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Arkansas Massage Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

US-AR · License preparation

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Massage therapy learning permit

A permit issued before enrollment in a massage therapy apprenticeship program or school, valid for no longer than six months after apprenticeship completion or school graduation.

Licensing authority: department of health

Learning permit for massage school or apprenticeship enrollment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 18 years old.
Background
State and federal criminal background checks and identity documents.
Enrollment
School or apprenticeship enrollment confirmation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Massage therapist

License for the professional practice of massage therapy.

Licensing authority: arkansas department of health massage therapy section · Application information

Reactivation after more than four years inactive
Historical scores
Previously earned NCBTMB licensure scores may be accepted, but the exams are no longer offered.
Inactive period
Inactive for more than four years; meet current licensure requirements.
Initial licensure after a learning permit issued on or after January 1, 2024
Age
At least 18 years old.
Background
Submit state and federal criminal background checks, identification, Social Security card, application and fees.
Education
Complete an approved massage therapy school or apprenticeship program and provide credentials directly from the provider.
Older ncbtmb scores
The rule also names NCETM and NCETMB; previously earned passing scores may be submitted, but these licensure examinations are no longer offered.
Practical discretion
The Department may require a practical examination at its discretion and may approve another equivalent examination.
State prepared exam
The Department may administer its own state licensing examination, but the official materials reviewed do not establish a current offering.
Initial licensure for prior school or apprenticeship cohort
Age
At least 18 years old.
Background
Submit state and federal criminal background checks, identification, Social Security card, application and fees.
Cohort
Enrolled by January 1, 2024 or completed training before that date; apply under 17-86-303(c).
Education
Complete an approved massage therapy school or apprenticeship program and provide credentials directly from the provider.
Older ncbtmb scores
The rule also names NCETM and NCETMB; previously earned passing scores may be submitted, but these licensure examinations are no longer offered.
Practical discretion
The Department may require a practical examination at its discretion and may approve another equivalent examination.
State prepared exam
The Department may administer its own state licensing examination, but the official materials reviewed do not establish a current offering.
Reissue of a lapsed licence
Documents
Provide massage school records, identity documents, application, fee and background check.
Historical scores
The application accepts a prior NCBTMB score as an alternative; the named NCBTMB licensure exams are no longer offered.
Prior license
Former Arkansas massage therapy licence has lapsed.
Automatic licensure for qualifying uniformed service applicants
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Military status
Qualifying service member, veteran or spouse under 17 CAR § 52-115(e)(1).
Other license
Hold a similar-scope United States licence in good standing and pay the licensure fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity for a licensee from another United States jurisdiction
Competence
Demonstrate competence and provide three recommendations.
Older ncbtmb scores
Previously earned NCETM or NCETMB scores are historical alternatives; those exams are no longer offered.
Other license
Hold a substantially similar massage therapy licence in good standing; provide licensure verification and required documentation.
Practical discretion
Department may require a practical examination.
Reactivation after fewer than four inactive years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive period
Inactive fewer than four years; meet renewal requirements, continuing education, and fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive
Submit inactive renewal every two years, surrender current licence, and do not practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial active licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Renew biennially by birthday with fee and at least 18 approved continuing education hours.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure for applicant from a jurisdiction without massage therapy licensure
Competence
Demonstrate competence, education and three recommendations.
Older ncbtmb scores
Previously earned NCETM or NCETMB scores are historical alternatives; those exams are no longer offered.
Origin
Applicant comes from a state that does not license massage therapy.

Massage therapy instructor

Upgrade for a licensed master massage therapist who meets the requirements stated in § 17-86-102.

Licensing authority: department of health

Reissue after licence expiry
Expired
Expired licence requires a new application and current licensure requirements.
Historical scores
Prior NCBTMB licensure scores may be accepted; those examinations are no longer offered.
Qualification
Preserve the prior master or instructor qualification.
Reactivation after fewer than four inactive years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive period
Inactive fewer than four years; meet renewal requirements, continuing education, and fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive
Submit inactive renewal every two years, surrender current licence, and do not practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial active licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Renew biennially by birthday with fee and at least 18 approved continuing education hours.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Upgrade from master massage therapist
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background
New background check required.
Department instruction
Arkansas Directory of Licensed Occupations (2025): Must pass the Arkansas Massage Therapy Law examination.
Prior license
Hold the prerequisite Arkansas massage therapy licence.
Qualification
Meet the experience and continuing education requirements in 17-86-102.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Master massage therapist

Upgrade for an existing massage therapist licensee who meets the requirements in § 17-86-102.

Licensing authority: department of health

Reissue after licence expiry
Expired
Expired licence requires a new application and current licensure requirements.
Historical scores
Prior NCBTMB licensure scores may be accepted; those examinations are no longer offered.
Qualification
Preserve the prior master or instructor qualification.
Reactivation after fewer than four inactive years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive period
Inactive fewer than four years; meet renewal requirements, continuing education, and fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive
Submit inactive renewal every two years, surrender current licence, and do not practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial active licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Renew biennially by birthday with fee and at least 18 approved continuing education hours.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Upgrade from massage therapist
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background
New background check required.
Department instruction
Arkansas Directory of Licensed Occupations (2025): Must pass the Arkansas Massage Therapy Law examination.
Prior license
Hold the prerequisite Arkansas massage therapy licence.
Qualification
Meet the experience and continuing education requirements in 17-86-102.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

temporary license

Temporary license effective for 90 days, subject to immediate revocation if the applicant does not meet the referenced reciprocity requirements.

