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North Dakota Marriage & Family Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Supervised associate license while completing the work experience required for full licensure.

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

Initial associate licensure
Application
Submit the Board application, required fees, direct official transcripts and applicable verification documents.
Background Check
Submit to a statewide and national criminal history record check when required by the Board; the applicant pays its costs.
Character
Good moral character and no conduct constituting grounds for discipline under N.D.C.C. §43-53-06(1).
Education
Master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy, or an allied graduate degree with coursework determined equivalent by the Board under §43-53-06(3)(a) and §111-02-02-02. Equivalent-degree coursework totals at least 54 semester hours in the rule's eight prescribed areas; professional-track and pre-August-16-2018 enrollment provisions remain applicant conditions.
National Examination
Pass the AMFTRB national examination after the Board approves the associate application.
Oral Exam Implementation
Section 111-02-04-02(1)(d) conditions an original license on completion of the oral examination. The Board Licensing Process page says: "Once completing national exam and supervised experience, an applicant may apply for the state exam." The state examination is retained under the original-license rule; the Board's stated timing and any individual deferment or exception are applicant conditions.
Practicum Deficit Instruction
Form A states that an applicant lacking a nine-credit-hour or twelve-month practicum may be approved to take the licensing examination and receive an associate license after passing, but must complete the deficit before full licensure.
Supervised Practice
Full-license postgraduate work experience is not required for issuance; practice under a Board-qualified supervisor while completing it. The statute allows the associate license for one year plus up to four additional annual renewals.
Reinstatement of an expired license after five years or more
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Associate Limit
Reinstatement does not itself remove the statutory limit on the duration and renewals of an associate license or its qualified-supervision requirement.
Continuing Education
Show completion of the continuing education that would have applied had the license not expired.
Fees
Pay the applicable late fees for the intervening years, or the five years immediately preceding reinstatement for a lapse of five years or more.
Lapse
The original license expired at least five years before the reinstatement application.
Prior Practice
Affirm no unlicensed practice or use of the therapist title since expiration; practice while licensed by another jurisdiction is permitted.
Status
No fact exists that would justify suspension or revocation if reinstated. Submit the reinstatement application and reasons for seeking reinstatement.
Reinstatement of an expired license after five years or more while licensed and actively practicing elsewhere
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Associate Limit
Reinstatement does not itself remove the statutory limit on the duration and renewals of an associate license or its qualified-supervision requirement.
Continuing Education
Show completion of the continuing education that would have applied had the license not expired.
Fees
Section 111-02-04-03(4) requires the renewal fee and an additional $100 reinstatement fee.
Lapse
The original license expired at least five years before the reinstatement application.
Other Jurisdiction
Actively practice under an equivalent license in another state; provide direct documentation that it is current and in good standing, with no pending or unresolved investigations or complaints.
Prior Practice
Affirm no unlicensed practice or use of the therapist title since expiration; practice while licensed by another jurisdiction is permitted.
Status
No fact exists that would justify suspension or revocation if reinstated. Submit the reinstatement application and reasons for seeking reinstatement.
Written Exam Reading
Section 111-02-04-03(4) does not expressly waive the five-year written-examination requirement in subsection (3); that examination remains a leaf when the license has expired for five years or more.
Reinstatement of an expired license within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Associate Limit
Reinstatement does not itself remove the statutory limit on the duration and renewals of an associate license or its qualified-supervision requirement.
Continuing Education
Show completion of the continuing education that would have applied had the license not expired.
Fees
Pay the applicable late fees for the intervening years, or the five years immediately preceding reinstatement for a lapse of five years or more.
Lapse
The original license expired less than five years before the reinstatement application.
Prior Practice
Affirm no unlicensed practice or use of the therapist title since expiration; practice while licensed by another jurisdiction is permitted.
Status
No fact exists that would justify suspension or revocation if reinstated. Submit the reinstatement application and reasons for seeking reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of an expired license within five years while licensed and actively practicing elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Associate Limit
Reinstatement does not itself remove the statutory limit on the duration and renewals of an associate license or its qualified-supervision requirement.
Continuing Education
Show completion of the continuing education that would have applied had the license not expired.
Fees
Section 111-02-04-03(4) requires the renewal fee and an additional $100 reinstatement fee.
Lapse
The original license expired less than five years before the reinstatement application.
Other Jurisdiction
Actively practice under an equivalent license in another state; provide direct documentation that it is current and in good standing, with no pending or unresolved investigations or complaints.
Prior Practice
Affirm no unlicensed practice or use of the therapist title since expiration; practice while licensed by another jurisdiction is permitted.
Status
No fact exists that would justify suspension or revocation if reinstated. Submit the reinstatement application and reasons for seeking reinstatement.
Written Exam Reading
The five-year written-examination condition is not met.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Routine license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Associate Duration
The statute allows one year plus up to four additional years. Rule §111-02-04-01(1) instead states: "Licensed associates renew on an annual basis up to forty-eight months." The statutory duration controls; the rule is the Board's implementing instruction.
