LicenseCompass

Marriage/Family Therapist Associate License in North Carolina

Quick Answer

North Carolina offers a Marriage/Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA) credential for supervised practice. To obtain the full LMFT license, you need to complete supervised experience hours and pass the national exam.

Exam
AMFTRB National MFT Exam
Timeline
4-6 years (master's degree + supervised experience)
Background Check
Required

Requirements

Marriage/Family Therapist Associate license in North Carolina

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Licensing Agency

NC Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board

Marriage/Family Therapist Associate Salary in North Carolina

Entry Level

$42,000

Median

$53,910

Experienced

$81,440

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/Family Therapist Associate in North Carolina.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    No criminal record prohibitions

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — AMFTRB National MFT Exam

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 4-6 years (master's degree + supervised experience).

Marriage/Family Therapist Associate Licensing in North Carolina: What to Know

COS returned 'Marriage/Family Therapist Associate' (LMFTA) which is the supervised practice credential. Associates are allowed to practice under approved supervision. Full LMFT requirements would include completing supervised hours and passing the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Marriage/Family Therapist Associate license in North Carolina?
The process typically takes 4-6 years (master's degree + supervised experience), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Marriage/Family Therapist Associate license in North Carolina?
You need to pass the AMFTRB National MFT Exam. Third-party exam required

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.