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Ohio Marriage & Family Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

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

Conditional Permission to Practice Marriage and Family Therapy

Board-issued conditional authorization for nonresidents, limited to thirty days in a six-month period.

Licensing authority: Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board · Application information

Conditional nonresident permission with independent MFT scope
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Authorization
Board approval, written permission and fee; no more than thirty days in a six-month period.
Qualifications
Application must demonstrate meeting Chapter 4757 statutory and rule standards for the applicable licensure level, including the prescribed examination; an already accepted passing score is an applicant condition.
Residence
Nonresident holding an equivalent independent MFT license or registration in the home jurisdiction.
Conditional nonresident permission with MFT scope
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Authorization
Board approval, written permission and fee; no more than thirty days in a six-month period.
Qualifications
Application must demonstrate meeting Chapter 4757 statutory and rule standards for the applicable licensure level, including the prescribed examination; an already accepted passing score is an applicant condition.
Residence
Nonresident holding an equivalent MFT license or registration in the home jurisdiction.

Independent Marriage and Family Therapist

IMFT license permitting independent diagnosis and treatment within professional competence.

Licensing authority: Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board · Application information

Endorsement based on work experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for the corresponding MFT or IMFT level, pay the fee, provide license/good-standing verifications, criminal records checks and any documentation requested by the Board.
Board Exam Documentation
OAC 4757-25-06(A)(5): (5) If the applicant has taken a national or another jurisdiction's marriage and family therapist exam, documentation of whether the applicant passed that exam;
Board Examination Factors
OAC 4757-25-06(B)(1): (1) Whether the applicant has passed a marriage and family therapist exam that is substantially similar to Ohio's examination;
Board Score Submission
The Board’s Out-of-State MFTs implementation states: Submit with your application or have AMFTRB send your examination results to the Board. If you must request your score from AMFTRB, please attach a statement indicating you will be making a request when you file the application. An upload is required for the application submission. If you were originally licensed in California and took the California MFT exam instead of the AMFTRB, that exam score should be accepted under the reciprocity rules. This lower-ranked documentation demand is retained as a condition under the controlling Chapter 4796 issuance requirements; an examination belonging to another jurisdiction remains a condition.
Controlling Law
R.C. 4757.18 directs endorsement under Chapter 4796. R.C. 4796.03-.05 provide exhaustive issuance requirements; R.C. 4796.08 allows a state laws-and-rules examination if otherwise required. Ohio’s MFT implementation identifies a laws-and-rules video, not such an examination.
Discipline
No disqualifying surrender/revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct; no criminal offense that disqualifies licensure. Pending complaints and investigations must be resolved to the Board’s satisfaction.
Scope
Issued license permits only Ohio scope of practice and practice within the applicant’s training.
Video
View the Board laws-and-rules video.
Work Experience
Three of the preceding five years actively practicing in a jurisdiction that does not license/certify the profession, or in uniformed services; the Board may waive the duration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Endorsement with out of state license or government certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for the corresponding MFT or IMFT level, pay the fee, provide license/good-standing verifications, criminal records checks and any documentation requested by the Board.
Board Exam Documentation
OAC 4757-25-06(A)(5): (5) If the applicant has taken a national or another jurisdiction's marriage and family therapist exam, documentation of whether the applicant passed that exam;
Board Examination Factors
OAC 4757-25-06(B)(1): (1) Whether the applicant has passed a marriage and family therapist exam that is substantially similar to Ohio's examination;
Board Score Submission
The Board’s Out-of-State MFTs implementation states: Submit with your application or have AMFTRB send your examination results to the Board. If you must request your score from AMFTRB, please attach a statement indicating you will be making a request when you file the application. An upload is required for the application submission. If you were originally licensed in California and took the California MFT exam instead of the AMFTRB, that exam score should be accepted under the reciprocity rules. This lower-ranked documentation demand is retained as a condition under the controlling Chapter 4796 issuance requirements; an examination belonging to another jurisdiction remains a condition.
Controlling Law
R.C. 4757.18 directs endorsement under Chapter 4796. R.C. 4796.03-.05 provide exhaustive issuance requirements; R.C. 4796.08 allows a state laws-and-rules examination if otherwise required. Ohio’s MFT implementation identifies a laws-and-rules video, not such an examination.
Discipline
No disqualifying surrender/revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct; no criminal offense that disqualifies licensure. Pending complaints and investigations must be resolved to the Board’s satisfaction.
Holding And Practice