Licensing authority: Department of Health

Temporary licence during reciprocity processing
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit application, fee, and documentation specified for the temporary licence.
Duration
Valid for 90 days unless the Department determines reciprocity requirements are not met.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Arkansas Massage Therapy Law examination

Provider
Arkansas Department of Health
Format
online written state law test
Examination outline
  • Massage Therapy Act
  • Rules for Massage Therapy in Arkansas
Examination sources

Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination

Provider
Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards; administered at Pearson VUE (Pearson Professional Centers) test centers
Format
Computer-based, fixed-length computer-adaptive test (CAT) of multiple-choice questions, each with one correct answer; offered in English and Spanish and administered year-round; results reported as PASS or FAIL, with a diagnostic report by content area for failing candidates
Exam questions
100 multiple-choice questions
Time limit
110 minutes for 100 questions within a two-hour (120-minute) appointment
Passing score
Criterion-referenced passing standard adopted by the FSMTB Board of Directors; results reported as PASS or FAIL
Exam fee
$265 MBLEx application fee
Examination outline
  • Anatomy & Physiology (11%)
    • A. System structure — Cardiovascular
    • A. System structure — Digestive
    • A. System structure — Endocrine
    • A. System structure — Integumentary
    • A. System structure — Lymphatic & Immune
    • A. System structure — Musculoskeletal
    • A. System structure — Nervous
    • A. System structure — Reproduction
    • A. System structure — Respiratory
    • A. System structure — Sensory
    • A. System structure — Urinary
    • B. System function — Cardiovascular
    • B. System function — Digestion
    • B. System function — Endocrine
    • B. System function — Integumentary
    • B. System function — Lymphatic & Immune
    • B. System function — Musculoskeletal
    • B. System function — Nervous
    • B. System function — Reproduction
    • B. System function — Respiratory
    • B. System function — Sensory
    • B. System function — Urinary
    • C. Tissue injury and repair
    • D. Concepts of energetic anatomy
  • Kinesiology (12%)
    • A. Skeletal muscle components & characteristics
    • B. Concepts of skeletal muscle contractions
    • C. Proprioceptors
    • D. Skeletal muscle locations, attachments (origins, insertions), & actions
    • E. Joint structure and function
    • F. Range of motion — Active
    • F. Range of motion — Passive
    • F. Range of motion — Resisted
  • Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations (14%)
    • A. Overview of Pathologies
    • B. Contraindications — Site specific
    • B. Contraindications — Pathology related
    • B. Contraindications — Special populations
    • B. Contraindications — Tools
    • B. Contraindications — Special applications
    • C. Areas of caution
    • D. Special populations
    • E. Classes of medications
  • Benefits and Effects of Soft Tissue Manipulation (15%)
    • A. Physiological effects of soft tissue manipulation
    • B. Psychological effects of soft tissue manipulation
    • C. Effects of soft tissue manipulation for specific client populations
    • D. Soft tissue techniques — Types of strokes
    • D. Soft tissue techniques — Sequence of application
    • E. Hot/cold applications
    • F. Overview of massage/bodywork modalities
  • Client Assessment, Reassessment & Treatment Planning (17%)
    • A. Organization of a massage/bodywork session
    • B. Client consultation and evaluation — Verbal intake
    • B. Client consultation and evaluation — Health history form
    • C. Written data collection
    • D. Visual assessment — General
    • D. Visual assessment — Postural
    • D. Visual assessment — Gait
    • E. Palpation assessment
    • F. Range of motion assessment
    • G. Clinical reasoning — Ability to rule out contraindications
    • G. Clinical reasoning — Client treatment goal setting
    • G. Clinical reasoning — Evaluation of response to previous treatment
    • G. Clinical reasoning — Formulation of treatment strategy
  • Ethics, Boundaries, Laws, Regulations (16%)
    • A. Ethical behavior
    • B. Professional boundaries
    • C. Code of ethics violations
    • D. The therapeutic relationship
    • E. Dual relationships
    • F. Sexual misconduct
    • G. Massage/bodywork-related laws and regulations
    • H. Scope of practice
    • I. Professional communication
    • J. Confidentiality
    • K. Principles
  • Guidelines for Professional Practice (15%)
    • A. Proper and safe use of equipment and supplies
    • B. Practitioner hygiene
    • C. Sanitation and cleanliness
    • D. Safety practices — Facilities
    • D. Safety practices — Practitioner safety
    • D. Safety practices — Client safety
    • E. Practitioner care — Body mechanics
    • E. Practitioner care — Personal protective equipment (PPE)
    • E. Practitioner care — Self-care
    • E. Practitioner care — Injury prevention
    • F. Draping — Safe and appropriate
    • F. Draping — Communication
    • G. Business Practices — Business planning
    • G. Business Practices — Strategic planning
    • G. Business Practices — Office management
    • G. Business Practices — Marketing
    • G. Business Practices — Hiring/Interviewing
    • G. Business Practices — Documentation & Records — Client records
    • G. Business Practices — Documentation & Records — Business records
    • H. Healthcare and business terminology
Examination sources