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Connecticut Massage Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

US-CT · License preparation

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Massage Therapist License

Professional massage therapist license under Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 384a.

Licensing authority: Connecticut Department of Public Health · Application information

Biennial license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active Duty Fee Waiver
DPH permits a renewal-fee exemption for an active-duty U.S. Armed Forces member who is a legal Connecticut resident, supported by a commanding officer letter and residence evidence; request it at each renewal.
Continuing Education
Complete at least 24 hours related to practice every four years; no more than 18 units by Internet or distance learning and no more than 12 from providers not approved by NCBTMB. Retain compliance evidence for six years and provide it if DPH requests.
Continuing Education Exceptions
CE is waived for first renewal; licensees continuously licensed since February 1, 1994 are exempt. DPH may grant a time-limited medical-disability or illness waiver or extension.
Lapse
There is no inactive status. The license becomes void after the 90-day renewal grace period and ordinary reactivation then follows profession-specific reinstatement.
Old Certificates
A DPH certificate granted before June 1, 1993 is deemed a valid license under § 20-206b(b).
Renewal
Renew every two years during the birth month and pay the $255 statutory renewal fee; submit the information and online renewal required by § 19a-88.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Corrective Measures
DPH may impose the disciplinary or corrective measures authorized by § 19a-17, including practice limitations, reporting and continued or renewed professional education. The hearing is an applicant fitness proceeding.
Hearing
DPH must find after a hearing that the practitioner is able to practice with reasonable skill and safety.
Prior License
The professional license has been suspended or revoked.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure based on at least four years of licensed U.S. practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Pay applicable fees, arrange direct verification of all current and expired licenses, and affirm the four years of licensed work experience in the online initial application.
Background
Satisfy any background or character-and-fitness checks required of other applicants.
Good Standing
Be in good standing in all U.S. jurisdictions; no revocation or discipline, pending unprofessional-conduct complaint, allegation or investigation, or voluntary surrender during such investigation.
Implementation Of Discretion
§ 19a-14d(b) permits DPH to require some or all of other applicants’ examinations. DPH’s current implementation expressly says the applicant will not be required to complete an examination; this route uses that exercise of the statutory permission.
License
Hold a valid license, permit, certification or registration in the profession in at least one other United States jurisdiction.
Practice
Practice under that authorization for at least four years.
Public Interest
The Commissioner may deny issuance if denial is in the best interest of the state under § 19a-14d(d).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure based on an out of state license and one year of practice
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
Application
Submit the prescribed online application and arrange for supporting documents to be sent directly from their issuing sources. DPH currently requests $379.75 including its $4.75 National Practitioner Data Bank query cost; § 20-206b(a) states the $375 application fee.
Department Discretion
Provide evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner; issuance under § 20-206b(f) is discretionary.
Disciplinary Eligibility
No license may issue while professional disciplinary action is pending or an unresolved professional complaint exists in any jurisdiction, under § 20-206b(b). DPH independently reviews criminal and disciplinary background under § 19a-14.
Excluded Legacy Score
The former National Examination for State Licensing (NESL) does not satisfy the statutory or DPH examination requirement.
Historical Examination Alternative
DPH accepts a passing result from the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork formerly administered by NCBTMB instead of MBLEx. This former examination is prior evidence, not a currently offered examination leaf. The registered BCETMB is not the former examination named by DPH.
Out Of State License
Hold a current license to practice therapeutic massage issued by another jurisdiction.
Practice
Document at least one year of massage practice immediately preceding application. Submit primary-source verification of employment and every current or former professional license.
Initial licensure by examination
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
Application
Submit the prescribed online application and arrange for supporting documents to be sent directly from their issuing sources. DPH currently requests $379.75 including its $4.75 National Practitioner Data Bank query cost; § 20-206b(a) states the $375 application fee.
Clinical Experience
Complete at least 60 hours of unpaid, supervised clinical or internship experience and provide a letter from the licensed supervisor stating dates, location and total hours.
Disciplinary Eligibility
No license may issue while professional disciplinary action is pending or an unresolved professional complaint exists in any jurisdiction, under § 20-206b(b). DPH independently reviews criminal and disciplinary background under § 19a-14.
Education
Graduate from a massage school with at least 750 instructor-present classroom hours. At graduation the school must have a current NCBTMB school code and be accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or a state postsecondary technical trade and business school board, or by COMTA. Online instruction does not count toward the classroom hours.
Excluded Legacy Score
The former National Examination for State Licensing (NESL) does not satisfy the statutory or DPH examination requirement.
Historical Examination Alternative
DPH accepts a passing result from the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork formerly administered by NCBTMB instead of MBLEx. This former examination is prior evidence, not a currently offered examination leaf. The registered BCETMB is not the former examination named by DPH.
Licensure for an out of state applicant with the earlier qualifying school graduation
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
Applicant
Out-of-state applicant under § 20-206b(f)(2), rather than the current-license-plus-one-year-practice branch.
Application
Submit the prescribed online application and arrange for supporting documents to be sent directly from their issuing sources. DPH currently requests $379.75 including its $4.75 National Practitioner Data Bank query cost; § 20-206b(a) states the $375 application fee.
Clinical Experience
