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Kentucky Massage Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

US-KY · License preparation

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Licensed Massage Therapist

Individual license to practice massage therapy for compensation. School certificates of good standing approve instructional programs under KRS 309.363 rather than create a separate individual profession credential. Retirement under 201 KAR 42:020 Section 2(10) is voluntary surrender of this license. Statutory practice exceptions remain those in KRS 309.352.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy · Application information

Late active license renewal within 90 days of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application And Photo
Submit the completed renewal application, current home and practice-location contact details, and a passport-quality color head shot at least two inches by two inches taken within the previous six months.
Carryover
201 KAR 42:110 Section 7 permits up to six CE hours to be carried into the next renewal period; one course shall not be subdivided across renewal periods.
Conditional Background Check
If convicted of a crime or disciplined by another jurisdiction during the previous licensure period, submit the recent KSP/FBI fingerprint-supported check applied for within the preceding 90 days. The Board may also require an interview to determine good moral character.
Continuing Education
201 KAR 42:040 Section 4(1)(b) requires proof of 12 CE hours credited within two years before the renewal deadline and not previously used for the same renewal period; three ethics hours remain required.
Current License
Hold the massage therapist license being renewed; a revoked license shall not be renewed.
Disciplinary Disclosures
Disclose convictions and professional discipline or investigation. A felony or another jurisdiction’s discipline must be reported to the Board within 60 days under 201 KAR 42:040 Section 2.
Education Waiver
KRS 309.361(2) allows Board-approved CE waivers or extensions; 201 KAR 42:110 Section 10 requires a written request and supporting documentation and limits a grant to one calendar year before reapplication.
Fee
The fee is $225 through 60 days after expiration and $250 for days 61-90 under 201 KAR 42:020 Section 2(2).
Renewal Timing
The license has expired for no more than 90 days; practice and representation as a massage therapist are prohibited while expired under 201 KAR 42:040 Section 3.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of an expired active license within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed Application for Reinstatement and required supporting documents; provide the recent photograph and notarized affidavit requested by the incorporated June 2021 form.
Conditional Background Check
If convicted of a crime since expiration, apply for a KSP/FBI fingerprint-supported background check within the 90 days before submission. Criminal history or other-jurisdiction discipline/investigation requires an explanation and proof of dispositions; the Board may require an interview.
Continuing Education
201 KAR 42:040 Section 7(1)(b) requires one-half CE credit hour for each month elapsed since expiration. Obtain the credits after expiration and before applying, using Board-approved courses. KRS 309.357(1)(f) permits one additional CE credit per month if the Board determines that the applicant practiced on an expired license.
Expiration
Apply after at least 91 days of expiration and within five years of termination. KRS 309.357(1)(b) expressly bars an examination requirement for reinstatement within five years.
Fees
201 KAR 42:020 Section 2(3) requires the $250 late-renewal fee plus a reinstatement fee of $100, $150, $200, $250, or $300 according to the elapsed-year bracket.
Five Year Boundary
KRS 309.357(1)(b) says "within five (5) years". The rule describes reinstatement for less than five years; the statutory period controls the exact five-year boundary.
Form Education Demand
The June 2021 Application for Reinstatement instructions also request "a minimum of twelve (12) hours taken within each renewal period" and three ethics hours. This form demand is preserved as an applicant condition alongside the higher-ranked rule’s elapsed-month calculation.
Revocation
A revoked license cannot be reinstated under KRS 309.357(1)(c) and 201 KAR 42:040 Section 7(6).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • krs-fees.pdf

    KRS 309.357(1)(b)-(f), reinstatement and explicit examination exclusion

  • kar-renewal.html

    201 KAR 42:040, Section 7, engrossed requirements

Biennial active license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application And Photo
Submit the completed renewal application, current home and practice-location contact details, and a passport-quality color head shot at least two inches by two inches taken within the previous six months.
Carryover
201 KAR 42:110 Section 7 permits up to six CE hours to be carried into the next renewal period; one course shall not be subdivided across renewal periods.