Continuing Education
Full licensees complete 30 hours every two years, including six ethics hours; associates complete 15 hours each year, including three ethics hours. Board-approved supervisors dedicate ten percent to supervision education.
Military Hardship
The Board grants rule-based or case-specific renewal exceptions for military activation or service in an area of armed conflict under §43-51-11.
Renewal Schedule
Biennial renewal for full licensees; annual renewal for associates. Submit the renewal application by December 31, fees and continuing-education attestation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resume practice after a continuing education exemption
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Submit evidence of the education that would have been required without the exemption for the preceding five years or the applicable portion of that period.
Existing License
The license has not expired; exemption was based on retirement without volunteer services, permanent disability, or active military duty. Emeritus reactivation is governed separately by §111-02-04-05(4).
Notice
Before resuming practice, submit written notice of intent to the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure after voluntary surrender after five years or more
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Associate Limit
Reinstatement does not itself remove the statutory limit on the duration and renewals of an associate license or its qualified-supervision requirement.
Continuing Education
Show completion of the continuing education that would have applied had the license not expired.
Fees
Pay the applicable late fees for the intervening years, or the five years immediately preceding reinstatement for a lapse of five years or more.
Lapse
The original license expired at least five years before the reinstatement application.
Prior Practice
Affirm no unlicensed practice or use of the therapist title since expiration; practice while licensed by another jurisdiction is permitted.
Status
No fact exists that would justify suspension or revocation if reinstated. Submit the reinstatement application and reasons for seeking reinstatement.
Surrender
Section 111-02-04-04(1) applies the expired-license reinstatement requirements; renewal fees are not required unless the original expiration date has passed. A license may not be voluntarily surrendered while a complaint remains pending.
Relicensure after voluntary surrender after five years or more while licensed and actively practicing elsewhere
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Associate Limit
Reinstatement does not itself remove the statutory limit on the duration and renewals of an associate license or its qualified-supervision requirement.
Continuing Education
Show completion of the continuing education that would have applied had the license not expired.
Fees
Section 111-02-04-03(4) requires the renewal fee and an additional $100 reinstatement fee.
Lapse
The original license expired at least five years before the reinstatement application.
Other Jurisdiction
Actively practice under an equivalent license in another state; provide direct documentation that it is current and in good standing, with no pending or unresolved investigations or complaints.
Prior Practice
Affirm no unlicensed practice or use of the therapist title since expiration; practice while licensed by another jurisdiction is permitted.
Status
No fact exists that would justify suspension or revocation if reinstated. Submit the reinstatement application and reasons for seeking reinstatement.
Surrender
Section 111-02-04-04(1) applies the expired-license reinstatement requirements; renewal fees are not required unless the original expiration date has passed. A license may not be voluntarily surrendered while a complaint remains pending.
Written Exam Reading
Section 111-02-04-03(4) does not expressly waive the five-year written-examination requirement in subsection (3); that examination remains a leaf when the license has expired for five years or more.
Relicensure after voluntary surrender within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Associate Limit
Reinstatement does not itself remove the statutory limit on the duration and renewals of an associate license or its qualified-supervision requirement.
Continuing Education
Show completion of the continuing education that would have applied had the license not expired.
Fees
Pay the applicable late fees for the intervening years, or the five years immediately preceding reinstatement for a lapse of five years or more.
Lapse
The original license expired less than five years before the reinstatement application.
Prior Practice
Affirm no unlicensed practice or use of the therapist title since expiration; practice while licensed by another jurisdiction is permitted.
Status
No fact exists that would justify suspension or revocation if reinstated. Submit the reinstatement application and reasons for seeking reinstatement.
Surrender
Section 111-02-04-04(1) applies the expired-license reinstatement requirements; renewal fees are not required unless the original expiration date has passed. A license may not be voluntarily surrendered while a complaint remains pending.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure after voluntary surrender within five years while licensed and actively practicing elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Associate Limit
Reinstatement does not itself remove the statutory limit on the duration and renewals of an associate license or its qualified-supervision requirement.
Continuing Education
Show completion of the continuing education that would have applied had the license not expired.
Fees
Section 111-02-04-03(4) requires the renewal fee and an additional $100 reinstatement fee.
Lapse
The original license expired less than five years before the reinstatement application.
Other Jurisdiction
Actively practice under an equivalent license in another state; provide direct documentation that it is current and in good standing, with no pending or unresolved investigations or complaints.
Prior Practice
Affirm no unlicensed practice or use of the therapist title since expiration; practice while licensed by another jurisdiction is permitted.
Status
No fact exists that would justify suspension or revocation if reinstated. Submit the reinstatement application and reasons for seeking reinstatement.
Surrender
Section 111-02-04-04(1) applies the expired-license reinstatement requirements; renewal fees are not required unless the original expiration date has passed. A license may not be voluntarily surrendered while a complaint remains pending.
Written Exam Reading
The five-year written-examination condition is not met.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

