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Tennessee Marriage & Family Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

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Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Supervised-practice associate license; temporary licenses converted to this title on January 1, 2026.

Licensing authority: Tennessee Board for Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Clinical Pastoral Therapists · Application information

Automatic conversion of a temporary license to associate licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conversion
The Board automatically converts the license title and extends its expiration to a total of four years from original issuance; this administrative transition requires no new examination.
Existing License
Hold a valid temporary license when the January 1, 2026 statutory transition takes effect.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-01.

  • temp-faq.pdf

    Temporary-license conversion and duration extension

Extension of associate licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Practice
Continue approved supervision and satisfy applicable license conditions; an extension is not independent licensure.
Existing License
Hold an associate license and request an extension; approval lies within Board discretion.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-01.

  • pc0204.pdf

    Section 3, 63-22-121(b)(4), extension discretion

Associate licensure after expiration of a former temporary license
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit a complete and truthful application with fees and required supporting documents; the Board reviews qualifications.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions, prior licensing actions, restrictions, and relevant civil judgments or settlements; provide requested verification and certified translations.
Duration
An associate license is valid for up to four years and may be extended at Board discretion under the statute effective January 1, 2026; the older rule’s three-year/nonrenewable limits do not control inconsistent statutory terms.
Education
Complete the academic coursework and training required for the independent license; post-master’s supervised experience may still be incomplete.
Identity
Provide birth-certificate, photograph, citizenship declaration, and criminal-background-check documentation required by the Board application.
National Exam Timing
Rule 0450-02-.05(5)(e)(1)-(2) states that the written examination must be taken within nine months and passed within two years after temporary-license issuance; the Board FAQ says the associate application process and practice scope are the same. These are post-issuance conditions, not an examination prerequisite to initial issuance.
Prior Temporary License
A prior expired temporary license does not prevent a new associate application after January 1, 2026; the Board FAQ expressly permits a new application.
Professional Character
Provide evidence of good moral character and professional ethics, including the Board-required recent professional references.
Supervision Agreement
Provide satisfactory evidence of an agreement with an approved supervisor and practice only under that approved supervision.
Title
Use Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist or AMFT; do not represent yourself as independently licensed.
Associate licensure for supervised postgraduate practice
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit a complete and truthful application with fees and required supporting documents; the Board reviews qualifications.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions, prior licensing actions, restrictions, and relevant civil judgments or settlements; provide requested verification and certified translations.
Duration
An associate license is valid for up to four years and may be extended at Board discretion under the statute effective January 1, 2026; the older rule’s three-year/nonrenewable limits do not control inconsistent statutory terms.
Education
Complete the academic coursework and training required for the independent license; post-master’s supervised experience may still be incomplete.
Identity
Provide birth-certificate, photograph, citizenship declaration, and criminal-background-check documentation required by the Board application.
National Exam Timing
Rule 0450-02-.05(5)(e)(1)-(2) states that the written examination must be taken within nine months and passed within two years after temporary-license issuance; the Board FAQ says the associate application process and practice scope are the same. These are post-issuance conditions, not an examination prerequisite to initial issuance.
Professional Character
Provide evidence of good moral character and professional ethics, including the Board-required recent professional references.
Supervision Agreement
Provide satisfactory evidence of an agreement with an approved supervisor and practice only under that approved supervision.
Title
Use Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist or AMFT; do not represent yourself as independently licensed.

Licensed Marital and Family Therapist

Independent MFT license; retired status and restoration remain routes of this same license identity.

Licensing authority: Tennessee Board for Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Clinical Pastoral Therapists · Application information

Licensure by AAMFT clinical member endorsement under Rule 0450 02 .04(4)

All of the following:

Application
Submit a complete and truthful application with fees and required supporting documents; the Board reviews qualifications.
Clinical Membership
Hold current clinical membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions, prior licensing actions, restrictions, and relevant civil judgments or settlements; provide requested verification and certified translations.
Identity
Provide birth-certificate, photograph, citizenship declaration, and criminal-background-check documentation required by the Board application.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
National Examination
Rule 0450-02-.08(1) exempts upgrades and reciprocity but not AAMFT endorsement; the national examination remains a leaf even though Rule .05(4)(a) emphasizes the oral section.
Professional Character
Provide evidence of good moral character and professional ethics, including the Board-required recent professional references.
Route Distinction
This regulatory clinical-membership route has different applicant conditions from the statutory out-of-state endorsement route. The latter’s one-exam checklist is not applied to this route.
Independent licensure after associate practice

All of the following:

Application
Submit a complete and truthful application with fees and required supporting documents; the Board reviews qualifications.
Associate Transition
Apply for the independent license and document satisfactory post-master’s supervised experience under an approved supervisor; the associate license ends when the independent application is approved or denied.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions, prior licensing actions, restrictions, and relevant civil judgments or settlements; provide requested verification and certified translations.
Education
Accredited master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or an equivalent related degree with three courses each in human development/personality, marriage and family studies, and marriage and family therapy; one course each in research, professional ethics, and assessment/diagnosis; at least 300 hours of supervised practicum/internship.
Exam Eligibility
The Board determines eligibility; the written passing score precedes the rule-prescribed oral examination, and the rule provides the application/re-examination deadlines.
Experience
At least two years of post-master’s clinical experience, 1,000 clinical-practice hours and 200 supervision hours, with approved supervision; continue supervision until the independent license is issued.
Identity
Provide birth-certificate, photograph, citizenship declaration, and criminal-background-check documentation required by the Board application.
Implementation
The Board’s July 2025 upgrade form expressly requires AMFTRB and TN MFT jurisprudence passing results. The current rule also retains its separate oral-examination requirement.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Professional Character
Provide evidence of good moral character and professional ethics, including the Board-required recent professional references.
Certification upgrade based on AAMFT clinical membership
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete and truthful application with fees and required supporting documents; the Board reviews qualifications.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions, prior licensing actions, restrictions, and relevant civil judgments or settlements; provide requested verification and certified translations.
Examination Exception
Rule 0450-02-.08 expressly exempts certification upgrades from both its written and oral examination requirements.
Identity
Provide birth-certificate, photograph, citizenship declaration, and criminal-background-check documentation required by the Board application.
Legacy Certificate
Hold a current CMFT certificate from the legacy certified cohort; provide a copy of the current renewal certificate.
Professional Character
Provide evidence of good moral character and professional ethics, including the Board-required recent professional references.
Upgrade Qualification
Submit evidence of current clinical membership in AAMFT.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Certification upgrade based on 15 years of certified clinical practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete and truthful application with fees and required supporting documents; the Board reviews qualifications.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions, prior licensing actions, restrictions, and relevant civil judgments or settlements; provide requested verification and certified translations.
Examination Exception
Rule 0450-02-.08 expressly exempts certification upgrades from both its written and oral examination requirements.
Identity
Provide birth-certificate, photograph, citizenship declaration, and criminal-background-check documentation required by the Board application.
Legacy Certificate
Hold a current CMFT certificate from the legacy certified cohort; provide a copy of the current renewal certificate.
Professional Character
Provide evidence of good moral character and professional ethics, including the Board-required recent professional references.
Upgrade Qualification
Verify 15 years of clinical practice as a certified MFT to the Board’s satisfaction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Certification upgrade based on 200 clinical supervision hours
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete and truthful application with fees and required supporting documents; the Board reviews qualifications.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions, prior licensing actions, restrictions, and relevant civil judgments or settlements; provide requested verification and certified translations.
Examination Exception
Rule 0450-02-.08 expressly exempts certification upgrades from both its written and oral examination requirements.
Identity
Provide birth-certificate, photograph, citizenship declaration, and criminal-background-check documentation required by the Board application.
Legacy Certificate
Hold a current CMFT certificate from the legacy certified cohort; provide a copy of the current renewal certificate.
Professional Character
Provide evidence of good moral character and professional ethics, including the Board-required recent professional references.
Upgrade Qualification
Submit evidence of 200 clinical-supervision hours under Rule 0450-02-.10.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination

All of the following:

Application
Submit a complete and truthful application with fees and required supporting documents; the Board reviews qualifications.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions, prior licensing actions, restrictions, and relevant civil judgments or settlements; provide requested verification and certified translations.
Education
Accredited master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or an equivalent related degree with three courses each in human development/personality, marriage and family studies, and marriage and family therapy; one course each in research, professional ethics, and assessment/diagnosis; at least 300 hours of supervised practicum/internship.
Exam Eligibility
The Board determines eligibility; the written passing score precedes the rule-prescribed oral examination, and the rule provides the application/re-examination deadlines.
Experience
At least two years of post-master’s clinical experience, 1,000 clinical-practice hours and 200 supervision hours, with approved supervision; continue supervision until the independent license is issued.
Identity
Provide birth-certificate, photograph, citizenship declaration, and criminal-background-check documentation required by the Board application.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Professional Character
Provide evidence of good moral character and professional ethics, including the Board-required recent professional references.
State Examination Implementation
The current effective rule expressly requires the separately scored oral examination. No obtained official notice discontinues or merges it. The online jurisprudence examination is carried where the statute or the applicable upgrade instructions require it; a general website link does not establish an additional initial-examination requirement.
Reinstatement after CE related revocation of LMFT
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete the accumulated CE within the 12 months immediately preceding reinstatement and pay the late-renewal fee.
Disciplinary Conditions
Comply with the disciplinary order and petition for an order of compliance; conditions imposed by the Board are applicant conditions, with no named current examination in this CE-restoration rule.
Prior Credential
Credential was revoked for CE noncompliance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after suspension, probation, or revocation of LMFT
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Compliance
Prove complete compliance with that order, satisfy the waiting period and monetary obligations, file the prescribed petition, and appear before the Board.
Discretion
Board-imposed case-specific conditions are retained as applicant conditions. No examination is identified in the order-of-compliance route itself.
Prior Discipline
A Board disciplinary order applies to the existing credential.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of expired LMFT
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Board-linked PH-4049 reinstatement application and requested verification; do not practice until reinstated.
Continuing Education
Document the CE that would have accumulated while active, successfully completed within the 12 months immediately preceding reinstatement.
Fees
Pay all overdue renewal fees and the late-renewal fee.
Prior Credential
Previously held LMFT credential is expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal of existing LMFT
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete ten clock hours annually and the rule’s biennial ethics/jurisprudence-course hours; courses are applicant conditions, not examinations.
Existing Credential
Hold a current LMFT credential.
Renewal
Submit the signed renewal application and renewal/regulatory fees by the stated expiration date.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of retired LMFT

All of the following:

Prior Credential
Hold a retired LMFT credential.
Qualification Review
Rule .11(5) treats reactivation as a licensure application governed by Rule .04. Registered examinations from the initial-examination pathway are retained; any applicant-specific reciprocity or upgrade exception is a condition under the contract.
Reactivation
Submit a written request, renewal/regulatory fees and any applicable overdue fees, and the CE evidence required by Rule .12(6)(a).
Waiver
The Board may waive or condition CE in emergencies; an applicant qualifying for the statutory examination-free reciprocity pathway may invoke that exemption.
Conversion of LMFT to retired status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit an affidavit of retirement and requested documentation.
Existing Credential
Hold an active LMFT and do not intend to practice under that title.
Practice Status
Retired status is inactive and carries no practice authority; it is a status of the existing credential, not a new independently issued license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited statutory endorsement for military member
Tennessee Examination in Marital and Family Therapy (practice unavailable)
Application
Submit a complete and truthful application with fees and required supporting documents; the Board reviews qualifications.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions, prior licensing actions, restrictions, and relevant civil judgments or settlements; provide requested verification and certified translations.
Identity
Provide birth-certificate, photograph, citizenship declaration, and criminal-background-check documentation required by the Board application.
License Documentation
Document each MFT license ever held and its disciplinary status.
Military Eligibility
Currently hold an out-of-state professional license and have retired, received a non-dishonorable discharge, or moved from active duty to reserve status within the last 180 days; submit military documentation and expedited verification.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age.
Out Of State License
Be licensed for independent marriage and family therapy practice in another state or territory.
Processing
The declaration accompanies the underlying licensure or reinstatement application and expedites its processing.
Professional Character
Evidence satisfactory to the Board of good moral character and professional ethics.
Statutory Exam Set
The newly enacted endorsement checklist requires the Tennessee jurisprudence examination. The earlier reciprocity policy’s additional experience conditions are subordinate to this statute.
Expedited expired license reinstatement for military member
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Military Eligibility
Currently hold an out-of-state professional license and have retired, received a non-dishonorable discharge, or moved from active duty to reserve status within the last 180 days; submit military documentation and expedited verification.
Prior Credential
Previously held Tennessee LMFT license is expired.
Processing
The declaration accompanies the underlying licensure or reinstatement application and expedites its processing.
Reinstatement
Pay the required past-due and late fees, document accumulated CE and complete the reinstatement application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited statutory reciprocity for military member
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete and truthful application with fees and required supporting documents; the Board reviews qualifications.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions, prior licensing actions, restrictions, and relevant civil judgments or settlements; provide requested verification and certified translations.
Identity
Provide birth-certificate, photograph, citizenship declaration, and criminal-background-check documentation required by the Board application.
Lower Ranked Board Instructions
The Board reciprocity policy, amended January 3, 2020, states: 1. Applicant maintained an active license from another jurisdiction for not less than three (3) of the five (5) years immediately preceding the application. 2. Applicant’s license from the originating state is not currently encumbered or restricted. 3. Applicant must pass the Tennessee Jurisprudence exam. 4. Applicant must meet all other minimum statutory requirements for licensure under the selected licensure type. The current rule 0450-02-.04(3)(c) also states: (c) Pass the oral examination pursuant to Rule 0450-02-.08. These lower-ranked demands are displayed as applicant conditions; they do not override the statute’s express examination exemption.
Military Eligibility
Currently hold an out-of-state professional license and have retired, received a non-dishonorable discharge, or moved from active duty to reserve status within the last 180 days; submit military documentation and expedited verification.
Out Of State License
Hold an independent MFT license in good standing in another state or territory and meet this part’s qualifications.
Processing
The declaration accompanies the underlying licensure or reinstatement application and expedites its processing.
Professional Character
Provide evidence of good moral character and professional ethics, including the Board-required recent professional references.
Statutory Examination Exemption
T.C.A. 63-22-103(a), effective July 1, 2026, commands licensure without examination; this route is separate from the new endorsement route in subsection (c).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-01.

