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Louisiana 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.

Massage Therapist License

Professional license for the practice of massage therapy; endorsement, military, Welcome Home, conditional approval and reinstatement are applicant pathways or statuses of this license.

Licensing authority: Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy · Application information

Reinstatement after expiration and less than 24 months of ceased practice

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the complete original application, government identification, passport photograph and notarized verifying affidavit; disclose prior licenses, disciplinary actions and convictions.
Background check
Submit and clear the state and FBI background checks; the Board application requests at least five years of criminal history.
Board conditions
On probable cause, the Board may impose an appearance, court and treatment records, medical or psychological evaluation, counseling, practice restrictions, probation up to one year or supervision under LAC 46:XLIV.2101. These are conditions, not licensing examinations.
Citizenship and english
Be a United States citizen or legal resident and read, write, speak and understand English fluently (R.S. 37:3556(A)(3)).
Criminal eligibility
No nonviolent felony conviction within the preceding five years; no violent felony or sexual-misconduct conviction or nolo contendere plea; the statutory disqualifications and Board criminal-history review apply.
Exam evidence
R.S. 37:3561(C) requires evidence of passage of the R.S. 37:3557 examination. Passage of a currently offered registered examination is a leaf even when previously obtained.
Expired duration
License has expired and massage activities have ceased for less than 24 consecutive months.
Fees and ce
Submit the renewal application, pay renewal and late fees and prove completed continuing education.
Fees and registration
Pay applicable application and license fees and register within 45 days after application approval.
Other approved exam evidence
LAC 46:XLIV.1301(A)(1) permits a Board-approved NCCA-accredited national examination. The Board page and July 2026 form also use the wording NCBTMB national exam, without identifying BCETMB or a particular currently offered examination/version. That unresolved examination slot and any qualifying prior evidence are conditions; this wording alone does not establish adoption of the frozen BCETMB version.
Renewal of a license continuously held since March 1, 1998
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background check
Applicants licensed before April 1, 2022 or registered before August 1, 2025 who have not supplied the required state and federal background checks must do so before renewal.
Continuing education
Complete at least 12 Board-approved continuing-education hours annually except during the first 12 months of first licensure; eligible excess credits may carry to the next year.
Continuous license
Continuously hold the Board license since March 1, 1998; R.S. 37:3556(B)(1) exempts education and national-examination requirements.
Criminal eligibility
The renewing applicant must not have pled guilty to or been convicted of a sex-related crime, crime of violence or crime related to massage therapy.
License
Renew an existing license annually by March 31; pay the renewal fee and submit the complete renewal form.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation within five years of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive status
An inactive designation is a status, not a separate license: LAC 46:XLIV.1701(E) expressly says no license is issued while inactive. Apply for inactive status within six months of last active licensure; the inactive period may not exceed five years.
Military ce waiver
An active-duty member of the United States Armed Forces may apply for a continuing-education waiver under LAC 46:XLIV.3701(F).
Reactivation
Submit the Board affidavit requesting return to active status, pay the current renewal fee and prove at least 24 continuing-education hours within the preceding two years. After five years, use the lapsed-license route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the complete original application, government identification, passport photograph and notarized verifying affidavit; disclose prior licenses, disciplinary actions and convictions.
Background check
Submit and clear the state and FBI background checks; the Board application requests at least five years of criminal history.
Board conditions
On probable cause, the Board may impose an appearance, court and treatment records, medical or psychological evaluation, counseling, practice restrictions, probation up to one year or supervision under LAC 46:XLIV.2101. These are conditions, not licensing examinations.
Citizenship and english
Be a United States citizen or legal resident and read, write, speak and understand English fluently (R.S. 37:3556(A)(3)).
Criminal eligibility
No nonviolent felony conviction within the preceding five years; no violent felony or sexual-misconduct conviction or nolo contendere plea; the statutory disqualifications and Board criminal-history review apply.
Education
Satisfy the enrollment-dependent course requirements of R.S. 37:3556(A)(1). The official codification contains alternative education provisions contingent on the federal amendment described by Act 779 Section 3; the Board compilation updated August 1, 2026 uses the 625-hour option (400 technique/practicum hours, up to 175 anatomy/physiology hours, at least 10 Louisiana law/rules/ethics hours), with existing-enrollment protection and school transition through December 31, 2026.
Education implementation
The July 2026 new-applicant form still asks for a certified transcript with 500 in-class hours (325 techniques/practicum, 125 anatomy/physiology and 50 discretionary hours), passing grades, 90 percent attendance in each subject and documentation of online courses. Submit the Board-requested records; that implementing form does not override statutory enrollment and transition provisions.
Fees and registration
Pay applicable application and license fees and register within 45 days after application approval.
Other approved exam evidence
LAC 46:XLIV.1301(A)(1) permits a Board-approved NCCA-accredited national examination. The Board page and July 2026 form also use the wording NCBTMB national exam, without identifying BCETMB or a particular currently offered examination/version. That unresolved examination slot and any qualifying prior evidence are conditions; this wording alone does not establish adoption of the frozen BCETMB version.
Score window
LAC 46:XLIV.1301(A)(3) and the first conditional R.S. 37:3556(A)(2) provision require passage within two years of filing. The successor statutory provision omits that limit; applicability follows Act 779 Section 3, while the Board rule continues to state the two-year limit. This score-age question is an applicant condition and does not change the registered exam leaf.
Reciprocity for a former Louisiana licensee licensed elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the complete original application, government identification, passport photograph and notarized verifying affidavit; disclose prior licenses, disciplinary actions and convictions.
Background check
Submit and clear the state and FBI background checks; the Board application requests at least five years of criminal history.
Board conditions
On probable cause, the Board may impose an appearance, court and treatment records, medical or psychological evaluation, counseling, practice restrictions, probation up to one year or supervision under LAC 46:XLIV.2101. These are conditions, not licensing examinations.
Board exam demand
The lower-ranked Reciprocity form requests earlier national-exam passage: Applicant must present proof of passing a National Exam and/or MBLEx (Title 46 Part XLIV. Chapter 13, §1301). Proof of passing the exam must be received directly from the examination agency. The statutory exemption controls.
Citizenship and english
Be a United States citizen or legal resident and read, write, speak and understand English fluently (R.S. 37:3556(A)(3)).
Criminal eligibility
No nonviolent felony conviction within the preceding five years; no violent felony or sexual-misconduct conviction or nolo contendere plea; the statutory disqualifications and Board criminal-history review apply.
Equivalent standards
R.S. 37:3556(B)(2) still requires substantially conforming standards, determined by the Board.
Fees and registration
Pay applicable application and license fees and register within 45 days after application approval.
Prior license
A lapsed Louisiana license with no disciplinary action and an active license in another jurisdiction for at least five years, as specified by the Board Reciprocity checklist.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New licensure application after more than 24 months of lapse

