Connecticut Massage License
Updated for 2024
Massage therapists are licensed in Connecticut through the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Therapists in may apply for a massage license through the education and examination process, or through endorsement if you hold an active license in good standing in another state with equivalent licensing requirements. The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) also offers a temporary permit available for in-state recent graduates.
Connecticut has had regulation of practicing massage therapists since 1993. To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of Connecticut, you must complete the licensing requirements as described on the DPH website. We have provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference.
Industry research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 4,627 massage therapists in Connecticut. That’s 1 therapist per every 776 people in Connecticut.
Connecticut Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 750
Exam: MBLEx or NCETMB
CEUs / Renewals: 24 CEUs/ 4yrs
Massage Education Requirements in Connecticut
Applicants for a massage license in Connecticut are required to complete a minimum of 750 hours of in-class instruction with an instructor present. Online instruction does not count towards the 750-hour requirement. Applicants must also have 60 hours of unpaid clinical or internship experience. The massage education and training must come from an accredited school or program. This accreditation can be by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education or by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).
Examination Requirements
The Connecticut Department of Health has approved the following two exams to meet the massage examination requirements:
- Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx), offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. Find out how MBLExGuide can help you prepare for this massage exam.
- National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) which was previously offered by the NCBTMB. *They no longer offer this certification exam, however if you’ve already taken this exam, it should still be accepted.
Preparing for the MBLEx exam in Connecticut can be significantly enhanced by incorporating practice MBLEx tests into your study routine. These practice tests are designed to closely mirror the actual massage exam, helping you to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions you’ll encounter, thereby increasing your likelihood of success on the actual exam day.
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in Connecticut, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the Connecticut Department of Public Health when you pass. Check out our About the MBLEx page to see how to apply and schedule your exam.
Application Process
Connecticut massage license applications are only accepted online. Massage therapists with an active out-of-state license in good standing may apply for a Connecticut massage license by endorsement. For additional information about massage licensing and practice in Connecticut, please read their Massage Practice Act.
Massage License Fees
Here is a summary of the fees charged by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. All fees are nonrefundable. The total amount for initial licensure is $375.
- Initial application fee: $375
- Renewal application fee: $255
- Reinstatement fee: $375
Renewal Process
Connecticut requires that massage therapists renew their massage license every 2 years. The renewal application may be completed online. Massage therapists must complete a minimum of 24 hours of qualifying continuing education in every 4 years. Qualifying CEUs must be related to the licensee’s practice. Courses approved by the NCBTMB may be used. Additional requirements include:
- No more than 18 CEU hours may come from Internet-based or distance learning programs
- No more than 12 hours may be obtained from programs that are not approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
Massage therapists must retain a certificate of completion for all CEU courses for 6 years. These certificates of completion do not need to be mailed to the Department unless specifically directed to do so. See the massage therapist continuing education requirements on the Connecticut Department of Public Health website for more details. Also, see the Department’s website for more information about massage license renewal.
Connecticut Department of Public Health
Contact Information
Address:
Connecticut Department of Public Health
Massage Therapist Licensure
410 Capitol Ave., MS #12 APP
PO Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134
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.