For licensure on and after October 1, 2019, § 20-206b(f)(2)(C) requires at least 60 hours of unpaid, supervised clinical or internship experience.
Department Discretion
The Commissioner must find the evidence satisfactory.
Disciplinary Eligibility
No license may issue while professional disciplinary action is pending or an unresolved professional complaint exists in any jurisdiction, under § 20-206b(b). DPH independently reviews criminal and disciplinary background under § 19a-14.
Education
For graduation on or before October 1, 2019, § 20-206b(f)(2)(A)(i) specifies at least 500 instructor-present classroom hours and accreditation at graduation by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or a state postsecondary technical trade and business school board, or COMTA.
Excluded Legacy Score
The former National Examination for State Licensing (NESL) does not satisfy the statutory or DPH examination requirement.
Historical Examination Alternative
DPH accepts a passing result from the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork formerly administered by NCBTMB instead of MBLEx. This former examination is prior evidence, not a currently offered examination leaf. The registered BCETMB is not the former examination named by DPH.
Licensure for an out of state applicant with the later qualifying school graduation
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
Applicant
Out-of-state applicant under § 20-206b(f)(2), rather than the current-license-plus-one-year-practice branch.
Application
Submit the prescribed online application and arrange for supporting documents to be sent directly from their issuing sources. DPH currently requests $379.75 including its $4.75 National Practitioner Data Bank query cost; § 20-206b(a) states the $375 application fee.
Clinical Experience
Complete at least 60 hours of unpaid, supervised clinical or internship experience under § 20-206b(f)(2)(C).
Department Discretion
The Commissioner must find the evidence satisfactory.
Disciplinary Eligibility
No license may issue while professional disciplinary action is pending or an unresolved professional complaint exists in any jurisdiction, under § 20-206b(b). DPH independently reviews criminal and disciplinary background under § 19a-14.
Education
For graduation on and after October 1, 2019, § 20-206b(f)(2)(A)(ii) specifies at least 750 instructor-present classroom hours with qualifying accreditation at graduation. The statute’s alternative date clauses both include October 1, 2019; the official wording is retained.
Excluded Legacy Score
The former National Examination for State Licensing (NESL) does not satisfy the statutory or DPH examination requirement.
Historical Examination Alternative
DPH accepts a passing result from the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork formerly administered by NCBTMB instead of MBLEx. This former examination is prior evidence, not a currently offered examination leaf. The registered BCETMB is not the former examination named by DPH.
Initial licensure for the statutory pre July 2005 enrollment cohort
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
Application
Submit the prescribed online application and arrange for supporting documents to be sent directly from their issuing sources. DPH currently requests $379.75 including its $4.75 National Practitioner Data Bank query cost; § 20-206b(a) states the $375 application fee.
Department Discretion
Submit evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner; issuance under § 20-206b(c)(2) is discretionary notwithstanding the ordinary educational requirements.
Disciplinary Eligibility
No license may issue while professional disciplinary action is pending or an unresolved professional complaint exists in any jurisdiction, under § 20-206b(b). DPH independently reviews criminal and disciplinary background under § 19a-14.
Education
Graduate from a school providing at least 500 instructor-present classroom hours, with the specified state approval or accreditation at graduation.
Enrollment
The applicant must have been enrolled on or before July 1, 2005 in a massage school approved or accredited by a state postsecondary technical trade and business school board or a state agency recognized as that board.
Excluded Legacy Score
The former National Examination for State Licensing (NESL) does not satisfy the statutory or DPH examination requirement.
Historical Examination Alternative
DPH accepts a passing result from the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork formerly administered by NCBTMB instead of MBLEx. This former examination is prior evidence, not a currently offered examination leaf. The registered BCETMB is not the former examination named by DPH.
Renewal of a license that became void during qualifying military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Apply within one year after discharge from active duty or the ordered service.
Disciplinary Eligibility
No issuance while professional disciplinary action or an unresolved complaint is pending.
Education
Complete the continuing education or refresher training required to renew a license that has not become void; submit the prescribed application and supporting documentation.
Excluded Training
Routine annual training obligations without mobilization do not qualify.
Military Service
The license became void during active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard military service ordered by the Governor.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure with the statutory school accreditation exception
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
Application
Submit the prescribed online application and arrange for supporting documents to be sent directly from their issuing sources. DPH currently requests $379.75 including its $4.75 National Practitioner Data Bank query cost; § 20-206b(a) states the $375 application fee.
Department Discretion
This is a discretionary school-qualification exception. The department-prescribed licensing examination is retained; the provision describes the school’s qualifications rather than an examination waiver.
Disciplinary Eligibility
No license may issue while professional disciplinary action is pending or an unresolved professional complaint exists in any jurisdiction, under § 20-206b(b). DPH independently reviews criminal and disciplinary background under § 19a-14.
Excluded Legacy Score
The former National Examination for State Licensing (NESL) does not satisfy the statutory or DPH examination requirement.
Historical Examination Alternative
DPH accepts a passing result from the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork formerly administered by NCBTMB instead of MBLEx. This former examination is prior evidence, not a currently offered examination leaf. The registered BCETMB is not the former examination named by DPH.
School Exception
DPH may license a graduate whose school does not satisfy the school requirement referenced in § 20-206b(c)(1), if the school held a Commissioner of Education certificate under § 10-7b at graduation and the applicant graduated within 33 months after the school first offered the curriculum. The school must apply for and obtain United States Department of Education-recognized accreditation or COMTA accreditation within that period.

