Georgia Massage License
Updated for 2024
Massage therapists who want to practice in Georgia must first have a massage therapy license issued by the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy. The Board was established in 2005 and functions to set the standards for therapist qualifications, competency, and education. They also are responsible for reviewing Georgia massage license applications and protecting the public health.
To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of Georgia, applicants must first complete the requirements as described on the Georgia Board of Massage Therapists website.
We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference. Find out more about MBLExGuide and how we can help you prepare for the massage exam.
According to the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy website, the number of active massage therapy licenses in Georgia is 6,733 (as of 4/2018).
Georgia Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 500
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: 24 CEUs/2yrs
Massage Education Requirements in Georgia
Georgia massage license applicants are required to complete a minimum of 500 clock hours of in-class supervised classroom and supervised hands-on instruction from a Board approved school. 440 of these hours must be in-class. The curriculum must include the following hours (at a minimum):
- 125 hours of human anatomy, physiology and kinesiology
- 40 hours of pathology
- 200 hours of massage therapy theory, technique and practice
- 10 hours of ethics and business (at least 6 hours must be ethics)
- 50 – 60 hours in supervised clinical practice.
The Board has provided a list of recognized massage therapy educational programs on their website that are located within the state of Georgia.
Examination Requirements
The Georgia Board of Massage 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 previously offered by the NCBTMB
For those gearing up for the MBLEx, incorporating an MBLEx practice test or two into your study regimen is highly beneficial and is a great place to start. This kind of test can give you a real feel for the exam, helping to prepare you for the types of questions and the format you’ll encounter.
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in Georgia, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the Georgia 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 license in Georgia has the following additional requirements:
- Complete a criminal background check with fingerprinting
Application Process
Massage therapists may apply for a Georgia massage license through examination or endorsement. Applicants may complete the application process for initial massage therapist licensure online, or by printing the application and returning it by mail.
A provisional permit to practice is also available for massage therapists who are licensed in another state, in order to practice in Georgia. This permit is valid for a 6-month period for qualifying therapists. Their out-of-state license must be active and in good standing.
Rules and regulations regarding massage license applications are available on their website. Applicants should also read the Georgia Massage Therapy Practice Act before beginning the application process.
Massage License Fees
In case you’re wondering how much a massage license costs in Georgia, here’s a summary of the fees charged by the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy.
- Nonrefundable application fee: $125
- Renewal application fee: $75
- Late renewal fee: $150
- Reinstatement fee: $200
Georgia massage license applicants can view their Fee Schedule on the website. Payments may be made by check or money order payable to: Georgia Board of Massage Therapy.
Renewal Process
All massage therapy licenses expire on October 31 on even-numbered years. Licensees may view the rules and regulations related to Georgia massage license renewal on their website. The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
- Complete online renewal
- Complete 24 hours of continuing education from an NCBTMB approved provider. 12 of these hours must include direct hands-on supervised instruction.
- Send renewal fee of $150
Georgia Board of Massage Therapy
Contact Information
Address:
Georgia Board of Massage Therapy
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, GA 31217
Phone: (404) 424-9966
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.