocation; applicant must again satisfy current license requirements and any lawful Board disciplinary conditions.
Reapplication after associate statutory term ends
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit a complete online application and applicable fee; rule .0801 closes associate files if materials are not received within two years. Board-approved examination eligibility does not itself establish license eligibility.
Background Check
The Board requires the $38 background check, fingerprints and signed release for applications submitted on or after October 1, 2025, pursuant to its authority under G.S. 90-270.63. The SBI report must reach the Board before the application is submitted.
Character
Good moral character, three Board-form endorsements by persons familiar with the applicant, and no conduct constituting grounds for denial under G.S. 90-270.60.
Education
Minimum recognized master's degree in MFT or a related mental-health degree with Board-accepted MFT coursework; related degrees may be supplemented by equivalent recognized post-master's or postdoctoral training. Official transcripts and, where requested, contemporary syllabi must be sent to the Board. Rules .0501 and .0503 preserve earlier-enrollment coursework alternatives; .0504 allows a post-degree practicum of at least 120 clinical contact hours and 24 supervision hours; .0505 recognizes qualifying nondegree postgraduate programs, excluding workshops and general CE.
Prior Hours
Board renewal guidance says national exam scores and clinical/supervision hours from the qualifying degree do not expire, but hours accrued during the initial LMFTA do not carry over.
Prior Passing Score
A passing national MFT score may be transferred instead of retaking the examination. Board FAQ: "No, exam scores do not expire." The currently offered registered examination remains a requirement leaf.
Supervision Agreement
Submit a new approved supervision agreement and meet current associate application requirements.
Term Ended
Associate did not complete LMFT requirements within three years, or four with approved extension. Reapply for LMFTA; inactivity does not stop the clock.
Reinstatement after expiration within two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Associate Term
Reinstatement does not extend the three-year associate term or create an extra extension; statutory associate-term limits apply.
Boundary Conflict
The Board renewal FAQ says "two years or more" cannot be reinstated, while rule .0403(a) says "within two years" and .0403(b) requires a new application only for "more than two years". The rule controls at the two-year boundary.
Continuing Education
Pay the reinstatement fee and document the CE hours that would have been required had the license not expired; Board reinstatement and reactivation applications are online.
Eligibility
License expired for nonpayment of renewal fees or noncompliance with CE; rule .0403(a) allows reinstatement within two years of expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military order recognition of a covered professional license under SCRA
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background Check
The licensing authority may conduct a background check before recognition or temporary issuance.
Compact
If the covered license operates in multiple states pursuant to an applicable interstate compact, the compact or applicable state law controls and this provision does not apply.
Covered License
Covered license at the corresponding professional practice level, in good standing, with no revocation, imposed discipline, pending unprofessional-conduct investigation or surrender during such investigation.
Dated Board Information
The Board application page and its linked 2023 DOJ fact sheet mention two years of licensure or active use. The current statute, amended December 23, 2024, instead specifies the application in subsection (c); it controls. The older demand is retained for the applicant to see.
Recognition
The federal statute recognizes the covered license's scope of practice in the new residence; it does not require an NC national-examination score or permanent NC license issuance.
Relocation
Servicemember or spouse relocates residence to NC because of military orders. File proof of orders, marriage certificate for a spouse, and notarized affidavit covering identity, complete truthful statements, understanding and compliance with NC requirements and scope, and good standing in every state of licensure.

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