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Pennsylvania Marriage & Family Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Full license for marriage and family therapy, including independent practice.

Licensing authority: Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors · Application information

Licensure by endorsement under 63 Pa.C.S. section 3111 (Act 41)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply through PALS and pay applicable fees.
Board discretion
The Board evaluates equivalence and competency; the statute identifies no examination prerequisite in its exhaustive endorsement criteria.
Board mft implementation
The Board LMFT FAQ asks for a license in good standing and MFT practice for two of the preceding five years; foreign applicants are evaluated individually.
Competency
Demonstrate competency by Board-determined methods, including continuing education or practice for two of the five preceding years.
Discipline
Be in good standing without disqualifying acts or discipline, unless the Board determines those matters should not impede licensure.
Existing license
Hold a current corresponding license elsewhere, with requirements determined substantially equivalent to or greater than Pennsylvania's.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement without examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Board application, affirmation, fee, two recommendations under section 48.12, and required supporting documentation.
Child abuse training
Complete three hours of Board-approved child abuse recognition and reporting training for initial licensure.
Controlled substance conviction
A disqualifying controlled-substance felony requires at least ten years since conviction, demonstrated rehabilitation, and satisfaction of the remaining statutory qualifications.
Criminal history check
Submit fingerprints for state and FBI criminal history checks under 63 Pa.C.S. section 3119; the statutory practitioner definition expressly includes this Board.
Education
Meet section 7(e)(2) and section 48.13(a)(3) educational requirements.
Existing license
Hold a current MFT license in good standing elsewhere and furnish certification and disciplinary history.
Moral character
Good moral character; criminal history is assessed individually under section 7(e)(1) and 63 Pa.C.S. section 3113.
Practice
Actively engaged in MFT practice for at least five of the seven years immediately before application.
Supervised experience
At least 3,000 supervised clinical hours acceptable to the Board; section 48.17 requires conformity with the current licensing jurisdiction's requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination (doctoral degree)
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit the Board application, affirmation, fee, two recommendations under section 48.12, and required supporting documentation.
Child abuse training
Complete three hours of Board-approved child abuse recognition and reporting training for initial licensure.
Controlled substance conviction
A disqualifying controlled-substance felony requires at least ten years since conviction, demonstrated rehabilitation, and satisfaction of the remaining statutory qualifications.
Criminal history check
Submit fingerprints for state and FBI criminal history checks under 63 Pa.C.S. section 3119; the statutory practitioner definition expressly includes this Board.
Education
Hold a qualifying MFT or closely related doctoral degree with acceptable MFT graduate coursework under section 7(e)(2)(iii) and section 48.2.
Education experience difference
Section 48.13(a)(4)(i) describes hours after 48 semester or 72 quarter hours, while the higher-ranked section 7(e)(3)(i) requires hours after the master's degree; the statutory requirement governs.
Examination timing
The examination may be passed before clinical experience is complete; passing it remains a full-license prerequisite.
Experience window
Section 48.13(b)(9) sets two to six years. The Board FAQ says it waived the 500-to-1,800 hours per twelve-month credit limitation; this implementing statement is retained as an applicant condition.
Moral character
Good moral character; criminal history is assessed individually under section 7(e)(1) and 63 Pa.C.S. section 3113.
Supervised experience
At least 2,400 supervised clinical hours, including 1,200 after the doctoral degree; clinical activities, supervision and timing must satisfy section 48.13(b).
Supervision
At least half of the supervised hours must be under a supervisor qualifying under section 48.3(1) or the historical section 48.3(3); apply section 48.14 supervisor standards. Minimum supervision is two hours per forty clinical hours, with at least one individually and in person.
Licensure by examination (master's degree)
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit the Board application, affirmation, fee, two recommendations under section 48.12, and required supporting documentation.
Child abuse training
Complete three hours of Board-approved child abuse recognition and reporting training for initial licensure.
Controlled substance conviction
A disqualifying controlled-substance felony requires at least ten years since conviction, demonstrated rehabilitation, and satisfaction of the remaining statutory qualifications.
Criminal history check
Submit fingerprints for state and FBI criminal history checks under 63 Pa.C.S. section 3119; the statutory practitioner definition expressly includes this Board.
Education
Complete 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of qualifying graduate coursework, including a qualifying 48-semester/72-quarter-hour master's degree; a master's degree granted on or before June 30, 2009 can qualify under section 7(e)(2)(i). Coursework must meet section 48.2.
Education experience difference
Section 48.13(a)(4)(i) describes hours after 48 semester or 72 quarter hours, while the higher-ranked section 7(e)(3)(i) requires hours after the master's degree; the statutory requirement governs.
Examination timing
The examination may be passed before clinical experience is complete; passing it remains a full-license prerequisite.
Experience window
Section 48.13(b)(9) sets two to six years. The Board FAQ says it waived the 500-to-1,800 hours per twelve-month credit limitation; this implementing statement is retained as an applicant condition.
Moral character
Good moral character; criminal history is assessed individually under section 7(e)(1) and 63 Pa.C.S. section 3113.
Supervised experience
At least 3,000 supervised clinical hours after the master's degree under controlling section 7(e)(3)(i); clinical activities, supervision and timing must satisfy section 48.13(b).
Supervision
At least half of the supervised hours must be under a supervisor qualifying under section 48.3(1) or the historical section 48.3(3); apply section 48.14 supervisor standards. Minimum supervision is two hours per forty clinical hours, with at least one individually and in person.
Reactivation of an inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Board reactivation request through PALS and applicable renewal materials.
Continuing education