  • pc0737.pdf

    Section 16, replacement 63-22-103(a), mandatory licensure without examination

  • pc0737.pdf

    Section 32(b), effective date of Sections 16 and 20

  • military-member.pdf

    Declaration introductory paragraph, expedited processing and underlying application

Expedited statutory endorsement for military spouse
Tennessee Examination in Marital and Family Therapy (practice unavailable)
Application
Submit a complete and truthful application with fees and required supporting documents; the Board reviews qualifications.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions, prior licensing actions, restrictions, and relevant civil judgments or settlements; provide requested verification and certified translations.
Identity
Provide birth-certificate, photograph, citizenship declaration, and criminal-background-check documentation required by the Board application.
License Documentation
Document each MFT license ever held and its disciplinary status.
Military Eligibility
Currently hold an out-of-state professional license, be married to a U.S. armed-forces member transferred to Tennessee, and provide identification, transfer orders, and expedited verification.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age.
Out Of State License
Be licensed for independent marriage and family therapy practice in another state or territory.
Processing
The declaration accompanies the underlying licensure or reinstatement application and expedites its processing.
Professional Character
Evidence satisfactory to the Board of good moral character and professional ethics.
Statutory Exam Set
The newly enacted endorsement checklist requires the Tennessee jurisprudence examination. The earlier reciprocity policy’s additional experience conditions are subordinate to this statute.
Licensure by examination with a military spouse supervision hour exception

All of the following:

Application
Submit a complete and truthful application with fees and required supporting documents; the Board reviews qualifications.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions, prior licensing actions, restrictions, and relevant civil judgments or settlements; provide requested verification and certified translations.
Education
Accredited master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or an equivalent related degree with three courses each in human development/personality, marriage and family studies, and marriage and family therapy; one course each in research, professional ethics, and assessment/diagnosis; at least 300 hours of supervised practicum/internship.
Exam Eligibility
The Board determines eligibility; the written passing score precedes the rule-prescribed oral examination, and the rule provides the application/re-examination deadlines.
Experience
At least two years of post-master’s clinical experience, 1,000 clinical-practice hours and 200 supervision hours, with approved supervision; continue supervision until the independent license is issued.
Identity
Provide birth-certificate, photograph, citizenship declaration, and criminal-background-check documentation required by the Board application.
Military Spouse Accommodation
An applicant who is the spouse of an active-duty military member may request a case-specific exception to contact and supervision hours; the policy does not waive the named examinations.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Professional Character
Provide evidence of good moral character and professional ethics, including the Board-required recent professional references.
Expedited expired license reinstatement for military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Military Eligibility
Currently hold an out-of-state professional license, be married to a U.S. armed-forces member transferred to Tennessee, and provide identification, transfer orders, and expedited verification.
Prior Credential
Previously held Tennessee LMFT license is expired.
Processing
The declaration accompanies the underlying licensure or reinstatement application and expedites its processing.
Reinstatement
Pay the required past-due and late fees, document accumulated CE and complete the reinstatement application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited statutory reciprocity for military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete and truthful application with fees and required supporting documents; the Board reviews qualifications.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions, prior licensing actions, restrictions, and relevant civil judgments or settlements; provide requested verification and certified translations.
Identity
Provide birth-certificate, photograph, citizenship declaration, and criminal-background-check documentation required by the Board application.
Lower Ranked Board Instructions
The Board reciprocity policy, amended January 3, 2020, states: 1. Applicant maintained an active license from another jurisdiction for not less than three (3) of the five (5) years immediately preceding the application. 2. Applicant’s license from the originating state is not currently encumbered or restricted. 3. Applicant must pass the Tennessee Jurisprudence exam. 4. Applicant must meet all other minimum statutory requirements for licensure under the selected licensure type. The current rule 0450-02-.04(3)(c) also states: (c) Pass the oral examination pursuant to Rule 0450-02-.08. These lower-ranked demands are displayed as applicant conditions; they do not override the statute’s express examination exemption.
Military Eligibility
Currently hold an out-of-state professional license, be married to a U.S. armed-forces member transferred to Tennessee, and provide identification, transfer orders, and expedited verification.
Out Of State License
Hold an independent MFT license in good standing in another state or territory and meet this part’s qualifications.
Processing
The declaration accompanies the underlying licensure or reinstatement application and expedites its processing.
Professional Character
Provide evidence of good moral character and professional ethics, including the Board-required recent professional references.
Statutory Examination Exemption
T.C.A. 63-22-103(a), effective July 1, 2026, commands licensure without examination; this route is separate from the new endorsement route in subsection (c).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-01.

