OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

Washington Massage Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

US-WA · License preparation

454 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Combined practice

Loading selected examination banks…

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 Therapist Inactive Credential

Inactive form of the Washington massage therapist license; no Washington practice is authorized.

Licensing authority: department of health · Application information

Obtain inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing License
Hold an active Washington massage therapist license in good standing.
Notice
Submit a letter stating intent to obtain inactive status.
Practice
Do not practice massage in Washington.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renew inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Renew annually on the birthday by paying the inactive renewal fee and applicable surcharge; active-practice continuing education is not required while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

inactive military-related status credential

Inactive military-related status for Washington massage therapists whose spouse or registered domestic partner is a qualifying service member deployed or stationed outside Washington.

Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Health / Washington State Board of Massage · Application information

Obtain inactive military related status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing License
Hold an active credential in good standing, valid and in force.
Fees
No fee for placing the license in this status.
Military Documentation
Supply written request and official service orders; inactive military-related applicants also supply marriage or registered domestic partnership documentation and orders for the spouse’s deployment outside Washington.
Practice
Military status permits Washington practice while service continues. Inactive military-related status prohibits Washington practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Maintain inactive military related status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Continuing education is not required while in this status.
Documentation
Submit the maintenance notice with current qualifying service orders.
Eligibility Duration
Military status lasts while qualifying service continues; inactive military-related status requires continuing deployment or stationing outside Washington and continuing marriage or registered partnership.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Intraoral Massage Endorsement

Intraoral practice endorsement attached to an existing Washington massage therapist license.

Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Health / Washington State Board of Massage · Application information

Endorsement after specialty training
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the endorsement request and fee. The endorsed practitioner’s underlying license remains subject to its separate renewal requirements.
Existing License
Hold a Washington massage therapist license.
Supervision
Training is supervised by an intraoral-endorsed massage therapist or another credentialed professional performing intraoral massage within their authorized scope.
Training
Complete 16 hours of directly supervised intraoral education and training covering techniques, cranial anatomy, physiology and kinesiology, pathology, cautions, contraindications, hygiene, safety and sanitation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Large Animal Massage Therapist Endorsement

An endorsement for a massage therapist licensed under chapter 18.108 RCW upon completion of 100 hours of training in large animal massage.

Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Health / Washington State Board of Massage · Application information

Endorsement after specialty training
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the animal massage endorsement form identifying the animal category and program completion. The underlying license has its separate annual renewal and continuing education requirements.
Existing License
Hold a Washington massage therapist license.
Training
Complete 100 hours of Board-approved training in large animal massage: 25 technique, 25 kinesiology, 20 anatomy and physiology, 4 first aid, and 26 handling techniques.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Massage Therapist License — Military Status

Military status of a previously issued Washington massage therapist credential under chapter 246-12 WAC.

Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Health / Washington State Board of Massage · Application information

Obtain military status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing License
Hold an active credential in good standing, valid and in force.
Fees
No fee for placing the license in this status.
Military Documentation
Supply written request and official service orders; inactive military-related applicants also supply marriage or registered domestic partnership documentation and orders for the spouse’s deployment outside Washington.
Practice
Military status permits Washington practice while service continues. Inactive military-related status prohibits Washington practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Maintain military status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Continuing education is not required while in this status.
Documentation
Submit the maintenance notice with current qualifying service orders.
Eligibility Duration
Military status lasts while qualifying service continues; inactive military-related status requires continuing deployment or stationing outside Washington and continuing marriage or registered partnership.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

retired volunteer medical worker license

Volunteer license for eligible formerly licensed health professionals registered with a local emergency-services or management organization; supervised duties are limited to the emergency worker assignment and prior scope of practice.

Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Health / Washington State Board of Massage · Application information

Initial retired volunteer medical worker license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
No application fee.
Practice
Practice only on activation for a mission-numbered emergency, disaster or authorized training event, under an assigned supervisor and within prior scope.
Prior License
Held an active health-profession license within ten years before application; no current health-profession license and no restrictions on ability to obtain an active license.
Volunteer Registration
Provide current registration with a local emergency-services or management organization and submit the Department application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renew retired volunteer medical worker license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competency
Complete basic first aid, bloodborne pathogens and CPR courses every three years; local emergency organizations may require additional training.
Fees
No renewal fee.
Renewal
Renew every three years with continuing competency declaration and current volunteer registration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

animal massage therapist endorsement

An endorsement available to licensed massage therapists upon completion of one hundred hours of small animal massage training.

Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Health / Washington State Board of Massage · Application information

Endorsement after specialty training
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the animal massage endorsement form identifying the animal category and program completion. The underlying license has its separate annual renewal and continuing education requirements.
Existing License
Hold a Washington massage therapist license.
Training
Complete 100 hours of Board-approved training in small animal massage: 25 technique, 25 kinesiology, 20 anatomy and physiology, 4 first aid, and 26 handling techniques.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Practice Permit

Temporary authorization pending completion of the Washington licensing process, governed by RCW 18.130.075 and WAC 246-12-050 or -051.

Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Health / Washington State Board of Massage · Application information

Temporary permit while national background check is pending

All of the following:

Additional Training After Failures
After three examination failures, provide proof of additional clinical training or coursework determined by the Board before three further attempts.
Application
Submit the completed Department application and nonrefundable application fee.
Background Check
A state criminal background check is required; provide fingerprint cards for a national or state fingerprint-based check if required by the Department.
Conditional Issuance
Under RCW 18.108.070(3) and RCW 18.130.040(3), a license may be denied or issued subject to conditions. Conditional issuance does not identify a separate examination or independent official license identity.
Cpr
Provide American Heart Association CPR or equivalent; the initial CPR course must be in person.
Disqualifications
No Washington criminal record and not subject to denial, conditional or restricted licensure.
Disqualifying Convictions
WAC 246-830-020(3) prohibits issuance for specified prostitution-related convictions in the eight years preceding application, except as provided in RCW 9.97.020.
Duration
Expires on license issuance, application decision unless extended in that decision, or 180 days after issuance; not renewable or reissuable.
Education Evidence
The school or program sends an official transcript or school completion form directly to the Department.
First Aid
Provide certification in American Red Cross first aid or equivalent.
Immigration Status
RCW 18.415.010 permits otherwise-qualified applicants regardless of immigration or citizenship status and permits an individual taxpayer identification number instead of a social security number.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years old.
National Certification Waiver Authority
RCW 18.130.077(2) permits waiver for a national certification only as determined by the disciplining authority in rule. No massage-specific implementing rule in chapter 246-830 WAC identifies such a certification; certification alone does not identify an additional examination leaf.
Other Board Approved Examination
WAC 246-830-201(1)(c) accepts a board-approved examination without identifying it; Board approval of an alternative is an applicant condition.
Other Credentials
List and obtain direct jurisdictional verification of all credentials held or previously held.
Outside License
Hold an unrestricted active outside license with substantially equivalent standards.
Personal Data
Answer the application personal data questions and supply the specified explanation and documentation for affirmative answers.
Prior National Certification Score
WAC 246-830-201(1)(b) accepts the former national certification examination for therapeutic massage and bodywork. FSMTB’s 2015 annual report documents the cessation of NCBTMB licensing examinations effective February 1, 2015. Its prior passing score remains an applicant condition; BCETMB is a different Board Certification examination and is not substituted for NCETMB.
Remaining Requirements
Meet all ordinary massage licensing requirements except the pending fingerprint-based national background check; submit license application, fees, verification, fingerprint card and written permit request.
Score Transmission
NCBTMB or FSMTB must send official examination score verification directly to the Department.
Statutory Waiver
A qualifying RCW 18.130.077 applicant is excused from examinations as a condition of this permit; the ordinary registered examinations remain the examinations identified by the underlying licensing requirements.
Temporary permit for a military spouse or registered partner

All of the following:

Additional Training After Failures
After three examination failures, provide proof of additional clinical training or coursework determined by the Board before three further attempts.
Application
Submit the completed Department application and nonrefundable application fee.
Background Check
A state criminal background check is required; provide fingerprint cards for a national or state fingerprint-based check if required by the Department.
Conditional Issuance
Under RCW 18.108.070(3) and RCW 18.130.040(3), a license may be denied or issued subject to conditions. Conditional issuance does not identify a separate examination or independent official license identity.
Cpr
Provide American Heart Association CPR or equivalent; the initial CPR course must be in person.
Disqualifying Convictions
WAC 246-830-020(3) prohibits issuance for specified prostitution-related convictions in the eight years preceding application, except as provided in RCW 9.97.020.
Documents
Submit the licensing application and fees, required fingerprint card, license verification, military orders, relationship evidence and a written permit request.
Duration
Expires on license issuance, application decision unless extended, or 180 days after issuance.
Education Evidence
The school or program sends an official transcript or school completion form directly to the Department.
Eligibility
Moving to Washington because of the military person’s transfer; hold an unrestricted active equivalent outside license and have no pending investigation, charges or discipline.
First Aid
Provide certification in American Red Cross first aid or equivalent.
Immigration Status
RCW 18.415.010 permits otherwise-qualified applicants regardless of immigration or citizenship status and permits an individual taxpayer identification number instead of a social security number.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years old.
National Certification Waiver Authority
RCW 18.130.077(2) permits waiver for a national certification only as determined by the disciplining authority in rule. No massage-specific implementing rule in chapter 246-830 WAC identifies such a certification; certification alone does not identify an additional examination leaf.
Other Board Approved Examination
WAC 246-830-201(1)(c) accepts a board-approved examination without identifying it; Board approval of an alternative is an applicant condition.
Other Credentials
List and obtain direct jurisdictional verification of all credentials held or previously held.
Personal Data
Answer the application personal data questions and supply the specified explanation and documentation for affirmative answers.
Prior National Certification Score
WAC 246-830-201(1)(b) accepts the former national certification examination for therapeutic massage and bodywork. FSMTB’s 2015 annual report documents the cessation of NCBTMB licensing examinations effective February 1, 2015. Its prior passing score remains an applicant condition; BCETMB is a different Board Certification examination and is not substituted for NCETMB.
Remaining Requirements
Meet all profession-specific training, education and practice standards. Other specific additional requirements may be completed while the permit is in force under WAC 246-12-051.
Score Transmission
NCBTMB or FSMTB must send official examination score verification directly to the Department.
Statutory Waiver
For applicants satisfying RCW 18.130.077, examination waiver is an applicant condition; deferred or excused examinations do not remove the ordinary identified examinations from this temporary licensing pathway.

Massage Therapist License

Washington massage therapist licensure with education, training, and examination requirements.

Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Health · Application information

Annual active license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete 24 hours every two years: at least 8 in-person directly supervised hands-on hours, 4 professional ethics or related specified topics, 2 health equity training hours, and maintain CPR certification.
Documentation
Provide required renewal declarations and documentation; keep evidence for audit.
Renewal
Renew annually on the therapist’s birthday and pay the fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement — 500 hours plus experience

All of the following:

Additional Training After Failures
After three examination failures, provide proof of additional clinical training or coursework determined by the Board before three further attempts.
Application
Submit the completed Department application and nonrefundable application fee.
Background Check
A state criminal background check is required; provide fingerprint cards for a national or state fingerprint-based check if required by the Department.
Conditional Issuance
Under RCW 18.108.070(3) and RCW 18.130.040(3), a license may be denied or issued subject to conditions. Conditional issuance does not identify a separate examination or independent official license identity.
Cpr
Provide American Heart Association CPR or equivalent; the initial CPR course must be in person.
Disqualifying Convictions
WAC 246-830-020(3) prohibits issuance for specified prostitution-related convictions in the eight years preceding application, except as provided in RCW 9.97.020.
Education
The other jurisdiction requires at least 500 approved hours; provide at least two years of experience and documentation of at least 24 hours of continuing education within two years before application.
Education Evidence
The school or program sends an official transcript or school completion form directly to the Department.
First Aid
Provide certification in American Red Cross first aid or equivalent.
Immigration Status
RCW 18.415.010 permits otherwise-qualified applicants regardless of immigration or citizenship status and permits an individual taxpayer identification number instead of a social security number.
Mandatory Statutory Waiver
If RCW 18.130.077(1) applies, use the separate mandatory-waiver route: substantially equivalent licensure for the immediately preceding two years without interruption exceeding 90 days, with the subsection (3) disciplinary and investigation conditions.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years old.
National Certification Waiver Authority
RCW 18.130.077(2) permits waiver for a national certification only as determined by the disciplining authority in rule. No massage-specific implementing rule in chapter 246-830 WAC identifies such a certification; certification alone does not identify an additional examination leaf.
Other Board Approved Examination
WAC 246-830-201(1)(c) accepts a board-approved examination without identifying it; Board approval of an alternative is an applicant condition.
Other Credentials
List and obtain direct jurisdictional verification of all credentials held or previously held.
Outside License
Hold a massage license in good standing verified by the jurisdiction.
Personal Data
Answer the application personal data questions and supply the specified explanation and documentation for affirmative answers.
Practice Gap
A gap in practice of three years or more requires documentation of 24 hours of hands-on massage continuing education for the two most recent years before application.
Prior National Certification Score
WAC 246-830-201(1)(b) accepts the former national certification examination for therapeutic massage and bodywork. FSMTB’s 2015 annual report documents the cessation of NCBTMB licensing examinations effective February 1, 2015. Its prior passing score remains an applicant condition; BCETMB is a different Board Certification examination and is not substituted for NCETMB.
Score Transmission
NCBTMB or FSMTB must send official examination score verification directly to the Department.
Licensure by endorsement — substantially equivalent 625 hour jurisdiction

