Kentucky Massage License
Updated for 2024
The massage therapy profession in Kentucky is regulated by the Kentucky Board of Massage Therapy. The Board is responsible for establishing state standards of licensure, examining massage license applications, issuing licenses and investigating violations of the rules and laws established by the board.
To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of Kentucky, you must first complete the requirements as described on the Kentucky Board of Massage Therapists website. We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference. You can also find out how we can help you to prepare for the MBLEx.
Industry research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 2,378 massage therapists in Kentucky (1 therapist per every 1,860 people in Kentucky).
Kentucky Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: L.M.T.
Education hours: 600
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: 24 CEUs/2yrs
Massage Education Requirements in Kentucky
Applicants for a massage license in Kentucky are required to complete a minimum of 600 hours of in-class instruction from a massage school that is approved by the Kentucky Board of Massage Therapy.
For the board to approve a massage school or program, it must be licensed to operate by the Kentucky State Board for Proprietary Education or equivalent. There are additional requirements for massage school or program approval that can be viewed in their Laws and Regulations PDF. The massage curriculum must include:
- 125 hours of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
- 200 hours of massage theory, technique, and practice focusing on application of standard massage technique
- 200 hours of approach to the business of massage, specifically including contraindications, benefits, business, history, ethics, client documentation, legalities of massage, and modality courses
- 40 hours of pathology
- 35 hours at school’s discretion
Examination Requirements
The Kentucky Board of Massage Therapy has approved the following exams:
- Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)
- State of Ohio Massage Therapy licensing Exam
- State of New York Massage Therapy Licensing Exam
For those preparing to become licensed massage therapists in Kentucky, utilizing MBLEx practice tests can be an essential part of your study regimen. These practice tests mirror the actual exam format and question types, offering a realistic preview and helping to fine-tune your preparation strategies.
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in Kentucky, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the Kentucky 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
Getting a massage license in Kentucky has additional requirements. The applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years of age and of good moral character
- Have an FBI background check
Application Process
Massage therapists in Kentucky may be licensed after completing all requirements including examination and education. The Board may also grant a massage license through reciprocity.
If a massage therapist holds an active license or certification in another state that has standards that are at least as stringent as those required in Kentucky, the board may grant a license by endorsement. Applicants can download required forms from their form library.
Massage License Fees
Here is a summary of the fees charged by the Kentucky Board of Massage Therapy. The application fee will be credited towards the initial license fee for successful applicants.
- Initial massage license fee: $200
- Renewal fee: $200
Renewal Process
All massage therapy licenses expire every two years on the anniversary date of issue of the license. There is a late fee for renewal applications. The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
- Download and complete the renewal application
- Complete 24 CEU credit hours, including at least 3 hours of ethics training (a maximum of 12 hours may be carried over into the next renewal period)
- Send renewal fee (check board website for amount)
Kentucky Board of Massage Therapy
Contact Information
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.