Licensing Timeline

Step-by-step roadmap to licensure in Hawaiʻi. Enter your graduation date to see estimated target dates.

Graduation Date

Profession

Pathway to

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

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Education

Graduate Education

2–3 years

Complete a master's or doctoral degree from a COAMFTE-accredited MFT program, including ~500 supervised client contact hours.

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ApplicationNew — Act 93

Apply: Associate MFT

1 yr renewable

Applications opened June 1, 2026; Act 93 takes effect July 1, 2026. Submit application to DCCA PVL naming your current supervisor. DCCA has dedicated additional staff to process applications quickly. Only your CURRENT supervisor must complete the supervision verification form — you may voluntarily list former supervisors but are not required to.

176est.

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Supervised Practice

Supervised Post-Graduate Experience

≥ 2 years

Accumulate required hours under your named supervisor.

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Examination

Pass AMFTRB National MFT Exam

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Full License

Apply: Full LMFT License

Submit full licensure application with exam scores, supervision verification, and transcripts.

446est.

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Renewal

Renew Every 3 Years

Every 3 years

Triennial renewal by December 31.

Estimated dates are illustrative based on typical timelines and your entered graduation date. Informational only — not legal advice. Verify with Hawaiʻi DCCA PVL. Also see Reference and Forms & Links.