Massage Therapy Certification

Since certification standards vary from state to state, people interested in becoming a qualified or licensed massage therapist should inquire about the requirements of the state in which they plan to practice. Passing the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork’s exam may be part of the qualifications, as well as others set by individual states' licensing boards.

37 states regulate the practice of massage therapy. Each state has a regulatory board which set standard educational requirements and provides oversight of the state laws and regulations.

Some cities and counties have their own set of laws regulating the practice of massage therapy. If you are a massage therapist practicing in an area where local laws and regualtions exist, you must abide by those licensing requirements as well as the state's massage licensing and regulation.

NCBTMB - National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
To be eligible to take the NCBTMB test, therapists must complete 500 hours of formal training at an accredited school of massage or bodywork, or have an equivalent combination of academic courses and work experience.

The NCE is a entry-level test for massage therapy practitioners. The following state use the NCE test in their massage licensing process.

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• Become a Massage Therapist - Find a massage school close to your location.
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• Massage Certifications, Exams and Tests by State