Conditional Background Check
If convicted of a crime or disciplined by another jurisdiction during the previous licensure period, submit the recent KSP/FBI fingerprint-supported check applied for within the preceding 90 days. The Board may also require an interview to determine good moral character.
Continuing Education
Complete 12 Board-approved hours each two-year renewal period, including at least three hours in professional ethics; itemize course hours and designate ethics courses.
Current License
Hold the massage therapist license being renewed; a revoked license shall not be renewed.
Disciplinary Disclosures
Disclose convictions and professional discipline or investigation. A felony or another jurisdiction’s discipline must be reported to the Board within 60 days under 201 KAR 42:040 Section 2.
Education Waiver
KRS 309.361(2) allows Board-approved CE waivers or extensions; 201 KAR 42:110 Section 10 requires a written request and supporting documentation and limits a grant to one calendar year before reapplication.
Fee
Pay the $200 biennial renewal fee under 201 KAR 42:020 Section 2(2)(a).
Renewal Timing
Biennial renewal is due on or before the anniversary date of issuance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Endorsement from a state with lesser standards
Application And Fee
Submit the Application for Licensure by Endorsement, supporting documentation and the $200 initial license fee; the form requires notarization.
Criminal History
201 KAR 42:070 Section 3 permits an Application Committee interview for criminal history excluding minor traffic violations to determine good moral character.
Discontinued Examination Scores
The NCBTMB entry-level licensing examinations named in 201 KAR 42:070 Section 1(6)(a) are prior-score evidence. The FSMTB 2015 Annual Report records the agreement ending NCBTMB licensing examinations effective February 1, 2015. A prior score may support equivalency; it is not a currently offered examination leaf.
Equivalency Evidence
201 KAR 42:070 Section 1(6) accepts examination passage as one form of equivalency evidence alongside training, experience, continuing education, academic coursework, teaching, research, clinical internships, publications and leadership. The Board evaluates equivalency; the examination leaves describe examinations the route involves and do not assert that every applicant must sit an examination again.
Exam Score Delivery
Endorsement application question 10 requires licensing or certification examination results to be sent directly to the Kentucky Board by the testing agency.
Existing Credential
Hold a massage therapist license, certification or registration in another United States state; submit the verification required by 201 KAR 42:070 Section 1(4), showing at least one year of licensure before the Kentucky application and good standing throughout the credential’s duration.
Experience Only Evidence
Under 201 KAR 42:070 Section 1(6)(g), hands-on experience evidence covers six months of the prior year and requires appointment or log books and employer or self-employment verification. When this is the only equivalency evidence, at least four years of experience is required.
Fingerprint Background Check
KRS 309.355(7) requires state and national fingerprint-supported criminal background investigations, with results sent to the Board. Under 201 KAR 42:035 Section 4(2), apply for the background check within the 90 days before submitting the application.
Ncbtmb Source Difference
KRS 309.358(1)(g) accepts an examination administered by NCBTMB without an entry-level limitation; the Board initial and endorsement applications say "NCBTMB exam". The current registered BCETMB is therefore included on the statute’s terms. The narrower 201 KAR 42:035 Section 3(4)(b) states: "An entry level examination administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)". Applicants should obtain the Board’s determination of acceptance under that implementation.
Other Approved Examinations
KRS 309.358(1)(g) and 201 KAR 42:035 Section 3 allow other Board-approved examinations, other FSMTB examinations, examinations of NCCA-approved certifying agencies, and an entry-level examination administered by NBCA. These open descriptions do not identify an additional registered nationwide examination.
Other Jurisdiction Examinations
201 KAR 42:035 Section 3(4)(e)-(f) lists the State of Ohio Massage Therapy Licensing Exam and State of New York Massage Therapy Licensing Exam. These are applicant evidence conditions; they are not Kentucky examination leaves.
Photograph
Submit a passport-quality color head shot at least two inches by two inches, taken within the preceding six months.
Source State Standards
KRS 309.359 permits endorsement from a state with lesser standards when the Board finds that combined initial training, professional experience, continuing education or other credentials are equivalent to KRS 309.358. The applicant may appeal for a hearing on equivalency.
Work Authorization
Endorsement application question 12 asks noncitizens for documents granting legal permission to work in the United States.
