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New Mexico Massage Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

US-NM · License preparation

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

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

Massage Therapist License

Permanent massage therapist licensure, including conversion from an expedited license to a regular license upon renewal.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Massage Therapy Board · Application information

Restoration of a nonlapsed license suspended solely for child support noncompliance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restoration
Present a subsequent statement of compliance; the order provides reinstatement. Other agency requirements may apply. A lapsed license must instead satisfy the applicable reapplication requirements and does not qualify for this nonlapsed restoration route.
Sole ground
The license was suspended solely because of noncompliance with a judgment and order for support.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2019-11-15.

Licensure by credentials through first renewal of an expedited provisional license
Application
Provide a completed signed application, proof of current licensure, certificate of good standing, applicable fee and recent color headshot as required by the March 10, 2026 amendment. A complete qualified application is processed within 30 days; denial grounds require Board review.
Board application guide
The Board Massage Therapist Application User Guide, pages 9-10, also directs applicants through the jurisprudence exam during the online application: "If you have not passed, you will receive a Warning and not be able to continue the application." The specific rule 16.7.8.12(B) fixes the legal deadline at first renewal; applicants should follow the Board portal instructions.
Continuing education
Meet ordinary renewal and continuing education requirements; 16 hours in the preceding 24 months, including four ethics hours and eight live in-person hours, with documentation and audit compliance.
Current license
Hold a current license or registration in good standing in an eligible licensing jurisdiction, with no disqualifying criminal conviction or pending New Mexico discipline (16.7.8.7 NMAC).
Duration and conversion
The expedited license lasts the same initial term as a regular initial license, up to two years aligned to October 31; first renewal converts it to a regular license.
Eligible jurisdiction
The eligible-jurisdiction restrictions in 16.7.8.8 NMAC apply to ordinary expedited applicants; military service members and veterans have the exception defined in 16.7.8.7(G)(1). No adoption of another jurisdiction examination is asserted.
Examination timing
The provisional license is issued first. Under 16.7.8.12(B), jurisprudence must be passed before first renewal; MBLEx is required at that renewal if the original licensing jurisdiction did not require MBLEx, NCETM or NCETMB. These timing and waiver conditions do not remove the registered examinations from this route.
Existing status
Applicant holds an expedited provisional massage therapist license and applies for its first renewal and conversion to a regular license.
Prior discontinued scores
A previously accepted NCETM or NCETMB passing score is historical evidence; those examinations are no longer offered for licensure.
Licensure by examination
Age
At least 18 when the application is submitted (16.7.4.10(A) NMAC).
Application
Complete the approved application, pay applicable fees, upload a recent color front-view headshot under the March 10, 2026 amendment, and meet the one-year application-completion deadline.
Basic life support
Provide current in-person first aid and CPR/AED certification, four contact hours each; online courses are not accepted.
Criminal history
Disqualifying convictions and conduct are reviewed under 16.7.4.23 NMAC and Section 61-12C-24.1; other arrests and excluded criminal records cannot be used as specified by the rule.
Curriculum
At least 165 hours anatomy and physiology including kinesiology and 40 pathology hours; 150 massage hours; 75 general instruction hours including 20 business, eight hydrotherapy, 30 ethics, four first aid and four CPR/AED hours; clinical practicum cannot start before 100 hands-on hours and cannot exceed 150 hours as an elective.
Education
High school or equivalent and graduation from an approved massage therapy school; at least 650 hours including the core curriculum in 16.7.4.12 NMAC. Statutory Section 61-12C-9(A)(3) additionally specifies at least 500 hours of massage therapy instruction.
Foreign language documents
Documents must be accompanied by an English translation, certified translator affidavit with contact information, and notary seal and signature; translation is at the applicant expense.
Jurisprudence
Pass the Board open-book jurisprudence examination with at least 70%; retakes are permitted.
Other board approved examinations
The rules also allow other Board-approved examining or certification agencies without identifying additional currently offered examinations; this open approval slot is an applicant condition.
Prior discontinued scores
NCETM and NCETMB remain named in the state rules, but NCBTMB discontinued licensure examinations effective February 1, 2015; any accepted passing score from those examinations is prior evidence.
School records
Official transcripts sent directly by schools; Form A and proof of school approval are required for schooling outside New Mexico, multiple schools or graduation more than two years earlier. At least one transcript must document 300 massage class hours if multiple schools were attended; unavailable transcripts are reviewed case by case.
Supplemental training
Missing core curriculum may be completed through a continuing education provider or qualifying school. Up to 150 hours of legally performed professional work may be documented on Form C; other electives require Board review.
New application after license expiration
Age
At least 18 when the application is submitted (16.7.4.10(A) NMAC).
Application
Complete the approved application, pay applicable fees, upload a recent color front-view headshot under the March 10, 2026 amendment, and meet the one-year application-completion deadline.
Basic life support
Provide current in-person first aid and CPR/AED certification, four contact hours each; online courses are not accepted.
Criminal history
Disqualifying convictions and conduct are reviewed under 16.7.4.23 NMAC and Section 61-12C-24.1; other arrests and excluded criminal records cannot be used as specified by the rule.
