How to Guide: Marriage and Family Therapist
- How To Apply
- You Must Be Approved To Sit For The Exam
- After you Apply – What to Expect
- Disability Accommodations
- Veteran’s Preference Points
- Fees
- MFT Licensure by Examination
- MFT Licensure by Exam Waiver
- Associate MFT Licensure by Examination
- Associate MFT Licensure by Exam Waiver
- Endorsement
- Reinstatement
- Inactive Status
- Reactivation Of An Inactive Status License
- Renewal Checklist
- How to File
How To Apply
If you would like to apply for a professional license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) or an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), it is required that you file an application with the Secretary of State. Once issued, all licenses have a common expiration date of September 30th of even numbered years. Review the requirements and the step-by-step guide below.
- Licensure requires signatures across all forms along with an application fee. Some forms require notarizing. See specific instructions below for these instructions.
- You must submit all the required documentation and fees to be considered for licensure.
- The Georgia Board will only review completed applications.
- Once issued, the expiration date for all Social Work licensures is September 30th of even numbered years.
- See specific instructions for application depending on license and application type.
Select your application type to view instructions on how to apply:
Associate MFT Licensure by Examination
Associate MFT Licensure by Exam Waiver
To file online:
Once your checklist is completed, please create an account and upload all documents through the online portal.
You Must Be Approved To Sit For The Exam
Before the applicant may sit for the exam, the applicant must first meet the requirements for licensure in Georgia.
To establish licensure requirements are met, the applicant must submit a complete application with all required supporting documents. The Board(s) will review these materials.
When the Board is satisfied the individual meets all requirements, the Board will send notification of this approval to the applicant via email. This email will describe next steps the applicant must take to register for the examination.
After you Apply – What to Expect
- Processing Time – Applications are generally processed within 20 business days of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays. Applications are individually evaluated by the Board in order of date received, and processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and volume.
- If you receive a deficiency letter, your 20 day count restarts when the Board receives your correct and complete documentation.
- Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.
- Completed applications will be initially reviewed by Board staff and may be reviewed by the Board at an upcoming Board Meeting. Applications must be complete and received at least 15 days prior to a Board Meeting to be added to that meeting’s agenda. Otherwise, the application will be reviewed at the next Board meeting.
- Check Application Status >>
- Keep Your Contact Info Up to Date
- Be sure the email address you include for yourself on your application is correct and current. Email is the primary means of communication used by the Board.
- Additionally, it is important for applicants/licensees to update their email address with the Board just as they would update their physical and mailing addresses.
Disability Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Public Law 101-336), the Professional Licensing Boards Division provides for reasonable accommodations by designated vendors for exam candidates with disabilities that may interfere with their performance on a Licensure Examination.
Applicants may request an accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act by submitting an application and all supporting documentation to the respective Board and/or a designated vendor as instructed on this form>>
Veteran’s Preference Points
Veterans, military service members, transitioning service members and military spouses of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, may be eligible for exam point credits and/or expedited application processes. Download program information>>
- If you are claiming Veteran’s Preference Points, you must enclose a copy of your DD-214 form, showing that you served during a period of conflict or war for a minimum of 90 days. Contact the VA to request make a DD-214 Request >>
Fees
|
Initial licensure application |
$100 |
|
Endorsement |
$100 |
|
Renewal |
$100 |
|
Late renewal |
$150 |
|
Reinstatement (if inactive for more than five years) |
$350 |
|
Request inactive status |
No fee |
|
Reactivation of an Inactive status license (if inactive for less than five years) |
$150 |
|
Decorative wall certificate |
$50 |
|
Verification of license |
$35 |
|
Duplicate license card |
$25 |
Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022
- Online processing fee: $5.00
MFT Licensure by Examination
If you have never been licensed before and have never taken and passed the required MFT national licensure examination, and you meet all the requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist, choose...
If you have never been licensed before and have never taken and passed the required MFT national licensure examination, and you meet all the requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist, choose the option for licensure by Examination on the application form.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Official College Transcripts
- Post Graduate Direct Clinical Experience
- Supervision of Direct Post Graduate Clinical Experience
- Practicum-Internship Verification
- Practicum-Internship Supervision Verification
- Professional references (2 Required)
- Background Consent Form (If applicable)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Verification of licensure held in another state
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $100.
MFT Licensure by Exam Waiver
If you have never been licensed before and have already taken and passed the required MFT national licensure examination and meet all the requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist, choose...
If you have never been licensed before and have already taken and passed the required MFT national licensure examination and meet all the requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist, choose licensure by Exam Waiver on the application form.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Post Graduate Direct Clinical Experience
- Supervision of Direct Post Graduate Clinical Experience
- Practicum-Internship Verification
- Practicum-Internship Supervision Verification
- Official college transcripts
- Professional references (2 Required)
- Background Consent Form (If applicable)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Verification of licensure held in another state
- National Exam Passing Score Report
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $100.