Initial licensure
Application And Fee
Submit the completed, signed and dated application with required documentation and the $200 initial license fee. The incorporated initial application requires notarization.
Curriculum
KRS 309.363(1)(b) requires 125 hours of anatomy, physiology or kinesiology; 200 hours of massage theory, technique and practice; 200 hours on the business of massage; 40 hours of pathology; and 35 discretionary curricular hours. Submit the official transcript or certificate with the clock-hour breakdown required by 201 KAR 42:035 Section 2.
Discontinued Examination Scores
The NCBTMB entry-level licensing examinations named in 201 KAR 42:070 Section 1(6)(a) are prior-score evidence. The FSMTB 2015 Annual Report records the agreement ending NCBTMB licensing examinations effective February 1, 2015. A prior score may support equivalency; it is not a currently offered examination leaf.
Education
Complete at least 600 hours of supervised instruction in a Board-approved massage therapy program, or an approved associate degree with a massage therapy emphasis meeting the supervised training requirements, under KRS 309.358(1)(f).
Exam Score Delivery
The initial application page 3 requires licensing or certification examination results to be sent directly to the Board by the testing agency.
Fingerprint Background Check
KRS 309.355(7) requires state and national fingerprint-supported criminal background investigations, with results sent to the Board. Under 201 KAR 42:035 Section 4(2), apply for the background check within the 90 days before submitting the application.
Good Moral Character
Good moral character is required by KRS 309.358(1)(c); criminal history other than minor traffic violations may lead to an Application Committee interview under 201 KAR 42:035 Section 4(1).
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years old under KRS 309.358(1)(a).
Ncbtmb Source Difference
KRS 309.358(1)(g) accepts an examination administered by NCBTMB without an entry-level limitation; the Board initial and endorsement applications say "NCBTMB exam". The current registered BCETMB is therefore included on the statute’s terms. The narrower 201 KAR 42:035 Section 3(4)(b) states: "An entry level examination administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)". Applicants should obtain the Board’s determination of acceptance under that implementation.
Other Approved Examinations
KRS 309.358(1)(g) and 201 KAR 42:035 Section 3 allow other Board-approved examinations, other FSMTB examinations, examinations of NCCA-approved certifying agencies, and an entry-level examination administered by NBCA. These open descriptions do not identify an additional registered nationwide examination.
Other Jurisdiction Examinations
201 KAR 42:035 Section 3(4)(e)-(f) lists the State of Ohio Massage Therapy Licensing Exam and State of New York Massage Therapy Licensing Exam. These are applicant evidence conditions; they are not Kentucky examination leaves.
Photograph
Submit a passport-quality color head shot at least two inches by two inches, taken within the preceding six months.
Prior Licensure Disclosure
The initial application page 2 requires disclosure of prior professional licenses and disciplinary matters, with copies and good-standing verification for every jurisdiction of licensure.
School Standing
201 KAR 42:035 Section 2 requires a Board-approved program with a certificate of good standing; an NCBTMB school code must have remained in good standing throughout attendance. Nonrenewal of an otherwise good-standing code does not preclude licensure.
Work Authorization
The initial application page 2 asks applicants who are not United States citizens to provide documents granting legal permission to work in the United States.
Endorsement for military spouses and dependents
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed Application for Licensure by Endorsement. Its page 2 states "MILITARY SPOUSES AND DEPENDENTS ONLY NEED TO ANSWER #1"; this specific instruction controls the form’s general examination question.
Criminal History
201 KAR 42:070 Section 3 permits the Board’s criminal-history interview to determine good moral character.
Duty Assignment
Submit official orders proving that the spouse or family member is assigned to a duty station in Kentucky.
Existing Credential
Hold and provide proof of a valid massage therapy license or certificate issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or a United States possession or territory.
Fee
Pay the fee required by 201 KAR 42:020 Section 2(1), unless prohibited by a Kentucky Revised Statute.
Fingerprint Background Check
201 KAR 42:070 Section 2(2) requires a recent KSP/FBI fingerprint-supported check applied for within the 90 days before submission; KRS 309.355(7) requires the results to be sent to the Board.