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the complete original application, government identification, passport photograph and notarized verifying affidavit; disclose prior licenses, disciplinary actions and convictions.
Background check
Submit and clear the state and FBI background checks; the Board application requests at least five years of criminal history.
Board conditions
On probable cause, the Board may impose an appearance, court and treatment records, medical or psychological evaluation, counseling, practice restrictions, probation up to one year or supervision under LAC 46:XLIV.2101. These are conditions, not licensing examinations.
Board registration instructions
The July 2026 Lapsed application lists prior Louisiana license proof, application, background check and If the application is approved your license will need to be registered and shall include, 24 Board approved C.E.U’s (taken within the current licensure year) along with a $575.00 Cashier’s Check or Money Order. It does not list a national-exam attachment; the controlling statute requires current new-applicant compliance and the national examination remains a leaf.
Citizenship and english
Be a United States citizen or legal resident and read, write, speak and understand English fluently (R.S. 37:3556(A)(3)).
Continuing education
Complete 24 Board-approved hours; the July 2026 form asks for hours within the current licensure year.
Criminal eligibility
No nonviolent felony conviction within the preceding five years; no violent felony or sexual-misconduct conviction or nolo contendere plea; the statutory disqualifications and Board criminal-history review apply.
Education
Satisfy the enrollment-dependent course requirements of R.S. 37:3556(A)(1). The official codification contains alternative education provisions contingent on the federal amendment described by Act 779 Section 3; the Board compilation updated August 1, 2026 uses the 625-hour option (400 technique/practicum hours, up to 175 anatomy/physiology hours, at least 10 Louisiana law/rules/ethics hours), with existing-enrollment protection and school transition through December 31, 2026.
Education implementation
The July 2026 new-applicant form still asks for a certified transcript with 500 in-class hours (325 techniques/practicum, 125 anatomy/physiology and 50 discretionary hours), passing grades, 90 percent attendance in each subject and documentation of online courses. Submit the Board-requested records; that implementing form does not override statutory enrollment and transition provisions.
Fees and registration
Pay applicable application and license fees and register within 45 days after application approval.
Lapse
More than 24 consecutive months without renewal and without inactive status, or inactive status beyond five years. The statute and rule require compliance with current new-applicant requirements.
Other approved exam evidence
LAC 46:XLIV.1301(A)(1) permits a Board-approved NCCA-accredited national examination. The Board page and July 2026 form also use the wording NCBTMB national exam, without identifying BCETMB or a particular currently offered examination/version. That unresolved examination slot and any qualifying prior evidence are conditions; this wording alone does not establish adoption of the frozen BCETMB version.
Prior license
Provide the prior Louisiana license number and evidence of prior licensure; the Board may need to review any suspension, revocation or restriction.
Score window
LAC 46:XLIV.1301(A)(3) and the first conditional R.S. 37:3556(A)(2) provision require passage within two years of filing. The successor statutory provision omits that limit; applicability follows Act 779 Section 3, while the Board rule continues to state the two-year limit. This score-age question is an applicant condition and does not change the registered exam leaf.
Licensure of active or retired military personnel and spouses relocating to Louisiana
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the complete original application, government identification, passport photograph and notarized verifying affidavit; disclose prior licenses, disciplinary actions and convictions.
Background check
Submit and clear the state and FBI background checks; the Board application requests at least five years of criminal history.
Board conditions
On probable cause, the Board may impose an appearance, court and treatment records, medical or psychological evaluation, counseling, practice restrictions, probation up to one year or supervision under LAC 46:XLIV.2101. These are conditions, not licensing examinations.
Board exam demand
The July 2026 Military application, page 2, instruction 5(a), states: Applicant must present proof of passing a National Exam and/or MBLEx (Title 46 Part XLIV. Chapter 13, §1301). Proof of passing the exam must be received directly from the examination agency. This lower-ranked form demand does not override the statutory exemption.
Citizenship and english
Be a United States citizen or legal resident and read, write, speak and understand English fluently (R.S. 37:3556(A)(3)).
Criminal eligibility
No nonviolent felony conviction within the preceding five years; no violent felony or sexual-misconduct conviction or nolo contendere plea; the statutory disqualifications and Board criminal-history review apply.
Fees and registration
Pay applicable application and license fees and register within 45 days after application approval.
Military license
Active or retired military personnel and spouses relocating to Louisiana with a license from another state whose requirements are substantially equivalent are exempt from education and national examination under R.S. 37:3556(B)(3).
Military orders and portability
For the military portability process described in the Board form, supply military orders, show active use of the license during the two preceding years, remain in good standing in every licensing jurisdiction and submit to Louisiana practice, discipline and continuing-education authority. License verifications must be sent directly.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure with military education equivalence