emeritus license status

Retired license status with no authority to practice.

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

Election of emeritus status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
Be at least 62 years old and retired from active practice.
Application
Indicate the request on the renewal form or petition the Board in writing; pay the applicable one-time emeritus fee.
Discipline
Indicate no disciplinary suspension, revocation, qualification, condition or practice restriction.
Practice
Do not practice marriage and family therapy or practice as a Title 43 mental health professional; continuing education does not apply.
Prior License
Hold a North Dakota marriage and family therapist license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Full marriage and family therapy license.

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

Upgrade from associate to full licensure
Application
Submit the Board application, required fees, direct official transcripts and applicable verification documents.
Background Check
Submit to a statewide and national criminal history record check when required by the Board; the applicant pays its costs.
Character
Good moral character and no conduct constituting grounds for discipline under N.D.C.C. §43-53-06(1).
Education
Master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy, or an allied graduate degree with coursework determined equivalent by the Board under §43-53-06(3)(a) and §111-02-02-02. Equivalent-degree coursework totals at least 54 semester hours in the rule's eight prescribed areas; professional-track and pre-August-16-2018 enrollment provisions remain applicant conditions.
Existing License
Hold the associate license and complete the supervised experience required for full licensure. Form A is also used to upgrade LAMFT to LMFT.
Experience
Complete two calendar years of qualified postgraduate supervision; §111-02-02-03 specifies at least 3,000 hours including 1,500 direct client contact hours and 200 postgraduate supervision hours over 24 months full time or up to 48 months part time. The rule specifies 500 direct contact hours in each of the couples, family and individual categories, subject to a good-cause waiver.
Form Experience Instruction
Form A, July 23, 2025, separately instructs applicants to show 750 couples/family hours and 750 individual hours, 300 total supervision hours including 150 individual hours, no more than 100 graduate-program supervision hours, and at least 50 individual postgraduate supervision hours. The administrative rule controls the requirement; the form describes what the Board asks applicants to document.
National Score
The currently offered national examination remains a leaf even when it was passed for the associate license; submit evidence of the passing score.
References
Provide three professional endorsements meeting §111-02-03-03(2); endorsers must hold an equivalent therapist license, be unrelated to the applicant, and not be an employee, independent contractor, patient or former patient.
State Exam Timing
The state examination occurs after acceptance of the licensure application and before approval for full licensure; the Board page places it after the national exam and supervised experience.
Reactivation of an emeritus license
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
National Examination
The incorporated reinstatement procedure requires retaking the national written examination only if the license expired five years or more before application; retain the currently offered examination and record that time-dependent condition rather than assuming every emeritus applicant must retake it.
Prior Status
Hold emeritus status and request return to active practice in the exceptional case contemplated by §111-02-04-05(4).
Procedure
The Board reactivates according to §111-02-04-03. Apply the reinstatement conditions, continuing education and fees appropriate to the applicant's circumstances.
Licensure by endorsement after five continuous years in a United States jurisdiction
Application
Submit the Board application, required fees, direct official transcripts and applicable verification documents.
Background Check
Submit to a statewide and national criminal history record check when required by the Board; the applicant pays its costs.
Character
Good moral character and no conduct constituting grounds for discipline under N.D.C.C. §43-53-06(1).
Education Recognition
The educational requirements are considered satisfied when the applicant has been licensed continuously in a United States jurisdiction for the five years preceding the application.
License Held
Hold a current therapist license in good standing in the relevant jurisdiction. The original licensing standards must equal or exceed current North Dakota requirements, proved by the applicant by a preponderance of the evidence.
National Examination
If licensed without passing the AMFTRB written examination, pass it before applying for endorsement; a prior passing result for this currently offered registered examination remains a requirement leaf.
State Examination
All endorsement applicants must pass the State Examination.
Verification
Arrange direct verification of license status and good standing and a copy of the current licensing law and rules. Report disciplinary actions, pending charges and prior license refusals.
Licensure by endorsement from a foreign country
Application
Submit the Board application, required fees, direct official transcripts and applicable verification documents.
Background Check
Submit to a statewide and national criminal history record check when required by the Board; the applicant pays its costs.
Character