Military Relationship
Be the spouse or dependent of a member of the United States Military, Reserves, or National Guard and submit proof of marriage or dependency.
Photograph
Submit a passport-quality color head shot at least two inches by two inches, taken within the preceding six months.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New licensure after more than five years of expiration
Application And Fee
Submit the completed, signed and dated application with required documentation and the $200 initial license fee. The incorporated initial application requires notarization.
Curriculum
KRS 309.363(1)(b) requires 125 hours of anatomy, physiology or kinesiology; 200 hours of massage theory, technique and practice; 200 hours on the business of massage; 40 hours of pathology; and 35 discretionary curricular hours. Submit the official transcript or certificate with the clock-hour breakdown required by 201 KAR 42:035 Section 2.
Discontinued Examination Scores
The NCBTMB entry-level licensing examinations named in 201 KAR 42:070 Section 1(6)(a) are prior-score evidence. The FSMTB 2015 Annual Report records the agreement ending NCBTMB licensing examinations effective February 1, 2015. A prior score may support equivalency; it is not a currently offered examination leaf.
Education
Complete at least 600 hours of supervised instruction in a Board-approved massage therapy program, or an approved associate degree with a massage therapy emphasis meeting the supervised training requirements, under KRS 309.358(1)(f).
Exam Score Delivery
The initial application page 3 requires licensing or certification examination results to be sent directly to the Board by the testing agency.
Fingerprint Background Check
KRS 309.355(7) requires state and national fingerprint-supported criminal background investigations, with results sent to the Board. Under 201 KAR 42:035 Section 4(2), apply for the background check within the 90 days before submitting the application.
Former License
KRS 309.357(1)(d) and 201 KAR 42:040 Section 7(3) require a new license meeting current licensure requirements after failure to reinstate within five years. This is new licensure rather than restoration of the expired license.
Good Moral Character
Good moral character is required by KRS 309.358(1)(c); criminal history other than minor traffic violations may lead to an Application Committee interview under 201 KAR 42:035 Section 4(1).
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years old under KRS 309.358(1)(a).
Ncbtmb Source Difference
KRS 309.358(1)(g) accepts an examination administered by NCBTMB without an entry-level limitation; the Board initial and endorsement applications say "NCBTMB exam". The current registered BCETMB is therefore included on the statute’s terms. The narrower 201 KAR 42:035 Section 3(4)(b) states: "An entry level examination administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)". Applicants should obtain the Board’s determination of acceptance under that implementation.
Other Approved Examinations
KRS 309.358(1)(g) and 201 KAR 42:035 Section 3 allow other Board-approved examinations, other FSMTB examinations, examinations of NCCA-approved certifying agencies, and an entry-level examination administered by NBCA. These open descriptions do not identify an additional registered nationwide examination.
Other Jurisdiction Examinations
201 KAR 42:035 Section 3(4)(e)-(f) lists the State of Ohio Massage Therapy Licensing Exam and State of New York Massage Therapy Licensing Exam. These are applicant evidence conditions; they are not Kentucky examination leaves.
Photograph
Submit a passport-quality color head shot at least two inches by two inches, taken within the preceding six months.
Prior Licensure Disclosure
The initial application page 2 requires disclosure of prior professional licenses and disciplinary matters, with copies and good-standing verification for every jurisdiction of licensure.
School Standing
201 KAR 42:035 Section 2 requires a Board-approved program with a certificate of good standing; an NCBTMB school code must have remained in good standing throughout attendance. Nonrenewal of an otherwise good-standing code does not preclude licensure.
Work Authorization
The initial application page 2 asks applicants who are not United States citizens to provide documents granting legal permission to work in the United States.
Restoration from inactive status after more than five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Application for Inactive Status, Renewal of Inactive Status, or Return to Active Status and the required photograph.
Board Reapplication Demand
201 KAR 42:040 Section 6(2) states: "After more than five (5) years of inactive status, a person requesting to return to active status shall reapply as required by KRS 309.357(1)(d)." The June 2021 inactive-status form likewise says the license expires after five years and requires reapplication. These lower-ranked demands are recorded as conditions; KRS 309.357(3) controls the examination tree on the contract’s source-ranking rule.