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the complete original application, government identification, passport photograph and notarized verifying affidavit; disclose prior licenses, disciplinary actions and convictions.
Background check
Submit and clear the state and FBI background checks; the Board application requests at least five years of criminal history.
Board conditions
On probable cause, the Board may impose an appearance, court and treatment records, medical or psychological evaluation, counseling, practice restrictions, probation up to one year or supervision under LAC 46:XLIV.2101. These are conditions, not licensing examinations.
Citizenship and english
Be a United States citizen or legal resident and read, write, speak and understand English fluently (R.S. 37:3556(A)(3)).
Criminal eligibility
No nonviolent felony conviction within the preceding five years; no violent felony or sexual-misconduct conviction or nolo contendere plea; the statutory disqualifications and Board criminal-history review apply.
Education
Satisfy the enrollment-dependent course requirements of R.S. 37:3556(A)(1). The official codification contains alternative education provisions contingent on the federal amendment described by Act 779 Section 3; the Board compilation updated August 1, 2026 uses the 625-hour option (400 technique/practicum hours, up to 175 anatomy/physiology hours, at least 10 Louisiana law/rules/ethics hours), with existing-enrollment protection and school transition through December 31, 2026.
Education implementation
The July 2026 new-applicant form still asks for a certified transcript with 500 in-class hours (325 techniques/practicum, 125 anatomy/physiology and 50 discretionary hours), passing grades, 90 percent attendance in each subject and documentation of online courses. Submit the Board-requested records; that implementing form does not override statutory enrollment and transition provisions.
Fees and registration
Pay applicable application and license fees and register within 45 days after application approval.
Military training
Military occupational specialty and performance at least equal to the state educational requirements substitute for course completion under LAC 46:XLIV.1101(B); national-exam requirements remain.
Other approved exam evidence
LAC 46:XLIV.1301(A)(1) permits a Board-approved NCCA-accredited national examination. The Board page and July 2026 form also use the wording NCBTMB national exam, without identifying BCETMB or a particular currently offered examination/version. That unresolved examination slot and any qualifying prior evidence are conditions; this wording alone does not establish adoption of the frozen BCETMB version.
Score window
LAC 46:XLIV.1301(A)(3) and the first conditional R.S. 37:3556(A)(2) provision require passage within two years of filing. The successor statutory provision omits that limit; applicability follows Act 779 Section 3, while the Board rule continues to state the two-year limit. This score-age question is an applicant condition and does not change the registered exam leaf.
Full professional licensure after provisional practice

