District of Columbia Massage License
Updated for 2024
The DC Board of Massage Therapy regulates the massage therapy profession and is responsible for licensing massage therapists in the District of Columbia. Massage therapists in DC are required to obtain a professional license before practicing massage or bodywork.
To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in Washington DC, applicants must first complete the requirements as described on the DC Board of Massage Therapy website.
Included in the massage license requirements are completion of an approved massage therapy program of at least 500 hours, and passing a certification exam or licensing exam such as the MBLEx. We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference. A 2016 research report from the ABMP estimated that there was about 546 massage therapists in DC. That’s 1 therapist per every 1,230 people in DC.
DC Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 500
Exam: MBLEx or NCETMB
CEUs / Renewals: 14 CEUs/2yrs
Massage Education Requirements in DC
Applicants for a massage license in the District of Columbia are required to complete a minimum of 500 hours of in-class instruction from a board approved and accredited school. The program must not be less than 6 months total duration. The massage education program must include at a minimum:
- 100 hours of anatomy, physiology and kinesiology
- 400 hours of massage theory and practice, and related course work
- 3 hours of professional ethics
All applications must include an official certified transcript showing massage education requirements were met. A certificate of graduation must also be included. More information about educational requirements can be found on the DC Municipal Regulations for Massage Therapy.
Examination Requirements
The DC Board of Massage Therapy has approved the following two exams:
- Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)
- NCETMB credentialing exam offered by the NCBTMB (no longer offered)
- Other examinations certified by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) may be approved at the discretion of the Board
For applicants in DC, integrating MBLEx practice tests into your study plan can be extremely beneficial. These practice tests provide a comprehensive overview of the MBLEx content and format, offering a practical way to assess and improve your knowledge and test-taking skills before the actual exam.
If you are planning to seek licensure in DC and have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam, selecting DC when registering for the MBLEx will ensure that your scores are sent to the DC Board of Massage Therapy when you pass. For more details on how to apply and schedule your exam, visit our About the MBLEx page.
Additional License Requirements
Getting a license in DC has additional requirements. The applicant must:
- Be 18 years of age
- Undergo a criminal background check with fingerprinting
- Verify current CPR and first aid certification (live classroom setting)
Application Process
Massage therapists seeking a massage license in DC may obtain this through examination or endorsement. The Board has posted an application checklist and instructions on their website to help applicants complete the process.
Complete the New License Application on their website, which is for to license applicants applying through examination or endorsement. Then send the application, along with any supplemental documentation or requirements, and the required fees. All payments must be in the form of check, money order, or certified check made payable to DC Treasurer.
Massage License Fees
There is a new license application fee of $85 plus a license fee of $177, totaling $262 due at initial application. There is also a biennial renewal fee of $177. The application portion of the fees are nonrefundable.
Renewal Process
All massage therapy licenses expire on January 31 on odd-numbered years. Licensed massage therapists in DC must complete 14 hours of continuing education, which includes at least:
- 3 hours of professional ethics
- 9 hours of massage-related course work. 6 of these hours must be hands-on massage technique course work, completed in a live classroom setting.
- Verify current CPR certification
DC Board of Massage Therapy requires that therapists renew their license every 2 years.
DC Board of Massage Therapy
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
DC Board of Massage Therapy
PO Box 37802
Washington, DC 20013
Physical Address:
DC Board of Massage Therapy
First Floor
899 North Capitol Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
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.