Curriculum
At least 165 hours anatomy and physiology including kinesiology and 40 pathology hours; 150 massage hours; 75 general instruction hours including 20 business, eight hydrotherapy, 30 ethics, four first aid and four CPR/AED hours; clinical practicum cannot start before 100 hands-on hours and cannot exceed 150 hours as an elective.
Education
High school or equivalent and graduation from an approved massage therapy school; at least 650 hours including the core curriculum in 16.7.4.12 NMAC. Statutory Section 61-12C-9(A)(3) additionally specifies at least 500 hours of massage therapy instruction.
Foreign language documents
Documents must be accompanied by an English translation, certified translator affidavit with contact information, and notary seal and signature; translation is at the applicant expense.
Former license
Former massage therapist license expired after the inactive period; the license cannot be reactivated. Apply again and comply with the requirements for a previously unlicensed applicant under 16.7.12.15(D).
Jurisprudence
Pass the Board open-book jurisprudence examination with at least 70%; retakes are permitted.
Other board approved examinations
The rules also allow other Board-approved examining or certification agencies without identifying additional currently offered examinations; this open approval slot is an applicant condition.
Prior discontinued scores
NCETM and NCETMB remain named in the state rules, but NCBTMB discontinued licensure examinations effective February 1, 2015; any accepted passing score from those examinations is prior evidence.
School records
Official transcripts sent directly by schools; Form A and proof of school approval are required for schooling outside New Mexico, multiple schools or graduation more than two years earlier. At least one transcript must document 300 massage class hours if multiple schools were attended; unavailable transcripts are reviewed case by case.
Supplemental training
Missing core curriculum may be completed through a continuing education provider or qualifying school. Up to 150 hours of legally performed professional work may be documented on Form C; other electives require Board review.
Reapplication after an expired or withdrawn permanent license application
Age
At least 18 when the application is submitted (16.7.4.10(A) NMAC).
Application
Complete the approved application, pay applicable fees, upload a recent color front-view headshot under the March 10, 2026 amendment, and meet the one-year application-completion deadline.
Basic life support
Provide current in-person first aid and CPR/AED certification, four contact hours each; online courses are not accepted.
Criminal history
Disqualifying convictions and conduct are reviewed under 16.7.4.23 NMAC and Section 61-12C-24.1; other arrests and excluded criminal records cannot be used as specified by the rule.
Curriculum
At least 165 hours anatomy and physiology including kinesiology and 40 pathology hours; 150 massage hours; 75 general instruction hours including 20 business, eight hydrotherapy, 30 ethics, four first aid and four CPR/AED hours; clinical practicum cannot start before 100 hands-on hours and cannot exceed 150 hours as an elective.
Education
High school or equivalent and graduation from an approved massage therapy school; at least 650 hours including the core curriculum in 16.7.4.12 NMAC. Statutory Section 61-12C-9(A)(3) additionally specifies at least 500 hours of massage therapy instruction.
Exam completion
A previously satisfied exam requirement may remain satisfied; the examinations this pathway involves remain registered leaves, while the Board assesses which requirements were pending.
Expired application
An application expired or was withdrawn. Within one year after that event, submit the reapplication form and current application fee and complete requirements or documentation still pending. If the file has been destroyed, repeat the entire application process. Temporary licensure is unavailable.
Foreign language documents
Documents must be accompanied by an English translation, certified translator affidavit with contact information, and notary seal and signature; translation is at the applicant expense.
Jurisprudence
Pass the Board open-book jurisprudence examination with at least 70%; retakes are permitted.
Other board approved examinations
The rules also allow other Board-approved examining or certification agencies without identifying additional currently offered examinations; this open approval slot is an applicant condition.
Prior discontinued scores
NCETM and NCETMB remain named in the state rules, but NCBTMB discontinued licensure examinations effective February 1, 2015; any accepted passing score from those examinations is prior evidence.
School records
Official transcripts sent directly by schools; Form A and proof of school approval are required for schooling outside New Mexico, multiple schools or graduation more than two years earlier. At least one transcript must document 300 massage class hours if multiple schools were attended; unavailable transcripts are reviewed case by case.
Supplemental training
Missing core curriculum may be completed through a continuing education provider or qualifying school. Up to 150 hours of legally performed professional work may be documented on Form C; other electives require Board review.
Regular license renewal during the grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Audit
Under the March 10, 2026 amendment, false or noncompliant continuing education records or affidavits discovered on audit subject the licensee to fines and other Board penalties.
Continuing education
Complete 16 hours within the preceding 24 months, at least four ethics hours and eight live in-person hours; no more than eight online hours; retain documentation for audit. Excess or earlier hours cannot be carried forward.
Existing status
An active regular massage therapist license is held; this is ordinary renewal after examination requirements for initial licensure or expedited conversion have been satisfied.
Late renewal
Renew during the 60-day grace period ending December 30, with renewal and late fees; practice remains permitted during the grace period. If the deadline falls on a weekend the stated next-business-day rule applies.
Renewal
Submit a completed renewal application and fees by October 31 of the assigned biennial cycle.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2019-11-16.