Held at least one year immediately before application and practiced at least one of the preceding five years, unless the Board waives these periods. Good standing in every jurisdiction of licensure/certification.
Original Qualifications
The qualifying credential required minimum education, training or experience, or passing an examination; the statute does not identify a particular examination.
Qualifying Credential
Substantially similar out-of-state occupational license, or same-profession government certification from uniformed services or a jurisdiction that does not license it.
Scope
Issued license permits only Ohio scope of practice and practice within the applicant’s training.
Video
View the Board laws-and-rules video.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Endorsement with private certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for the corresponding MFT or IMFT level, pay the fee, provide license/good-standing verifications, criminal records checks and any documentation requested by the Board.
Board Exam Documentation
OAC 4757-25-06(A)(5): (5) If the applicant has taken a national or another jurisdiction's marriage and family therapist exam, documentation of whether the applicant passed that exam;
Board Examination Factors
OAC 4757-25-06(B)(1): (1) Whether the applicant has passed a marriage and family therapist exam that is substantially similar to Ohio's examination;
Board Score Submission
The Board’s Out-of-State MFTs implementation states: Submit with your application or have AMFTRB send your examination results to the Board. If you must request your score from AMFTRB, please attach a statement indicating you will be making a request when you file the application. An upload is required for the application submission. If you were originally licensed in California and took the California MFT exam instead of the AMFTRB, that exam score should be accepted under the reciprocity rules. This lower-ranked documentation demand is retained as a condition under the controlling Chapter 4796 issuance requirements; an examination belonging to another jurisdiction remains a condition.
Controlling Law
R.C. 4757.18 directs endorsement under Chapter 4796. R.C. 4796.03-.05 provide exhaustive issuance requirements; R.C. 4796.08 allows a state laws-and-rules examination if otherwise required. Ohio’s MFT implementation identifies a laws-and-rules video, not such an examination.
Discipline
No disqualifying surrender/revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct; no criminal offense that disqualifies licensure. Pending complaints and investigations must be resolved to the Board’s satisfaction.
Private Certification
Private certification held for two years immediately before application and practice for two of the preceding five years in a jurisdiction that does not license/certify the profession, subject to Board waiver; good standing with the certifying organization.
Scope
Issued license permits only Ohio scope of practice and practice within the applicant’s training.
Video
View the Board laws-and-rules video.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Completed Board application, fee, official transcript showing degree conferral, and BCI/FBI criminal records checks received within one year before licensure; criminal-conviction review under R.C. 9.79.
Board Application Instructions
The Board states an MFT license must already be held; previously passed AMFTRB results remain on file and do not require retesting. Its stated retest option for an earlier score within 5% of passing is an applicant condition, not a different examination.
Education
A board-accepted graduate MFT degree with at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours, with the curriculum in OAC 4757-25-01(A); COAMFTE accreditation at conferral establishes program acceptance. Non-COAMFTE applicants submit program/course documentation for Board approval. Supplemental coursework requires advance written Board approval and completion within five years; qualifying doctoral students and out-of-state supervised hours are addressed in OAC 4757-25-01(B)-(C).
Exam Approval
Board approval to sit is required. Final-term COAMFTE and non-COAMFTE students have the separate documentation requirements in OAC 4757-25-02(C); approval applies to the next exam and must be renewed if not used, with reapplication after twelve months.
Practicum
At least two semesters or three quarters, 300 direct face-to-face client hours including 100 with couples/families, and 100 supervision hours under an eligible supervisor; non-COAMFTE experience must be documented.
Score Currency
Passing score within seven years of application unless currently licensed in an equivalent capacity elsewhere and the prescribed exam was passed for that licensure.
Supervised Practice
At least two calendar years after qualifying education, 1,000 face-to-face client hours including 500 with couples/families, and 200 face-to-face supervision hours including 100 individual hours. Eligible supervisors and documentation are specified by OAC 4757-29-01(C); up to 50 supervision hours may be under an Ohio LISW-S or LPCC-S.
Video
View the Board laws-and-rules video; the Board describes this as a review of rules and ethics.
New license after expiration beyond the restoration period
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Board Discretion
OAC 4757-25-02(F) permits the committee to require either the named national examination retake when no license is active and the passing score is seven or more years old, or 30 approved continuing-education hours (or another amount set by the committee), including three ethics hours.
Current Qualifications
The applicant must meet current issuance requirements; any waiver or accepted existing score is the applicant’s condition.
Expired License
A license lapsed for two years or less must use restoration, not a new-license application. Later new-license requests are reviewed by the professional standards committee.
