Idaho Massage License
Updated for 2024
Massage therapists in Idaho must first have a massage therapy license issued by the Idaho Board of Massage Therapy before starting to practice. All massage therapists practicing in Idaho were required to have a massage license as of July 1, 2013. The mission of the Board is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public through licensure and regulation of massage therapists. It is a division of the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses.
To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of Idaho, applicants must first complete the requirements as described on the Idaho Board of Massage Therapy website. These include completing a 500-hour massage training program from an approved school, and passing the MBLEx or NCBTMB. We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference. Learn more about MBLExGuide.
An industry research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 1,983 massage therapists in Idaho. That’s 1 therapist per every 834 people in Idaho.
Idaho Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 500
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: 6 CEUs / 1year
Massage Education Requirements in Idaho
Applicants for a massage license in Idaho are required to complete a minimum of 500 hours of in-class supervised coursework instruction and clinical work from an approved school. The program content must meet the following minimum hours:
- 200 hours in massage and bodywork assessment, theory and application
- 125 hours in body systems including anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
- 40 hours in pathology
- 25 hours in business and ethics
- 110 hours of clinical work
Examination Requirements
The Idaho 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 or NCETM credentialing exam which were offered by the NCBTMB are acceptable if they were taken before February 1, 2015. (These exams are no longer available)
As you prepare to become a licensed massage therapist in Idaho, consider the benefits of studying by using MBLEx practice tests. These practice tests offer an effective way to assess your readiness for the official exam, covering essential topics and providing insights into the types of questions you’ll encounter. This step can be particularly helpful for reinforcing your knowledge and boosting your confidence before the actual exam.
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in Idaho, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the Idaho 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 Idaho has additional requirements. The applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
Also, in order to obtain an Idaho massage license by endorsement, the applicant must:
- Hold a current active license in in the profession in another state that has substantially equivalent or higher licensing requirements. This license must be in good standing.
- Have no disciplinary actions against his/her license including being voluntarily surrendered, revoked or suspended.
- Be of good moral character
- Have no convictions of a drug offense
Please refer to the Idaho Board of Massage Therapy rules and regulations. Applicants should also review the Idaho laws related to massage therapists.
Application Process
Massage license applicants in Idaho can apply by examination or endorsement.
Application by Examination: requires downloading the application and instructions, completing it, then mailing the notarized application along with the total fee of $115.
Application by Endorsement: requires the applicant to download and print the endorsement application, complete it and return the notarized application along with the total fee of $125.
Massage therapists in Idaho may also apply for a temporary license to practice massage therapy while their license application is being processed by the Board. This temporary license is valid for up to 4 months, or until the Board acts upon the license application, whichever comes first.
For additional questions about Idaho massage license application, see the FAQ page on their website.
Massage License Fees
In case you’re wondering how much a massage license costs in Idaho, here’s a summary of the fees charged by the Idaho Board of Massage Therapy. All fees are nonrefundable except in cases where the license is not issued, then the license fee will be refunded.
- Application fee: $50
- Original license fee: $65
- Renewal fee: $65
- License by endorsement fee: $75
- Temporary license: $25
- Provisional permit: $25
- Duplicate license fee: $10
Renewal Process
- Complete 6 CEU credit hours. 1 hour must be in ethics. These CEUs must be completed within the 12 months preceding license expiration date. Excess CEU hours may be carried forward to the next renewal period, but never carried forward more than 1 renewal year.
- Send renewal fee: $65
Idaho Board of Massage Therapy
Contact Information
Physical Address:
Idaho Board of Massage Therapy
11341 W. Chinden Blvd. Building 4
Boise, Idaho 83714
Mailing Address:
Idaho Board of Massage Therapy
PO Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0063
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.