Associate MFT Licensure by Examination
If you have never been licensed before and have never taken and passed the required MFT national licensure examination, and you meet all the requirements for licensure as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, choose...
If you have never been licensed before and have never taken and passed the required MFT national licensure examination, and you meet all the requirements for licensure as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, choose licensure by Examination on the application form.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Practicum-Internship Verification
- Practicum-Internship Supervision Verification
- Official College Transcripts
- Contract Affidavit
- Professional references (2 Required)
- Background Consent Form (If applicable)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $100.
Associate MFT Licensure by Exam Waiver
If you have never been licensed before and have already taken and passed the required MFT national licensure examination and meet all the requirements for licensure as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, choose...
If you have never been licensed before and have already taken and passed the required MFT national licensure examination and meet all the requirements for licensure as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, choose licensure by Exam Waiver on the application form.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Practicum-Internship Verification
- Practicum-Internship Supervision Verification
- Official college transcripts
- Contract Affidavit
- Professional references (2 Required)
- Background Consent Form (If applicable)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- National Exam Passing Score Report
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $100.
Endorsement
If you hold a current, unencumbered Marriage and Family Therapist professional license in another state or jurisdiction and wish to apply for MFT licensure in Georgia, choose...
If you hold a current, unencumbered Marriage and Family Therapist professional license in another state or jurisdiction and wish to apply for MFT licensure in Georgia, choose licensure by Endorsement on the application form. Endorsement is considered on a state-by-state basis. The Application by Endorsement is not available for associate level licensure.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Verification of Licensure held in Another State
- National Examination Passing Score Report
- Official college transcripts
- Contract Affidavit
- Professional references (2 Required)
- Background Consent Form (If applicable)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- National Exam Passing Score Report
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $100.
Reinstatement
If you have previously held this license and it has lapsed, expired, or is revoked, you may apply for Reinstatement of the license. Reinstatement is at the sole discretion of the Board.
If you have previously held this license and it has lapsed, expired, or is revoked, you may apply for Reinstatement of the license. Reinstatement is at the sole discretion of the Board.
Associate MFT licenses may only be reinstated only once.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Application for Reinstatement. Download Application>>
- National Exam Passing Score Report
- Continuing Education Certificates
- Continuing Education Report Form
- Background Consent Form (If applicable)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Verification of licensure held in another state
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $350.
Inactive Status
If you hold a current, unencumbered MFT license and do not intend to practice in Georgia and therefore do not intend to use the title Marriage and Family Therapist, you may request the license be placed in “Inactive” status...
If you hold a current, unencumbered MFT license and do not intend to practice in Georgia and therefore do not intend to use the title Marriage and Family Therapist, you may request the license be placed in “Inactive” status by following the instructions below. Associate MFT licenses cannot be placed in inactive status.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
-
Application for Inactive Status. Download Application>>
There is no fee to request Inactive status.
Reactivation Of An Inactive Status License
A person who has requested their professional license be placed in inactive status may apply to reactivate their license within five (5) years or less from the date active status was converted...
A person who has requested their professional license be placed in inactive status may apply to reactivate their license within five (5) years or less from the date active status was converted to inactive status. After five (5) years of inactive status, an Application for Reinstatement, the fee, and all supporting documents must be submitted pursuant to Board Rule 135-6-.04.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Application for Reactivation Download Application>>
- Continuing Education Certificates
- Continuing Education Report Form
- Background Consent Form (If applicable)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Verification of licensure held in another state
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $150.
Renewal Checklist
MFT and AMFT licenses expire every two years on September 30th of even numbered years.
MFT and AMFT licenses expire every two years on September 30th of even numbered years. The late renewal period is October 1st – 31st of even numbered years. After October 31st, even numbered years, the license must be reinstated.
Licenses must be renewed either online or by calling 404-424-9966 to request a paper renewal coupon be emailed to you.
- To process your renewal, log in to your account on the Georgia Online Licensing site.
- Click on the License Renewal button on the left-hand side of the page. Enter your login information.
- If you do not remember your login credentials, click on the link to reset for a “person” type license.
- Follow the instructions for online renewal specific for your license.
- Submit a completed application along with the non-refundable renewal application fee of $100.
- Late renewal period non-refundable renewal and penalty fee is $150.
How to File
To file online:
Once your checklist is completed, please create an account and upload all documents through the online portal.
To file by mail:
Call 404-424-9966 and request a paper renewal coupon be mailed to you. When completed, please mail the renewal coupon, the required fee, and any supporting documents to:
Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
After renewing online or by mail, CHECK your license expiration date online to assure the renewal was completed.
Contact
Related Resources
- Online Resource American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
- Online Resource Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards
- Online Resource GA Association for Marriage and Family Therapy