An LMFT Application for CE Course Approval will be considered for approval as “regular” CE, unless application specifically requests ETHICS, SUPERVISION OR CULTURAL COMPETENCY CE hours. If such CE hours are requested, application MUST identify specific course segments, sessions or topics that address requested category:
ETHICS CE: Minn. Rule 5300.0320, subp. 2 requires three hours in ethical and professional studies education covering professional ethics, family law, professional socialization, professional organizations, legal issues, or interprofessional cooperation must be included in the required 40 hours.
SUPERVISION CE: Minn. Rule 5300.0170 requires a supervisor to be knowledgeable of current skills required for effective delivery of marriage and family therapy and devote at least ten percent of the required continuing education hours to supervision training and skills.
CULTURAL COMPETENCY CE: Minn. Stat. 148B.31(b) - At least four of the 40 continuing education training hours required under Minn. Rule 5300.0320, subp. 2 must be on increasing the knowledge, understanding, self-awareness, and practice skills that enable a marriage and family therapist to serve clients from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Topics include but are not limited to:
(1) understanding culture, its functions, and strengths that exist in varied cultures;
(2) understanding clients' cultures and differences among and between cultural groups;
(3) understanding the nature of social diversity and oppression; and
(4) understanding cultural humility.
Steps to ensure CE Compliance: Continuing education should be a regular, consistent part of every LMFT’s work. Do NOT wait until the end of the reporting period to complete CE hours or to obtain Board approval of a CE program.
(1) Complete CE hours regularly throughout the 2-year period (ending December 31 of odd-numbered years).
(2) Check the program information, this website, or CE Certificate of Completion to see if the program sponsor has obtained MN Board of MFT approval of the course. If already approved, program will be listed on Board’s website and program sponsor will have a Board-Issued CE approval number.
(3) If program is not already approved, submit an LMFT Application for CE Course Approval to the Board. Answer all application questions as incomplete applications will be returned.
(4) Submit LMFT Application for CE Course Approval to Board by email (preferred) or US Mail. Submit in PDF, JPG or Word format. Do not use encrypted email for submission. You will be notified by email of application approval or denial within approximately 30 days.
(5) You may modify the application to request approval of alternate CE identified in Minn. Rule 5300.0320, subp. 9 including independent study (Subp. 9F), teaching/presenting (CE program, training seminar, graduate course; Subp. 9B & 9E), authoring/editing/journal review (Subp. 9D), or other types of CE activities.
(6) The Board does not approve a specific number of CE hours for completion of a CE program, training seminar or educational conference. The number of hours reflected on the certification of completion issued to the LMFT by the CE program sponsor, or the number of hours of actual attendance (whichever is less), may be counted as CE.
(7) Do NOT submit Certificates of Completion with your CE application. Retain these document and submit only if requested by the Board. (The Board does not retain certificates when submitted with an application for CE approval.) An LMFT must retain documentation of CE compliance for a minimum of five (5) years.
(8) Retain all CE approval emails sent by the Board. These notifications will include your CE approval number.
(9) Prior to license renewal, confirm that you have proof of completion for the required number of CE hours, including Ethics, Cultural Competency and Supervision CE, and a Board-issued CE approval number for all programs.
(10) Do NOT seek Board approval for CE hours completed in excess of the number required for license renewal. The Board does not track or retain records of total CE hours completed by a licensee. Save yourself some paperwork!
To better understand CE educational and reporting requirements, regularly review Minn. Rule 5300.0320.
