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Indiana Massage Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

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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.

Probationary License (Massage Therapist)

Massage therapist licence subject to conditions imposed by the Board for conduct bearing on competence or unlicensed practice.

Licensing authority: Indiana State Board of Massage Therapy · Application information

Probationary status imposed on an existing licensed practitioner
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board conditions
Meet Board reporting, practice restriction, education, public-interest or rehabilitation conditions under IC 25-1-11-12(a)(5).
Existing licence
Existing licensed practitioner found subject to discipline under IC 25-1-11-5 through -9.
Modification
Board may withdraw or modify probation after a hearing if the deficiency is remedied or circumstances warrant modification.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Probationary issuance through endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application fee
Pay the Board application fee.
Board discretion
IC 25-21.8-5-1 authorizes the Board to grant endorsement on its enumerated conditions. It does not separately require passage of an identifiable current examination.
Board general application demand
The Board general Massage Therapist instructions also state: Examination: Proof of completion and passage of an examination must be sent directly from one of the following entities. Examination results sent by the applicant will not be accepted. Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM) National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) National Board Certification Agency National Certification Examination (NBCA NCE). The statutory endorsement requirements control this route; the applicant should confirm how the Board applies this general instruction to endorsement.
Criminal history
Provide criminal history and a national criminal history background check; the statutory disqualifying convictions and registered sex-offender prohibition apply.
Existing credential
Licensed, certified or registered in another jurisdiction with standards substantially equivalent to or exceeding Indiana requirements.
Probation conditions
The Board may require reports, limited practice, renewed professional education, community service or other acts appropriate to public protection or rehabilitation.
Probation eligibility
Discipline elsewhere or conduct that would support Indiana discipline and bears on competence, or unlawful practice without a licence, may support Board issuance of a probationary licence.
Public hearing
Limitations are removed after a public hearing when the Board finds the underlying deficiency remedied.
Revocation reapplication
Under IC 25-1-11-15 a revoked licence cannot be reinstated; an individual may apply for a new licence only after seven years.
Standing
No pending massage-related disciplinary action and good standing with the other jurisdiction.
Verification
Each jurisdiction that previously credentialed the applicant must provide current status directly.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Probationary issuance through examination

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the Board application, verify its information, and pay its application fee; the pinned instructions state $100, nonrefundable.
Application abandonment
Complete requirements within one year of filing; otherwise the application is abandoned and a later application is new.
Background check
Submit to the national criminal history background check.
Criminal history
Disclose criminal convictions; prostitution, rape, sexual misconduct or registered sex-offender status requires denial under IC 25-21.8-4-2(3).
Foreign education
Foreign transcripts require an official English translation if necessary and an IERF credentials evaluation specifically prepared for Indiana.
Legacy scores
The Board still lists NCETM and the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (labelled NCBTMB on its page). These former licensing examinations are no longer offered; previously earned scores are applicant evidence, not current examination leaves. BCETMB is not substituted for either discontinued examination.
Liability insurance
Current professional liability coverage of at least $2,000,000 per claim and $6,000,000 aggregate.
Massage education
Complete at least 625 supervised classroom and hands-on hours in a qualifying massage school or program meeting IC 25-21.8-4-2(2)(C).
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Other licences
Each jurisdiction must send verification of health-related professional credentials directly.
Probation conditions
The Board may require reports, limited practice, renewed professional education, community service or other acts appropriate to public protection or rehabilitation.
Probation eligibility
Discipline elsewhere or conduct that would support Indiana discipline and bears on competence, or unlawful practice without a licence, may support Board issuance of a probationary licence.
Public hearing
Limitations are removed after a public hearing when the Board finds the underlying deficiency remedied.
Revocation reapplication
Under IC 25-1-11-15 a revoked licence cannot be reinstated; an individual may apply for a new licence only after seven years.
Score delivery
The examination owner must send the passing result directly; applicant-supplied results are not accepted.
Secondary education
High school diploma or equivalent.
Social security number
The Board requires disclosure of the U.S. Social Security number.
Supporting documents
Provide legal name-change documentation when names differ and full explanations with court records for positive application responses.
Unregistered nationwide exam
National Board Certification Agency National Certification Examination (NBCA NCE), offered as the NBCA Massage Therapy Certification Examination, is accepted by the Indiana Board but has no version in the frozen nationwide registrations. Its passing score remains an applicant condition pending nationwide registration.
Renewal while licence is probationary
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for renewal in the Board manner and pay the renewal fee; the pinned page states $150.
Board certification alternative
847 IAC 1-5-1(g) allows a current BCTMB credential identification to meet continuing-education requirements. A held certification is an applicant condition; this rule does not require the BCETMB examination.
Education
Complete 24 hours of Board-approved continuing education within the latest four-year period, including two hours of ethics; initial shorter licensing periods are prorated under 847 IAC 1-5-1(d).
Insurance
Current professional liability coverage of at least $2,000,000 per claim and $6,000,000 aggregate.
Probation conditions
The Board may require reports, limited practice, renewed professional education, community service or other acts appropriate to public protection or rehabilitation.
Probation eligibility
Discipline elsewhere or conduct that would support Indiana discipline and bears on competence, or unlawful practice without a licence, may support Board issuance of a probationary licence.
Public hearing
Limitations are removed after a public hearing when the Board finds the underlying deficiency remedied.
Renewal cycle
Licence expires May 15 of every fourth year; the Board page identifies 2025, 2029 and 2033.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Massage Therapist License