Continuing Education
The last sentence of KRS 309.357(3) directs the licensee to meet KRS 309.361 to regain active status, meaning 12 hours of renewal education with three ethics hours, subject to the Board’s waiver or extension authority.
Education Waiver
KRS 309.357(3) permits the Board to approve CE waivers or extensions.
Fee
Pay the $50 restoration fee under 201 KAR 42:020 Section 2(8); it is not prorated.
Inactive Duration
More than five years in inactive status.
Prior Status
Hold an inactive massage therapist license and apply to return to active status.
Renewal Date
The incorporated inactive-status form says the renewal date remains unchanged after return to active status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration from inactive status within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Application for Inactive Status, Renewal of Inactive Status, or Return to Active Status and the required photograph.
Continuing Education
Document one CE hour for every six months of inactive status. If inactive status began within 90 days of a biennial renewal date, 201 KAR 42:040 Section 6(1)(a) also requires the 12 renewal CE hours and renewal fee. Restoration credits may count toward the next regular renewal period.
Education Waiver
KRS 309.357(3) permits the Board to approve CE waivers or extensions.
Fee
Pay the $50 restoration fee under 201 KAR 42:020 Section 2(8); it is not prorated.
Inactive Duration
The inactive period is no more than five years under KRS 309.357(3).
Prior Status
Hold an inactive massage therapist license and apply to return to active status.
Renewal Date
The incorporated inactive-status form says the renewal date remains unchanged after return to active status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity from a state with equally stringent or more stringent standards
Application And Fee
Submit the Application for Licensure by Endorsement, supporting documentation and the $200 initial license fee; the form requires notarization.
Criminal History
201 KAR 42:070 Section 3 permits an Application Committee interview for criminal history excluding minor traffic violations to determine good moral character.
Discontinued Examination Scores
The NCBTMB entry-level licensing examinations named in 201 KAR 42:070 Section 1(6)(a) are prior-score evidence. The FSMTB 2015 Annual Report records the agreement ending NCBTMB licensing examinations effective February 1, 2015. A prior score may support equivalency; it is not a currently offered examination leaf.
Equivalency Evidence
201 KAR 42:070 Section 1(6) accepts examination passage as one form of equivalency evidence alongside training, experience, continuing education, academic coursework, teaching, research, clinical internships, publications and leadership. The Board evaluates equivalency; the examination leaves describe examinations the route involves and do not assert that every applicant must sit an examination again.
Exam Score Delivery
Endorsement application question 10 requires licensing or certification examination results to be sent directly to the Kentucky Board by the testing agency.
Existing Credential
Hold a massage therapist license, certification or registration in another United States state; submit the verification required by 201 KAR 42:070 Section 1(4), showing at least one year of licensure before the Kentucky application and good standing throughout the credential’s duration.
Experience Only Evidence
Under 201 KAR 42:070 Section 1(6)(g), hands-on experience evidence covers six months of the prior year and requires appointment or log books and employer or self-employment verification. When this is the only equivalency evidence, at least four years of experience is required.
Fingerprint Background Check
KRS 309.355(7) requires state and national fingerprint-supported criminal background investigations, with results sent to the Board. Under 201 KAR 42:035 Section 4(2), apply for the background check within the 90 days before submitting the application.
Ncbtmb Source Difference
KRS 309.358(1)(g) accepts an examination administered by NCBTMB without an entry-level limitation; the Board initial and endorsement applications say "NCBTMB exam". The current registered BCETMB is therefore included on the statute’s terms. The narrower 201 KAR 42:035 Section 3(4)(b) states: "An entry level examination administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)". Applicants should obtain the Board’s determination of acceptance under that implementation.
Other Approved Examinations
KRS 309.358(1)(g) and 201 KAR 42:035 Section 3 allow other Board-approved examinations, other FSMTB examinations, examinations of NCCA-approved certifying agencies, and an entry-level examination administered by NBCA. These open descriptions do not identify an additional registered nationwide examination.
