West Virginia Massage License
Updated for 2024
Massage therapists in West Virginia are required to have a massage therapy license before practicing. Massage licenses are issued by the West Virginia Massage Therapy Licensure Board. The Board was formed in 1997 and works to ensure therapist competency and adherence to state regulations, as well as issue massage licenses to qualified applicants.
To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of West Virginia, applicants must first complete the requirements as described on the West Virginia Massage Therapy Licensure Board website. These requirements include completing a massage therapy education program of at least 500 hours, and passing an 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 970 massage therapists in West Virginia.
West Virginia Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT or CMT
Education hours: 500
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: 24 CEUs/2yrs
Massage Education Requirements in West Virginia
Applicants for a West Virginia massage license are required to complete a minimum of 500 hours of supervised academic instruction from an accredited school. A list of approved massage schools is available on the Board’s website. The massage program must be at least 6 months in duration, with no more than 8 hours of instruction in 1 day. Approved massage education courses must contain the following curriculum at a minimum:
- 200 hours of theory and practice in massage and bodywork therapy. This must include a minimum of 100 hours of application of hands-on methods. Also included in this content area is: client assessment skills, indications and contraindications, body mechanics, draping, standards methods of hygienic practice, and history of massage and bodywork therapy.
- 100 hours of human anatomy and physiology; and pathology
- 15 hours of professional ethics, and laws and rules related to the practice of massage and bodywork therapy
- 15 hours of business practice
- 20 hours of communication skills, including dynamics of therapist/client relationships
- 150 hours of other classes related to the practice of massage and bodywork therapy. Student clinic or other experiential component can be included here, but cannot count for more than 100 hours of this 150-hour curriculum requirement.
Examination Requirements
The West Virginia Massage Therapy Licensure Board has approved the following exams:
- Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)
- NCETMB credentialing exam offered by the NCBTMB (no longer offered)
If you’re trying to become a licensed massage therapist in West Virginia, passing the MBLEx is an important component of the application process. Studying with well-written MBLEx practice tests is highly recommended. These resources not only familiarize you with the exam’s format and question styles but also sharpen your understanding, boosting your confidence and readiness for the actual test.
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in West Virginia, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the West Virginia Massage Therapy Licensure Board when you pass. Check out our About the MBLEx page to see how to apply and schedule your exam.
Application Process
To apply for a West Virginia massage therapy license, download and complete the license application packet. Out-of-state applicants may apply through a reciprocity process, as long as the other state has equivalent requirements. Massage therapists with a current license in another state must provide a copy of their active massage license, and copies of continuing education if licensed for greater than 2 years. Applicants must also provide proof of passing a national exam listed above.
Massage License Fees
The following is a summary of the fees charged by the West Virginia Massage Therapy Licensure Board. All fees are non-refundable. A complete schedule of fees is on the Board’s website.
- Application fee: $50
- Initial 2-year license fee: $300
- Renewal fee: $200
- Late fee: $50
Renewal Process
All massage therapy licenses expire 2 years after their issue date. The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
- Download and complete the renewal application
- Complete 24 hours of continuing education; 3 of these must be in professional ethics. Up to 6 hours may be carried over from the previous licensing period.
- Send renewal fee $200
West Virginia Massage Therapy Licensure Board
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
West Virginia Massage Therapy Licensure Board
179 Summers Street
Suite 711
Charleston, WV 25301
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.