All of the following:

Additional Training After Failures
After three examination failures, provide proof of additional clinical training or coursework determined by the Board before three further attempts.
Application
Submit the completed Department application and nonrefundable application fee.
Background Check
A state criminal background check is required; provide fingerprint cards for a national or state fingerprint-based check if required by the Department.
Conditional Issuance
Under RCW 18.108.070(3) and RCW 18.130.040(3), a license may be denied or issued subject to conditions. Conditional issuance does not identify a separate examination or independent official license identity.
Cpr
Provide American Heart Association CPR or equivalent; the initial CPR course must be in person.
Disqualifying Convictions
WAC 246-830-020(3) prohibits issuance for specified prostitution-related convictions in the eight years preceding application, except as provided in RCW 9.97.020.
Education
The other jurisdiction requires at least 625 hours completed in no fewer than 24 weeks, with the school or program approved by the equivalent authority at graduation.
Education Evidence
The school or program sends an official transcript or school completion form directly to the Department.
First Aid
Provide certification in American Red Cross first aid or equivalent.
Immigration Status
RCW 18.415.010 permits otherwise-qualified applicants regardless of immigration or citizenship status and permits an individual taxpayer identification number instead of a social security number.
Mandatory Statutory Waiver
If RCW 18.130.077(1) applies, use the separate mandatory-waiver route: substantially equivalent licensure for the immediately preceding two years without interruption exceeding 90 days, with the subsection (3) disciplinary and investigation conditions.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years old.
National Certification Waiver Authority
RCW 18.130.077(2) permits waiver for a national certification only as determined by the disciplining authority in rule. No massage-specific implementing rule in chapter 246-830 WAC identifies such a certification; certification alone does not identify an additional examination leaf.
Other Board Approved Examination
WAC 246-830-201(1)(c) accepts a board-approved examination without identifying it; Board approval of an alternative is an applicant condition.
Other Credentials
List and obtain direct jurisdictional verification of all credentials held or previously held.
Outside License
Hold a massage license in good standing verified by the jurisdiction.
Personal Data
Answer the application personal data questions and supply the specified explanation and documentation for affirmative answers.
Practice Gap
A gap in practice of three years or more requires documentation of 24 hours of hands-on massage continuing education for the two most recent years before application.
Prior National Certification Score
WAC 246-830-201(1)(b) accepts the former national certification examination for therapeutic massage and bodywork. FSMTB’s 2015 annual report documents the cessation of NCBTMB licensing examinations effective February 1, 2015. Its prior passing score remains an applicant condition; BCETMB is a different Board Certification examination and is not substituted for NCETMB.
Score Transmission
NCBTMB or FSMTB must send official examination score verification directly to the Department.
Licensure by mandatory statutory waiver
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the application, fees, required identification and credential verification; examination waiver does not waive requirements outside those listed in RCW 18.130.077(1).
Board Application Demand
The lower-ranked Board rule WAC 246-830-020(1) states: "(c) Proof of successful completion of a board approved examination under WAC 246-830-201; (d) Proof of successful completion of the Washington state massage jurisprudence examination;" The Department’s FAQ likewise asks for successful completion of both. These Board instructions remain visible conditions; the mandatory statutory waiver controls this route.
Disciplinary Eligibility
Not subject to denial or conditional issuance; no discipline for unprofessional conduct or impairment in the two preceding years or while the application is pending; no investigation or charges while pending.
Mandatory Waiver
RCW 18.130.077(1) mandates waiver of education, training, experience and examination requirements for this applicant group.
Outside License
Credentialed in another state with substantially equivalent standards for at least two years immediately before application; no interruption lasting longer than 90 days.
Washington Law Knowledge
RCW 18.108.095 states that the applicant must demonstrate working knowledge of Washington law pertaining to massage in a manner approved by the Department; RCW 18.130.077(1) waives the examination requirements for the qualified group.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from expiration — one renewal cycle or less
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Comply with current continuing education requirements and required declarations.
Expiration
Expired no more than one renewal cycle.
Fees
Pay late and current renewal fees and applicable surcharge.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from expiration — three years or more
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit abbreviated application, late penalty, current renewal and reissuance fees and required declarations.
Competency
Satisfy other regulatory-entity competency requirements if required; the provisions do not identify another registered examination.
Continuing Education
Provide proof of 24 continuing education hours completed in the two years before renewal application under WAC 246-830-575(3), and the required two-year competency declaration.
Expiration
Expired at least three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from expiration — more than one cycle but less than three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit abbreviated application, late penalty, current renewal and reissuance fees and required declarations.
Continuing Education
Declare that continuing education and competency requirements for the two most recent years are met.
Disciplinary Attestations
Declare no action restricting practice and no voluntary relinquishment or restriction to avoid formal action.
Expiration
Expired more than one renewal cycle but less than three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from inactive military related status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Continuing education resumes in the post-discharge or following renewal period specified by the rule.
Documentation
Notify the Department and provide the prescribed service-status documentation or discharge papers.
Fees
Pay active renewal fee and applicable surcharge.
Timeliness
Complete the return to active status within six months of qualifying discharge; otherwise late-fee rules apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstate from nonmilitary inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional Competency
Meet other requirements determined by the Board; no additional examination is identified in RCW 18.108.125 or WAC 246-12-110.
Continuing Education
Declare completion of continuing education and competency requirements for the two most recent years.
Disciplinary Attestations
Declare no action restricting practice and no voluntary relinquishment or restriction to avoid sanctions.
Notice
Notify the Department in writing and pay active renewal and applicable fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination

