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.
Illinois: On Friday, May 27, 2022, Governor J. B. Pritzker signed into law SB 2243. This bill creates a music therapy license within the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. It establishes a Music Therapy Advisory Board to assist the Department in matters concerning the license. Application procedures for licensure are currently being developed and will be posted when complete.
Iowa: On May 20, 2021, Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa signed into law HF 285, legislation that establishes title protection for
music therapists. Individuals may not refer to themselves as a music therapist, a board-certified music therapist, or an MT-BC without holding the MT-BC credential.
Maryland: Maryland SB 82 was enacted into law on June 2, 2021. This bill creates a music therapy license, overseen by the newly expanded Board of Audiologists, Hearing-Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists. Procedures for applying for licensure are available on their website.
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 New Jersey. Application procedures 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 must 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 practice music therapy in Virginia. Application procedures are being developed and will be posted here when available.
Wisconsin: Music Therapists may register with the Wisconsin Department of Regulations and Licensing to be listed on the Wisconsin Music Therapy Registry. This registration is voluntary; however, it may be required by some employers and for some reimbursements. Obtain an application.