*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:
- You are going to school in NYS or planning to go to school at an NYS approved massage school.
- 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:
- Meet the state minimum education requirement
- Pass the New York State massage exam
- Successfully complete a CPR course
- Prove English proficiency (if needed)
Now let’s go more in-depth into each requirement.
1. Meet the State Minimum Education Requirements
The first thing, and biggest task, is to meet the state education requirement. In New York, the minimum education requirement is 1000 hours.
Going to Massage Training In NYS
This mostly applies to people the first group of people I discussed earlier, those that went/or plan to go to school in NYS. New York Massage schools are required to have programs that meet the 1000-hour requirement.
If you are considering a career in massage and looking for a massage school, here is a list of massage training programs in New York where you can complete your 1000 hours.
If you are currently in a New York school and ready to take on the next step – your exam, you can skip this next part and move on to the exam requirement. (Jump to Exam Section)
Out of State Applicants
Now for those that did not attend massage school in NYS, are currently licensed or practicing in another state or jurisdiction, and are looking to get a license by endorsement or experience.
This is where things get complicated.
You likely have seen the 1000 hour requirement and automatically assumed you do not qualify for a license. However, New York has a few other ways you may qualify.
Can you answer “Yes” to this?
- I have passed a written examination that was required for massage therapy licensure in the jurisdiction where I am licensed which is satisfactory to the State Board for Massage Therapy and acceptable to the department, such as the NCETMB prior to February 2015 or the MBLEx.
AND “Yes” to ONE of the below?
- I have practiced as a licensed massage therapist for the past 2-4 years and can document the equivalent of at least 2 years of post-licensure professional experience and 1,000 clock hours of education, as acceptable to the department.
- I have practiced as a licensed massage therapist for the past 5 or more years and can document the equivalent of at least 5 years of post-licensure professional experience and 800 clock hours of education, as acceptable to the department.
Or
Actually, you should just read over the section “Applicants Licensed in Another Jurisdiction” on the board website, because there are a few more options.
*One year of experience is defined as 52 weeks in which massage therapy is practiced an average of 12 hours each week.
Contact the NYS Board of Massage
If you have not met these requirements, you need to contact the board to see what you need to do next.
Since I am not the board of massage, I cannot determine if your education is “acceptable to the department,” but I can help you take the next steps to find out. The New York Board provides contact information to ask if you qualify for a license endorsement.
Some people get nervous about emailing or calling a board office. You may not know who or what to ask. This is what I suggest you provide in your email, or be ready to answer on the phone:
- Your massage training education (Clock hours)
- Exam completions
- Active massage licenses
- Post-licensure experience – How much you have worked
- CPR status
- Other education experience or licensure (nursing, other degrees)
Here is How to Contact the Board
Email: msthbd@nysed.gov
Phone: 518-474-3817 ext. 150
If you find you are eligible licensure by endorsement, you can move on to applying for your license.
If you meet all the requirements, except for the exam, you may be eligible for a limited permit.
Limited permit
If NYS says you need to take their exam to get a license, you may be eligible for a limited permit while you wait for the next exam date. A limited permit fee is $35.
The permit is valid for one year, or until the results of the first examination for which you are eligible are made known, whichever comes first.
You must work under the personal, on-site supervision of an individual licensed and currently registered to practice massage therapy in New York State.
Although it is not ideal, a limited permit does allow you to temporarily work legally in NYS.
2. Pass the New York State Massage Exam
Like I previously mentioned, New York is one of the few remaining states to have its own state massage board exam, in lieu of using the MBLEx as an entry-level licensing exam. Taking the NYS exam is the last big hurdle for massage therapists before getting licensed.
Here is everything you need to know about taking the exam.
2021 Exam Dates and Deadlines
Unlike the MBLEx, which is given around the US on a daily basis, the New York massage exam is only given twice a year and each has an application deadline.
| Exam Date | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| January | November |
| August | June |
Exam Location and Proctor
The New York exam is based on the Massage Therapy Job Analysis conducted in 2000 (by the New York Massage Board). Exams are proctored by Scantron Assessment (formerly Castle Worldwide) and their test centers around the country and worldwide.
- Test Locations
- Exam application
- Exam Fees:
- New applicant, $260
- Re-admit (previous failed exam), $260
You can mail exam application and exam fees to:
Scantron Assessment
Attn: NY Exams
PO Box 570
Morrisville, NC 27560
If you need to contact Scantron Assessment
Phone: 800-655-4845 or 919-572-6880
E-mail: candidatesupport@scantron.com
Website: Scantron.com
Exam Format Details
- This is a paper and pencil, closed book exam. No computer knowledge necessary.
