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Maryland Massage Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

US-MD · License preparation

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Licensed Massage Therapist

Licensure to practice massage therapy in Maryland.

Licensing authority: Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners · Application information

Conversion of existing RMP registration to LMT license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Board-approved application and conversion fee; applicant bears eligibility burden and supplies requested supporting documentation.
Qualification
Meet one §10.65.01.06F alternative: ten continuous years in good standing; 1,000 hands-on/work and approved CE hours in preceding two years; or 750 hours of massage program and approved CE.
Registration
Existing RMP; suspended or revoked registration cannot convert.
Statutory change
Chapter 191 removes former October 31, 2026 deadline. Conversion provisions prescribe no licensing examination or new passing-score requirement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by out of state credentials — discretionary equivalence waiver
Application
Submit the Board application, required signed policy/privacy statements, and application and license fees.
Cpr
Current CPR certification at least Basic Life Support (BLS) / healthcare provider level.
Criminal history
Submit fingerprints for State and national criminal-history checks; Board must receive results before jurisprudence scheduling or license issuance.
Direct transcripts
Official final transcripts must be sent directly by the educational institution.
Education
Board-approved, COMTA or equivalent endorsed, institutionally accredited massage education; ordinarily 750 contact hours including COMAR 10.65.01.07A content. CPR does not count toward the minimum.
Identification
Submit identity documentation and a recent 2-inch by 2-inch passport photograph; current application packet requests one photograph.
License held elsewhere
Licensed, certified, or registered in another state; provide evidence of equivalent education, an examination passed when that credential was obtained which Board determines equivalent, and good moral character.
Medical assessment
Under §6-313, Board may require a health-care-provider examination on objective evidence of possible harm; this is a medical fitness condition.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Moral character
Good moral character; current application requests three moral-character references.
National score
Administering authority sends the official national passing score directly; implementing instructions require it before application and jurisprudence scheduling.
Ncbtmb naming
Board names the NCBTMB examination without a longer exam title. This survey reads it as the currently offered NCBTMB BCETMB examination in the frozen nationwide context.
Nccaom alternative
Board also names an NCCAOM examination without identifying a particular currently offered examination of this profession; this unidentified examination slot remains an applicant condition.
Other licenses
Arrange direct verification of status and good standing if previously licensed, certified, or registered elsewhere.
Waiver discretion
§6-302(d) permits applicant-specific waiver on equivalence evidence and application fee. Otherwise registered examination leaves apply; current JP policy states all applicants must pass with no waivers or exceptions.
Initial licensure by examination — Maryland education
Application
Submit the Board application, required signed policy/privacy statements, and application and license fees.
Cpr
Current CPR certification at least Basic Life Support (BLS) / healthcare provider level.
Criminal history
Submit fingerprints for State and national criminal-history checks; Board must receive results before jurisprudence scheduling or license issuance.
Direct transcripts
Official final transcripts must be sent directly by the educational institution.
Education
Board-approved, COMTA or equivalent endorsed, institutionally accredited massage education; ordinarily 750 contact hours including COMAR 10.65.01.07A content. CPR does not count toward the minimum.
Identification
Submit identity documentation and a recent 2-inch by 2-inch passport photograph; current application packet requests one photograph.
Medical assessment
Under §6-313, Board may require a health-care-provider examination on objective evidence of possible harm; this is a medical fitness condition.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Moral character
Good moral character; current application requests three moral-character references.
National score
Administering authority sends the official national passing score directly; implementing instructions require it before application and jurisprudence scheduling.
Ncbtmb naming
Board names the NCBTMB examination without a longer exam title. This survey reads it as the currently offered NCBTMB BCETMB examination in the frozen nationwide context.
Nccaom alternative
Board also names an NCCAOM examination without identifying a particular currently offered examination of this profession; this unidentified examination slot remains an applicant condition.
Other licenses
Arrange direct verification of status and good standing if previously licensed, certified, or registered elsewhere.
Initial licensure by examination — out of state education
Application
Submit the Board application, required signed policy/privacy statements, and application and license fees.
Board review
Case-by-case Board review of out-of-state applications.
Cpr
Current CPR certification at least Basic Life Support (BLS) / healthcare provider level.
Criminal history
Submit fingerprints for State and national criminal-history checks; Board must receive results before jurisprudence scheduling or license issuance.
Direct transcripts
Official final transcripts must be sent directly by the educational institution.
Education
Board-approved, COMTA or equivalent endorsed, institutionally accredited massage education; ordinarily 750 contact hours including COMAR 10.65.01.07A content. CPR does not count toward the minimum.
Identification
Submit identity documentation and a recent 2-inch by 2-inch passport photograph; current application packet requests one photograph.
Medical assessment
Under §6-313, Board may require a health-care-provider examination on objective evidence of possible harm; this is a medical fitness condition.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Moral character
Good moral character; current application requests three moral-character references.
National score