Other Jurisdiction Examinations
201 KAR 42:035 Section 3(4)(e)-(f) lists the State of Ohio Massage Therapy Licensing Exam and State of New York Massage Therapy Licensing Exam. These are applicant evidence conditions; they are not Kentucky examination leaves.
Photograph
Submit a passport-quality color head shot at least two inches by two inches, taken within the preceding six months.
Source State Standards
KRS 309.359 permits reciprocity when the other state’s standards are at least as stringent as KRS 309.358.
Work Authorization
Endorsement application question 12 asks noncitizens for documents granting legal permission to work in the United States.

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

Board Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork

Provider
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork; developed, administered and scored with Prometric at Prometric test centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice certification examination; four choices per question with one correct answer; results communicated on screen at completion as Pass or No Pass
Exam questions
140 multiple-choice questions
Time limit
140 minutes
Passing score
Scale score; each question graded right or wrong with no partial credit; reported as Pass or No Pass
Exam fee
$275 Board Certification Examination Fee
Examination outline
  • Assessment, Care Planning, and Documentation (25%)
    • Knowledge — Interview techniques (e.g., open-ended and fact-finding questions, verbal and nonverbal communication skills, reflective listening)
    • Knowledge — Assessment methods (e.g., health history, observation, palpation, range of motion, posture, gait, pain scale, special tests)
    • Knowledge — Common pathologies, injuries, and pre-/post-surgical considerations
    • Knowledge — Common prescription and non-prescription medications, their effects, and side effects (e.g., pain medications, muscle relaxants, cardiovascular agents, anti-inflammatories)
    • Knowledge — Stages of tissue healing
    • Knowledge — Special populations (e.g., pregnancy, oncology, geriatric, athletes, disabilities, palliative)
    • Knowledge — Indications and contraindications
    • Knowledge — How to customize a massage (e.g., analysis, synthesis, application of client information, and research data)
    • Knowledge — How to communicate with clients in understandable terms
    • Knowledge — Informed consent (e.g., risks and benefits)
    • Knowledge — Documentation formats (e.g., Subjective, Objective, Assessment/Application, Plan [SOAP], Focus, Data, Action, Response [FDAR])
    • Knowledge — Medically accepted terminology
    • Knowledge — Health care practices (e.g., prescription for treatment, medical insurance, procedural codes)
    • Skills — Use a variety of interview techniques to gather client information
    • Skills — Conduct a variety of assessments (e.g., range of motion, posture, gait, pain scale, palpation)
    • Skills — Develop a plan for the massage session (e.g., short-term, long-term where appropriate)
    • Skills — Identify and discuss indications, contraindications, pathologies, and special accommodations, and adapt the session as needed
    • Skills — Obtain informed consent
    • Skills — Adapt massage for pre- and post-surgical considerations
    • Skills — Adapt massage based on prescription and non-prescription medications
    • Skills — Customize massage based on client's goals
    • Skills — Monitor client responses, and solicit feedback during and after the session
    • Skills — Educate client about the care plan, including self-care activities as appropriate
    • Skills — Maintain client documentation
    • Skills — Utilize medically accepted terminology in client documentation
    • Skills — Collaborate with health care providers when appropriate
    • Skills — Apply research evidence to client-centered care planning
  • Massage Techniques and Modalities (24%)
    • Knowledge — General massage techniques (e.g., effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, vibration, friction)
    • Knowledge — Massage modalities (e.g., Swedish, deep tissue, neuromuscular/trigger point therapy, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation [PNF], Eastern and energetic bodywork therapies)
    • Knowledge — Pressure and manual forces (e.g., compression, tension/decompression, friction/shear, bending, torsion, vibration)
    • Knowledge — Stretching (e.g., barriers, end-feel)
    • Knowledge — Joint mobilization
    • Knowledge — Endangerment sites and adverse events
    • Knowledge — Client positioning (e.g., prone, supine, bolstered, side-lying, seated)
    • Knowledge — Appropriate use of tools and equipment
