Colorado Massage License
Updated for 2024
Colorado requires that massage therapists be licensed by the state. This regulation went into effect initially in 2008 by the Colorado Office of Massage Therapy Licensure. To get a Colorado massage therapy license and become a licensed massage therapist (LMT), applicants must complete the requirements as described on the Colorado Office of Massage Therapy Licensure website. MBLExGuide has provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference.
Applicants may become a licensed massage therapist in Colorado by attending an approved and accredited school, then passing an examination. Colorado also has an endorsement process to help massage therapists licensed in another state obtain a Colorado license.
Industry research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 12,630 massage therapists in Colorado. That’s 1 therapist per every 432 people in Colorado.
Colorado Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 500
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: none / 2 years
Massage Education Requirements in Colorado
Massage license applicants in Colorado must complete massage education and training of at least 500 hours of classroom and clinical work at a Colorado approved massage program. You must request that an official school transcript be mailed directly from your school to the Office of Licensing — Attn: MT Licensure.
Applicants must also submit documentation that demonstrates the school’s accreditation by a credible and recognized accreditation agency, community college system, or educational body.
Examination Requirements
The Colorado Office of Massage Therapy Licensure requires that massage license applicants pass a licensing or certification exam. The Board accepts the following two examinations:
- Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)
- NCETMB or NCETM (previous certification exam offered by the NCBTMB), or the current BCTMB certification offered by the NCMTMB.
- Or other massage examination that is approved by the Director
To ensure a comprehensive preparation for these exams, especially the FSMTB MBLEx, studying with MBLEx practice tests can be highly beneficial. These practice tests offer a realistic simulation of the exam, helping applicants in Colorado to better understand the exam format and types of questions, thus enhancing their readiness for the actual test.
Verification of passing the exam must come directly from the examining organization. If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) and are planning to apply for an Colorado massage license, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the Colorado Office of Massage Therapy Licensure when you pass. Check out our About the MBLEx page to see how to apply and schedule your exam.
Additional License Requirements
Applicants seeking a massage therapy license in Colorado must also:
- List and verify licenses from all states where you are or have been licensed
- Submit to a state and federal background check with fingerprinting, following these instructions
- Have professional liability insurance of at least $50,000 per claim with an aggregate limited liability for all claims during the year of $300,000
- Complete Affidavit of Eligibility
For additional details on applying for a license and practicing as a therapist in Colorado, check out the massage therapy Rules and Regulations. Applicants should also review the Colorado Massage Therapists Practice Act.
Application Process
Colorado massage license applicants can apply online through Examination or Endorsement. It is recommended that you follow the Colorado massage therapist application checklist provided on their website. Once submitted, applications will kept on file for up to 1 year. Any applications that are not completed within 1 year of initial submission will be permanently purged.
In order to apply by endorsement, the applicant must hold an active massage therapist license in good standing. Verification of the massage license must also include whether or not any disciplinary action has been taken. Applicants using this method must also either:
- Provide proof of active massage practice of a minimum of 400 hours of practice during a 12-month period over the preceding 24 months. OR
- Provide proof of competency as a massage therapist by completing 24 hours of continuing education related to the practice of massage therapy during the preceding 24 months (must upload certificates to demonstrate this)
Massage License Fees
Here is a summary of the fees charged by the Colorado Office of Massage Therapy Licensure:
- Nonrefundable application processing fee: $290
- Renewal fee: $116
Online application fees can be paid with a credit card or electronic check.
Renewal Process
Every Colorado massage therapy license expires on December 31st of even-numbered years. They must be renewed to continue practicing.
Colorado Office of Massage Therapy Licensure
Contact Information
Office of Massage Therapy Licensure
1560 Broadway, Suite 1350
Denver, CO 80202
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.