Administering authority sends the official national passing score directly; implementing instructions require it before application and jurisprudence scheduling.
Ncbtmb naming
Board names the NCBTMB examination without a longer exam title. This survey reads it as the currently offered NCBTMB BCETMB examination in the frozen nationwide context.
Nccaom alternative
Board also names an NCCAOM examination without identifying a particular currently offered examination of this profession; this unidentified examination slot remains an applicant condition.
Other licenses
Arrange direct verification of status and good standing if previously licensed, certified, or registered elsewhere.
Out of state education
Program approved by the other state’s higher-education authority, COMTA/equivalent endorsed, and accredited as §6-302(c) provides; at least 750 hours. Shortfall may be supplemented one-for-one with Board-approved program or CE hours, or documented 1,000 licensed out-of-state hands-on hours in the preceding two years.
Initial licensure — foreign education and training
Application
Submit the Board application, required signed policy/privacy statements, and application and license fees.
Cpr
Current CPR certification at least Basic Life Support (BLS) / healthcare provider level.
Criminal history
Submit fingerprints for State and national criminal-history checks; Board must receive results before jurisprudence scheduling or license issuance.
Direct transcripts
Official final transcripts must be sent directly by the educational institution.
Education
Board-approved, COMTA or equivalent endorsed, institutionally accredited massage education; ordinarily 750 contact hours including COMAR 10.65.01.07A content. CPR does not count toward the minimum.
Foreign education
Board-approved certifying agency establishes substantial equivalence to COMAR 10.65.01.07A; applicant pays for professional English translations. Board may interview applicant; original foreign transcripts and favorable evaluation report required.
Identification
Submit identity documentation and a recent 2-inch by 2-inch passport photograph; current application packet requests one photograph.
Medical assessment
Under §6-313, Board may require a health-care-provider examination on objective evidence of possible harm; this is a medical fitness condition.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Moral character
Good moral character; current application requests three moral-character references.
National score
Administering authority sends the official national passing score directly; implementing instructions require it before application and jurisprudence scheduling.
Ncbtmb naming
Board names the NCBTMB examination without a longer exam title. This survey reads it as the currently offered NCBTMB BCETMB examination in the frozen nationwide context.
Nccaom alternative
Board also names an NCCAOM examination without identifying a particular currently offered examination of this profession; this unidentified examination slot remains an applicant condition.
Other licenses
Arrange direct verification of status and good standing if previously licensed, certified, or registered elsewhere.
Biennial renewal of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Practice
No massage practice while inactive.
Renewal
Renew and pay biennial inactive fee each renewal period.
Status
Existing inactive license or registration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Placement of active credential on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Board-approved inactive application and non-refundable inactive fee.
Current status
Credential must be active at time of request.
Practice
No massage practice authorized while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within 30 days of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renewal application and renewal fee before expiration.
Continuing education
24 hours in preceding 24 months: 3 professional ethics/jurisprudence, 3 communicable disease, 16 Board-approved massage-related courses, and 2 diversity/cultural competency/implicit bias.
Cpr
Current CPR at least BLS.
Entitlement
Remain entitled to existing license or registration.
Exemptions
Initial issuance within 12 months of renewal exempts first-cycle CE; hardship exemption/waiver/extension petitions filed at least 90 days before renewal require Board approval.
Late application
Board receives request within 30 days after expiration; late fee in addition to renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal delayed by overseas military deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
Board may allow late renewal without penalty/reinstatement fee if delay directly results from deployment; CE/competency and criminal-history requirements may be completed within reasonable time after renewal.
Continuing education
24 hours in preceding 24 months: 3 professional ethics/jurisprudence, 3 communicable disease, 16 Board-approved massage-related courses, and 2 diversity/cultural competency/implicit bias.
Cpr
Current CPR at least BLS.
Deployment
LMT license holder deployed outside United States or territories as a uniformed-services member.
Exemptions
Initial issuance within 12 months of renewal exempts first-cycle CE; hardship exemption/waiver/extension petitions filed at least 90 days before renewal require Board approval.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Permanent licensure — expedited military, veteran, or spouse application
Application
Submit the Board application, required signed policy/privacy statements, and application and license fees.
Cpr
Current CPR certification at least Basic Life Support (BLS) / healthcare provider level.
Criminal history
Submit fingerprints for State and national criminal-history checks; Board must receive results before jurisprudence scheduling or license issuance.
Direct transcripts
Official final transcripts must be sent directly by the educational institution.
Education
Board-approved, COMTA or equivalent endorsed, institutionally accredited massage education; ordinarily 750 contact hours including COMAR 10.65.01.07A content. CPR does not count toward the minimum.
Expedited processing
Advisor assistance and expedited processing; issuance within 15 business days after complete application when requirements met under §1-704.
Identification
Submit identity documentation and a recent 2-inch by 2-inch passport photograph; current application packet requests one photograph.
Medical assessment
Under §6-313, Board may require a health-care-provider examination on objective evidence of possible harm; this is a medical fitness condition.
Military credit
