Indiana Massage License

Indiana state waterfall rocks

Updated for 2024

Massage therapy is regulated by the Indiana State Board of Massage Therapy. This is a component of the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency which regulates everything from massage therapists, to engineers, physicians and accountants. The Indiana Board of massage Therapy has adopted new rules for the practice of massage therapy and has transitioned the previous Massage Therapy Certification to Massage Therapy Licensure. They have also begun requiring continuing education for renewal.

To become a licensed massage therapist in the state of Indiana, you must first complete an approved massage education program, examination, and other requirements. We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference.  

Industry research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 1,983 massage therapists in Indiana. That’s 1 therapist per every 834 people in Indiana.

Indiana state map and flag

Indiana Quick Look

Massage License Required? yes

Designation: LMT

Education hours: 625

Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB

CEUs / Renewals: 24/4yrs

Massage Education Requirements in Indiana

Applicants for a massage license in Indiana are required to complete a minimum of 625 hours of supervised classroom instruction from an accredited school. An official transcript of grades must be sent directly from the massage school or program from which the massage therapist graduated, to the Board.

Examination Requirements

The Indiana Board of Massage Therapy has approved the following massage exams:

  • Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)
  • The NCETMB and NCETM previously offered by the NCBTMB will still be accepted if you took one of them before the exams were discontinued. 
  • NBCA NCE 

Preparing for the MBLEx in Indiana involves understanding the content as well as familiarizing yourself with the exam format and question types. Our MBLEx practice tests offer a realistic simulation of the exam, allowing you to test your knowledge and identify areas that may need more focus. This approach can significantly enhance your exam readiness and confidence.

If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek certification in Indiana, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the Indiana 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

Becoming a Certified Massage Therapist in Indiana has additional requirements. The applicant must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age and of good moral character
  • Have professional liability insurance prior to certification. Include a notarized copy with your application or have your insurance provider email your certificate of insurance directly to the Board.
  • Complete a criminal background check with fingerprinting
For further information, you can view or download a copy of the Indiana State Board of Massage Therapy Laws and Rules. 

Application Process

Massage certification is available in Indiana by examination or endorsement. A massage therapist may apply by endorsement if he/she is licensed, certified, or registered in another stated that has credentialing standards that are at least as strict as those in Indiana. This license must be in good standing. 

If you currently hold or previously held a massage license or any other type of professional license (nursing, physical therapist, etc.) in any other state, you must contact that state to have them send verification directly to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.

You can download the Indiana massage therapy application checklist, and the applicant instructions from their website.

Massage Certification Fees

Here is a summary of the fees currently charged by the Indiana Board of Massage Therapy:

  • Nonrefundable application fee: $100
  • Renewal fee: $150
  • Expired License renewal: $200
  • Verification of License: $10
Application fees can be paid with check or money order, made payable to Indiana Professional Licensing Agency or IPLA.

Renewal Process

All massage therapy licenses expire on May 15th, every 4 years. The next expiration will be May 15, 2021, and then May 15, 2025, and so on. It does not matter when the initial certification is issued. Renewal notifications are emailed approximately 90 days prior to the expiration date (so around February 15th). So make sure the Board has a current email address on file for you that you check regularly. The following must be done to complete your renewal application:

  • Download and complete the renewal application, or renew online
  • Before the 2025 renewal, massage therapists will be required to complete 18 hours of continuing education. After that, the requirement of 24 CE hours per renewal cycle will begin.
  • You must also verify again that you have professional liability insurance
  • Send renewal fee of $150
Indiana state seal

Indiana Board of Massage Therapy
Contact Information

Address:

Indiana Professional Licensing Agency

Attn: State Board of Massage Therapy

402 W. Washington Street, Room W072

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Email: pla14@pla.in.gov

Phone: (317) 234-8800

Fax: (317) 233-4236

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.

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Need a MBLEx

Study Plan?

Start preparing for the MBLEx the easy way with this comprehensive and organized study plan. It's a great way to get started, and it's free

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Study Plan

Download our free MBLEx Study Plan (PDF) to help organize and guide your study sessions.

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Please check your email for your study plan.