Arizona Massage License
Updated for 2024
Arizona has required a professional license for massage therapists since 2003. To get an Arizona massage therapy license and become a licensed massage therapist (LMT), you must first complete the requirements as described on the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy website. MBLExGuide has provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference.
There are a few different paths to becoming a licensed massage therapist in Arizona. They have a reciprocity provision established as well as the regular provision of attending a state-approved program and passing a massage licensing exam.
Industry research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 9,213 massage therapists in Arizona. That’s 1 therapist per every 741 people in Arizona.
Arizona Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 700
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: 24 CEU hours / 2 years
Massage Education Requirements in Arizona
Massage license applicants in Arizona are required to complete a training program from an accredited in-state school or an approved out-of-state school. The program must have a minimum of 700 hours of classroom and clinical instruction. The Board may approve an out-of-state school if it is accredited by a credible agency such as:
- American Massage Therapy Association
- Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals
- National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
- Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation
Examination Requirements
The Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy requires that massage license applicants who do not graduate from an accredited state school pass a licensing or certification exam. The Board accepts the following two examinations:
- MBLEx (licensing exam offered by the FSMTB)
- BCTMB (certification exam offered by the NCBTMB)
For applicants focusing on the MBLEx, taking a MBLEx practice test will serve as a strategic component of your preparation. This test not only helps in reinforcing your knowledge but also boosts confidence by simulating the actual exam conditions.
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) and are planning to apply for an Arizona license, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy when you pass. Check out our About the MBLEx page to see how to apply and schedule your exam.
Additional License Requirements
All applicants seeking an Arizona massage license must complete a federal criminal records check with fingerprinting. This can be done at most local police stations, UPS stores, at Arizona LiveScan, or other fingerprinting services.
Application Process
There are two ways to obtain a massage therapy license in Arizona. This is by Reciprocity or by “Regular”.
Applying by reciprocity: This applies to applicants who meet the criteria of Provision 1 or Provision 2:
- Provision 1: an applicant who has been a licensed massage therapist in another state for at least 5 continuous years immediately prior to the application submission. The previous state must have licensing standards equivalent to those in Arizona. Information must be submitted directly by the state.
- Provision 2: an applicant who is currently certified by the NCBTMB or other accredited agency that the Board recognizes as meeting the educational and training standards (note: MBLEx is licensing exam, not a certifying exam). These applicants must also have graduated from a board-approved school with at least 500 hours.
Applying by the “regular” process: This process is for all other applicants. The applicant must have graduated from an Arizona recognized school with at least 700 hours, and passed a licensing exam. This could be either the MBLEx or the NCBTMB.
All exam results must be submitted directly by the testing agency. And transcripts must be submitted to the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy directly by the school.
The completed initial application must be notarized. Must include a passport style photograph. Proof of citizenship. License verification from any other jurisdictions that you currently or have previously held a massage therapy or bodywork license in.
Massage License Fees
In case you’re wondering how much a massage license costs in Arizona, here’s a summary of the fees charged by the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy:
- Application fee: $195
- Background check fee: $22
- Renewal fee: $95
They accept cashier’s check or money order.
Renewal Process
The Arizona massage license is good for 2 years and expires on the licensee’s birthday (every other year). Renewals can be completed online, and there is a $95 fee. The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
- Download and complete the renewal application
- Complete 24 CE credit hours. 12 CE hours may be online. The remaining 12 hours must be classroom and in-person.
Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy
Contact Information
Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy
1740 West Adams, Suite 3401
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
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.