Good moral character and no conduct constituting grounds for discipline under N.D.C.C. §43-53-06(1).
Education Recognition
The rule recognizes a current license from another country if its standards when issued equal or exceed current North Dakota requirements; the automatic five-year education rule specifically addresses United States jurisdictions.
License Held
Hold a current therapist license in good standing in the relevant jurisdiction. The original licensing standards must equal or exceed current North Dakota requirements, proved by the applicant by a preponderance of the evidence.
National Examination
If licensed without passing the AMFTRB written examination, pass it before applying for endorsement; a prior passing result for this currently offered registered examination remains a requirement leaf.
Other Examinations
Any other country's licensing examinations are applicant evidence and are not leaves of this North Dakota route.
State Examination
All endorsement applicants must pass the State Examination.
Verification
Arrange direct verification of license status and good standing and a copy of the current licensing law and rules. Report disciplinary actions, pending charges and prior license refusals.
Licensure by endorsement with fewer than five continuous years in a United States jurisdiction
Application
Submit the Board application, required fees, direct official transcripts and applicable verification documents.
Background Check
Submit to a statewide and national criminal history record check when required by the Board; the applicant pays its costs.
Character
Good moral character and no conduct constituting grounds for discipline under N.D.C.C. §43-53-06(1).
Education Recognition
The Board determines whether the educational requirements are satisfied when the applicant has been licensed for fewer than five years.
License Held
Hold a current therapist license in good standing in the relevant jurisdiction. The original licensing standards must equal or exceed current North Dakota requirements, proved by the applicant by a preponderance of the evidence.
National Examination
If licensed without passing the AMFTRB written examination, pass it before applying for endorsement; a prior passing result for this currently offered registered examination remains a requirement leaf.
State Examination
All endorsement applicants must pass the State Examination.
Verification
Arrange direct verification of license status and good standing and a copy of the current licensing law and rules. Report disciplinary actions, pending charges and prior license refusals.
Discretionary licensure of an experienced foreign practitioner
Application
Submit the Board application, required fees, direct official transcripts and applicable verification documents.
Background Check
Submit to a statewide and national criminal history record check when required by the Board; the applicant pays its costs.
Character
Good moral character and no conduct constituting grounds for discipline under N.D.C.C. §43-53-06(1).
Discretion
N.D.C.C. §43-51-06 permits issuance without examination but explicitly permits a state-law examination; it is authority to waive, rather than an automatic exemption. The MFT implementing rules identify the national and state examinations; the Board determines any individual examination exception.
Other Requirements
Meet the other licensing requirements; lack of reciprocal privileges in the original jurisdiction does not itself prevent the Board from granting the license.
Prior Practice
Maintain a comparable license in good standing in another jurisdiction, with no pending disciplinary action, and practice the licensed profession for at least two years unless a shorter period is authorized.
Licensure by examination
Application
Submit the Board application, required fees, direct official transcripts and applicable verification documents.
Background Check
Submit to a statewide and national criminal history record check when required by the Board; the applicant pays its costs.
Character
Good moral character and no conduct constituting grounds for discipline under N.D.C.C. §43-53-06(1).
Education
Master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy, or an allied graduate degree with coursework determined equivalent by the Board under §43-53-06(3)(a) and §111-02-02-02. Equivalent-degree coursework totals at least 54 semester hours in the rule's eight prescribed areas; professional-track and pre-August-16-2018 enrollment provisions remain applicant conditions.
Experience
Complete two calendar years of qualified postgraduate supervision; §111-02-02-03 specifies at least 3,000 hours including 1,500 direct client contact hours and 200 postgraduate supervision hours over 24 months full time or up to 48 months part time. The rule specifies 500 direct contact hours in each of the couples, family and individual categories, subject to a good-cause waiver.
Form Experience Instruction
Form A, July 23, 2025, separately instructs applicants to show 750 couples/family hours and 750 individual hours, 300 total supervision hours including 150 individual hours, no more than 100 graduate-program supervision hours, and at least 50 individual postgraduate supervision hours. The administrative rule controls the requirement; the form describes what the Board asks applicants to document.
References
Provide three professional endorsements meeting §111-02-03-03(2); endorsers must hold an equivalent therapist license, be unrelated to the applicant, and not be an employee, independent contractor, patient or former patient.
State Exam Timing
The state examination occurs after acceptance of the licensure application and before approval for full licensure; the Board page places it after the national exam and supervised experience.
