Massage Exam Academy

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How to Become a Certified Massage Therapist in California

A Guide to Getting Your California Massage Therapy Certification

Looking for information to obtain a massage license, or get certified, in California?

Legally working as a massage therapist in California is different than any other state. Whether you are a current massage therapist moving to California, or a resident looking for a massage program, sorting through regulations can be challenging and time-consuming.

I am going to cover the current regulations in California and break down the requirements into simple steps. Soon, you will know everything you need to do, or not do, in order to work as a massage professional in the state.

Licensing vs Certification

The first thing we need to cover is…

California does not license massage therapists, instead it certifies qualified massage therapists.

What’s the difference?

Certification and licensing are not interchangeable terms. It is very important to know the difference between the two before you start the certification process.

Licensing

Licensing is a non-voluntary, or mandatory, requirement. A government agency (board or department) regulates the profession. Passage of a massage licensing law or act makes it illegal for anyone to engage in that occupation within without a license. Over 40 states issue massage therapy licenses.

Certification

According to the American Massage Therapy Association:

“Professional certification is a voluntary process by which a non-governmental professional organization grants recognition to an individual who has met certain qualifications.”

Certification in California is voluntary, like the NCTMB/BCTMB certification. This certification has intended benefits for the public and massage profession in California, which I will discuss in a moment.

Certification in California is obtained through CAMTC, short for California Massage Therapy Council.

What is CAMTC?

CAMTC is not a state board. However, it was created by the California legislature and began taking applications for massage certification in 2009. CAMTC is a private non-profit corporation.

The CAMTC Board of Directors, like other state massage boards, are volunteers. Each volunteer is appointed by California cities, counties, law enforcement, massage schools, the Department of Consumer Affairs, and professional massage associations. For state massage boards, members are often appointed by the governor.

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your New York State Massage License

How to Get a New York State Massage License
*Last Updated: 1/21*

Obtaining a massage license in any state can be a daunting task. It can be stressful sorting your way through government websites, laws and regulations when all you want to do is help other people relax.

You may have talked to other massage therapists who have made the task seem nearly impossible, or have given you misinformation. Maybe, while googling for answers, you saw this lady’s 13 month ordeal to get licensed in the state. You may wonder if it is worth the hassle, hours of study, and money.

New York has a few unique requirements you need to be aware of before you begin school or move. We’re going to go over the rules and requirements in an understandable way so that you know the steps needed to get your massage license (with the least amount of stress possible).

First, you likely fall into one of these two groups:

  1. You are going to school in NYS or planning to go to school at an NYS approved massage school.
  2. You are moving to NYS from another state and are/were licensed in another state or jurisdiction.

Whichever group you belong to, you still need to meet the requirements for obtaining a New York license.

There are four basic requirements to obtain a New York Massage License:

  1. Meet the state minimum education requirement
  2. Pass the New York State massage exam
  3. Successfully complete a CPR course
  4. Prove English proficiency (if needed)

Now let’s go more in-depth into each requirement.

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Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Hawaii Massage License

How to Get a Hawaii Massage License
*Last Updated: 6/28/2024*

If you live in Hawaii and are considering a career in massage, or a mainland massage therapist wanting to work in Hawaii, chances are you have looked over the requirements to get a Hawaii massage license to work in the Aloha state.

Now, you are not only confused but overwhelmed with the requirements. Laws and rules, although in English, are written by lawmakers in “Legalese.” Government board websites are not user-friendly and often difficult to navigate. You may find yourself still asking which steps you need to complete to meet the requirements.

I have assisted hundreds of massage therapists through the process of obtaining a massage license and moving to another state.

Before making the move or jump into the profession, some planning is required to make sure you meet all of the requirements. By the time we are done here, you should know everything you need to do to be licensed in paradise.

The three basic requirements for obtaining a Hawaii Massage License
  1. Complete and show proof of acceptable massage training
  2. Complete CPR Certification
  3. Pass the Hawaii State Massage Exam

I am going to break down each one of these requirements, because each step is slightly more complex than indicated above.

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I Passed the MBLEx! Now What?

“Congratulations! You have passed the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).”

If you did not read beyond this line on your score report, it’s understandable.

This right of passage done, there is likely more work to do. You may have been so focused on your exam, you have not thought about what is next.

Below the good news about your passing it says:

“PLEASE NOTE: Your result of PASS does NOT indicate that you have a right to legally practice or that you have received a license to practice. You must apply for a license through your State licensing board of agency. Contact information for State licensing boards and agencies is available at fsmtb.org.”

Licensing

Passing the MBLEX does not give you the right to practice massage without a license. The exam is just part of the licence equation.

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Overcoming Exam Anxiety for the MBLEx

Overcoming Exam Anxiety for the MBLEx

The first question I ask someone who has failed the MBLEx is, “What do you feel is keeping you from passing?” Exam anxiety is the most popular answer.

People with exam anxiety may experience the following symptoms while studying, or during an exam:

  • Heart pounding
  • Sweating
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Sleep problems
  • Nausea or other digestive disturbances
  • Ringing ears or dizziness
  • Shallow breathing

Often, people with exam anxiety:

  • Did very well in school, love massage and want to get started with their career.
  • Know the material, but are unable to translate that knowledge to a multiple choice exam.
  • Are feeling pressure because they need to work, have a job waiting for them, or have been relying on their family for support. This only complicates their exam anxiety.

Does this sound like you? What is causing this anxiety?

There is a reason most of us get a little nervous during exams.

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