Under §1-702, credit relevant active-service experience and substantially equivalent military education/training; other licensing requirements remain.
Military eligibility
Active service member, veteran discharged within one year before application, or eligible spouse (including surviving spouse under §1-701); provide military ID, marriage documents when relevant, and relocation orders if applicable.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Moral character
Good moral character; current application requests three moral-character references.
National score
Administering authority sends the official national passing score directly; implementing instructions require it before application and jurisprudence scheduling.
Ncbtmb naming
Board names the NCBTMB examination without a longer exam title. This survey reads it as the currently offered NCBTMB BCETMB examination in the frozen nationwide context.
Nccaom alternative
Board also names an NCCAOM examination without identifying a particular currently offered examination of this profession; this unidentified examination slot remains an applicant condition.
Other licenses
Arrange direct verification of status and good standing if previously licensed, certified, or registered elsewhere.
Reactivation after more than five years of inactive LMT status
State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners Jurisprudence Examination
Application
New application and non-refundable fee under COMAR 10.65.01.12D.
Background check
Criminal-history check under §6-303.
Continuing education
Current reactivation CE under §6-306.2(b).
Cpr
Current CPR at least BLS.
Inactive status
LMT license inactive more than five years.
Jurisprudence score
Pass Board JP with at least 75 percent.
Portal additional demand
The Reactivation (LMT License) portal states: “If your license has been inactive for more than 5 years, you must reapply as a new applicant and meet all current licensing requirements.” COMAR 10.65.01.12D specifically enumerates reactivation requirements and JP; the lower-ranked portal’s additional initial-licensing demand is retained as this applicant condition.
Reactivation within five years of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Reactivation application and fee.
Background check
Satisfactory State and national criminal-history check as Chapter 191 requires.
Ce timing
CE obtained in two years immediately before reactivation.
Continuing education
24 hours in preceding 24 months: 3 professional ethics/jurisprudence, 3 communicable disease, 16 Board-approved massage-related courses, and 2 diversity/cultural competency/implicit bias.
Cpr
Current CPR at least BLS.
Exemptions
Initial issuance within 12 months of renewal exempts first-cycle CE; hardship exemption/waiver/extension petitions filed at least 90 days before renewal require Board approval.
Inactive status
Approved inactive status within five calendar years of first placement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement within five years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renewal requirements and applicable reinstatement, late, and renewal fees.
Background check
Satisfactory State and national criminal-history records check.
Continuing education
24 hours in preceding 24 months: 3 professional ethics/jurisprudence, 3 communicable disease, 16 Board-approved massage-related courses, and 2 diversity/cultural competency/implicit bias.
Cpr
Current CPR at least BLS.
Exemptions
Initial issuance within 12 months of renewal exempts first-cycle CE; hardship exemption/waiver/extension petitions filed at least 90 days before renewal require Board approval.
Expiration
Apply within five years after expiration; more than 30 days after expiration uses reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of existing LMT credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renewal application and renewal fee before expiration.
Continuing education
24 hours in preceding 24 months: 3 professional ethics/jurisprudence, 3 communicable disease, 16 Board-approved massage-related courses, and 2 diversity/cultural competency/implicit bias.
Cpr
Current CPR at least BLS.
Entitlement
Remain entitled to existing license or registration.
Exemptions
Initial issuance within 12 months of renewal exempts first-cycle CE; hardship exemption/waiver/extension petitions filed at least 90 days before renewal require Board approval.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after more than five years of expiration — current new license requirements
Application
Submit the Board application, required signed policy/privacy statements, and application and license fees.
Cpr
Current CPR certification at least Basic Life Support (BLS) / healthcare provider level.
Criminal history
Submit fingerprints for State and national criminal-history checks; Board must receive results before jurisprudence scheduling or license issuance.
Direct transcripts
Official final transcripts must be sent directly by the educational institution.
Education
Board-approved, COMTA or equivalent endorsed, institutionally accredited massage education; ordinarily 750 contact hours including COMAR 10.65.01.07A content. CPR does not count toward the minimum.
Former credential
Former LMT holder applying more than five years after expiration.
Identification
Submit identity documentation and a recent 2-inch by 2-inch passport photograph; current application packet requests one photograph.
Medical assessment
Under §6-313, Board may require a health-care-provider examination on objective evidence of possible harm; this is a medical fitness condition.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Moral character
Good moral character; current application requests three moral-character references.
National score
Administering authority sends the official national passing score directly; implementing instructions require it before application and jurisprudence scheduling.
Ncbtmb naming
Board names the NCBTMB examination without a longer exam title. This survey reads it as the currently offered NCBTMB BCETMB examination in the frozen nationwide context.
Nccaom alternative
Board also names an NCCAOM examination without identifying a particular currently offered examination of this profession; this unidentified examination slot remains an applicant condition.
New license requirements
Chapter 191 §6-306(b) requires current new-LMT-license requirements plus any additional Board requirements; former RMPs meet licensing requirements rather than repealed initial RMP requirements.
Other licenses
Arrange direct verification of status and good standing if previously licensed, certified, or registered elsewhere.