Reinstatement of an expired license after five years or more
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Continuing Education
Show completion of the continuing education that would have applied had the license not expired.
Fees
Pay the applicable late fees for the intervening years, or the five years immediately preceding reinstatement for a lapse of five years or more.
Lapse
The original license expired at least five years before the reinstatement application.
Prior Practice
Affirm no unlicensed practice or use of the therapist title since expiration; practice while licensed by another jurisdiction is permitted.
Status
No fact exists that would justify suspension or revocation if reinstated. Submit the reinstatement application and reasons for seeking reinstatement.
Reinstatement of an expired license after five years or more while licensed and actively practicing elsewhere
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Continuing Education
Show completion of the continuing education that would have applied had the license not expired.
Fees
Section 111-02-04-03(4) requires the renewal fee and an additional $100 reinstatement fee.
Lapse
The original license expired at least five years before the reinstatement application.
Other Jurisdiction
Actively practice under an equivalent license in another state; provide direct documentation that it is current and in good standing, with no pending or unresolved investigations or complaints.
Prior Practice
Affirm no unlicensed practice or use of the therapist title since expiration; practice while licensed by another jurisdiction is permitted.
Status
No fact exists that would justify suspension or revocation if reinstated. Submit the reinstatement application and reasons for seeking reinstatement.
Written Exam Reading
Section 111-02-04-03(4) does not expressly waive the five-year written-examination requirement in subsection (3); that examination remains a leaf when the license has expired for five years or more.
Reinstatement of an expired license within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Show completion of the continuing education that would have applied had the license not expired.
Fees
Pay the applicable late fees for the intervening years, or the five years immediately preceding reinstatement for a lapse of five years or more.
Lapse
The original license expired less than five years before the reinstatement application.
Prior Practice
Affirm no unlicensed practice or use of the therapist title since expiration; practice while licensed by another jurisdiction is permitted.
Status
No fact exists that would justify suspension or revocation if reinstated. Submit the reinstatement application and reasons for seeking reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of an expired license within five years while licensed and actively practicing elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Show completion of the continuing education that would have applied had the license not expired.
Fees
Section 111-02-04-03(4) requires the renewal fee and an additional $100 reinstatement fee.
Lapse
The original license expired less than five years before the reinstatement application.
Other Jurisdiction
Actively practice under an equivalent license in another state; provide direct documentation that it is current and in good standing, with no pending or unresolved investigations or complaints.
Prior Practice
Affirm no unlicensed practice or use of the therapist title since expiration; practice while licensed by another jurisdiction is permitted.
Status
No fact exists that would justify suspension or revocation if reinstated. Submit the reinstatement application and reasons for seeking reinstatement.
Written Exam Reading
The five-year written-examination condition is not met.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Routine license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Associate Duration
Not applicable to the full license.
Continuing Education
Full licensees complete 30 hours every two years, including six ethics hours; associates complete 15 hours each year, including three ethics hours. Board-approved supervisors dedicate ten percent to supervision education.
Military Hardship
The Board grants rule-based or case-specific renewal exceptions for military activation or service in an area of armed conflict under §43-51-11.
Renewal Schedule
Biennial renewal for full licensees; annual renewal for associates. Submit the renewal application by December 31, fees and continuing-education attestation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resume practice after a continuing education exemption
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Submit evidence of the education that would have been required without the exemption for the preceding five years or the applicable portion of that period.
Existing License
The license has not expired; exemption was based on retirement without volunteer services, permanent disability, or active military duty. Emeritus reactivation is governed separately by §111-02-04-05(4).
Notice
Before resuming practice, submit written notice of intent to the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure after voluntary surrender after five years or more
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Continuing Education
Show completion of the continuing education that would have applied had the license not expired.
Fees
Pay the applicable late fees for the intervening years, or the five years immediately preceding reinstatement for a lapse of five years or more.
Lapse
