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New Hampshire Massage Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

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Massage Therapist License

Individual license for compensated massage therapy. Establishment licensure in RSA 328-B:14 takes effect July 1, 2027, after this evaluation.

Licensing authority: New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, Executive Director with Advisory Board of Massage Therapists · Application information

Reinstatement within one year after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application Instructions
The Board applications page directs applicants expired less than one year to submit the paper Universal Application for License Renewal with the reinstatement fee.
Expiration
License expired but has not lapsed; do not practice until reinstated. RSA 310:8(III) states that licenses lapse one year after expiration.
Renewal Requirements
Complete the renewal process, meet continuing competence requirements, retain or reobtain required credentials and pay reinstatement-related fees under Plc 312.02 and Plc 308.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination

At least one of the following alternatives:

Aggregation Of Training
The March 2026 Dion declaratory ruling allows a candidate under Plc 904.03(b) to aggregate hours across massage education providers to meet the 725-hour and topic-coverage requirements. Transfer-credit acceptance is the school’s determination; all other initial licensure requirements remain applicable.
Application
Submit the universal initial application, profession supplement, additional documentation and applicable fee. Active military and military spouses are exempt from the application and licensing fee; no criminal background check is required under Plc 904.06(b).
Character
No conviction involving inflicted or threatened violence or any sexually-related crime; disclose convictions and rehabilitation and explain applicable affirmative background answers (RSA 328-B:6(I)(c), Plc 904.07(d), Plc 904.08(e)(3)).
Education
Complete a course at a qualifying massage therapy school (Plc 904.02-904.03). The school must be authorized, retain practical-hour records for at least three years and make logs available for inspection; it must have COMTA, ABHES or ACCET accreditation, or require at least 725 hours over at least 6.5 months: anatomy and physiology 150; massage theory, practice and modalities 375; hygiene, blood-borne pathogen standards, adult CPR and first aid 50; business and ethics 50; documented practical hours 100. Palpation-dependent hands-on courses must be in person; permitted distance courses must satisfy Plc 904.03(c).
Educational Documentation
Official diploma or certificate and verifiable practical-hour client forms, notes and school logs as required by Plc 904.04 and 904.07(a). The January 2026 Board checklist additionally states: “A high school diploma or equivalent”.
Exam Timing And Scores
Pass the written examination before applying and arrange transmission of scores directly from the testing organization to the licensing bureau (Plc 904.05, Plc 304.04(b)).
Foreign Credentials
When any required credentials were issued in a foreign jurisdiction, submit evaluation by a NACES or AICE member under Plc 303.03(a).
Health
Provide written evidence of good mental and physical health, meaning capable of performing massage therapy, or explain why the attestation cannot be made (RSA 328-B:6(I)(d), Plc 904.07(c)).
Historical Examination
RSA 328-B:4(VII)(c) names the former National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage Bodywork. The NCBTMB chief executive officer announced that its licensing examinations ceased to be available November 1, 2014; a historical passing score is prior applicant evidence and is not a current examination leaf.
License Conditions
The executive director may impose necessary conditions related to the licensed activity under Plc 311.06; conditions can be appealed through the applicable licensing appeal process.
Minimum Age
At least 18 on the application date (RSA 328-B:6(I)(b)).
Other Written Examinations
Plc 904.05(b) accepts any other written certifying examination recognized by at least one third of states requiring massage therapist licensure; applicants using one must prove that criterion. No additional current examination is named in this provision.
New initial licensure after lapse

At least one of the following alternatives:

Additional Requirements
Comply with additional requirements to demonstrate competent practice, if applicable; no late fee or penalty in addition to initial application-related fees under Plc 312.03.
Aggregation Of Training
The March 2026 Dion declaratory ruling allows a candidate under Plc 904.03(b) to aggregate hours across massage education providers to meet the 725-hour and topic-coverage requirements. Transfer-credit acceptance is the school’s determination; all other initial licensure requirements remain applicable.
Application
Submit the universal initial application, profession supplement, additional documentation and applicable fee. Active military and military spouses are exempt from the application and licensing fee; no criminal background check is required under Plc 904.06(b).
Character
No conviction involving inflicted or threatened violence or any sexually-related crime; disclose convictions and rehabilitation and explain applicable affirmative background answers (RSA 328-B:6(I)(c), Plc 904.07(d), Plc 904.08(e)(3)).
Education
Complete a course at a qualifying massage therapy school (Plc 904.02-904.03). The school must be authorized, retain practical-hour records for at least three years and make logs available for inspection; it must have COMTA, ABHES or ACCET accreditation, or require at least 725 hours over at least 6.5 months: anatomy and physiology 150; massage theory, practice and modalities 375; hygiene, blood-borne pathogen standards, adult CPR and first aid 50; business and ethics 50; documented practical hours 100. Palpation-dependent hands-on courses must be in person; permitted distance courses must satisfy Plc 904.03(c).
Educational Documentation
Official diploma or certificate and verifiable practical-hour client forms, notes and school logs as required by Plc 904.04 and 904.07(a). The January 2026 Board checklist additionally states: “A high school diploma or equivalent”.
Exam Timing And Scores
Pass the written examination before applying and arrange transmission of scores directly from the testing organization to the licensing bureau (Plc 904.05, Plc 304.04(b)).
Foreign Credentials
When any required credentials were issued in a foreign jurisdiction, submit evaluation by a NACES or AICE member under Plc 303.03(a).
Health
Provide written evidence of good mental and physical health, meaning capable of performing massage therapy, or explain why the attestation cannot be made (RSA 328-B:6(I)(d), Plc 904.07(c)).
Historical Examination
RSA 328-B:4(VII)(c) names the former National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage Bodywork. The NCBTMB chief executive officer announced that its licensing examinations ceased to be available November 1, 2014; a historical passing score is prior applicant evidence and is not a current examination leaf.
License Conditions
The executive director may impose necessary conditions related to the licensed activity under Plc 311.06; conditions can be appealed through the applicable licensing appeal process.
Minimum Age
At least 18 on the application date (RSA 328-B:6(I)(b)).
Other Written Examinations
Plc 904.05(b) accepts any other written certifying examination recognized by at least one third of states requiring massage therapist licensure; applicants using one must prove that criterion. No additional current examination is named in this provision.
Prior License
Previous license has lapsed; RSA 310:8(III) and Plc 312.03 require a new initial application. Do not practice until licensed.
Biennial license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a timely complete renewal application, profession-specific CE supplement and fee; active military and military spouses receive the stated fee exemption. RSA 310:8(II) supersedes conflicting licensing terms and prescribes two years from issuance.
Conduct
Meet Plc 907.03 and Plc 308.02 eligibility, explain applicable affirmative background answers, and pay outstanding monetary penalties.
Continuing Education
Complete 12 hours of qualifying continuing education per licensing period under Plc 906.05-906.08, and retain documentation. Self-study credit under Plc 906.07(b) requires its provider’s written course examination; no named licensing examination is identified for this optional CE format.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after reserve military or National Guard inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documentation
Submit the signed Request for License Reactivation with license identity, release date and designated email. If the license term expired, pay renewal fees and provide current continuing competence proof; if still within its term, those items are not required under Plc 307.07 and RSA 310:8(V).
Inactive Status
Existing license was placed inactive on request when a reserve-component or National Guard licensee was called to active duty.
Time Limit
Request reactivation within one year of release from active status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial reapplication after revocation

At least one of the following alternatives:

