Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), License License in California
Quick Answer
To become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California, you need a master's or doctoral degree, 3,000 supervised hours, and must pass two exams. Total initial cost is approximately $679. Allow 120 days for application processing.
- Exam
- Standard Written Exam and Clinical Vignette Written Exam
- Total Cost
- $679 (est.)
- Timeline
- 5-7 years (master's/doctoral degree + 3,000 hours supervised experience + 120-day processing)
- Renewal
- Every Every 2 years
Requirements
Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), License license in California
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $250
- Exam Fee
- $250
- Total Estimated Cost
- $679
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), License license in California. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the California licensing board.
Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), License Salary in California
Entry Level
$44,430
Median
$63,780
Experienced
$121,700
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), License in California.
- 1
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$250.
- 2
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 5-7 years (master's/doctoral degree + 3,000 hours supervised experience + 120-day processing).
Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), License Licensing in California: What to Know
Application fee $250, clinical exam fee $250, initial license up to $130. Fingerprint fees: DOJ $32, FBI $17. Requires master's or doctoral degree with specific coursework, 3,000 hours supervised experience. Must complete courses in CA law and ethics, child abuse reporting, human sexuality, chemical dependency, spousal abuse. Allow 120 days for application processing. Renewal every 2 years. Veterans: Expedited processing available for military and spouses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), License license cost in California?
- The estimated total cost is $679, including application fees, exam fees ($250), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), License license in California?
- The process typically takes 5-7 years (master's/doctoral degree + 3,000 hours supervised experience + 120-day processing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), License license in California?
- You need to pass the Standard Written Exam and Clinical Vignette Written Exam. N/A
Considering another state?
Compare Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), License requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.