Ordinary massage therapist licence, issued by examination or endorsement; the historical chapter headings use certification while operative provisions require licensure.

Licensing authority: Indiana State Board of Massage Therapy · Application information

Renewal in place of conditional licence or reinstatement after continuing education compliance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Proof
Provide proof of compliance under IC 25-1-4-5(b)(1) or IC 25-1-8-6; the Board reinstates or replaces the conditional renewal licence.
Repeat noncompliance
For nonrenewal under IC 25-1-4-6, pay the Board civil penalty up to $1,000, acquire required credits, and otherwise comply; credits cannot be counted again for the current period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application fee
Pay the Board application fee.
Board discretion
IC 25-21.8-5-1 authorizes the Board to grant endorsement on its enumerated conditions. It does not separately require passage of an identifiable current examination.
Board general application demand
The Board general Massage Therapist instructions also state: Examination: Proof of completion and passage of an examination must be sent directly from one of the following entities. Examination results sent by the applicant will not be accepted. Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM) National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) National Board Certification Agency National Certification Examination (NBCA NCE). The statutory endorsement requirements control this route; the applicant should confirm how the Board applies this general instruction to endorsement.
Criminal history
Provide criminal history and a national criminal history background check; the statutory disqualifying convictions and registered sex-offender prohibition apply.
Existing credential
Licensed, certified or registered in another jurisdiction with standards substantially equivalent to or exceeding Indiana requirements.
Revocation reapplication
Under IC 25-1-11-15 a revoked licence cannot be reinstated; an individual may apply for a new licence only after seven years.
Standing
No pending massage-related disciplinary action and good standing with the other jurisdiction.
Verification
Each jurisdiction that previously credentialed the applicant must provide current status directly.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the Board application, verify its information, and pay its application fee; the pinned instructions state $100, nonrefundable.
Application abandonment
Complete requirements within one year of filing; otherwise the application is abandoned and a later application is new.
Background check
Submit to the national criminal history background check.
Criminal history
Disclose criminal convictions; prostitution, rape, sexual misconduct or registered sex-offender status requires denial under IC 25-21.8-4-2(3).
Foreign education
Foreign transcripts require an official English translation if necessary and an IERF credentials evaluation specifically prepared for Indiana.
Legacy scores
The Board still lists NCETM and the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (labelled NCBTMB on its page). These former licensing examinations are no longer offered; previously earned scores are applicant evidence, not current examination leaves. BCETMB is not substituted for either discontinued examination.
Liability insurance
Current professional liability coverage of at least $2,000,000 per claim and $6,000,000 aggregate.
Massage education
Complete at least 625 supervised classroom and hands-on hours in a qualifying massage school or program meeting IC 25-21.8-4-2(2)(C).
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Other licences
Each jurisdiction must send verification of health-related professional credentials directly.
Revocation reapplication
Under IC 25-1-11-15 a revoked licence cannot be reinstated; an individual may apply for a new licence only after seven years.
Score delivery
The examination owner must send the passing result directly; applicant-supplied results are not accepted.
Secondary education
High school diploma or equivalent.
Social security number
The Board requires disclosure of the U.S. Social Security number.
Supporting documents
Provide legal name-change documentation when names differ and full explanations with court records for positive application responses.
Unregistered nationwide exam
National Board Certification Agency National Certification Examination (NBCA NCE), offered as the NBCA Massage Therapy Certification Examination, is accepted by the Indiana Board but has no version in the frozen nationwide registrations. Its passing score remains an applicant condition pending nationwide registration.