Service Member Portability License

Temporary Board recognition of a covered massage license held elsewhere for an eligible service member or spouse relocating under military orders.

Licensing authority: Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners · Application information

Temporary recognition under federal military license portability
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Affidavit
Notarized affidavit affirms identity, truth/completeness, understanding and compliance with scope/licensing requirements, and good standing in all states where licensed.
Board documents
Application, passport photograph, current healthcare-provider CPR, military ID, applicable spouse/marriage/relocation documents and direct good-standing verification.
Covered license
Covered massage license in good standing; no revocation/discipline, pending unprofessional-conduct investigation, or voluntary surrender during such investigation.
Fee
No application fee under Board portal instructions.
Maryland standards
Maryland practice, professional conduct, applicable CE; Board may request eligibility documentation or background check.
Military orders
Active service member or spouse relocating to Maryland under military orders; provide orders and spouse’s marriage certificate.
Portal two year demand
Board portal states “Have used that license in the two years prior to relocating.” Amended §4025a contains no such use condition; this remains a recorded Board implementation demand.
Temporary duration
Recognition continues only during eligibility and military assignment; ordinary process applies to permanent Maryland licensure.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Registered Massage Practitioner (RMP)

Existing registrations continue for practice outside health care settings. Initial RMP registrations have been prohibited since October 1, 2024; renewal and restoration remain available.

Licensing authority: Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners · Application information

