Board certification is voluntary, although it is required in the following states for licensure, state certification or state registries:
California: Beginning July 31, 2019, An individual who provides music therapy shall not refer to oneself using the title of “Board Certified Music Therapist” unless the individual is an MT-BC.
Connecticut: As of October 2016, music therapy services can only be provided by those who hold the MT-BC credential, and only an MT-BC can call themselves a music therapist or a Certified Music Therapist.
Georgia: Music therapists are required to be licensed in the state of Georgia. Visit the Georgia Secretary of State’s website for more information and an application. Contact info@cbmt.org to have verification of your MT-BC certification electronically sent to the Georgia Professional Licensing Board.
New Jersey: The Music Therapist Licensing Act was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy on January 21, 2020 requiring licensure for music therapists to practice in the state of New Jersey. Procedures for applying for licensure are currently being developed and will be posted when complete.
New York: For Music Therapists to practice Creative Arts Therapy and use the titles, Creative Arts Therapist, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist or any derivative thereof within New York State, they must obtain licensure as a Creative Arts Therapist, unless otherwise exempt under the law. Visit their website for an application. To apply for the music therapy board examination for NY State Licensure or to have your examination scores mailed to the NY State Education Department of the Professions, contact CBMT at info@cbmt.org or by telephone at 800.765.2268.
Nevada: Music therapists are required to be licensed according to the Nevada State Health Division, Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance. Obtain an application from their website.
North Dakota: A bill to license music therapists was passed into law on April 26, 2011 under the State Board of Integrative Health Care. Music Therapists are required to be licensed. Obtain an application from their website.
Oklahoma: As of November 2016, music therapy licensure is managed under the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. An application is available from their website.
Oregon: Music therapy licensure in Oregon is managed through the Health Licensing Office. More information is available on their website, including the application.
Rhode Island: A State License for music therapists was signed into law in 2014. Obtain an application.
Utah: State Certification was signed into law in 2014. Obtain an application.
Virginia: On Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Governor Ralph Northam signed HB1562 into law creating a music therapy license. This license must be obtained to call oneself a music therapist and to practice music therapy in the state of Virginia. Application procedures are being developed and will be posted here when available.
Wisconsin: Wisconsin requires Music Therapists to be registered with the Wisconsin Department of Regulations and Licensing. Obtain an application.