At least one of the following alternatives:

Application
Submit the complete original application, government identification, passport photograph and notarized verifying affidavit; disclose prior licenses, disciplinary actions and convictions.
Background check
Submit and clear the state and FBI background checks; the Board application requests at least five years of criminal history.
Board conditions
On probable cause, the Board may impose an appearance, court and treatment records, medical or psychological evaluation, counseling, practice restrictions, probation up to one year or supervision under LAC 46:XLIV.2101. These are conditions, not licensing examinations.
Citizenship and english
Be a United States citizen or legal resident and read, write, speak and understand English fluently (R.S. 37:3556(A)(3)).
Criminal eligibility
No nonviolent felony conviction within the preceding five years; no violent felony or sexual-misconduct conviction or nolo contendere plea; the statutory disqualifications and Board criminal-history review apply.
Education
Satisfy the enrollment-dependent course requirements of R.S. 37:3556(A)(1). The official codification contains alternative education provisions contingent on the federal amendment described by Act 779 Section 3; the Board compilation updated August 1, 2026 uses the 625-hour option (400 technique/practicum hours, up to 175 anatomy/physiology hours, at least 10 Louisiana law/rules/ethics hours), with existing-enrollment protection and school transition through December 31, 2026.
Education implementation
The July 2026 new-applicant form still asks for a certified transcript with 500 in-class hours (325 techniques/practicum, 125 anatomy/physiology and 50 discretionary hours), passing grades, 90 percent attendance in each subject and documentation of online courses. Submit the Board-requested records; that implementing form does not override statutory enrollment and transition provisions.
Fees and registration
Pay applicable application and license fees and register within 45 days after application approval.
Other approved exam evidence
LAC 46:XLIV.1301(A)(1) permits a Board-approved NCCA-accredited national examination. The Board page and July 2026 form also use the wording NCBTMB national exam, without identifying BCETMB or a particular currently offered examination/version. That unresolved examination slot and any qualifying prior evidence are conditions; this wording alone does not establish adoption of the frozen BCETMB version.
Provisional status
Hold the three-month provisional license and pass the national exam before its expiry to qualify for full professional licensure. If passage occurs after expiry, submit a new applicant application. Provisional licensure itself is not renewable.
Score window
LAC 46:XLIV.1301(A)(3) and the first conditional R.S. 37:3556(A)(2) provision require passage within two years of filing. The successor statutory provision omits that limit; applicability follows Act 779 Section 3, while the Board rule continues to state the two-year limit. This score-age question is an applicant condition and does not change the registered exam leaf.
Licensure by reciprocity or endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the complete original application, government identification, passport photograph and notarized verifying affidavit; disclose prior licenses, disciplinary actions and convictions.
Background check
Submit and clear the state and FBI background checks; the Board application requests at least five years of criminal history.
Board conditions
On probable cause, the Board may impose an appearance, court and treatment records, medical or psychological evaluation, counseling, practice restrictions, probation up to one year or supervision under LAC 46:XLIV.2101. These are conditions, not licensing examinations.
Board exam demand
The July 2026 Reciprocity form, page 2, instruction 6(a), states: Applicant must present proof of passing a National Exam and/or MBLEx (Title 46 Part XLIV. Chapter 13, §1301). Proof of passing the exam must be received directly from the examination agency. This is retained as the lower-ranked implementing demand; it does not override the statutory exemption.
Citizenship and english
Be a United States citizen or legal resident and read, write, speak and understand English fluently (R.S. 37:3556(A)(3)).
Criminal eligibility
No nonviolent felony conviction within the preceding five years; no violent felony or sexual-misconduct conviction or nolo contendere plea; the statutory disqualifications and Board criminal-history review apply.
Fees and registration
Pay applicable application and license fees and register within 45 days after application approval.
Implementation conditions
The July 2026 Reciprocity eligibility checklist asks for an active license in good standing held at least one year and an earlier national exam; licenses in other jurisdictions must be verified directly.
Other license
Hold a valid current unexpired massage license or registration in a jurisdiction with substantially conforming standards, as determined and independently verified by the Board. R.S. 37:3556(B)(2) expressly exempts education and the national examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual professional license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background check
Applicants licensed before April 1, 2022 or registered before August 1, 2025 who have not supplied the required state and federal background checks must do so before renewal.
Continuing education
