Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Information for Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Applicants

License Requirements

Business and Professions Code §4980.36 specifies minimum degree requirements for the following applicants:

• Applicants who began graduate study on or after August 1, 2012.
• Applicants who began graduate study before August 1, 2012, and who graduated from a degree program that meets the requirements stipulated in Business and Professions Code §4980.36; OR
• Applicants who began graduate study before August 1, 2012, and did not graduate on or before December 31, 2018.

Business and Professions Code §4980.37 specifies minimum degree requirements for the following applicants:

• Applicants who began graduate study before August 1, 2012, AND graduated on or before December 31, 2018.

See the “Schools with MFT Programs” drop down for a list of California schools, as well as online schools offering a degree designed to meet California’s requirements.

• Apply (In-State Degree)
• Apply (Out-of-State or Out-of-Country Degree)
• Subsequent AMFT Registration (For existing registrants, after the 5th renewal)
• 90-Day Rule FAQ
• Electronic Transcripts

• Live Scan available only in California
• Results submitted to DOJ and FBI electronically
• Live Scan Instructions
• Live Scan Request Form
• Additional information including hard cards for applicants outside of California

• Evaluation of the applicant’s criminal history is part of the application process
• See the Criminal Convictions section for more information
• Criminal Conviction FAQ

• Request Initial Examination
• Request Re-Exam
• Law and Ethics Examination Candidate Handbook
• Law and Ethics Examination FAQ

• All postdegree hours in California must be gained while registered as an AMFT, except under the 90-day rule
• 3,000 total supervised hours, over 104 weeks (minimum)
• Hours must be submitted with the Application for Licensure
• For important information that will help ensure your hours will count toward licensure, be sure to read the following publications:
  • Handbook for Future LMFTs
  • Answers to Most Frequently Asked Questions Relating to MFT Trainees and AMFTs
  • MFT Trainee and AMFT Supervisor Qualifications
  • A Guide to Supervision for AMFTs and Trainees
  • 90-Day Rule FAQ
  • Application for Licensure (IN-STATE) | Out-of-State Applicants – see the Out-of-State Applicants drop down menu below.
  • Clinical Exam Candidate Handbook
  • Schedule Exam with Pearson Vue

  Out of State Applicants or Out-of-Country

  • Which Application Should I Submit and What is the Process for Out-of-State and Out-of-Country Applicants?
  • Guide to Educational Requirements for Out-of-State and Out-of-Country AMFT Registration Applicants
  • Application for AMFT Registration (OUT-OF-STATE AND OUT-OF-COUNTRY DEGREES)
  • Guide to Requirements for Out-of-State and Out-of-Country Applicants for LMFT Licensure
  • Application for LMFT Licensure (PATH A, OUT-OF-STATE)
  • Application for LMFT Licensure (PATH B, OUT-OF-STATE)
  • Verification of License or Registration in Another State or Country

  Register as an AMFT

  • AMFT Registration Application Packet (IN-STATE)
  • AMFT Registration Application Packet (OUT-OF-STATE OR OUT-OF-COUNTRY DEGREE)
  • 90-day rule/fingerprinting

  Subsequent Registration Numbers

  • Registrations issued by the Board are valid for a 6-year period (five renewals)
  • Registrants who have not completed all hours of supervised experience within the 6-year life span must apply for a subsequent registration number to continue the path toward licensure
  • Many registrants apply for a second (or third, etc.) registration number to gain additional supervised work experience or for employment purposes
  • Registrants with a subsequent registration number cannot work in a private practice or a professional corporation setting. There are no exceptions.
  • Applicants must PASS the LMFT California Law and Ethics Exam before a subsequent registration can be issued.

  Schools with MFT Programs

  Since schools occasionally change program curriculum and course descriptions, the list below may not reflect these changes. Please contact the school directly to ensure that the degree program meets the educational requirements for licensure. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the applicant to comply with all requirements for licensure.

  The Board does not publish a list of schools with MFT programs, which are based outside of California, online or otherwise.

  • California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
  • California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
  • California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo,Psychology and Child Development Dept.
  • CSU, Bakersfield, Counseling Psychology Program
  • CSU, Chico
  • CSU, Dominguez Hills, M.S. in Marital Family Therapy
  • CSU, East Bay
  • CSU, Fresno, Deptartment of Counseling and Special Education
  • CSU, Fullerton, Department of Counseling, Department of Psychology
  • CSU, Long Beach
  • CSU, Los Angeles, Charter College of Education
  • CSU, Northridge
  • CSU, Sacramento, MS in Counseling (Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling)
  • CSU, San Bernardino,Department of Psychology
  • CSU, Stanislaus
  • San Diego State University
  • San Francisco State University,
    • College of Health and Human Services
    • College of Science and Engineering
    • Antioch University, Los Angeles
    • Antioch University - Santa Barbara
    • Azusa Pacific University - Azusa
    • Azusa Pacific University - Inland
    • Azusa Pacific University - San Diego
    • Azusa Pacific University - Orange