Initial licensure with foreign education equivalence
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Completed Board application, fee, official transcript showing degree conferral, and BCI/FBI criminal records checks received within one year before licensure; criminal-conviction review under R.C. 9.79.
Board Application Instructions
The Board states an MFT license must already be held; previously passed AMFTRB results remain on file and do not require retesting. Its stated retest option for an earlier score within 5% of passing is an applicant condition, not a different examination.
Education
A board-accepted graduate MFT degree with at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours, with the curriculum in OAC 4757-25-01(A); COAMFTE accreditation at conferral establishes program acceptance. Non-COAMFTE applicants submit program/course documentation for Board approval. Supplemental coursework requires advance written Board approval and completion within five years; qualifying doctoral students and out-of-state supervised hours are addressed in OAC 4757-25-01(B)-(C).
Exam Approval
Board approval to sit is required. Final-term COAMFTE and non-COAMFTE students have the separate documentation requirements in OAC 4757-25-02(C); approval applies to the next exam and must be renewed if not used, with reapplication after twelve months.
Foreign Education
The professional standards committee must find the foreign academic program, experience and English proficiency equivalent to an accredited educational institution under R.C. 4757.17.
Practicum
At least two semesters or three quarters, 300 direct face-to-face client hours including 100 with couples/families, and 100 supervision hours under an eligible supervisor; non-COAMFTE experience must be documented.
Score Currency
Passing score within seven years of application unless currently licensed in an equivalent capacity elsewhere and the prescribed exam was passed for that licensure.
Supervised Practice
At least two calendar years after qualifying education, 1,000 face-to-face client hours including 500 with couples/families, and 200 face-to-face supervision hours including 100 individual hours. Eligible supervisors and documentation are specified by OAC 4757-29-01(C); up to 50 supervision hours may be under an Ohio LISW-S or LPCC-S.
Video
View the Board laws-and-rules video; the Board describes this as a review of rules and ethics.
Reactivation of inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Category
Inactive licensee requesting return to active practice.
Continuing Education
30 CE hours including six ethics hours in the preceding two years, not reusable to renew the restored license.
Inactive
Restore through electronic application and fee; restored license lasts two years from completion of restoration requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Classification as inactive escrow
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Status
Good-standing licensee applies at biennial renewal, pays the prescribed fee and signs a statement not to practice while inactive. Inactive status does not permit active practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after more than five years without practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Category
More than five years without practice.
Continuing Education
45 CE hours including six ethics hours.
Inactive
Restore through electronic application and fee; restored license lasts two years from completion of restoration requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after more than ten years without practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Category
More than ten years without practice; additionally propose a professional development plan unless waived by the professional standards committee. The plan may include competency performance appraisals, mentorship, extra CE, coursework or other learning; none is a specifically identified licensure examination.
Continuing Education
45 CE hours including six ethics hours.
Inactive
Restore through electronic application and fee; restored license lasts two years from completion of restoration requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration within two years of lapse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Pay renewal fee and show the required continuing education; restoration is for the remaining portion of the two years after expiration. The statute prohibits an examination for this restoration.
Lapse
Apply no later than two years after expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Regular license in lieu of temporary military license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Criminal Records
Submit required criminal records checks; the agency may issue a regular license in lieu of a temporary one under R.C. 4743.041(C), on the statutory timeline.
Military Status
Applicant or spouse is on military duty in Ohio.
Qualifying License
Valid corresponding license in another jurisdiction and good standing.
Scope
Practice must stay within Ohio law and the licensee’s training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal following military related absence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Military CE waiver or extension requires supporting orders/documentation under OAC 4757-1-08(C).
Fee
Usual renewal fee without late fee; not otherwise disqualified by mental or physical disability.
Service
License not renewed because of the holder’s military service, or a spouse’s service causing the holder’s absence from Ohio; satisfactory proof of honorable discharge/release within six months is required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renewal application and fee before expiration.
Continuing Education
30 approved continuing-education hours acquired after issuance or last renewal, including three ethics hours; Board-approved waivers or amendments may apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Marriage and Family Therapist