- There will be 140 multiple choice questions.
- You will have three hours to complete the exam.
- According to the New York Board Rules (78.2 Licensing examination), the exam passing score is 75%.
Receiving Your Results
Castle will mail your examination results and will be released only to the registered candidate by mail. Results will not be given to candidates over the phone. If you haven’t received your results after three months, contact Castle Worldwide at 800-655-4845.
Need a study guide that’s actually created for the NYS Massage Exam?
New York State Massage Therapy Examination Blueprint or Outline
Exam Sections
- Assessment & Evaluation (14% of examination – 20 questions)
- Development of a Treatment Plan (29% of examination – 40 questions)
- Application of Treatment Skills (51% of examination – 72 questions)
- Professional Responsibilities, Business Practice and Professional Ethics (6% of examination – 8 questions)
Here is a more detailed look at how these sections breakdown:
Assessment & Evaluation
This section makes up 14%, or 20 questions, of the exam.
- Intake Interview – Determination of nature and degree of presenting condition
- Physical Examination – Evaluation of clients for treatment; gathering information about client’s condition; identification of signs and symptoms; understanding medical history and presented diagnosis; assessment of general condition; assessment of energy imbalances using five element theory, eight principles, points and channels/meridians, organ theory
- Performance of passive, active, and resisted movements – to discover contractures, evaluate flexibility, range of motion, muscle strength, areas of pain, etc. Use of palpation to assess overall condition, including discovery and location of abnormalities, spasm, tension, injury, adhesions, etc.
- Definition of scope of treatment – Communication of expectations of treatment process; communication with primary health care provider; engagement of patient participation in treatment process; referral of patient to other health care provider when necessary
Development of a Treatment Plan
This section makes up 29%, or 40 questions, of the exam.
- Establishment of goals of treatment from definition of scope of treatment
- Use of areas of knowledge, including anatomy, physiology, and pathology in exploring client’s condition
- Anatomy and Physiology: Includes knowledge of location, structures, and functions of skin-integumentary, muscular (incl. origins, insertions, and actions), nervous (incl. sympathetic, parasympathetic, autonomic), lymphatic, circulatory, immune, digestive, respiratory, skeletal, endocrine, urinary, and reproductive systems.
- Selection of appropriate modes of treatment; re-evaluation of initial treatment plan
Application of Treatment Skills
This section makes up 51%, or 72 questions, of the exam.
- Preparation of self, patient (incl. draping), treatment room, positional supports
- Application of Massage Therapy techniques – Including, but not limited to, effleurage, friction, petrissage, vibration, rocking, trigger point therapy, connective tissue therapy, tapotement, joint manipulations, range of motion, polarity, reflexology, energy techniques, myofascial release, etc.
- Also Shiatsu and other Eastern techniques focusing on treatment of points, channels/meridians, organ theory, tonification, and dispersal
- Application of accessory therapeutic techniques – Including, but not limited to, use of heat, cold, and other appropriate applications to the body
- Treatment of clients affected by specific conditions, disorders, and diseases – Including, but not limited to, treatment of muscular, nerve, ligament, disc, and bone damage due to strain, injury, repetitive motion, etc.; treatment of muscle atrophy, flaccidity, pain, swelling, inflammation, spasm, tendinitis, circulatory problems, and congestion; separation of adhesions, induction of local hyperemia, promotion of lymph drainage, sedation or stimulation of nerves, etc.
- Diseases (this list is not exhaustive): osteoporosis, forms of arthritis, autoimmune diseases, respiratory diseases, Parkinson’s, HIV+/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, MS, stroke, skin diseases, heart disease, and others
- Patient education – esp. exercise, behavior modification to alleviate symptoms/conditions
Professional Responsibilities, Business Practice and Professional Ethics
This section makes up 6%, or 8 questions, of the exam.
- Scope of Practice, esp. knowledge of New York State laws and regulations governing practice of Massage Therapy; terms of licensure, registration, advertisement, etc.
- Client-record keeping, incl. completeness, retention, privacy of records, etc.
- Safety and First Aid
Knowledge of Eastern Methods
This is not a separate exam section, rather there will be 20 questions throughout the exam that include the subject of Eastern methods (Meridians, Asian theory, Ayurveda, etc) in some way.
3. Successfully Complete a CPR Course
You must show proof of completing a course in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) within three years prior to licensure.
Finding a CPR course is not difficult. Here are a few places to look:
4. Submit Evidence of English Proficiency (If Applicable)
If you obtained your massage education in a country where English is not the principal spoken language, you will need to show evidence of English proficiency. (Section 59.3 of the Commissioner’s Regulations)
Two of the most common ways to complete this if your education was in a country where English is not the principal language spoken is to:
- Provide a passing score from a standardized test of English, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or equivalent.
