New Jersey Massage License
Updated for 2024
Massage therapists and bodywork therapists must have a massage license issued by the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy before practicing in this state. New Jersey has had regulation of the massage therapy profession since 1998, however in 2017 the rules for licensure changed to now require completing an approved massage education program and passing an examination. The primary purpose of the board is to protect the health, welfare and safety of the public by establishing practitioner competency standards, reviewing license applications and ensuring therapist compliance with massage rules and laws. The board is within the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) here, you must first complete the requirements as described on the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapists website. We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference. Industry research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 7,994 massage therapists in New Jersey. That’s about 1 therapist per every 1,120 people in the state.
New Jersey Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 500
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: 20 CEUs/2yrs
Massage Education Requirements in New Jersey
Applicants for a massage license in New Jersey are required to complete a minimum of 500 hours of supervised classroom and clinical instruction from an accredited school, within the last five years. The massage school or program must include at least:
- 90 hours of anatomy and physiology
- Ethics and law
- Theory and practice
- Electives directly related the practice of massage therapy
- 100 hours of supervised clinical practice
Examination Requirements
The New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy has approved the following exams:
- Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)
- NCETMB/NCETM credentialing exam by the NCBTMB (this exam is no longer offered)
For those preparing for the MBLEx, integrating an MBLEx practice test into your study plan can be a valuable way to gauge your understanding and readiness for the exam. These practice tests simulate the actual exam environment and question format, providing a realistic preview of what to expect.
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in New Jersey, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork 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 license in Jew Jersey has additional requirements. The applicant must:
- Verify current CPR certification including use of automatic external defibrillator (AED)
- Background check with fingerprinting
Application Process
Applicants for a New Jersey massage license can apply by either examination or endorsement. Any therapist that holds a current license or certification in another state with substantially similar licensing requirements may apply through the endorsement method.
Massage License Fees
Here is a summary of the fees charged by the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy.
- Application fee: $75
- License fee (if licensed during year 1 of renewal period): $120
- License fee (if licensed during year 2 of renewal period): $60
- Renewal fee: $120
Application fees are non-refundable
Renewal Process
All massage therapy licenses expire on November 31 of every even-numbered year. The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
- Complete the renewal application online
- Verify current CPR / AED certification
- Complete 20 CEU credit hours, including a minimum of 2 hours in ethics, and 1 CE hour in laws & rules.
- Send renewal fee of $120
New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy
Contact Information
Address:
New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy
PO Box 45048
Newark, NJ 07101
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.