Complete at least 12 Board-approved continuing-education hours annually except during the first 12 months of first licensure; eligible excess credits may carry to the next year.
Criminal eligibility
The renewing applicant must not have pled guilty to or been convicted of a sex-related crime, crime of violence or crime related to massage therapy.
License
Renew an existing license annually by March 31; pay the renewal fee and submit the complete renewal form.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure under the Welcome Home Act with established Louisiana residency
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the complete original application, government identification, passport photograph and notarized verifying affidavit; disclose prior licenses, disciplinary actions and convictions.
Background check
Submit and clear the state and FBI background checks; the Board application requests at least five years of criminal history.
Board conditions
On probable cause, the Board may impose an appearance, court and treatment records, medical or psychological evaluation, counseling, practice restrictions, probation up to one year or supervision under LAC 46:XLIV.2101. These are conditions, not licensing examinations.
Citizenship and english
Be a United States citizen or legal resident and read, write, speak and understand English fluently (R.S. 37:3556(A)(3)).
Criminal eligibility
No nonviolent felony conviction within the preceding five years; no violent felony or sexual-misconduct conviction or nolo contendere plea; the statutory disqualifications and Board criminal-history review apply.
Fees and registration
Pay applicable application and license fees and register within 45 days after application approval.
Jurisprudence
R.S. 37:54(A) authorizes a jurisprudential examination only if this occupation otherwise requires one. The Board implements this route through its Welcome Home application without naming any such examination; LAC 46:XLIV.1301 identifies national examinations. No state examination identity is inferred from this general authorization.
Limitations
This license is valid only in Louisiana and does not establish compact or reciprocity eligibility elsewhere. The Board form requires ongoing residency proof and notification within 30 days of leaving Louisiana.
Other license
Current license or certification in a similar occupation held at least one year, good standing, no disqualifying criminal record, and no unresolved disciplinary action or investigation unless the Board determines that its criteria are otherwise met. The other jurisdiction must have required an examination or education, training or experience; this prior licensing qualification is a condition.
Residency
Live in Louisiana and provide a current Louisiana identification card, voter registration card or homestead exemption; current employment or a notarized employment promise invokes the temporary proof process.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion of temporary Welcome Home license after residency proof
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the complete original application, government identification, passport photograph and notarized verifying affidavit; disclose prior licenses, disciplinary actions and convictions.
Background check
Submit and clear the state and FBI background checks; the Board application requests at least five years of criminal history.
Board conditions
On probable cause, the Board may impose an appearance, court and treatment records, medical or psychological evaluation, counseling, practice restrictions, probation up to one year or supervision under LAC 46:XLIV.2101. These are conditions, not licensing examinations.
Citizenship and english
Be a United States citizen or legal resident and read, write, speak and understand English fluently (R.S. 37:3556(A)(3)).
Conversion
Supply the required Louisiana residency proof within six months; the Board then reissues the temporary license with a regular LA license number expiring March 31.
Criminal eligibility
No nonviolent felony conviction within the preceding five years; no violent felony or sexual-misconduct conviction or nolo contendere plea; the statutory disqualifications and Board criminal-history review apply.
Fees and registration
Pay applicable application and license fees and register within 45 days after application approval.
Jurisprudence
R.S. 37:54(A) authorizes a jurisprudential examination only if this occupation otherwise requires one. The Board implements this route through its Welcome Home application without naming any such examination; LAC 46:XLIV.1301 identifies national examinations. No state examination identity is inferred from this general authorization.
Limitations
This license is valid only in Louisiana and does not establish compact or reciprocity eligibility elsewhere. The Board form requires ongoing residency proof and notification within 30 days of leaving Louisiana.
Other license
Current license or certification in a similar occupation held at least one year, good standing, no disqualifying criminal record, and no unresolved disciplinary action or investigation unless the Board determines that its criteria are otherwise met. The other jurisdiction must have required an examination or education, training or experience; this prior licensing qualification is a condition.
Residency
Live in Louisiana and provide a current Louisiana identification card, voter registration card or homestead exemption; current employment or a notarized employment promise invokes the temporary proof process.

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