All of the following:

Additional Training After Failures
After three examination failures, provide proof of additional clinical training or coursework determined by the Board before three further attempts.
Application
Submit the completed Department application and nonrefundable application fee.
Background Check
A state criminal background check is required; provide fingerprint cards for a national or state fingerprint-based check if required by the Department.
Conditional Issuance
Under RCW 18.108.070(3) and RCW 18.130.040(3), a license may be denied or issued subject to conditions. Conditional issuance does not identify a separate examination or independent official license identity.
Cpr
Provide American Heart Association CPR or equivalent; the initial CPR course must be in person.
Disqualifying Convictions
WAC 246-830-020(3) prohibits issuance for specified prostitution-related convictions in the eight years preceding application, except as provided in RCW 9.97.020.
Education
Complete a Board-approved massage school, massage program or apprenticeship program; the current minimum is 625 hours completed in no fewer than 24 weeks under WAC 246-830-430. Applicants enrolled before September 1, 2021 retain the previous education standard.
Education Evidence
The school or program sends an official transcript or school completion form directly to the Department.
First Aid
Provide certification in American Red Cross first aid or equivalent.
Immigration Status
RCW 18.415.010 permits otherwise-qualified applicants regardless of immigration or citizenship status and permits an individual taxpayer identification number instead of a social security number.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years old.
National Certification Waiver Authority
RCW 18.130.077(2) permits waiver for a national certification only as determined by the disciplining authority in rule. No massage-specific implementing rule in chapter 246-830 WAC identifies such a certification; certification alone does not identify an additional examination leaf.
Other Board Approved Examination
WAC 246-830-201(1)(c) accepts a board-approved examination without identifying it; Board approval of an alternative is an applicant condition.
Other Credentials
List and obtain direct jurisdictional verification of all credentials held or previously held.
Personal Data
Answer the application personal data questions and supply the specified explanation and documentation for affirmative answers.
Prior National Certification Score
WAC 246-830-201(1)(b) accepts the former national certification examination for therapeutic massage and bodywork. FSMTB’s 2015 annual report documents the cessation of NCBTMB licensing examinations effective February 1, 2015. Its prior passing score remains an applicant condition; BCETMB is a different Board Certification examination and is not substituted for NCETMB.
Score Transmission
NCBTMB or FSMTB must send official examination score verification directly to the Department.
Initial licensure after an approved transfer program