The original license expired at least five years before the reinstatement application.
Prior Practice
Affirm no unlicensed practice or use of the therapist title since expiration; practice while licensed by another jurisdiction is permitted.
Status
No fact exists that would justify suspension or revocation if reinstated. Submit the reinstatement application and reasons for seeking reinstatement.
Surrender
Section 111-02-04-04(1) applies the expired-license reinstatement requirements; renewal fees are not required unless the original expiration date has passed. A license may not be voluntarily surrendered while a complaint remains pending.
Relicensure after voluntary surrender after five years or more while licensed and actively practicing elsewhere
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Continuing Education
Show completion of the continuing education that would have applied had the license not expired.
Fees
Section 111-02-04-03(4) requires the renewal fee and an additional $100 reinstatement fee.
Lapse
The original license expired at least five years before the reinstatement application.
Other Jurisdiction
Actively practice under an equivalent license in another state; provide direct documentation that it is current and in good standing, with no pending or unresolved investigations or complaints.
Prior Practice
Affirm no unlicensed practice or use of the therapist title since expiration; practice while licensed by another jurisdiction is permitted.
Status
No fact exists that would justify suspension or revocation if reinstated. Submit the reinstatement application and reasons for seeking reinstatement.
Surrender
Section 111-02-04-04(1) applies the expired-license reinstatement requirements; renewal fees are not required unless the original expiration date has passed. A license may not be voluntarily surrendered while a complaint remains pending.
Written Exam Reading
Section 111-02-04-03(4) does not expressly waive the five-year written-examination requirement in subsection (3); that examination remains a leaf when the license has expired for five years or more.
Relicensure after voluntary surrender within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Show completion of the continuing education that would have applied had the license not expired.
Fees
Pay the applicable late fees for the intervening years, or the five years immediately preceding reinstatement for a lapse of five years or more.
Lapse
The original license expired less than five years before the reinstatement application.
Prior Practice
Affirm no unlicensed practice or use of the therapist title since expiration; practice while licensed by another jurisdiction is permitted.
Status
No fact exists that would justify suspension or revocation if reinstated. Submit the reinstatement application and reasons for seeking reinstatement.
Surrender
Section 111-02-04-04(1) applies the expired-license reinstatement requirements; renewal fees are not required unless the original expiration date has passed. A license may not be voluntarily surrendered while a complaint remains pending.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure after voluntary surrender within five years while licensed and actively practicing elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Show completion of the continuing education that would have applied had the license not expired.
Fees
Section 111-02-04-03(4) requires the renewal fee and an additional $100 reinstatement fee.
Lapse
The original license expired less than five years before the reinstatement application.
Other Jurisdiction
Actively practice under an equivalent license in another state; provide direct documentation that it is current and in good standing, with no pending or unresolved investigations or complaints.
Prior Practice
Affirm no unlicensed practice or use of the therapist title since expiration; practice while licensed by another jurisdiction is permitted.
Status
No fact exists that would justify suspension or revocation if reinstated. Submit the reinstatement application and reasons for seeking reinstatement.
Surrender
Section 111-02-04-04(1) applies the expired-license reinstatement requirements; renewal fees are not required unless the original expiration date has passed. A license may not be voluntarily surrendered while a complaint remains pending.
Written Exam Reading
The five-year written-examination condition is not met.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal licensure of an out of state licensee
Application
Submit the Board application, required fees, direct official transcripts and applicable verification documents.
Availability
N.D.C.C. §43-51.1-02 applies unless the Board is part of an effective compact, executed license transfer, existing interstate mobility or reciprocity agreement described in that section.
Background Check
Pay for a state and federal criminal background check when the Board requires it under its statutory authority.
Character
Good moral character and no conduct constituting grounds for discipline under N.D.C.C. §43-53-06(1).
Competency
Demonstrate competency and education through methods determined by the Board. The currently implementing MFT rules require both examination parts under §111-02-02-01(1)(e) and identify them under §111-02-03-05. Individual acceptance of prior examination evidence or lawful relief is an applicant condition.
Discipline
No discipline in any jurisdiction in the preceding ten years, no active licensing or law-enforcement investigation, and no disqualifying conduct unless the Board determines it is not an impediment.
Recent Practice
Actively use a comparable United States license for two of the three years immediately preceding the application.