Biennial renewal of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Practice
No massage practice while inactive.
Renewal
Renew and pay biennial inactive fee each renewal period.
Status
Existing inactive license or registration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Placement of active credential on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Board-approved inactive application and non-refundable inactive fee.
Current status
Credential must be active at time of request.
Practice
No massage practice authorized while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within 30 days of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renewal application and renewal fee before expiration.
Continuing education
24 hours in preceding 24 months: 3 professional ethics/jurisprudence, 3 communicable disease, 16 Board-approved massage-related courses, and 2 diversity/cultural competency/implicit bias.
Cpr
Current CPR at least BLS.
Entitlement
Remain entitled to existing license or registration.
Exemptions
Initial issuance within 12 months of renewal exempts first-cycle CE; hardship exemption/waiver/extension petitions filed at least 90 days before renewal require Board approval.
Late application
Board receives request within 30 days after expiration; late fee in addition to renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after more than five years of inactive RMP status — current licensing requirements
Application
Submit the Board application, required signed policy/privacy statements, and application and license fees.
Cpr
Current CPR certification at least Basic Life Support (BLS) / healthcare provider level.
Criminal history
Submit fingerprints for State and national criminal-history checks; Board must receive results before jurisprudence scheduling or license issuance.
Current requirements
Chapter 191 §6-306.2(c) requires current new-license requirements and additional Board requirements, rather than obsolete initial RMP qualifications.
Direct transcripts
Official final transcripts must be sent directly by the educational institution.
Education
Board-approved, COMTA or equivalent endorsed, institutionally accredited massage education; ordinarily 750 contact hours including COMAR 10.65.01.07A content. CPR does not count toward the minimum.
Identification
Submit identity documentation and a recent 2-inch by 2-inch passport photograph; current application packet requests one photograph.
Inactive status
RMP registration inactive more than five years after first placement.
Medical assessment
Under §6-313, Board may require a health-care-provider examination on objective evidence of possible harm; this is a medical fitness condition.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Moral character
Good moral character; current application requests three moral-character references.
National score
Administering authority sends the official national passing score directly; implementing instructions require it before application and jurisprudence scheduling.
Ncbtmb naming
Board names the NCBTMB examination without a longer exam title. This survey reads it as the currently offered NCBTMB BCETMB examination in the frozen nationwide context.
Nccaom alternative
Board also names an NCCAOM examination without identifying a particular currently offered examination of this profession; this unidentified examination slot remains an applicant condition.
Other licenses
Arrange direct verification of status and good standing if previously licensed, certified, or registered elsewhere.
Reactivation within five years of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Reactivation application and fee.
Background check
Satisfactory State and national criminal-history check as Chapter 191 requires.
Ce timing
CE obtained in two years immediately before reactivation.
Continuing education
24 hours in preceding 24 months: 3 professional ethics/jurisprudence, 3 communicable disease, 16 Board-approved massage-related courses, and 2 diversity/cultural competency/implicit bias.
Cpr
Current CPR at least BLS.
Exemptions
Initial issuance within 12 months of renewal exempts first-cycle CE; hardship exemption/waiver/extension petitions filed at least 90 days before renewal require Board approval.
Inactive status
Approved inactive status within five calendar years of first placement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement within five years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renewal requirements and applicable reinstatement, late, and renewal fees.
Background check
Satisfactory State and national criminal-history records check.
Continuing education
24 hours in preceding 24 months: 3 professional ethics/jurisprudence, 3 communicable disease, 16 Board-approved massage-related courses, and 2 diversity/cultural competency/implicit bias.
Cpr
Current CPR at least BLS.
Exemptions
Initial issuance within 12 months of renewal exempts first-cycle CE; hardship exemption/waiver/extension petitions filed at least 90 days before renewal require Board approval.
Expiration
Apply within five years after expiration; more than 30 days after expiration uses reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of existing RMP credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renewal application and renewal fee before expiration.
Continuing education
24 hours in preceding 24 months: 3 professional ethics/jurisprudence, 3 communicable disease, 16 Board-approved massage-related courses, and 2 diversity/cultural competency/implicit bias.
Cpr
Current CPR at least BLS.
Entitlement
Remain entitled to existing license or registration.
Exemptions
Initial issuance within 12 months of renewal exempts first-cycle CE; hardship exemption/waiver/extension petitions filed at least 90 days before renewal require Board approval.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after more than five years of expiration — current new license requirements
Application
Submit the Board application, required signed policy/privacy statements, and application and license fees.
Cpr
Current CPR certification at least Basic Life Support (BLS) / healthcare provider level.
Criminal history
Submit fingerprints for State and national criminal-history checks; Board must receive results before jurisprudence scheduling or license issuance.
Direct transcripts
Official final transcripts must be sent directly by the educational institution.
Education
Board-approved, COMTA or equivalent endorsed, institutionally accredited massage education; ordinarily 750 contact hours including COMAR 10.65.01.07A content. CPR does not count toward the minimum.
Former credential
Former RMP holder applying more than five years after expiration.
Identification
Submit identity documentation and a recent 2-inch by 2-inch passport photograph; current application packet requests one photograph.
Medical assessment
Under §6-313, Board may require a health-care-provider examination on objective evidence of possible harm; this is a medical fitness condition.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Moral character
Good moral character; current application requests three moral-character references.
National score
Administering authority sends the official national passing score directly; implementing instructions require it before application and jurisprudence scheduling.
Ncbtmb naming
Board names the NCBTMB examination without a longer exam title. This survey reads it as the currently offered NCBTMB BCETMB examination in the frozen nationwide context.
Nccaom alternative
Board also names an NCCAOM examination without identifying a particular currently offered examination of this profession; this unidentified examination slot remains an applicant condition.
New license requirements
Chapter 191 §6-306(b) requires current new-LMT-license requirements plus any additional Board requirements; former RMPs meet licensing requirements rather than repealed initial RMP requirements.
Other licenses
Arrange direct verification of status and good standing if previously licensed, certified, or registered elsewhere.

