Massage Therapist License Guide 2026
Massage Therapist licensing in 2026 is regulated state-by-state: verified pre-license education ranges from 500–1000 hours, the exam is most commonly administered by FSMTB (MBLEx), and published first-attempt pass rates are not consistently published. A background check is required in 42 of 51 states with verified data.
Provides therapeutic massage. Most states license via MBLEx (FSMTB) or state exam.
National overview — Massage Therapy at a glance
| States with verified data | 51 of 51 |
| Pre-license education | 500–1000 hrs |
| Most common exam vendor | FSMTB (MBLEx) |
| Exam passing score | varies by state |
| National pass-rate reference | ~70% (industry reference) |
| Published state pass rates | not published |
| Exam fee | varies by state |
| Application fee | varies by state |
| Common renewal cycle | every 2 years |
| Background check | 42 of 51 states |
State-by-state essentials (top verified states)
Florida
Full guide ↗- Education
- 500 hrs
- Exam vendor
- FSMTB (MBLEx)
- Renewal
- 2 yrs
Illinois
Full guide ↗- Education
- 500 hrs
- Exam vendor
- FSMTB (MBLEx)
- Renewal
- 2 yrs
Michigan
Full guide ↗- Education
- 500 hrs
- Exam vendor
- FSMTB (MBLEx)
- Renewal
- 2 yrs
Texas
Full guide ↗- Education
- 500 hrs
- Exam vendor
- FSMTB (MBLEx)
- Renewal
- 2 yrs
Arizona
Full guide ↗- Education
- 500 hrs
- Exam vendor
- FSMTB (MBLEx)
How to get a Massage Therapy license — step by step
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Minimum age is 18 in every state with a published figure. A criminal background check is required in 42 of 51 verified states.
- 2Complete pre-license education
Approved training hours run from 500–1000 hours across verified states. Choose a state-approved program; your school reports completion to the licensing authority.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam is most often administered by FSMTB (MBLEx). Schedule through the vendor portal after your education is reported.
- 4Pay fees and submit your application
Expect an exam fee of varies by state and an application fee of that varies by state. Submit any required background check results with your application.
- 5Maintain your license
The most common renewal cycle is every 2 years. Track continuing-education deadlines so your license never lapses.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of education do I need to become a Massage Therapy?
Verified requirements range from 500–1000 hours across states. Check your state's exact figure before enrolling — hours are set by each state board.
How hard is the Massage Therapist exam?
The national pass-rate reference is ~70%. Most states do not publish first-attempt pass rates — check your state board.
What does a Massage Therapy license cost?
Fee schedules are not published in the verified dataset — check your state board before paying.
Who administers the Massage Therapist exam?
The most common vendors are FSMTB (MBLEx) (42 states). Your state chooses one vendor — confirm on your state's licensing page.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapy license to another state?
Reciprocity for Massage Therapy licenses is decided state-by-state and is not uniformly published. Contact both state boards before moving to confirm whether your license transfers or requires an exam.
Dig deeper into Massage Therapy licensing
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with your state licensing board (data retrieved 2026-08-20).