Massage Therapy Licensing

In the US, each state has different licensing requirements.  Most will require a certain amount of training in various classes.  The licensing in each state is governed by a massage licensing board some of which are a part of the Board of Health or related Board.

Most states require that you take an exam and they will offer two different options for testing.  The National Certification Exam offered by the NCBTMB or the MBLex offered by the Federation of Massage Boards.  National Certification is very confusing because it doesn't mean you can work and do massage in any state.  You will still have to be licensed in each different state and while they may use the same exam, they may have different educational requirements such as a different number of hours in specific classes.  You can find out what your state requires by contacting the State Board in your state.

There are still some states that don't require licensing.  There are also some states that will provide exemptions for different types of massage such as Reflexology, Structural Integration, and Reiki.

There is much controversy over the licensing process and just what is required to be a successful massage therapist.  Many who take the NCE don't renew their membership after finding out that it really doesn't so much to enhance their massage practice or job.  There are some companies who do prefer massage therapists who are nationally certified but you can provide evidence that it isn't necessary to be NCBTMB certified to be a good massage therapist.

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Massage Classes

Massage Therapy Licensing

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