Show compliance with the continuing education requirement for the preceding biennium.
License status
Previously issued full MFT license in inactive status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a lapsed license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Board reactivation request through PALS and applicable renewal materials.
Continuing education
Show compliance with the continuing education requirement for the preceding biennium.
License status
Previously issued full MFT license that has lapsed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
Board may reactivate the expired license without penalty; continuing education may be extended up to six months after deployment.
Deadline
Seek reactivation within one month after deployment ends.
Military status
A servicemember whose renewal period occurred during deployment outside Pennsylvania, or an accompanying military spouse.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal for deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Advance application
Submit renewal requirements before deployment if deployment coincides with renewal eligibility; application is processed when the next renewal opens.
Continuing education
Complete 30 approved continuing education hours, including three ethics hours, two child-abuse hours and one suicide-prevention hour, subject to statutory and Board exemptions and hardship waivers.
Continuing education extension
If all other renewal requirements are met, continuing education or competency deadlines extend up to six months after deployment.
Existing license
Hold the license being renewed.
First renewal
Section 48.40(a) exempts first-time licensees from the general continuing education requirement for the following biennial renewal period; apply mandatory statutory training requirements.
Military status
A servicemember deployed outside Pennsylvania, or a military spouse residing with that servicemember during deployment.
Renewal
Renew biennially and pay applicable fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete 30 approved continuing education hours, including three ethics hours, two child-abuse hours and one suicide-prevention hour, subject to statutory and Board exemptions and hardship waivers.
Existing license
Hold the license being renewed.
First renewal
Section 48.40(a) exempts first-time licensees from the general continuing education requirement for the following biennial renewal period; apply mandatory statutory training requirements.
Renewal
Renew biennially and pay applicable fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after revocation
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit the Board application, affirmation, fee, two recommendations under section 48.12, and required supporting documentation.
Child abuse training
Complete three hours of Board-approved child abuse recognition and reporting training for initial licensure.
Controlled substance conviction
A disqualifying controlled-substance felony requires at least ten years since conviction, demonstrated rehabilitation, and satisfaction of the remaining statutory qualifications.
Court order
Section 12 separately preserves reinstatement ordered by Commonwealth Court or an appeal from it; judicial terms are an applicant condition.
Criminal history check
Submit fingerprints for state and FBI criminal history checks under 63 Pa.C.S. section 3119; the statutory practitioner definition expressly includes this Board.
Licensing qualifications
Meet all statutory licensing qualifications, including the examination requirement.
Moral character
Good moral character; criminal history is assessed individually under section 7(e)(1) and 63 Pa.C.S. section 3113.
Revocation wait
Apply after at least five years following revocation.
Restoration of a suspended license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Corrective measures
Comply with any disciplinary or corrective measures imposed by the Board.
Health evaluation
For impairment-related proceedings, section 11(a)(8) permits a Board-directed mental or physical examination by a physician; this is a health evaluation condition, not a profession licensing examination.
License status
A suspended license, with restoration authorized by the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military applicant licensure with educational relief
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit the Board application, affirmation, fee, two recommendations under section 48.12, and required supporting documentation.
Child abuse training
Complete three hours of Board-approved child abuse recognition and reporting training for initial licensure.
Controlled substance conviction
A disqualifying controlled-substance felony requires at least ten years since conviction, demonstrated rehabilitation, and satisfaction of the remaining statutory qualifications.
Criminal history check
Submit fingerprints for state and FBI criminal history checks under 63 Pa.C.S. section 3119; the statutory practitioner definition expressly includes this Board.
Educational relief
Board may accept relevant military training and experience in place of otherwise incomplete education using the Military Occupational Codes Crosswalk.
Military status
Document status as a servicemember, veteran or qualifying military spouse.
Moral character
Good moral character; criminal history is assessed individually under section 7(e)(1) and 63 Pa.C.S. section 3113.
Other requirements
Meet all noneducational full-license requirements and pass all required examinations.
Practice
Active practice for at least two of the previous five years, counting relevant military experience and duties.
Licensure by reciprocity
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Accepted examination scores
The Board accepts similar examinations passed with a grade at least equal to its passing grade. A passing AMFTRB score is a registered leaf even when taken before application. Another jurisdiction's own examination or an unidentified similar examination is an applicant condition, not a Pennsylvania exam leaf.
Application
Submit the Board application, affirmation, fee, two recommendations under section 48.12, and required supporting documentation.
Child abuse training
Complete three hours of Board-approved child abuse recognition and reporting training for initial licensure.
Controlled substance conviction
A disqualifying controlled-substance felony requires at least ten years since conviction, demonstrated rehabilitation, and satisfaction of the remaining statutory qualifications.
Criminal history check
Submit fingerprints for state and FBI criminal history checks under 63 Pa.C.S. section 3119; the statutory practitioner definition expressly includes this Board.
Equivalent qualifications
Demonstrate qualifications at least equal to Pennsylvania requirements.
Existing license
Hold an MFT license or certification in a jurisdiction granting reciprocal treatment to Pennsylvania residents; provide licensing-board certification and violation history.
Moral character
Good moral character; criminal history is assessed individually under section 7(e)(1) and 63 Pa.C.S. section 3113.

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