Reinstatement of licence delinquent more than three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for renewal in the Board manner and pay the renewal fee; the pinned page states $150.
Board certification alternative
847 IAC 1-5-1(g) allows a current BCTMB credential identification to meet continuing-education requirements. A held certification is an applicant condition; this rule does not require the BCETMB examination.
Board documents
Provide work history since expiration, insurance and continuing-education certificates; the Board page states 10 hours including two ethics hours for expiration in 2017, and 40 hours including two ethics hours for licences expired ten years or more.
Delinquency
More than three years; excludes revoked or suspended licences.
Education
Complete 24 hours of Board-approved continuing education within the latest four-year period, including two hours of ethics; initial shorter licensing periods are prorated under 847 IAC 1-5-1(d).
Education compliance
Sworn statement of continuing-education compliance or meet IC 25-1-4-5 and -6; complete remediation and additional training the Board deems appropriate and any other statutory or rule requirement.
Fees
Completed renewal application, current renewal fee and reinstatement fee equal to the initial application fee.
Insurance
Current professional liability coverage of at least $2,000,000 per claim and $6,000,000 aggregate.
Renewal cycle
Licence expires May 15 of every fourth year; the Board page identifies 2025, 2029 and 2033.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of licence delinquent three years or less
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for renewal in the Board manner and pay the renewal fee; the pinned page states $150.
Board certification alternative
847 IAC 1-5-1(g) allows a current BCTMB credential identification to meet continuing-education requirements. A held certification is an applicant condition; this rule does not require the BCETMB examination.
Board instruction
The pinned Board page describes reinstatement for licences expired three or more years, while IC 25-1-8-6(c) includes exactly three years in this statutory route.
Delinquency
Three years or less; excludes revoked or suspended licences.
Education
Complete 24 hours of Board-approved continuing education within the latest four-year period, including two hours of ethics; initial shorter licensing periods are prorated under 847 IAC 1-5-1(d).
Education compliance
Sworn statement of completed continuing education or compliance with IC 25-1-4-5 and -6.
Fees
Submit completed renewal application, current renewal fee and PLA reinstatement fee.
Insurance
Current professional liability coverage of at least $2,000,000 per claim and $6,000,000 aggregate.
Renewal cycle
Licence expires May 15 of every fourth year; the Board page identifies 2025, 2029 and 2033.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military service applicant holding an equivalent licence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conduct
No disqualifying conduct in any jurisdiction and no pending occupational-board complaint or investigation relating to unprofessional conduct or an alleged crime.
Experience credit
Relevant official military experience must be credited; the Board considers the American Council on Education guide when evaluating military training.
Fees
Pay required Board fees.
Military status
Applicant is a military service member under IC 25-1-17-2.
Qualification
Hold a current equivalent or superior licence, certification, registration or permit from another jurisdiction and have held it for at least one year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal with out of state active duty extension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for renewal in the Board manner and pay the renewal fee; the pinned page states $150.
Board certification alternative
847 IAC 1-5-1(g) allows a current BCTMB credential identification to meet continuing-education requirements. A held certification is an applicant condition; this rule does not require the BCETMB examination.
Education
Complete 24 hours of Board-approved continuing education within the latest four-year period, including two hours of ethics; initial shorter licensing periods are prorated under 847 IAC 1-5-1(d).
Insurance
Current professional liability coverage of at least $2,000,000 per claim and $6,000,000 aggregate.
Military extension
Called to active duty out of state, eligible credential was not revoked, suspended, lapsed or subject to complaint at entry; it expires during that service and no prior expiration notice was received. Supply discharge or movement orders. Extension is 180 days after release; illness, injury or disability related to duty may support extension up to 365 days.