State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners Jurisprudence Examination

Provider
Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners
Format
Online jurisprudence examination
Passing score
75 percent
Examination outline
  • Health Occupations Article, Title 6 — Massage Therapy
  • COMAR 10.65.01 — General Regulations
  • COMAR 10.65.02 — Rules of Procedure for Board Hearings
  • COMAR 10.65.03 — Code of Ethics
  • COMAR 10.65.04 — Advertising
  • COMAR 10.65.05 — Continuing Education Requirements
  • COMAR 10.65.06 — Record Keeping
  • COMAR 10.65.09 — Sanctioning Guidelines
  • COMAR 10.65.10 — Telehealth
  • COMAR 10.65.11 — Curriculum Approval
  • COMAR 10.65.12 — Handheld Tools
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

Board Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork

Provider
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork; developed, administered and scored with Prometric at Prometric test centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice certification examination; four choices per question with one correct answer; results communicated on screen at completion as Pass or No Pass
Exam questions
140 multiple-choice questions
Time limit
140 minutes
Passing score
Scale score; each question graded right or wrong with no partial credit; reported as Pass or No Pass
Exam fee
$275 Board Certification Examination Fee
Examination outline
  • Assessment, Care Planning, and Documentation (25%)
    • Knowledge — Interview techniques (e.g., open-ended and fact-finding questions, verbal and nonverbal communication skills, reflective listening)
    • Knowledge — Assessment methods (e.g., health history, observation, palpation, range of motion, posture, gait, pain scale, special tests)
    • Knowledge — Common pathologies, injuries, and pre-/post-surgical considerations
    • Knowledge — Common prescription and non-prescription medications, their effects, and side effects (e.g., pain medications, muscle relaxants, cardiovascular agents, anti-inflammatories)
    • Knowledge — Stages of tissue healing
    • Knowledge — Special populations (e.g., pregnancy, oncology, geriatric, athletes, disabilities, palliative)
    • Knowledge — Indications and contraindications
    • Knowledge — How to customize a massage (e.g., analysis, synthesis, application of client information, and research data)
    • Knowledge — How to communicate with clients in understandable terms
    • Knowledge — Informed consent (e.g., risks and benefits)
    • Knowledge — Documentation formats (e.g., Subjective, Objective, Assessment/Application, Plan [SOAP], Focus, Data, Action, Response [FDAR])
    • Knowledge — Medically accepted terminology
    • Knowledge — Health care practices (e.g., prescription for treatment, medical insurance, procedural codes)
    • Skills — Use a variety of interview techniques to gather client information
    • Skills — Conduct a variety of assessments (e.g., range of motion, posture, gait, pain scale, palpation)
    • Skills — Develop a plan for the massage session (e.g., short-term, long-term where appropriate)
    • Skills — Identify and discuss indications, contraindications, pathologies, and special accommodations, and adapt the session as needed
    • Skills — Obtain informed consent
    • Skills — Adapt massage for pre- and post-surgical considerations
    • Skills — Adapt massage based on prescription and non-prescription medications
    • Skills — Customize massage based on client's goals
    • Skills — Monitor client responses, and solicit feedback during and after the session
    • Skills — Educate client about the care plan, including self-care activities as appropriate
    • Skills — Maintain client documentation
    • Skills — Utilize medically accepted terminology in client documentation
    • Skills — Collaborate with health care providers when appropriate
    • Skills — Apply research evidence to client-centered care planning
  • Massage Techniques and Modalities (24%)
    • Knowledge — General massage techniques (e.g., effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, vibration, friction)
    • Knowledge — Massage modalities (e.g., Swedish, deep tissue, neuromuscular/trigger point therapy, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation [PNF], Eastern and energetic bodywork therapies)
    • Knowledge — Pressure and manual forces (e.g., compression, tension/decompression, friction/shear, bending, torsion, vibration)
    • Knowledge — Stretching (e.g., barriers, end-feel)
    • Knowledge — Joint mobilization
    • Knowledge — Endangerment sites and adverse events
    • Knowledge — Client positioning (e.g., prone, supine, bolstered, side-lying, seated)
    • Knowledge — Appropriate use of tools and equipment