- Provide a passing score from a written professional licensing examination given in English, such as the New York State Exam, MBLEx or NCETMB.
Still interesting in getting a New York massage license?
If yes, you are ready to take the next steps to get licensed! Here is a recap of the important links and resources to help you get started.
- Review the NYS requirements to see if you qualify by endorsement
- Apply for a license
- Application PDF
- The application needs to be notarized
- Include the fee for licensure and first registration ($108)
- Study for your exam
Have a question about a New York massage license that I did not discuss? Have a tip or some info I missed? Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks,
Ivy
Photo Credit: Jeff Turner (Adapted)
Hello Ivy, the link to fink a NYS school isn’t working.
Thanks! I have removed the link. They do not post a list of approved schools on their website as of now.
Hi Ivy,
I’m licensed and registered in NYS and was practicing in Manhattan until recently, but I just moved to NJ. I have no plans to practice in NJ and would like to continue working in NYC instead. Is this possible? I know I’ll need to apply for an address change for my license and registration but didn’t know if any other steps were necessary. Thanks!
That is all I would do too. Complete the address change and if you ever decide to practice in NJ, get a massage license there too first :).
Ivy
Hello. I am a massage therapist in Florida, I move to New York City, and I would like to open a Massage Establishment, and hire licensed massage therapist in NYC… But I can find where can I apply for the massage therapist Establishment… Please HELP!!!!!
Hi Helen!
I do not see that they have a statewide establishment license. I would contact their board office to verify this. It may just be that you will need local business permits.
Hi, I’ve been CA massage license since 2009. I also passed Mblex test in 2018. But I would like to apply New york license. Do i need to take the new york test or i can use all documents i have now to apply the license? Please tell me. I know that i have to reach 1,000hrs but if i finish it can i apply without taking NY test?
I would contact the NYS massage boar and include the number of hours you have completed and they should be able to help you determine if you can apply now.
Hi Ivy I have taken the NYS board exam twice the last time I failed By 5 points. I am taking it again in January 2022 I am working hard to pass with the hopes of “3rd times the charm” I really want this badly!!!
I wish you the best, Ebony!
Hi there, question.
I have completed my education in Florida and am now moving to New York, have not passed Florida’s State test as I am waiting to first move to NY. Do I have to take the same education all over again in NY or can I just take the States license test once there in New York.?
Don’t forget that NYS has a higher hour requirement. You certainly can take the test once you get to NYS, but your education needs to get approved first. I would contact the NYS board with the number of hours you have completed in FL and see what they say.
Hi,
I’ve had NYS license since 1985. Program was 500 hrs then. Can I get a NJ license by endorsement?
Thank you for your consideration..
Wow, Stacy! You have been in the massage field a while ;). Unfortunately, I cannot say for sure. But I am not sure NJ accepts the NYS exam at this time. I would not hesitate to contact their board office and ask.
Maybe a silly question. I am licensed in NY and am considering moving to MA next year. Would I have to take the MBLEX since the NYS Boards are technically it’s own thing?
Hi Scott!
Not a silly question. Some states accept the NYS exam, some do not. It is best to call the board office and ask or read the application/state rules to see which exams are accepted.
Hello Ivy Hultquist how are you? My name is Guillermo , i’m here in NY i’m come in for a few months, my wise is take exam in January but i check is not posible now but i take my certification in 2006 in Florida state but mi wise is Take lic in NY
I have another option take a text board NY ?
I have been in touch with the lady who waited 13 months for her license and I am currently going into my 14 month struggle to get my NY license. NY requires 1000 hours of training I have 2200 hours of training from one of the most prestigious schools in Canada plus 27 years of experience doing massage full time and teach part-time 16 years
NY requires that the training Board exam and current license be from the SAME JURISDICTION
My training and Board exam are from the same jurisdiction (province) BUT I transferred my current license to another province that has THE SAME calibre of training of 2200 hours. Because they do not require exams I am ineligible to get a NY massage license by endorsement. I originally misinterpreted “jurisdiction” in the broader sense as it is stated in the requirements from the same ” state, country or territory”.
They have delayed processing, lost documents and misstated information submitted to them.I need to be able to work here in New York in my profession. They have miscalculated clinical and oriental hours submitted to them and it seems the rigidity of the requirements denies well qualified therapists from being licensed by endorsement. I too had a story published by the Times Union newspaper ( https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Massage-therapist-face-bureaucratic-hurdles-to-13461638.php) and am requesting help from the state assemblyman to intervene on my behalf. If you have any further advice or suggestions I ‘d be happy to hear them.
