Application Fee
See agencyVerified by HI Board of Healthcare
Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing in Hawaii
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for marriage and family therapist in Hawaii, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Marriage and Family Therapist in Hawaii
Estimated timeline: 1-2 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Master's or doctoral degree from an accredited educational institution in marriage and family therapy or an allied field related to the practice of mental health counseling. 2) Minimum of 9 graduate semester hours or 12 graduate quarter hours in each of the following areas: a) Marriage and family studies
- b) Marriage and family therapy
- and c) Human development
- AND 3) Minimum of 3 graduate semester hours or 4 graduate quarter hours in each of the following areas: a) Ethical and professional studies
- and b) Research.
- 2
Education: Degree required.
- 3
Experience: Work experience required.
- 4
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
Practicum & Experience requirements: Practicum - Complete a 1 year practicum within the master's or doctoral degree program, with at least 300 supervised client contact hours.
- 7
Post-Master's Experience - Complete 1,000 hours of direct marriage and family therapy experience and 200 hours of clinical supervision in not less than 24 months.
- 8
Education requirements: 1) Master's or doctoral degree from an accredited educational institution in marriage and family therapy or an allied field related to the practice of mental health counseling.
- 9
2) Minimum of 9 graduate semester hours or 12 graduate quarter hours in each of the following areas: a) Marriage and family studies
- b) Marriage and family therapy
- and c) Human development
- AND 3) Minimum of 3 graduate semester hours or 4 graduate quarter hours in each of the following areas: a) Ethical and professional studies
- and b) Research.
- 10
National Marital and Family Therapy (NMFT) exam.
- 11
In 2022, pay $126 (application $50, license $76, compliance resolution fund $50).
Exam and processing details
- National Marital and Family Therapy (NMFT) exam
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Marriage and Family Therapist Program
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$135,870 median (113% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#1 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Hawaii eligibility requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Marital and Family Therapy (NMFT) exam.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; In 2022, pay $126 (application $50, license $76, compliance resolution fund $50).).
- 6. Submit the application to Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Marriage and Family Therapist Program and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Hawaii
With a median salary of $135,870, Marriage and Family Therapists in Hawaii earn 113% above the national median of $63,780. Hawaii ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-2 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
-0.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,316Median annual salary
$135,870Hourly estimate
$65.32113% above national median
Difference: +$72,090
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMarriage and Family Therapist Salary Ranking
#1 of 50 statesfor Marriage and Family Therapist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | $135,870 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $89,030 |
| #3 | Utah | $81,170 |
| #4 | Virginia | $80,670 |
| #5 | Oregon | $79,890 |
Nearby States Comparison
Marriage and Family Therapist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $135,870 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-2 years |
| California | $63,780 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 2 years |
| Oregon | $79,890 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Washington | $59,660 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Alaska | $62,220 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Washington | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alaska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Marriage and Family Therapist Program
P. O. Box 3469, [335 Merchant St., 3rd Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813], Honolulu, HI, 96801
Phone: 8085863000
Related Careers in Hawaii
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 1-4 months |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | 3 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $70,930 | Degree required | 18 years |
| Audiologist | $92,120 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in Hawaii?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-2 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Marriage and Family Therapists in Hawaii?
Hawaii lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Marriage and Family Therapists.
What education do you need to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in Hawaii?
The board typically expects Degree required for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure in Hawaii.
What is the typical Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Hawaii?
The median annual salary for Marriage and Family Therapists in Hawaii is $135,870.
How does the Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Hawaii compare to the national average?
Marriage and Family Therapists in Hawaii earn 113% above the national median of $63,780, with a state median of $135,870.
How many Marriage and Family Therapists work in Hawaii?
Hawaii employs approximately 220 Marriage and Family Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Hawaii from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Marriage and Family Therapists in Hawaii?
The licensing agency is Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division / Marriage and Family Therapist Program. Review agency details at http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/programs/marriage/.
How often do you renew a Marriage and Family Therapist license in Hawaii?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.