Aggregation Of Training
The March 2026 Dion declaratory ruling allows a candidate under Plc 904.03(b) to aggregate hours across massage education providers to meet the 725-hour and topic-coverage requirements. Transfer-credit acceptance is the school’s determination; all other initial licensure requirements remain applicable.
Application
Submit the universal initial application, profession supplement, additional documentation and applicable fee. Active military and military spouses are exempt from the application and licensing fee; no criminal background check is required under Plc 904.06(b).
Character
No conviction involving inflicted or threatened violence or any sexually-related crime; disclose convictions and rehabilitation and explain applicable affirmative background answers (RSA 328-B:6(I)(c), Plc 904.07(d), Plc 904.08(e)(3)).
Continuing Competence
Meet continuing competence requirements for the two years before applying under Plc 312.05(a)(1).
Education
Complete a course at a qualifying massage therapy school (Plc 904.02-904.03). The school must be authorized, retain practical-hour records for at least three years and make logs available for inspection; it must have COMTA, ABHES or ACCET accreditation, or require at least 725 hours over at least 6.5 months: anatomy and physiology 150; massage theory, practice and modalities 375; hygiene, blood-borne pathogen standards, adult CPR and first aid 50; business and ethics 50; documented practical hours 100. Palpation-dependent hands-on courses must be in person; permitted distance courses must satisfy Plc 904.03(c).
Educational Documentation
Official diploma or certificate and verifiable practical-hour client forms, notes and school logs as required by Plc 904.04 and 904.07(a). The January 2026 Board checklist additionally states: “A high school diploma or equivalent”.
Exam Timing And Scores
Pass the written examination before applying and arrange transmission of scores directly from the testing organization to the licensing bureau (Plc 904.05, Plc 304.04(b)).
Foreign Credentials
When any required credentials were issued in a foreign jurisdiction, submit evaluation by a NACES or AICE member under Plc 303.03(a).
Health
Provide written evidence of good mental and physical health, meaning capable of performing massage therapy, or explain why the attestation cannot be made (RSA 328-B:6(I)(d), Plc 904.07(c)).
Historical Examination
RSA 328-B:4(VII)(c) names the former National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage Bodywork. The NCBTMB chief executive officer announced that its licensing examinations ceased to be available November 1, 2014; a historical passing score is prior applicant evidence and is not a current examination leaf.
License Conditions
The executive director may impose necessary conditions related to the licensed activity under Plc 311.06; conditions can be appealed through the applicable licensing appeal process.
Minimum Age
At least 18 on the application date (RSA 328-B:6(I)(b)).
Order Compliance
Satisfy all revocation-order conditions; pay all outstanding administrative and civil penalties and imposed revocation costs.
Other Written Examinations
Plc 904.05(b) accepts any other written certifying examination recognized by at least one third of states requiring massage therapist licensure; applicants using one must prove that criterion. No additional current examination is named in this provision.
Prior Revocation
Apply for initial licensure under Plc 312.05 and Plc 304 after revocation; hold any required certifications or credentials.
Waiting Periods
Plc 908.02(c) imposes two years after final revocation or renewal denial for a single inappropriate-sexual-contact offense. Plc 908.02(d) imposes ten years for additional such offenses after reinstatement. Any other applicable waiting period must be met.
Discretionary reciprocity under RSA 328 B:6(III)

At least one of the following alternatives:

Aggregation Of Training
The March 2026 Dion declaratory ruling allows a candidate under Plc 904.03(b) to aggregate hours across massage education providers to meet the 725-hour and topic-coverage requirements. Transfer-credit acceptance is the school’s determination; all other initial licensure requirements remain applicable.
Application
Submit the universal initial application, profession supplement, additional documentation and applicable fee. Active military and military spouses are exempt from the application and licensing fee; no criminal background check is required under Plc 904.06(b).
Character
No conviction involving inflicted or threatened violence or any sexually-related crime; disclose convictions and rehabilitation and explain applicable affirmative background answers (RSA 328-B:6(I)(c), Plc 904.07(d), Plc 904.08(e)(3)).
Education
Complete a course at a qualifying massage therapy school (Plc 904.02-904.03). The school must be authorized, retain practical-hour records for at least three years and make logs available for inspection; it must have COMTA, ABHES or ACCET accreditation, or require at least 725 hours over at least 6.5 months: anatomy and physiology 150; massage theory, practice and modalities 375; hygiene, blood-borne pathogen standards, adult CPR and first aid 50; business and ethics 50; documented practical hours 100. Palpation-dependent hands-on courses must be in person; permitted distance courses must satisfy Plc 904.03(c).
Educational Documentation
Official diploma or certificate and verifiable practical-hour client forms, notes and school logs as required by Plc 904.04 and 904.07(a). The January 2026 Board checklist additionally states: “A high school diploma or equivalent”.
Exam Timing And Scores
Pass the written examination before applying and arrange transmission of scores directly from the testing organization to the licensing bureau (Plc 904.05, Plc 304.04(b)).
Foreign Credentials
When any required credentials were issued in a foreign jurisdiction, submit evaluation by a NACES or AICE member under Plc 303.03(a).
Health
Provide written evidence of good mental and physical health, meaning capable of performing massage therapy, or explain why the attestation cannot be made (RSA 328-B:6(I)(d), Plc 904.07(c)).
Historical Examination
RSA 328-B:4(VII)(c) names the former National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage Bodywork. The NCBTMB chief executive officer announced that its licensing examinations ceased to be available November 1, 2014; a historical passing score is prior applicant evidence and is not a current examination leaf.
License Conditions
The executive director may impose necessary conditions related to the licensed activity under Plc 311.06; conditions can be appealed through the applicable licensing appeal process.
Minimum Age
At least 18 on the application date (RSA 328-B:6(I)(b)).
Other Jurisdiction License
Hold a valid license issued by another state or country, whose licensing requirements are substantially equivalent to or not less than this chapter’s requirements.
Other Written Examinations
Plc 904.05(b) accepts any other written certifying examination recognized by at least one third of states requiring massage therapist licensure; applicants using one must prove that criterion. No additional current examination is named in this provision.
Waiver Discretion
RSA 328-B:6(III) permits waiver of any licensing requirement except age and criminal-conviction requirements in I(b) and I(c); the MBLEx leaf is retained as the ordinary named current examination, and whether its requirement is waived is an applicant-specific determination.
Reinstatement of an expired suspended license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Order Compliance
Pay monetary penalties and imposed suspension costs and demonstrate every suspension-order condition has been met. Conditional reinstatement requires notice and opportunity to be heard.
Renewal Requirements
Meet Plc 312.02 renewal and continuing competence requirements and pay application-related fees.
Time Limit
Apply within 30 days after the suspension period ends, after the license expiration but within one year of expiration, as specified in Plc 312.04.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial reapplication after missed suspension restoration deadline

