Wisconsin Massage License
Updated for 2024
Massage therapists in Wisconsin must have a massage license before beginning to practice in this state. Licenses are issued by the Wisconsin Massage Therapy and Bodywork Therapy Credentialing Board. This Board functions within the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of Wisconsin, applicants must first complete the requirements as described on the Wisconsin DSPS website. These requirements include completing an approved massage education program of at least 600 hours. Applicants must also pass a nationally recognized exam such as the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx). We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference.
Industry research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 4,960 massage therapists in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 600
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: 24 CEUs/2yrs
Massage Education Requirements in Wisconsin
Applicants for a Wisconsin massage license are required to complete a minimum of 600 hours of classroom instruction from an accredited school.
- 125 hours of Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology and Kinesiology
- 300 hours of massage or bodywork theory, technique and practice
- 50 hours of business, law and ethics. At least 6 of these hours must be in Wisconsin laws and rules related to the practice of massage therapy
- 20 hours of student clinic
- 5 hours of adult CPR and first aid
- The remaining 100 hours must be in courses related to the practice of massage therapy
Examination Requirements
The Wisconsin Massage Therapy and Bodywork Therapy Credentialing Board has approved the following 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 (no longer offered)
- Asian Bodywork Therapy Exam offered by NCCAOM
As you set your sights on becoming a licensed massage therapist in Wisconsin and passing the MBLEx, it is important to get the best study tools. Leveraging resources such as our MBLEx practice tests can significantly aid in understanding the layout and question types of the exam. This approach not only improves your preparation but also strengthens your confidence, setting you up for success.
Scores must be received by the DSPS directly from the examining or credentialing agency. If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in Wisconsin, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin massage therapy license has additional requirements. The applicant must also:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have graduated from high school or equivalent
- Pass the Wisconsin State Law Examination. This jurisprudence exam is an online open book exam on the Wisconsin statutes and administrative codes that govern massage and bodywork therapists. It consists of 40 multiple-choice or true/false questions, and requires a score of at least 85% to pass.
- Have massage malpractice insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 for all occurrences in one year.
- Have not been convicted of an offense (see Wisconsin Administrative Code and form 2252)
- Verify current CPR/AED certification from a DHS-approved provider
Application Process
Applicants may download and complete the Wisconsin massage license Application and Instructions. An applicant is eligible for licensure through reciprocity if he/she holds a current and active massage license in another state with substantially equivalent licensing requirements. This process requires that the applicant meet all other requirements including passing the Wisconsin State Law Exam, having liability insurance, having no disqualifying criminal background, and other examination and education requirements.
A temporary license may be issued to eligible massage therapists who meet all other licensing requirements but have not yet received scores from a nationally recognized examination, as listed above. This temporary license expires 6 months after the issuing date and may not be renewed. A therapist practicing under a temporary license must be supervised by a licensed massage therapist.
Massage License Fees
Here is a summary of the fees charged by the Wisconsin DSPS. $150 is due for initial licensure by examination. An additional $7 is due from applicants who are seeking licensure by reciprocity.
- Credential fee (by examination): $75
- Credential fee (by reciprocity): $82
- State Law Exam: $75
- Temporary license fee: $10
- Renewal fee: $60
Renewal Process
All massage therapy licenses expire on February 28, on odd-numbered years. The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
- Complete the online renewal, or request a paper renewal form
- Provide proof of current liability coverage
- Verify current CPR/AED certification
- Complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. This must include at least 2 hours of ethics training. New licensees are not required to meet the CEU requirement for the first renewal.
- Send renewal fee of $60
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Massage Therapy and Bodywork Therapy Credentialing Board
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
DSPS
PO Box 8935
Madison, Wisconsin 53708-8935
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.