    • Knowledge — Appropriate use of topical agents (e.g., analgesics, essential oils, CBD)
    • Knowledge — Benefits and effects of techniques and modalities
    • Knowledge — Draping techniques
    • Skills — Apply massage and bodywork techniques in a safe manner, monitoring responses and adapting techniques as needed
    • Skills — Utilize effective body mechanics during the session
    • Skills — Identify the benefits of massage and bodywork techniques and modalities
    • Skills — Identify endangerment sites and adverse effects
    • Skills — Position clients for comfort and safety, utilizing positioning equipment as appropriate
    • Skills — Apply appropriate draping techniques
  • Anatomy, Physiology, and Kinesiology (24%)
    • Knowledge — Anatomy and physiology of all body systems, including: Integumentary system; Muscular system; Skeletal system; Nervous system; Cardiovascular system; Lymphatic system; Endocrine system; Reproductive system; Respiratory system; Digestive system; Urinary system
    • Knowledge — Immune response (e.g., inflammation, lethargy)
    • Knowledge — Kinesiology (e.g., mechanics of body movement including levers, agonists, antagonists, synergists, compensatory patterns)
    • Skills — Identify structures, functions, and interactions of body systems (i.e., integumentary, muscular, skeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, lymphatic, endocrine, reproductive, respiratory, digestive, urinary)
    • Skills — Identify origins, insertions, actions, functions, and innervations of muscles
    • Skills — Identify types of muscle contractions
  • Professional Practice (14%)
    • Knowledge — NCBTMB’s Standards of Practice
    • Knowledge — Standard of care for safe practice procedures (e.g., infection control)
    • Knowledge — Information literacy and research literacy (i.e., how to locate and evaluate research)
    • Knowledge — Professional development (e.g., continuing education, specialty credentials, board certification)
    • Knowledge — Therapist self-care (e.g., body mechanics, physical activity, hand-held tools, professional consultation, mentorships)
    • Knowledge — Business entities (e.g., independent contractor, employee, business structure)
    • Knowledge — Business practices and policies (e.g., marketing, cancellation, no-show)
    • Knowledge — Accounting principles and financial record keeping (e.g., tax filings, profit and loss, income reporting, bartering)
    • Knowledge — Professional liability insurance
    • Knowledge — Emergency preparedness (e.g., medical emergencies, disaster preparedness)
    • Skills — Maintain a clean, sanitary, safe, and accessible facility
    • Skills — Clean, disinfect, and maintain tools and equipment
    • Skills — Stay current with massage therapy research
    • Skills — Participate in professional development
    • Skills — Apply standard massage therapy business and employment practices
    • Skills — Practice self-care regimen for injury prevention and career longevity
    • Skills — Manage medical emergencies when they arise
  • Law and Ethics (13%)
    • Knowledge — Massage practice laws and regulations (e.g., licensing, scope of practice, insurance requirements)
    • Knowledge — Legal requirements for record keeping (e.g., retention, release, disposal, HIPAA)
    • Knowledge — Establishment laws and zoning ordinances
    • Knowledge — Ethical principles (e.g., confidentiality, autonomy, veracity, non-malfeasance, beneficence, nondiscrimination, empathy)
    • Knowledge — Professional roles and boundaries (e.g., dual relationships, power differential, transference and countertransference)
    • Knowledge — Ethical strategies for managing and resolving conflict (e.g., conflicts of interest, how and when to terminate a session, right of refusal)
    • Knowledge — NCBTMB’s Code of Ethics
    • Knowledge — Cultural sensitivity
    • Knowledge — When, where, and how to report inappropriate behavior and sexual misconduct (e.g., clients, peers)
    • Knowledge — Mandatory reporting requirements (e.g., human trafficking, minors and dependent adults)
    • Skills — Follow local and state laws and regulations for massage therapy practice, operating within scope of practice
    • Skills — Maintain client information and records, safeguarding client confidentiality
    • Skills — Apply ethical principles in professional interactions
    • Skills — Establish and maintain professional, culturally sensitive relationships with clients
    • Skills — Identify and manage legal and ethical conflicts
    • Skills — Establish, communicate, and respect therapist/client roles and boundaries
    • Skills — Report inappropriate behavior and sexual misconduct to the proper authorities
Examination sources