At least one of the following alternatives:

Aggregation Of Training
The March 2026 Dion declaratory ruling allows a candidate under Plc 904.03(b) to aggregate hours across massage education providers to meet the 725-hour and topic-coverage requirements. Transfer-credit acceptance is the school’s determination; all other initial licensure requirements remain applicable.
Application
Submit the universal initial application, profession supplement, additional documentation and applicable fee. Active military and military spouses are exempt from the application and licensing fee; no criminal background check is required under Plc 904.06(b).
Character
No conviction involving inflicted or threatened violence or any sexually-related crime; disclose convictions and rehabilitation and explain applicable affirmative background answers (RSA 328-B:6(I)(c), Plc 904.07(d), Plc 904.08(e)(3)).
Disciplinary Conditions
Comply with suspension-order conditions, applicable discipline and any additional conditions imposed under Plc 311.06.
Education
Complete a course at a qualifying massage therapy school (Plc 904.02-904.03). The school must be authorized, retain practical-hour records for at least three years and make logs available for inspection; it must have COMTA, ABHES or ACCET accreditation, or require at least 725 hours over at least 6.5 months: anatomy and physiology 150; massage theory, practice and modalities 375; hygiene, blood-borne pathogen standards, adult CPR and first aid 50; business and ethics 50; documented practical hours 100. Palpation-dependent hands-on courses must be in person; permitted distance courses must satisfy Plc 904.03(c).
Educational Documentation
Official diploma or certificate and verifiable practical-hour client forms, notes and school logs as required by Plc 904.04 and 904.07(a). The January 2026 Board checklist additionally states: “A high school diploma or equivalent”.
Exam Timing And Scores
Pass the written examination before applying and arrange transmission of scores directly from the testing organization to the licensing bureau (Plc 904.05, Plc 304.04(b)).
Foreign Credentials
When any required credentials were issued in a foreign jurisdiction, submit evaluation by a NACES or AICE member under Plc 303.03(a).
Health
Provide written evidence of good mental and physical health, meaning capable of performing massage therapy, or explain why the attestation cannot be made (RSA 328-B:6(I)(d), Plc 904.07(c)).
Historical Examination
RSA 328-B:4(VII)(c) names the former National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage Bodywork. The NCBTMB chief executive officer announced that its licensing examinations ceased to be available November 1, 2014; a historical passing score is prior applicant evidence and is not a current examination leaf.
License Conditions
The executive director may impose necessary conditions related to the licensed activity under Plc 311.06; conditions can be appealed through the applicable licensing appeal process.
Minimum Age
At least 18 on the application date (RSA 328-B:6(I)(b)).
Missed Restoration Period
Suspended licensee did not apply within the restoration or reinstatement period specified in Plc 312.04(a); Plc 312.04(d) requires initial licensure under Plc 304.
Other Written Examinations
Plc 904.05(b) accepts any other written certifying examination recognized by at least one third of states requiring massage therapist licensure; applicants using one must prove that criterion. No additional current examination is named in this provision.
Restoration of an unexpired suspended license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Order Compliance
Submit a written request showing compliance with every suspension-order and correction-plan condition, additional continuing competence and monetary penalties. Plc 312.04(b)(1) imposes no additional application or restoration fee.
Restrictions
Restoration may carry conditions after notice and opportunity to be heard. Plc 908.02(b)(3) directs revocation proceedings if removal-of-suspension conditions are not met within 90 days after suspension takes effect.
Time Limit
Request restoration within 30 days after the suspension term ends and before the license expires.

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