Section 43-53-06 - Licenses1. Each individual desiring to obtain a license as a practicing marriage and family therapist shall submit an application to the board, upon such form and in such manner as the board prescribes. An applicant shall furnish evidence that the applicant: a. Is of good moral character;b. Has not engaged in any practice or conduct that would be a ground for discipline under this chapter; andc. Is qualified for licensure pursuant to the requirements of this chapter.2. An individual who was actively practicing marriage and family therapy in this state before January 1, 2008, and whose application is received by the board before January 1, 2010, may be issued a license by the board if the applicant meets the qualifications set forth in subdivisions a and b of subsection 1 and provides evidence to the board that the applicant meets educational and experience qualifications as follows: a. An appropriate graduate degree, as defined by the board, from a regionally accredited institution so recognized at the time of granting such degree.b. At least five years of clinical experience in the practice of marriage and family therapy, and membership or certification by an appropriate professional organization, as defined by the board.3. An applicant may be issued a license by the board if the applicant meets the qualifications set forth in subsection 1 and provides satisfactory evidence to the board that the applicant: a. Holds a master's degree or a doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from a recognized educational institution, or a graduate degree in an allied field from a recognized educational institution and graduate level coursework which is equivalent to a master's degree in marriage and family therapy, as determined by the board.b. Has successfully completed two calendar years of work experience in marriage and family therapy under qualified supervision following receipt of a qualifying degree.c. Has passed the examination administered or adopted by the board.4. An applicant may be issued an associate marriage and family therapist license by the board if the applicant meets the qualifications set forth in subsection 1 and has provided the board with satisfactory evidence that the applicant meets the requirements in subdivisions a and c of subsection 3. Associate marriage and family therapists must practice under the supervision of a board-qualified supervisor and must obey the same laws and rules as a marriage and family therapist. An associate marriage and family therapist license lasts for one year and may be renewed for up to four additional years.5. The board may adopt rules concerning reinstatement of lapsed licenses, voluntary termination, or emeritus status.6. The board may require an applicant for licensure or a licensee to submit to a statewide and nationwide criminal history record check. The nationwide criminal history record check must be conducted in the manner provided by section 12-60-24. All costs associated with obtaining a background check are the responsibility of the applicant or licensee.