MFT license; diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders require clinical supervision.

Licensing authority: Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board · Application information

Endorsement based on work experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for the corresponding MFT or IMFT level, pay the fee, provide license/good-standing verifications, criminal records checks and any documentation requested by the Board.
Board Exam Documentation
OAC 4757-25-06(A)(5): (5) If the applicant has taken a national or another jurisdiction's marriage and family therapist exam, documentation of whether the applicant passed that exam;
Board Examination Factors
OAC 4757-25-06(B)(1): (1) Whether the applicant has passed a marriage and family therapist exam that is substantially similar to Ohio's examination;
Controlling Law
R.C. 4757.18 directs endorsement under Chapter 4796. R.C. 4796.03-.05 provide exhaustive issuance requirements; R.C. 4796.08 allows a state laws-and-rules examination if otherwise required. Ohio’s MFT implementation identifies a laws-and-rules video, not such an examination.
Discipline
No disqualifying surrender/revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct; no criminal offense that disqualifies licensure. Pending complaints and investigations must be resolved to the Board’s satisfaction.
Scope
Issued license permits only Ohio scope of practice and practice within the applicant’s training.
Video
View the Board laws-and-rules video.
Work Experience
Three of the preceding five years actively practicing in a jurisdiction that does not license/certify the profession, or in uniformed services; the Board may waive the duration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Endorsement with out of state license or government certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for the corresponding MFT or IMFT level, pay the fee, provide license/good-standing verifications, criminal records checks and any documentation requested by the Board.
Board Exam Documentation
OAC 4757-25-06(A)(5): (5) If the applicant has taken a national or another jurisdiction's marriage and family therapist exam, documentation of whether the applicant passed that exam;
Board Examination Factors
OAC 4757-25-06(B)(1): (1) Whether the applicant has passed a marriage and family therapist exam that is substantially similar to Ohio's examination;
Controlling Law
R.C. 4757.18 directs endorsement under Chapter 4796. R.C. 4796.03-.05 provide exhaustive issuance requirements; R.C. 4796.08 allows a state laws-and-rules examination if otherwise required. Ohio’s MFT implementation identifies a laws-and-rules video, not such an examination.
Discipline
No disqualifying surrender/revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct; no criminal offense that disqualifies licensure. Pending complaints and investigations must be resolved to the Board’s satisfaction.
Holding And Practice
Held at least one year immediately before application and practiced at least one of the preceding five years, unless the Board waives these periods. Good standing in every jurisdiction of licensure/certification.
Original Qualifications
The qualifying credential required minimum education, training or experience, or passing an examination; the statute does not identify a particular examination.
Qualifying Credential
Substantially similar out-of-state occupational license, or same-profession government certification from uniformed services or a jurisdiction that does not license it.
Scope
Issued license permits only Ohio scope of practice and practice within the applicant’s training.
Video
View the Board laws-and-rules video.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Endorsement with private certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for the corresponding MFT or IMFT level, pay the fee, provide license/good-standing verifications, criminal records checks and any documentation requested by the Board.
Board Exam Documentation
OAC 4757-25-06(A)(5): (5) If the applicant has taken a national or another jurisdiction's marriage and family therapist exam, documentation of whether the applicant passed that exam;
Board Examination Factors
OAC 4757-25-06(B)(1): (1) Whether the applicant has passed a marriage and family therapist exam that is substantially similar to Ohio's examination;
Controlling Law
R.C. 4757.18 directs endorsement under Chapter 4796. R.C. 4796.03-.05 provide exhaustive issuance requirements; R.C. 4796.08 allows a state laws-and-rules examination if otherwise required. Ohio’s MFT implementation identifies a laws-and-rules video, not such an examination.
Discipline
