Montana Massage License
Updated for 2024
Massage therapists practicing in Montana must be licensed by the Montana Board of Massage Therapy before practicing in this state. The Montana Board began regulating the massage therapy profession and licensing therapists in 2009.
To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of Montana, applicants must complete the requirements as described on the Montana Board of Massage Therapy website. This includes graduating from an approved massage education school or program, and passing a massage exam such as the MBLEx. We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference.
Research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 1,523 massage therapists in Montana. That’s 1 therapist per every 678 people in this state.
Montana Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 500
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: 12 CEUs/2yrs
Massage Education Requirements in Montana
Applicants for a Montana massage license are required to complete a minimum of 500 hours of in-class supervised instruction from an approved massage therapy school or program. An approved massage program curriculum must include:
- 200 hours of massage and bodywork assessment, theory and application
- 125 hours of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
- 40 hours of pathology
- 10 hours of business and ethics (a minimum of 6 hours must be in ethics)
- 125 hours of of additional instruction in content areas related to massage therapy
Applicants must request that his/her school send an official transcript directly to the Montana Board of Massage Therapy.
Examination Requirements
The Montana 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 offered by the NCBTMB
To increase your chances of passing the MBLEx the first time, consider taking an MBLEx practice exam. These practice tests provide a comprehensive overview of the exam format and types of questions you might encounter.
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in Montana, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the Montana 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 Montana has additional requirements. The applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Provide two letters attesting to the good moral character of the applicant
- Have a high school education or equivalent
Application Process
Montana massage license applicants may apply by examination or by credential (reciprocity / endorsement). Check out the board’s Form page to select the instructions and application form that is relevant to your situation.
Massage License Fees
Here is a summary of the fees charged by the Montana Board of Massage Therapy. All fees are nonrefundable.
- Application and License fee: $140
- Renewal of active license fee: $90
Renewal Process
All massage therapy licenses expire on August 31 every 2 years. The board does not pre-approve continuing education programs. Applicants can find additional information about continuing education requirements on the website. The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
- Download and complete the renewal application
- Complete 12 CEU credit hours for every 2-year license period
- Send renewal fee of $90
Montana Board of Massage Therapy
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Montana Board of Massage Therapy
PO Box 200513
Helena, Montana 59620-0513
Physical Address:
301 South Park, 4th Floor
Helena, Montana 59620
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.