  • pc0737.pdf

    Section 16, replacement 63-22-103(a), mandatory licensure without examination

  • pc0737.pdf

    Section 32(b), effective date of Sections 16 and 20

  • military-spouse.pdf

    Declaration introductory paragraph, expedited processing and underlying application

Licensure by endorsement under T.C.A. 63 22 103(c)
Tennessee Examination in Marital and Family Therapy (practice unavailable)
Application
Submit a complete and truthful application with fees and required supporting documents; the Board reviews qualifications.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions, prior licensing actions, restrictions, and relevant civil judgments or settlements; provide requested verification and certified translations.
Identity
Provide birth-certificate, photograph, citizenship declaration, and criminal-background-check documentation required by the Board application.
License Documentation
Document each MFT license ever held and its disciplinary status.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age.
Out Of State License
Be licensed for independent marriage and family therapy practice in another state or territory.
Professional Character
Evidence satisfactory to the Board of good moral character and professional ethics.
Statutory Exam Set
The newly enacted endorsement checklist requires the Tennessee jurisprudence examination. The earlier reciprocity policy’s additional experience conditions are subordinate to this statute.
Licensure without examination under T.C.A. 63 22 103(a)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete and truthful application with fees and required supporting documents; the Board reviews qualifications.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions, prior licensing actions, restrictions, and relevant civil judgments or settlements; provide requested verification and certified translations.
Identity
Provide birth-certificate, photograph, citizenship declaration, and criminal-background-check documentation required by the Board application.
Lower Ranked Board Instructions
The Board reciprocity policy, amended January 3, 2020, states: 1. Applicant maintained an active license from another jurisdiction for not less than three (3) of the five (5) years immediately preceding the application. 2. Applicant’s license from the originating state is not currently encumbered or restricted. 3. Applicant must pass the Tennessee Jurisprudence exam. 4. Applicant must meet all other minimum statutory requirements for licensure under the selected licensure type. The current rule 0450-02-.04(3)(c) also states: (c) Pass the oral examination pursuant to Rule 0450-02-.08. These lower-ranked demands are displayed as applicant conditions; they do not override the statute’s express examination exemption.
Out Of State License
Hold an independent MFT license in good standing in another state or territory and meet this part’s qualifications.
Professional Character
Provide evidence of good moral character and professional ethics, including the Board-required recent professional references.
Statutory Examination Exemption
T.C.A. 63-22-103(a), effective July 1, 2026, commands licensure without examination; this route is separate from the new endorsement route in subsection (c).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-01.

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

Tennessee Examination in Marital and Family Therapy

Format
Online open-book examination
Time limit
No time limit
Passing score
Answer seventy-six (76) questions correctly to complete the examination
Exam fee
No fees
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 1 — Division of Health Related Boards
  • Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 22 — Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Clinical Pastoral Therapists
  • Chapter 0450-01 — General Rules Governing Professional Counselors
  • Chapter 0450-02 — General Rules Governing Marital and Family Therapists
  • Chapter 1200-10-01 — Division of Health Related Boards General Rules and Regulations
Examination sources

Oral Examination

Format
Oral examination before a two- or three-member Board-appointed committee
Passing score
75%
Examination outline
  • The applicant’s knowledge of the content and interpretation of T.C.A. §§ 63-22-101, et seq.
  • The applicant’s knowledge of the Board’s current code of ethics pursuant to rule 0450-02-.13
  • Other practice-related areas
Examination sources