Getting Your Massage Therapist License & Certification

State Licensing

Currently, there are 36 states, plus the District of Columbia, that regulate massage and bodywork practices. In states that do not regulate, most of their major cities have regulations.

Being licensed allows you to legally practice massage therapy in that state. You apply for licensure in most states through the State Department of Health.

Some states may ask you to take a state exam in addition to passing the national certification exam.

Important Note: National certification requires 500 hours of coursework. However, state massage licensing requirements may be more stringent. Before choosing a school for massage therapy, be sure to check your state’s licensing requirements to be certain you are fulfilling both the national and state requirements during your course of study.

National Certification

Being certified lets the public know that you ascribe to the ethics and standards set down by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). The NCBTMB strives to improve standards in the industry and promote the profession to the public and medical community.

NCBTMB Requirements

In order to be eligible for certification, candidates must complete 500 hours of coursework.

After logging your hours, you will have to pass the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB). More detailed exam information can be found on the NCBMTB website.

Continuing Education

After achieving your certification and licensure status, state requirements and NCBTM will dictate how many continuing education hours you will need, if any, in order to renew your massage therapy license. Every state’s requirements vary, but as an example, you may need to take a total of 25 course hours in a two-year period.

Fulfilling your continuing education requirement tells the state and the public that you are staying current with the profession and taking active measures to improve your practice.