No disqualifying surrender/revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct; no criminal offense that disqualifies licensure. Pending complaints and investigations must be resolved to the Board’s satisfaction.
Private Certification
Private certification held for two years immediately before application and practice for two of the preceding five years in a jurisdiction that does not license/certify the profession, subject to Board waiver; good standing with the certifying organization.
Scope
Issued license permits only Ohio scope of practice and practice within the applicant’s training.
Video
View the Board laws-and-rules video.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Completed Board application, fee, official transcript showing degree conferral, and BCI/FBI criminal records checks received within one year before licensure; criminal-conviction review under R.C. 9.79.
Education
A board-accepted graduate MFT degree with at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours, with the curriculum in OAC 4757-25-01(A); COAMFTE accreditation at conferral establishes program acceptance. Non-COAMFTE applicants submit program/course documentation for Board approval. Supplemental coursework requires advance written Board approval and completion within five years; qualifying doctoral students and out-of-state supervised hours are addressed in OAC 4757-25-01(B)-(C).
Exam Approval
Board approval to sit is required. Final-term COAMFTE and non-COAMFTE students have the separate documentation requirements in OAC 4757-25-02(C); approval applies to the next exam and must be renewed if not used, with reapplication after twelve months.
Practicum
At least two semesters or three quarters, 300 direct face-to-face client hours including 100 with couples/families, and 100 supervision hours under an eligible supervisor; non-COAMFTE experience must be documented.
Score Currency
Passing score within seven years of application unless currently licensed in an equivalent capacity elsewhere and the prescribed exam was passed for that licensure.
Video
View the Board laws-and-rules video; the Board describes this as a review of rules and ethics.
New license after expiration beyond the restoration period
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Board Discretion
OAC 4757-25-02(F) permits the committee to require either the named national examination retake when no license is active and the passing score is seven or more years old, or 30 approved continuing-education hours (or another amount set by the committee), including three ethics hours.
Current Qualifications
The applicant must meet current issuance requirements; any waiver or accepted existing score is the applicant’s condition.
Expired License
A license lapsed for two years or less must use restoration, not a new-license application. Later new-license requests are reviewed by the professional standards committee.
Initial licensure with foreign education equivalence
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Completed Board application, fee, official transcript showing degree conferral, and BCI/FBI criminal records checks received within one year before licensure; criminal-conviction review under R.C. 9.79.
Education
A board-accepted graduate MFT degree with at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours, with the curriculum in OAC 4757-25-01(A); COAMFTE accreditation at conferral establishes program acceptance. Non-COAMFTE applicants submit program/course documentation for Board approval. Supplemental coursework requires advance written Board approval and completion within five years; qualifying doctoral students and out-of-state supervised hours are addressed in OAC 4757-25-01(B)-(C).
Exam Approval
Board approval to sit is required. Final-term COAMFTE and non-COAMFTE students have the separate documentation requirements in OAC 4757-25-02(C); approval applies to the next exam and must be renewed if not used, with reapplication after twelve months.
Foreign Education
The professional standards committee must find the foreign academic program, experience and English proficiency equivalent to an accredited educational institution under R.C. 4757.17.
Practicum
At least two semesters or three quarters, 300 direct face-to-face client hours including 100 with couples/families, and 100 supervision hours under an eligible supervisor; non-COAMFTE experience must be documented.
Score Currency
Passing score within seven years of application unless currently licensed in an equivalent capacity elsewhere and the prescribed exam was passed for that licensure.
Video
View the Board laws-and-rules video; the Board describes this as a review of rules and ethics.
Reactivation of inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Category
Inactive licensee requesting return to active practice.
Continuing Education