    • Knowledge — Appropriate use of topical agents (e.g., analgesics, essential oils, CBD)
    • Knowledge — Benefits and effects of techniques and modalities
    • Knowledge — Draping techniques
    • Skills — Apply massage and bodywork techniques in a safe manner, monitoring responses and adapting techniques as needed
    • Skills — Utilize effective body mechanics during the session
    • Skills — Identify the benefits of massage and bodywork techniques and modalities
    • Skills — Identify endangerment sites and adverse effects
    • Skills — Position clients for comfort and safety, utilizing positioning equipment as appropriate
    • Skills — Apply appropriate draping techniques
  • Anatomy, Physiology, and Kinesiology (24%)
    • Knowledge — Anatomy and physiology of all body systems, including: Integumentary system; Muscular system; Skeletal system; Nervous system; Cardiovascular system; Lymphatic system; Endocrine system; Reproductive system; Respiratory system; Digestive system; Urinary system
    • Knowledge — Immune response (e.g., inflammation, lethargy)
    • Knowledge — Kinesiology (e.g., mechanics of body movement including levers, agonists, antagonists, synergists, compensatory patterns)
    • Skills — Identify structures, functions, and interactions of body systems (i.e., integumentary, muscular, skeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, lymphatic, endocrine, reproductive, respiratory, digestive, urinary)
    • Skills — Identify origins, insertions, actions, functions, and innervations of muscles
    • Skills — Identify types of muscle contractions
  • Professional Practice (14%)
    • Knowledge — NCBTMB’s Standards of Practice
    • Knowledge — Standard of care for safe practice procedures (e.g., infection control)
    • Knowledge — Information literacy and research literacy (i.e., how to locate and evaluate research)
    • Knowledge — Professional development (e.g., continuing education, specialty credentials, board certification)
    • Knowledge — Therapist self-care (e.g., body mechanics, physical activity, hand-held tools, professional consultation, mentorships)
    • Knowledge — Business entities (e.g., independent contractor, employee, business structure)
    • Knowledge — Business practices and policies (e.g., marketing, cancellation, no-show)
    • Knowledge — Accounting principles and financial record keeping (e.g., tax filings, profit and loss, income reporting, bartering)
    • Knowledge — Professional liability insurance
    • Knowledge — Emergency preparedness (e.g., medical emergencies, disaster preparedness)
    • Skills — Maintain a clean, sanitary, safe, and accessible facility
    • Skills — Clean, disinfect, and maintain tools and equipment
    • Skills — Stay current with massage therapy research
    • Skills — Participate in professional development
    • Skills — Apply standard massage therapy business and employment practices
    • Skills — Practice self-care regimen for injury prevention and career longevity
    • Skills — Manage medical emergencies when they arise
  • Law and Ethics (13%)
    • Knowledge — Massage practice laws and regulations (e.g., licensing, scope of practice, insurance requirements)
    • Knowledge — Legal requirements for record keeping (e.g., retention, release, disposal, HIPAA)
    • Knowledge — Establishment laws and zoning ordinances
    • Knowledge — Ethical principles (e.g., confidentiality, autonomy, veracity, non-malfeasance, beneficence, nondiscrimination, empathy)
    • Knowledge — Professional roles and boundaries (e.g., dual relationships, power differential, transference and countertransference)
    • Knowledge — Ethical strategies for managing and resolving conflict (e.g., conflicts of interest, how and when to terminate a session, right of refusal)
    • Knowledge — NCBTMB’s Code of Ethics
    • Knowledge — Cultural sensitivity
    • Knowledge — When, where, and how to report inappropriate behavior and sexual misconduct (e.g., clients, peers)
    • Knowledge — Mandatory reporting requirements (e.g., human trafficking, minors and dependent adults)
    • Skills — Follow local and state laws and regulations for massage therapy practice, operating within scope of practice
    • Skills — Maintain client information and records, safeguarding client confidentiality
    • Skills — Apply ethical principles in professional interactions
    • Skills — Establish and maintain professional, culturally sensitive relationships with clients
    • Skills — Identify and manage legal and ethical conflicts
    • Skills — Establish, communicate, and respect therapist/client roles and boundaries
    • Skills — Report inappropriate behavior and sexual misconduct to the proper authorities
Examination sources