I really do hate hearing stories like this! Please keep me updated about your progress. This is truly unfortunate that you have to deal with this. I just had an article in ABMP’s Massage and Bodywork Magazine about hurdles of “transferring” a license.
http://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1060121-january-february-2019/80
Hello how are you?? I studied massage therapy in Nyc however I failed the Nyc board exam test for 3 points, but I pass mblex test I got massage theraphy license in other state I am working there.It is possible nyc will give me nyc license I dont want to expend more money and time. I met some therapist who passed mblex test having massage license from other states and got nyc massage license.What Can I do I feel frustrated. Thank you!!!
The best thing to do would be to contact the NYS board and tell them you have a license in another state and have passed the MBLEx. It cannot hurt to ask. Let me know what they say.
Hi, planning to massage school and get license, so was looking for some college in Brooklyn, it says just Asa school there, but if they approved by NY State board of Education? or can you recommend any other ? thanks
Looking for a NYS school is the most important thing. Next talk to students (you can ask the school to give you contacts) and see if they felt how they felt about their experience of being prepared by their school.
What is the actuwl NYS pass success rate for the folks that invest in your simulated exam?
Oops actual
Hi Jen,
We do send questionnaires out to all NYS exam prep members. Those who fail are encouraged to contact us so that we can extend their subscription to the next exam date. This past exam we had 2 or 3 people contact us for exam extensions and one was a non-native English speaker (which makes the exam much harder) out of all of the members. We have had really good feedback, but do not have exact numbers at this time.
My wife will be sitting for the August 2018 exam. She is utilizing the study materials on this site to help her but are there any in-person “boot camp” style test prep courses in the Albany, NY area that run for a week or a few days? Please let me know. Thanks!
Jeremy
Finding a live prep is a pretty common request. I always recommend contacting schools in the area you live. They are the most likely to have something like this. If they do not, ask if you can sit in with their students while they prepare.
Ivy, I just received my letter from Castle that I passed the NY State Massage Therapy Examination. I’m curious what is the lowest score for passing . I know it doesn’t matter, just curious. I read one needed to pass by a certain percentage, but I just wanted to know the actual score.
Thanks for your help. And I’m so glad that’s over!
Excellent news!! Congrats! A lot of people must have got their results yesterday. The passing rate is 75%.
When it comes to the education requirememt; what is the best course of action for someone to meet the requirement? I.e. I am currently liscensed in another state with about 815 hrs of education but have not yet been working for 2 years. How do you suggest going about getting those 245 hrs without enrolling in a 1000 hour NY massage program?
Possibly by finishing at a 1000 hour school in your area. I would contact the NYS board and ask them what they would suggest.
I passed my Florida exam in 1991 (before NCETMB) and have practiced massage continuously since then, taking many additional courses plus required CEU’s. I have kept records of my private clients and prior to 2005 worked also at health complexes and other massage establishments. I have excellent reviews and am well known as a gifted therapist especially for those hard to treat cases including stroke, MS, CP etc.
I have a 2nd home (family home where I have an apartment) in New York State and would like to practice massage during the summer months up there. What is the easiest course for me to legally be able to do this. It has been a LONG time since I took the exam which I passed in the very high 90’s but am still concerned at the study time involved in taking another exam. Is there a way to not have to take the exam and if absolutely required, are there good review DVD’s etc available to guide me. At my age, 76, I still absolutely love doing massage and would be so grateful if you could guide me in fulfilling this dream. My preference is working at Chautauqua Institution during their season and also in Florida during the winter months.
Thank you for any help you can give
Hi Donna,
Florida does not accept the NYS exam for licensure and it seems that it goes the other way too. (UPDATE- Florida does accept NYS exam as of 11/2017) The other thing I am not sure of, is how many hours of education you have. That will also affect getting a license. They may require you to go back to school. If I was you, I would call the NYS massage board office and talk to someone there about your situation. I hope you are able to keep your gifted hands working 😉
Next week I hope to have my NYS exam study program ready. (Now available here) If you choose to take the exam, it will be only online NYS massage exam prep I am aware of at this time.
Let me know what you find out if you call their office. Best wishes!
Hello I recently took the NYS massage board exam on 1/25/2018 and I’m not sure if I passed. On your website you state that your material is designed to mimic the state board and not the Mblex. How is that?
Hi Gregory,
Our NYS exam program has additional sections with NYS laws and rules and eastern theory. The MBLEx does not contain these sections at all. Our MBLEx simulator matches the number of questions (100) and length of the exam. Our NYS exam simulator does the same matching the number (140 questions) and time limit and is weighted like the NYS exam not the MBLEx.