Alabama Massage License

Updated for 2025

Alabama began requiring massage therapist licensure in 1997 with the purpose of assuring public health and safety. To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of Alabama, you must first complete the requirements as described by the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy. We’ve provided a summary of these requirements on this page for a quick reference.

Any person must have a massage license in Alabama in order to practice massage therapy, hold himself or herself out to the public as a massage therapist, or advertise therapeutic massage or related touch therapy modalities.

Industry research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 1,743 massage therapists in Alabama. That’s 1 therapist for every 2,787 people in Alabama.

Alabama Quick Look

Massage License Required? Yes

Designation: LMT

Education hours: 650

Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB

CEUs / Renewals: 16 CEUs/2yrs

Massage Education Requirements in Alabama

Applicants for an Alabama massage license are required to complete a minimum of 650 hours of instruction from an accredited school that is approved by the Alabama State Board. Applicants must provide certified transcripts of their education and training. These hours must include:

100 hours of anatomy and physiology
250 hours of basic massage therapy, including 50 hours of supervised massage
50 hours of business, hydrotherapy, first aid, CPR, and professional ethics
250 hours electives to be determined by the school

Examination Requirements

Alabama requires a national certification for therapeutic massage and bodywork examination administered by an independent agency. The examination must be accredited by the National Committee for Certifying Agencies (NCAA). The MBLEx and NCBTMB are accepted. If you are preparing for the massage license exam, our MBLEx practice tests are designed to help you succeed. They offer a comprehensive review that mirrors the actual exam format, increasing your chances of passing on your first try.

If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in Alabama, just select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy when you pass. The Alabama state board retains the right to administer a written, oral, or practical examination. Check out our About the MBLEx page to see how to apply and schedule your exam.

Additional License Requirements

Each massage therapist applicant must also produce evidence of a $1,000,000 Personal Liability Insurance coverage before license is issued.

Application Process

Begin the massage license application process by requesting an application package. You can do this by downloading, printing and completing the Application Request form from their forms page. Then mail it along with $25 (cashier’s check or money order) to the mailing address below.

Massage License Fees

In case you’re wondering how much a massage license costs in Alabama, here’s a summary of the fees charged by the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy:

Massage license application: $25
Initial massage license: $100
Background check: $45
License renewals (biennial): $100
Initial massage establishment license: $100
Establishment renewal license (biennial): $50
Initial registration as massage school: $50
Massage school registration renewal: $10
Register as a massage instructor: $10
Reactivate an inactive license: $75
Verify a license: $25

All payments for fees must be in the form of cashier’s or certified check, or a money order. More information about licensing fees can be found on their website.

Renewal Process

Alabama Massage Therapy board requires that therapists renew their license every 2 years. Every massage therapist must complete 16 hours of continuing education to rent his or her license. Courses must be completed within the 24 months preceding the renewal due date. Any excess hours cannot be carried over and used for future renewals. There are additional guidelines regarding CEUs, and a list of approved CEU providers on their website.

Alabama Board of Massage Therapy
Contact Information

Mailing Address:

Alabama Board of Massage Therapy

2777 Zelda Road

Montgomery, AL 36106

Website: http://www.almtbd.state.al.us

Email: keith@alstateboard.com

Ph: (334) 420-7233 / (866) 873-4664

Fax: (334) 263-6115

Note: The information on this website is for informational purposes. Please inquire directly with your state and local boards to verify requirements and regulations, as this may have changed. Contact information is listed above.