30 CE hours including six ethics hours in the preceding two years, not reusable to renew the restored license.
Inactive
Restore through electronic application and fee; restored license lasts two years from completion of restoration requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Classification as inactive escrow
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Status
Good-standing licensee applies at biennial renewal, pays the prescribed fee and signs a statement not to practice while inactive. Inactive status does not permit active practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after more than five years without practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Category
More than five years without practice.
Continuing Education
45 CE hours including six ethics hours.
Inactive
Restore through electronic application and fee; restored license lasts two years from completion of restoration requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after more than ten years without practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Category
More than ten years without practice; additionally propose a professional development plan unless waived by the professional standards committee. The plan may include competency performance appraisals, mentorship, extra CE, coursework or other learning; none is a specifically identified licensure examination.
Continuing Education
45 CE hours including six ethics hours.
Inactive
Restore through electronic application and fee; restored license lasts two years from completion of restoration requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration within two years of lapse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Pay renewal fee and show the required continuing education; restoration is for the remaining portion of the two years after expiration. The statute prohibits an examination for this restoration.
Lapse
Apply no later than two years after expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Regular license in lieu of temporary military license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Criminal Records
Submit required criminal records checks; the agency may issue a regular license in lieu of a temporary one under R.C. 4743.041(C), on the statutory timeline.
Military Status
Applicant or spouse is on military duty in Ohio.
Qualifying License
Valid corresponding license in another jurisdiction and good standing.
Scope
Practice must stay within Ohio law and the licensee’s training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal following military related absence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Military CE waiver or extension requires supporting orders/documentation under OAC 4757-1-08(C).
Fee
Usual renewal fee without late fee; not otherwise disqualified by mental or physical disability.
Service
License not renewed because of the holder’s military service, or a spouse’s service causing the holder’s absence from Ohio; satisfactory proof of honorable discharge/release within six months is required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renewal application and fee before expiration.
Continuing Education
30 approved continuing-education hours acquired after issuance or last renewal, including three ethics hours; Board-approved waivers or amendments may apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Marriage and Family Therapist License

Temporary authorization pending the next required examination or issuance; not renewable.

Licensing authority: Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board · Application information

New temporary license for documented substantial hardship
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Duration
Same statutory termination conditions as the initial temporary license.
Hardship
OAC 4757-25-05(E) allows a new temporary license only for documented substantial hardship determined by the Board; it is not renewal. R.C. 4757.301 still requires eligibility except pending the required examination.
Temporary licensure pending examination
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Duration
Ends on regular issuance, one year after temporary issuance, withdrawal from the exam or notice of failing the exam, whichever occurs first. Not renewable.
Eligibility
Meets R.C. 4757.30(A) except awaiting the next opportunity to sit the required examination. Apply on Board forms.
Rule Conflict
OAC 4757-25-05(A) describes waiting for the next Board meeting; the controlling R.C. 4757.301 instead specifies waiting for the next required examination.
Scope
OAC 4757-25-05(A) describes MFT or independent MFT practice; statutory eligibility and authorized scope remain those of R.C. 4757.301 and 4757.30.

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