Whether you are considering moving to another state on a part-time basis, permanently moving across the country, or looking to explore the USA in your Airstream, you know you need to get a massage license there. And one of the first questions you may have is, “Does that state accept the MBLEx?”
The MBLEx is the best thing we have right now for license portability. Now, it does not permit you to just go practice massage in any state you want, but it does help you meet the entry-level licensing exam requirement in most states. Also, a licensing exam is only part of the equation.
In addition to passing an entry-level licensing exam, most states set a minimum number of hours for massage therapists seeking to apply by endorsement. Plus, applications, fees, background checks, school transcripts, jurisprudence tests, CPR certifications, and state license verifications may also be required. But we seem to focus on whether our exam is accepted because nobody likes to take exams.
How do I know which states accept the MBLEx?
Below is a link to each state’s massage therapy board and information about which exams it appears they accept. Most, but not all, of the below states accept the MBLEx. I have added additional links and information from applications, board websites, and board rules which may indicate accepted massage licensing exams.
Accepted Massage Licensing Exams for Each State
As a reminder, if you see that a state accepts an exam from the FSMTB, or Federation of Massage Therapy Boards, that is the MBLEx. The FSMTB is the agency in charge of the MBLEx.
Also, states change rules and requirements. For instance, California did accept the MBLEx for their exam requirement. However, in 2019, they discontinued the exam requirement for all new applicants.
I will try my best to update changes to accepted exams. But, ultimately, it is up to you to do the research and verify current rules and regulations. After you find your state, skip below to read a few more frequently asked questions about having multiple licenses, testing in other states, and how to get the licensing process started.
- Has different levels of licensure
- Massage Technician requires 300 hours
- Massage Therapists requires 500 hours and exam from the NCBTMB or FSMTB
District of Columbia – Washington DC
- Requirements include 500 clock hours and board approved exam (NCBTMB, MBLEx, or NYS State Exam)
- Tips for transferring a massage license to Florida
- 10 Hour Florida Massage Laws and Rules Course
- Hawaii has its own state massage exam
- How to get Hawaii Massage License
Kansas
- No massage board/statewide licensing
- Check local government for massage regulations
Minnesota
- No massage board/statewide licensing
- Check local government for massage regulations
- New York has its own state licensing exam
- How to get a New York Massage License
- FAQ states that if some qualifications are met, other exams may be accepted
- Massage is under the Board of Medicine
- Had its own exam
- Accepts MBLEx
- Massage is under the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
- Massage application requests score report showing the applicant has passed the Massage and Bodywork LicensingExamination (MBLEx) or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage &Bodywork (NCBTMB)
Vermont
- No massage board/statewide licensing
- Check local government for massage regulations
- Massage Therapy is under the Board of Nursing
- Application indicates MBLEx, NCETM, and NCETMB exams accepted
Wyoming
- No massage board/statewide licensing
- Check local government for massage regulations
Massage Licensing Exam FAQ
I am moving soon, but I want to take the MBLEx. Can I take it here, or do I need to wait until I move?
The MBLEx is not state specific. Meaning the exam in Michigan is the same format as the exam in Florida. When you apply to take the test in Michigan, you can choose the state where you want your scores to be sent after you pass.
What if I have already taken the MBLEx?
Whether you passed the MBLEx last week or 10 years ago, you most likely need to fill out a mobility form/result transfer form to have your scores sent to the state where you are seeking a license. The cost is $40 and the form can be found here.
What about the NCETMB, NCETM, or NESL?
These exams were discontinued by the NCBTMB in 2014/2015. However, you can see above that many states still accept these exams. The good news is that you can still use those old exam scores. And, yes, you can still use your scores even if your NCBTMB certification has expired. I used my NCETMB scores to get my Florida massage license in 2010, almost nine years after using those scores to get my Iowa massage license.
And the BCETMB?
This is a newer board certification exam from the NCBTMB. It really is not designed to be used as an entry-level licensing exam. However, a few states may accept it for a licensing exam.
Can I have multiple massage licenses?
Yep! I have a whole other article about that on my Florida massage website. Can I Have Massage Licenses in Multiple States?
Okay, I am ready to get the process of obtaining a new massage license started. What should my next steps be?
The best place to look for licensing and exam requirements is the application on the board’s website. If you cannot find that, look at their FAQ or read through the board rules (which you should do anyway).
Once you have found your application on the board’s website, the next step is to see if you meet the requirements and get to work on submitting the required documents. Other requirements may include background checks, exam score transfers, jurisprudence exams (law and rules), license verifications, and school transcripts.
If you have passed the MBLEx (or an accepted exam) already….
Excellent! If you have your MBLEx exam passed and are ready to move onto the next steps in your adventure. Here is the result transfer/mobility form again. For those of your that passed an NCBTMB exam years ago, contact them to have your scores forwarded to the proper board.
If you think you need to take the MBLEx…
If you are unsure if you need to take the MBLEx due to a unique situation, you can always contact the appropriate state board office and ask if you need to take it or if they accept the MBLEx. In fact, I recommend it.
Should you find that you still need to take the MBLEx, check out my online study guide, practice quizzes, and exam simulation program below. I am ready to help you with your adventure (even if it has been years since you went to massage school or you previously failed the MBLEx.
Massage Exam Academy MBLEx Study Guide and Practice Tests
Have other questions? Drop me a comment below.
Hello Ivy!
So, in 2006 I graduated from a 600 hour Massage Therapy program in Somerset, NJ. Back then, only certification was required to practice as a Massage Therapist. Life happened and I had to put my massage career on the back burner. Several years had passed and the state of New Jersey now mandated that a license is required to practice massage therapy. I have just recently (in March of 2020) passed the MBLEx through FSMTB. Looking over the recent state licensing requirements for Massage in NJ, it says I need a minimum of 500 hours of massage education which includes 100 hours of clinical. The program I graduated from (in 2006) was 600 hours, but only included 60 hours of clinical. Do you happen to know if I would be grandfathered into the new law/licensing requirements? Or would I need to find a way to makeup the 40 hours of clinical that I’m missing?
Hi Mikey!
Your situation is rather common (taking a few years off before beginning your career). Each state is different. My guess is that NJ has several applicants like you that are now applying years later with different requirements. I would not hesitate to message the board office and ask what is the best step for you. It may just be that you need start the application process.