Renewal cycle
Licence expires May 15 of every fourth year; the Board page identifies 2025, 2029 and 2033.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military spouse or dependent with an equivalent licence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competence
Demonstrate competency through methods determined by the Board; this provision does not identify an examination.
Existing credential
Hold a current equivalent or superior occupational credential from another jurisdiction for at least one year.
Experience credit
Relevant paid or volunteer, full-time or part-time experience is credited under IC 25-1-17-6.
Fees
Pay required fees.
Military relationship
Applicant is a military spouse or qualifying dependent under IC 25-1-17-1.5 and -3.
Standing
Good standing without discipline, disqualifying conduct, or a pending complaint or investigation relating to unprofessional conduct or an alleged crime.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military service applicant with equivalent military training
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conduct
No disqualifying conduct in any jurisdiction and no pending occupational-board complaint or investigation relating to unprofessional conduct or an alleged crime.
Experience credit
Relevant official military experience must be credited; the Board considers the American Council on Education guide when evaluating military training.
Fees
Pay required Board fees.
Military status
Applicant is a military service member under IC 25-1-17-2.
Qualification
Completed military training, awarded a military occupational specialty and performed in it at a level substantially equivalent to or exceeding the Board academic or experience requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military applicant, spouse or dependent with work experience in an unlicensed occupation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligible applicant
Military service member, military spouse or dependent.
Fees
Pay required Board fees.
Occupation
The Board determines that the lawful occupation practised elsewhere without a licence has a similar scope to the occupation requiring licensure in Indiana.
Standing
Good standing, no discipline, no disqualifying conduct, and no pending occupational-board complaint or investigation concerning unprofessional conduct or an alleged crime.
Work experience
At least three years of work in that occupation; relevant experience credited under IC 25-1-17-6.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Removal of probationary licence limitations
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Hearing
The Board removes limitations following a public hearing when the deficiency is remedied, or withdraws or modifies disciplinary probation after a hearing when deficiency is remedied or changed circumstances warrant modification.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Quadrennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for renewal in the Board manner and pay the renewal fee; the pinned page states $150.
Board certification alternative
847 IAC 1-5-1(g) allows a current BCTMB credential identification to meet continuing-education requirements. A held certification is an applicant condition; this rule does not require the BCETMB examination.
Education
Complete 24 hours of Board-approved continuing education within the latest four-year period, including two hours of ethics; initial shorter licensing periods are prorated under 847 IAC 1-5-1(d).
Insurance
Current professional liability coverage of at least $2,000,000 per claim and $6,000,000 aggregate.
Renewal cycle
Licence expires May 15 of every fourth year; the Board page identifies 2025, 2029 and 2033.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of surrendered licence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board approval
Surrender requires written Board approval; the Board may impose appropriate surrender or reinstatement conditions.
Individual conditions
Meet the Board conditions applicable to the surrendered licence; the controlling provision names no examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of suspended licence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board hearing
After a hearing, the Board must be satisfied that the applicant can practise with reasonable skill, safety and competency.
Corrective measures
The Board may impose disciplinary or corrective measures authorized under IC 25-1-11; the provision identifies no examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

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