Illinois Massage License
Updated for 2024
Massage therapists in Illinois must have a massage therapy license issued by the Illinois Board of Massage Therapy before practicing in this state. The massage therapy profession in Illinois has been regulated and required licensure since 2002. The mission of the Board is to protect the public health, safety and welfare by maintaining standards of licensure and professional practice.
To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of Illinois, you must first complete the requirements as described on the Illinois Board of Massage Therapy website.
We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference. Find out how MBLExGuide can help you prepare for the massage exam.
Industry research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 10,772 massage therapists in Illinois (1 therapist per every 1,194 people in Illinois).
Illinois Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 600
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: 24 CEUs/2yrs
Massage Education Requirements in Illinois
Applicants for a massage license in Illinois are required to complete a minimum of 600 hours of supervised classroom instruction from an approved program. The Board requires that the following content areas are covered (however the specific number of hours in each area are not specified):
- Human anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology
- Massage therapy theory, technique and practice
- Ethics, benefits, client data collection, business and legalities of massage, contraindications, universal precautions, history, professional standards, draping, therapeutic relationships and communications.
Also, students must maintain a minimum grade of 70% for all course and clinical work. An official transcript must be sent by the massage school directly to the Illinois Board of Massage Therapy.
Examination Requirements
The Illinois Board of Massage Therapy has approved the following two exams:
- Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)
- NCETMB or NCETM credentialing exam offered by the NCBTMB (if taken before February 2015).
While preparing for the MBLEx exam, incorporating an MBLEx practice test can be a smart move. This approach provides an opportunity to experience the type and style of questions that appear on the actual exam, ensuring you’re not just learning, but learning effectively.
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in Illinois, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the Illinois 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
In addition to the massage education and examination requirements listed above, the Illinois Board of Massage Therapy has established the following additional requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age and of good moral character
- Have a high school education or equivalent
- Submit to a criminal background check with fingerprinting.
- Provide a list of all current or previously held professional licenses in Illinois and other states.
Application Process
Applicants may use either the Acceptance of Examination or the Endorsement method of licensure. Both methods require that the applicant has at some point passed a Board approved National Exam. Applications can be completed online.
Acceptance of Examination: applicants using this method must have taken either the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) or a credentialing exam offered by the NCBTMB.
Endorsement: An applicant with a current massage license in another state may use this method. The licensee must be in good standing and the state licensing requirements must be substantially equivalent or greater than the Illinois requirements at the time the original license was issued.
Massage License Fees
In case you’re wondering how much a massage license costs in Illinois, here’s a summary of the fees charged by the Illinois Board of Massage Therapy.
- Nonrefundable application fee: $175
- Renewal fee: $87.50
All major credit and debit cards are accepted, as well as ACH and eCheck.
Renewal Process
All massage therapy licenses expire on December 31 of each even numbered year. The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
- Complete renewal application online
- Complete 24 CEU credit hours from an approved provider. At least 2 of these hours must be professional ethics.
- Send renewal fee of $87.50
Illinois Board of Massage Therapy
Contact Information
Address:
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Massage Therapy Licensure
320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62786
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.