LicenseCompass

Professional Counselor License in Ohio

Quick Answer

To become a Marriage and Family Therapist in Ohio, contact the Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board or call OCIS at (800) 700-6247 for specific licensing requirements.

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

Requirements

Professional Counselor license in Ohio

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Background Check
Background check required
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
Expedited processing is available for military and spouses, with a temporary license available in the interim

Licensing Agency

Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board of Ohio

Professional Counselor Salary in Ohio

Entry Level

$40,230

Median

$63,880

Experienced

$154,770

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    Background check required

  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).

Professional Counselor Licensing in Ohio: What to Know

MISMATCH: COS returned 'Professional Counselor' instead of MFT. COS directs to OCIS at (800) 700-6247 for more information. Ohio licenses MFTs through the Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Professional Counselor license in Ohio?
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 Professional Counselor license in Ohio?
You need to pass the AMFTRB National MFT Exam. Third-party exam required

Considering another state?

Compare Professional Counselor requirements across states.

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