All of the following:

Additional Training After Failures
After three examination failures, provide proof of additional clinical training or coursework determined by the Board before three further attempts.
Application
Submit the completed Department application and nonrefundable application fee.
Background Check
A state criminal background check is required; provide fingerprint cards for a national or state fingerprint-based check if required by the Department.
Conditional Issuance
Under RCW 18.108.070(3) and RCW 18.130.040(3), a license may be denied or issued subject to conditions. Conditional issuance does not identify a separate examination or independent official license identity.
Cpr
Provide American Heart Association CPR or equivalent; the initial CPR course must be in person.
Disqualifying Convictions
WAC 246-830-020(3) prohibits issuance for specified prostitution-related convictions in the eight years preceding application, except as provided in RCW 9.97.020.
Education
Complete a Board-approved transfer program after evaluation of prior credits or clock hours; deficient components must be completed. The 625-hour, 24-week education standard applies.
Education Evidence
The school or program sends an official transcript or school completion form directly to the Department.
First Aid
Provide certification in American Red Cross first aid or equivalent.
Immigration Status
RCW 18.415.010 permits otherwise-qualified applicants regardless of immigration or citizenship status and permits an individual taxpayer identification number instead of a social security number.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years old.
National Certification Waiver Authority
RCW 18.130.077(2) permits waiver for a national certification only as determined by the disciplining authority in rule. No massage-specific implementing rule in chapter 246-830 WAC identifies such a certification; certification alone does not identify an additional examination leaf.
Other Board Approved Examination
WAC 246-830-201(1)(c) accepts a board-approved examination without identifying it; Board approval of an alternative is an applicant condition.
Other Credentials
List and obtain direct jurisdictional verification of all credentials held or previously held.
Personal Data
Answer the application personal data questions and supply the specified explanation and documentation for affirmative answers.
Prior National Certification Score
WAC 246-830-201(1)(b) accepts the former national certification examination for therapeutic massage and bodywork. FSMTB’s 2015 annual report documents the cessation of NCBTMB licensing examinations effective February 1, 2015. Its prior passing score remains an applicant condition; BCETMB is a different Board Certification examination and is not substituted for NCETMB.
Score Transmission
NCBTMB or FSMTB must send official examination score verification directly to the Department.
Transfer Assessments
WAC 246-830-037(4)(c) requires written and practical tests for each subject area administered by the approved transfer program to evaluate prior learning. These school-specific, unnamed examinations are educational applicant conditions.
Return from military status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Continuing education resumes in the post-discharge or following renewal period specified by the rule.
Documentation
Notify the Department and provide the prescribed service-status documentation or discharge papers.
Fees
Pay active renewal fee and applicable surcharge.
Timeliness
Complete the return to active status within six months of qualifying discharge; otherwise late-fee rules apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continue license issued under prior law
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Prior Credential
Held a valid state massage license on July 26, 1987; RCW 18.108.115 continues that license as a massage therapist license.
Renewal
The continued license is subject to the ordinary current renewal requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstate after appellate reversal of automatic revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discipline
Reinstatement is required unless grounds for disciplinary action have been found under chapter 18.130 RCW.
Reversal
Present a final appellate decision overturning the conviction underlying automatic revocation under RCW 18.108.085(3).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from retired volunteer status to active massage licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Return
WAC 246-12-450 directs return under WAC 246-12-040; comply with the applicable expired-duration conditions, fees, declarations and continuing education requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return after a mandated suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Provide declarations that continuing education and competency requirements for the suspension period are met; comply with profession-specific requirements for suspensions longer than three years.
Fees
Pay current renewal if due, applicable surcharge and return-from-mandated-suspension fee.
Order
Meet the requirements of the law and order mandating suspension; for support or visitation noncompliance, supply the release specified in RCW 18.130.150.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

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

Washington State Massage Jurisprudence Examination

Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • Chapter 18.108 RCW — Massage therapists
  • Chapter 246-830 WAC — Massage therapists
  • Chapter 18.130 RCW — Uniform Disciplinary Act, enumerated sections
  • Chapter 246-16 WAC — Standards of professional conduct, enumerated sections
  • RCW 70.02.050 — Disclosure without patient’s authorization—Need-to-know basis
Examination sources