Pennsylvania Massage License
Updated for 2024
Massage therapists must be licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy before practicing in this state. The Board’s purpose is to safeguard the public and to ensure a high standard of professional competency and conduct on the part of massage therapists.
To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of Pennsylvania, applicants must first complete the requirements as described on the State Board of Massage Therapy website. These license requirements include completing a approved massage education program of at least 600 hours, and passing a certification or licensing examination such as the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx). We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference.
Industry research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 9,800 massage therapists in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 600
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: 24 CEUs/2yrs
Massage Education Requirements in Pennsylvania
Applicants for a Pennsylvania massage therapy license are required to complete a minimum of 600 contact hours of in-class and clinical instruction from an approved school. The massage education curriculum must include the following course hours at a minimum:
- 175 hours of anatomy an physiology, kinesiology and pathology
- 250 hours in massage therapy and bodywork assessment, theory and practice including sanitation, safety and hygiene
- 25 hours in professional ethics, business and law related to a massage therapy business
- 150 hours in courses related to massage therapy. These courses may include CPR, massage and bodywork assessment and application, contraindications and precautions for massage therapy, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, business practices, Pennsylvania legal requirements, professional ethics, etc.
Examination Requirements
The Pennsylvania State 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 or NESL credentialing exams offered by the NCBTMB (no longer offered)
As you embark on your path to becoming a licensed massage therapist in Pennsylvania, getting ready for the MBLEx is an important step. Studying with several MBLEx practice tests is a smart strategy that can provide a clear understanding of the exam’s layout and question styles. This approach not only sharpens your preparation but also builds the assurance you need to excel in the exam.
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in Pennsylvania, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the Pennsylvania State 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 Pennsylvania massage therapy license has additional requirements. The applicant must also:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have proof of graduation from high school or equivalent
- Submit an official Criminal History Record Information check for every state in which you have resided for the past 5 years.
- Verify current CPR certification that will be valid for at least 6 months following the date of application
Application Process
Applicants can apply online by examination or by reciprocity for a regular massage therapy license.
Massage License Fees
Below is a summary of the fees charged by the Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy:
- Application for licensure: $100
- Application for temporary practice permit: $65
- Verification of licensure of letter of good standing: $15
- Certification of licensure history: $25
- Reactivation of license: $65
- Restoration after suspension or revocation: $65
- Approval of continuing education program: $65
- Biennial license renewal: $175
Renewal Process
All massage therapy licenses expire on January 31 of each odd-numbered year, regardless of when it was issued. Renewals are available 60 days prior to the license expiration date. Licensees are exempt from the the continuing education requirement for their first renewal (except for the required 2 hours of child abuse recognition). The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
- Complete the renewal form online or using the form that will be mailed to you. Renewal notices will be mailed 2-3 months prior to license expiration, so make sure the Board has your correct mailing address.
- Verify current CPR certification
- Complete 24 hours of Board-approved continuing education. A minimum of 4 hours per renewal cycle must be in professional ethics. A minimum of 16 hours must be through live (in-person) contact hours. Hours for CPR training cannot be used for continuing education hours. a minimum of 2 hours must be earned in child abuse recognition
- Send renewal fee of $175
Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
State Board of Massage Therapy
PO Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
Physical Address:
One Penn Center
2601 N. 3rd Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
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.