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Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for marriage and family therapist in California, including $130 and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

$130

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

Renewal al Period: Every 2 years

Licensing Blueprint for Marriage and Family Therapist in California

Estimated timeline: 2 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    Fees: Initial Application and Standard written Examination: $500 total Application Fee: $250 Clinical Exam Fee: $250.

  3. 3

    Initial License (Max): $130.

  4. 4

    Re-Examination (Standard): $100.

  5. 5

    Clinical Vignette Written: $100

    • Re-Examination: $100.
  6. 6

    DOJ FINGERPRINT PROCESSING FEE: $32 FBI FINGERPRINT PROCESSING FEE: $17.

  7. 7

    Examination Frequency: Standard Written - Continuous Administration.

Exam and processing details

  • $500 total Application $100.
  • DOJ FINGERPRINT PROCESSING Frequency: Standard Written - Continuous Administration.
  • Clinical Vignette Written - Continuous Administrations.
  • Locations: Multiple.
  • Experience
Fee TypeAmount
Initial License (Max)$130
Re-Examination (Standard)$100
Clinical Vignette Written$100

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Behavioral Sciences

  2. Current Filing Fee

    $130

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal al Period: Every 2 years

  4. Salary Position

    $63,780 median (0% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #18 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (8)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience (Fees: Initial Application and Standard written Examination: $500 total Application Fee: $250 Clinical Exam Fee: $250.).
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: $500 total Application $100. DOJ FINGERPRINT PROCESSING Frequency: Standard Written - Continuous Administration. Clinical Vignette Written - Continuous Administrations. Location....
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Fees: Initial Application and Standard written Examination: $500 total Application Fee: $250 Clinical Exam Fee: $250.; DOJ FINGERPRINT PROCESSING FEE: $32 FBI FINGERPRINT PROCESSING FEE: $17.).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (Initial License (Max): $130; Re-Examination (Standard): $100).
  7. 7. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Board of Behavioral Sciences and monitor board communications.
  8. 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al Period: Every 2 years).

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $63,780, Marriage and Family Therapists in California earn 0% above the national median of $63,780. California ranks #18 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$63,780

Hourly estimate

$30.66
0% above national median

Difference: +$0

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$44,430
  • P2525th percentile$47,730
  • P50Median$63,780
  • P7575th percentile$91,660
  • P9090th percentile$121,700

State vs National Median

State: $63,780
National: $63,780

Total employment: 32,070 | Annual openings: N/A

Marriage and Family Therapist Salary Ranking

#18 of 50 statesfor Marriage and Family Therapist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Hawaii$135,870
#2New Jersey$89,030
#3Utah$81,170
#4Virginia$80,670
#5Oregon$79,890

Nearby States Comparison

Marriage and Family Therapist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$63,780Varies by state boardState-approved exam2 years
Oregon$79,890Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$63,780Degree requiredThird-party exam required2-21 years
Arizona$52,420Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Behavioral Sciences

1625 N Market Blvd., Suite S-200, Sacramento, CA, 95834

Phone: 9165747830

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$77,640Varies by state board1-2 years
AnesthesiologistN/AVaries by state board1-12 months
Athletic Trainer$74,150Varies by state boardVaries by board
Audiologist$123,600Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Marriage and Family Therapist salary in California?

The median annual salary for Marriage and Family Therapists in California is $63,780. Salaries range from $44,430 (10th percentile) to $121,700 (90th percentile).

How does the Marriage and Family Therapist salary in California compare to the national average?

Marriage and Family Therapists in California earn 0% above the national median of $63,780, with a state median of $63,780.

How many Marriage and Family Therapists work in California?

California employs approximately 32,070 Marriage and Family Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Marriage and Family Therapists in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Board of Behavioral Sciences. Review agency details at https://www.bbs.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Marriage and Family Therapist license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al Period: Every 2 years.