Massage Therapist Temporary Permit

Nonrenewable supervised-practice permit for an applicant awaiting the licensing examination or its results; maximum 120 days after completing the course of study.

Licensing authority: Connecticut Department of Public Health · Application information

Temporary supervised practice while awaiting the examination or its results
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
Application
Submit the prescribed online application and arrange for supporting documents to be sent directly from their issuing sources. DPH currently requests $379.75 including its $4.75 National Practitioner Data Bank query cost; § 20-206b(a) states the $375 application fee.
Conflicting DPHSchool Instruction
The DPH temporary-permit page still states: Have graduated from a school of massage therapy offering a course of study of not less than five hundred (500) classroom hours with the instructor present, and at the time of the applicant’s graduation was (A) accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or by a state board of post-secondary technical trade and business schools; or (B) accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation ( COMTA ). Please note that on-line instruction is not acceptable towards meeting the 500 classroom hours. The controlling § 20-206e incorporates the current § 20-206b(a) requirements; this lower-ranked page’s 500-hour instruction is disclosed without replacing the statute.
Disciplinary Eligibility
No license may issue while professional disciplinary action is pending or an unresolved professional complaint exists in any jurisdiction, under § 20-206b(b). DPH independently reviews criminal and disciplinary background under § 19a-14.
Duration
Valid for no more than 120 calendar days after completing the required course of study; nonrenewable.
Education
Meet the current § 20-206b(a) prerequisites, including 750 instructor-present classroom hours and 60 unpaid supervised clinical or internship hours.
Excluded Legacy Score
The former National Examination for State Licensing (NESL) does not satisfy the statutory or DPH examination requirement.
Historical Examination Alternative
DPH accepts a passing result from the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork formerly administered by NCBTMB instead of MBLEx. This former examination is prior evidence, not a currently offered examination leaf. The registered BCETMB is not the former examination named by DPH.
Pending Examination
The permit may issue before the applicant sits the licensing examination or receives its results. The examination remains involved in this pathway because failing it voids the permit and prevents its reissue; a passing examination is not a prerequisite to initial permit issuance.
Permit Documents
Submit the temporary-permit application, ordinary licensure application and fee, and school verification directly from the school. DPH says all eligibility documents except successful examination completion must be submitted before permit issuance.
Prior Failure Or Complaint
No permit may issue to an applicant who previously failed the prescribed examination or has an unresolved complaint or pending professional disciplinary action.
Supervision
Practice only with a Connecticut licensed massage therapist physically present on the premises and immediately available to assist and supervise.

Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination

Provider
Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards; administered at Pearson VUE (Pearson Professional Centers) test centers
Format
Computer-based, fixed-length computer-adaptive test (CAT) of multiple-choice questions, each with one correct answer; offered in English and Spanish and administered year-round; results reported as PASS or FAIL, with a diagnostic report by content area for failing candidates
Exam questions
100 multiple-choice questions
Time limit
110 minutes for 100 questions within a two-hour (120-minute) appointment
Passing score
Criterion-referenced passing standard adopted by the FSMTB Board of Directors; results reported as PASS or FAIL
Exam fee
$265 MBLEx application fee
Examination outline
  • Anatomy & Physiology (11%)
    • A. System structure — Cardiovascular
    • A. System structure — Digestive
    • A. System structure — Endocrine
    • A. System structure — Integumentary
    • A. System structure — Lymphatic & Immune
    • A. System structure — Musculoskeletal
    • A. System structure — Nervous
    • A. System structure — Reproduction
    • A. System structure — Respiratory
    • A. System structure — Sensory
    • A. System structure — Urinary
    • B. System function — Cardiovascular
    • B. System function — Digestion
    • B. System function — Endocrine
    • B. System function — Integumentary
    • B. System function — Lymphatic & Immune
    • B. System function — Musculoskeletal
    • B. System function — Nervous
    • B. System function — Reproduction
    • B. System function — Respiratory
    • B. System function — Sensory
    • B. System function — Urinary
    • C. Tissue injury and repair
    • D. Concepts of energetic anatomy
  • Kinesiology (12%)
    • A. Skeletal muscle components & characteristics
    • B. Concepts of skeletal muscle contractions
    • C. Proprioceptors
    • D. Skeletal muscle locations, attachments (origins, insertions), & actions
    • E. Joint structure and function
    • F. Range of motion — Active
    • F. Range of motion — Passive
    • F. Range of motion — Resisted
  • Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations (14%)
    • A. Overview of Pathologies
    • B. Contraindications — Site specific
    • B. Contraindications — Pathology related
    • B. Contraindications — Special populations
    • B. Contraindications — Tools
    • B. Contraindications — Special applications
    • C. Areas of caution
    • D. Special populations
    • E. Classes of medications
  • Benefits and Effects of Soft Tissue Manipulation (15%)
    • A. Physiological effects of soft tissue manipulation
    • B. Psychological effects of soft tissue manipulation
    • C. Effects of soft tissue manipulation for specific client populations
    • D. Soft tissue techniques — Types of strokes
    • D. Soft tissue techniques — Sequence of application
    • E. Hot/cold applications
    • F. Overview of massage/bodywork modalities
  • Client Assessment, Reassessment & Treatment Planning (17%)
    • A. Organization of a massage/bodywork session
    • B. Client consultation and evaluation — Verbal intake
    • B. Client consultation and evaluation — Health history form
    • C. Written data collection
    • D. Visual assessment — General
    • D. Visual assessment — Postural
    • D. Visual assessment — Gait
    • E. Palpation assessment
    • F. Range of motion assessment
    • G. Clinical reasoning — Ability to rule out contraindications
    • G. Clinical reasoning — Client treatment goal setting
    • G. Clinical reasoning — Evaluation of response to previous treatment
    • G. Clinical reasoning — Formulation of treatment strategy
  • Ethics, Boundaries, Laws, Regulations (16%)
    • A. Ethical behavior
    • B. Professional boundaries
    • C. Code of ethics violations
    • D. The therapeutic relationship
    • E. Dual relationships
    • F. Sexual misconduct
    • G. Massage/bodywork-related laws and regulations
    • H. Scope of practice
    • I. Professional communication
    • J. Confidentiality
    • K. Principles
  • Guidelines for Professional Practice (15%)
    • A. Proper and safe use of equipment and supplies
    • B. Practitioner hygiene
    • C. Sanitation and cleanliness
    • D. Safety practices — Facilities
    • D. Safety practices — Practitioner safety
    • D. Safety practices — Client safety
    • E. Practitioner care — Body mechanics
    • E. Practitioner care — Personal protective equipment (PPE)
    • E. Practitioner care — Self-care
    • E. Practitioner care — Injury prevention
    • F. Draping — Safe and appropriate
    • F. Draping — Communication
    • G. Business Practices — Business planning
    • G. Business Practices — Strategic planning
    • G. Business Practices — Office management
    • G. Business Practices — Marketing
    • G. Business Practices — Hiring/Interviewing
    • G. Business Practices — Documentation & Records — Client records
    • G. Business Practices — Documentation & Records — Business records
    • H. Healthcare and business terminology
Examination sources