North Dakota Massage License
Updated for 2023
Massage therapists in North Dakota must have a license issued by the North Dakota Board of Massage Therapy before beginning to practice. The Board was established in 1959 and its primary purpose is to protect the public by regulating the practice of massage therapy, inspecting businesses, and ensuring competency standards of licensed massage therapists in the state.
To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of North Dakota, applicants must first complete the requirements as described on the North Dakota Board of Massage Therapists website. We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference. Learn more about how MBLExGuide can help you pass the massage licensing exam.
Industry research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 682 massage therapists in North Dakota.
North Dakota Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 750
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: 24 CEUs/2yrs
Massage Education Requirements in North Dakota
Applicants for a North Dakota massage therapy license are required to complete a minimum of 750 hours of instruction from a recognized and approved school. The following components of an approved curriculum must come from supervised classroom and clinical instruction:
- 150 hours of anatomy, physiology and kinesiology
- 40 hours of pathology
- 130 hours of introductory massage therapy courses. This includes basic modalities, contraindications, sanitation, disease prevention, and massage theory.
- 175 hours of practical application and clinical practice
- 10 hours of first aid and CPR
Additional curriculum requirements that do not require supervised classroom instruction include:
- 50 hours of business practices, career development and professional ethics
- 75 hours of clinical practice
- 120 hours of other courses directly related to massage therapy
Examination Requirements
The North Dakota 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/NCETM credentialing exam offered by the NCBTMB (no longer offered)
Enhancing your readiness for the MBLEx is key for those aspiring to become massage therapists in North Dakota. Leveraging tools such as MBLEx practice exams can significantly aid in understanding the layout and question formats of the test. This approach not only deepens your grasp of the necessary knowledge but also elevates your self-assurance as you approach exam day.
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in North Dakota, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the North Dakota 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 North Dakota massage license license has additional requirements. The applicant must:
- Pass a Jurisprudence Exam
- Take a Criminal History Background Check with fingerprinting
- Hold a valid current CPR certification by a nationally recognized organization
Application Process
Applicants for a North Dakota massage license can apply through the regular initial licensure process or through reciprocity. This process can be completed online or by filling out a paper application. You can find these links and other requirements for licensure on their website. After the the application has been received, along with a school transcript and other supporting documentation, the applicant will receive a Jurisprudence Exam and 2 fingerprint cards and instructions to complete the Criminal History Background Check.
According to the board’s website, it can take up to 3 months after all paperwork is received to the review and approval to be completed. You can check your application status online.
Massage License Fees
Here is a summary of the fees charged by the North Dakota Board of Massage Therapy. All fees are non-refundable.
- Application fee: $150
- Renewal fee: $250
- Late fee: $50 (if license has been expired for less than 2 years)
Renewal Process
The ND massage license renewal process is active July 1st through November 1st each year. All licensees must renew their license every 2 years, depending on whether their license ends in an odd or even number. The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
- Download and complete the renewal application
- Complete 24 CEU credit hours. 10 of these hours may be completed online. Licensees do not need to complete the continuing education requirements for their first renewal.
- Send renewal fee (check board website for amount)
North Dakota Board of Massage Therapy
Contact Information
NDBMT Address:
North Dakota Board of Massage Therapy
PO Box 3141
Bismarck, ND 58502-3141
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.