LMFT CE Requirements in Iowa
This page summarizes the current CE requirements for the LMFT (Licensed Marital and Family Therapist) license in Iowa — renewal model, mandated topics, live/interactive rules, and home-study limits — with links to the official regulator.
LMFT
- Ethics — 3 h3 of the 40 hours must be in ethics (IAC 481-881.2(10)(b)(1)).
- Supervision — 3 hRequired only for licensees serving in a supervisory role (effective Oct 1, 2022; 481-881.2(10)(b)(2)).
- Mandatory Reporter - Child Abuse — 2 h2-hr initial then 1-hr recertification every 3 years; mandatory reporters only; must be Iowa HHS-approved training.
- Mandatory Reporter - Dependent Adult Abuse — 2 h2-hr initial then 1-hr recertification every 3 years; mandatory reporters only; must be Iowa HHS-approved training.
Complete your marriage & family therapy CE with Triad
AATBS and CE4Less offer board-approved continuing education for marriage & family therapy professionals — ethics, cultural competency, clinical topics, and more.
How many CE hours does an LMFT need in Iowa?
An LMFT must complete 40 CE / continuing-education hours every 2 years in Iowa. That total includes 3 hours of ethics.
Are there required CE topics for LMFT in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa requires the following CE topics for LMFT: Ethics (3 h); Supervision (3 h); Mandatory Reporter - Child Abuse (2 h); Mandatory Reporter - Dependent Adult Abuse (2 h).
Can LMFT CE be completed online in Iowa?
Generally yes — Iowa does not require live or interactive hours for LMFT, so approved online / home-study CE can typically satisfy the requirement. Home-study note: No cap on home/independent study (posttest/certificate required). Sub-cap: combined maximum 20 hours per biennium for the 'other activities' category (presentations, research, publications, board service, authoring)..
What else should LMFT renewals know in Iowa?
Regulated by the Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals (consolidated 2025; formerly Board of Behavioral Science), IAC 481-881.2(10) - identical CE rule to mental health counselors. Biennial compliance period is a 25-month window (Sep 1 even year to Sep 30). First renewal exempt; up to 50% carryover. Mandatory-reporter training only via Iowa HHS-approved curriculum and runs on its own 3-year recert cycle. No live/in-person minimum.