provisional license

Temporary authorization to practice as an LMFT pending a scheduled oral examination; expires after four months or upon failure of the oral examination.

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

Provisional practice pending the oral examination after endorsement
Application
Submit the Board application, required fees, direct official transcripts and applicable verification documents.
Approval
Submit all necessary documentation, obtain approval of two Board members and schedule the oral examination. The original license fee and assigned license number are also required.
Background Check
Submit to a statewide and national criminal history record check when required by the Board; the applicant pays its costs.
Character
Good moral character and no conduct constituting grounds for discipline under N.D.C.C. §43-53-06(1).
Duration
The provisional license authorizes LMFT practice before the oral exam and full license, expires after four months, and automatically expires if the applicant fails the oral examination.
Education Recognition
Five continuous years of United States therapist licensure satisfy the education requirement; otherwise the Board reviews education.
Prior License
Hold the qualifying current equivalent therapist license and submit endorsement verification.
State Exam Timing
The oral/state examination must be scheduled for provisional issuance, but passing it is a requirement for full licensure, not a prerequisite to provisional issuance.
Provisional practice pending the oral examination after the examination pathway
Application
Submit the Board application, required fees, direct official transcripts and applicable verification documents.
Approval
Submit all necessary documentation, obtain approval of two Board members and schedule the oral examination. The original license fee and assigned license number are also required.
Background Check
Submit to a statewide and national criminal history record check when required by the Board; the applicant pays its costs.
Character
Good moral character and no conduct constituting grounds for discipline under N.D.C.C. §43-53-06(1).
Duration
The provisional license authorizes LMFT practice before the oral exam and full license, expires after four months, and automatically expires if the applicant fails the oral examination.
Education
Master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy, or an allied graduate degree with coursework determined equivalent by the Board under §43-53-06(3)(a) and §111-02-02-02. Equivalent-degree coursework totals at least 54 semester hours in the rule's eight prescribed areas; professional-track and pre-August-16-2018 enrollment provisions remain applicant conditions.
Experience
Complete two calendar years of qualified postgraduate supervision; §111-02-02-03 specifies at least 3,000 hours including 1,500 direct client contact hours and 200 postgraduate supervision hours over 24 months full time or up to 48 months part time. The rule specifies 500 direct contact hours in each of the couples, family and individual categories, subject to a good-cause waiver.
Form Experience Instruction
Form A, July 23, 2025, separately instructs applicants to show 750 couples/family hours and 750 individual hours, 300 total supervision hours including 150 individual hours, no more than 100 graduate-program supervision hours, and at least 50 individual postgraduate supervision hours. The administrative rule controls the requirement; the form describes what the Board asks applicants to document.
References
Provide three professional endorsements meeting §111-02-03-03(2); endorsers must hold an equivalent therapist license, be unrelated to the applicant, and not be an employee, independent contractor, patient or former patient.
State Exam Timing
The state examination occurs after acceptance of the licensure application and before approval for full licensure; the Board page places it after the national exam and supervised experience. The oral/state examination must be scheduled for provisional issuance, but passing it is not a prerequisite to provisional issuance.

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

State Examination

Provider
North Dakota Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board
Format
Oral examination conducted by Board members
Passing score
State passing score determined by the Board; passing requires the affirmative vote of at least four Board members.
Examination outline
  • Knowledge of the laws governing marriage and family therapists
  • Knowledge of the code of ethics
  • Awareness of responsibilities to the board and to the public
  • Other practice-related areas
Examination sources