Reactivation from inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive status
An inactive license cannot authorize practice. Reactivation is available within two years; request the form at least one month before that period ends.
Reactivation
Submit the reactivation form, proof of required continuing education, reactivation fee and late fee by the two-year deadline. Thereafter the license expires and cannot be reactivated.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2019-11-16.

Regular license biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Audit
Under the March 10, 2026 amendment, false or noncompliant continuing education records or affidavits discovered on audit subject the licensee to fines and other Board penalties.
Continuing education
Complete 16 hours within the preceding 24 months, at least four ethics hours and eight live in-person hours; no more than eight online hours; retain documentation for audit. Excess or earlier hours cannot be carried forward.
Existing status
An active regular massage therapist license is held; this is ordinary renewal after examination requirements for initial licensure or expedited conversion have been satisfied.
Renewal
Submit a completed renewal application and fees by October 31 of the assigned biennial cycle.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2019-11-16.

expedited license

Provisional license by credentials, with the rights and responsibilities of a regular license and examination requirements deferred until first renewal.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Massage Therapy Board · Application information

Expedited licensure by credentials
Application
Provide a completed signed application, proof of current licensure, certificate of good standing, applicable fee and recent color headshot as required by the March 10, 2026 amendment. A complete qualified application is processed within 30 days; denial grounds require Board review.
Board application guide
The Board Massage Therapist Application User Guide, pages 9-10, also directs applicants through the jurisprudence exam during the online application: "If you have not passed, you will receive a Warning and not be able to continue the application." The specific rule 16.7.8.12(B) fixes the legal deadline at first renewal; applicants should follow the Board portal instructions.
Current license
Hold a current license or registration in good standing in an eligible licensing jurisdiction, with no disqualifying criminal conviction or pending New Mexico discipline (16.7.8.7 NMAC).
Duration and conversion
The expedited license lasts the same initial term as a regular initial license, up to two years aligned to October 31; first renewal converts it to a regular license.
Eligible jurisdiction
The eligible-jurisdiction restrictions in 16.7.8.8 NMAC apply to ordinary expedited applicants; military service members and veterans have the exception defined in 16.7.8.7(G)(1). No adoption of another jurisdiction examination is asserted.
Examination timing
The provisional license is issued first. Under 16.7.8.12(B), jurisprudence must be passed before first renewal; MBLEx is required at that renewal if the original licensing jurisdiction did not require MBLEx, NCETM or NCETMB. These timing and waiver conditions do not remove the registered examinations from this route.
Prior discontinued scores
A previously accepted NCETM or NCETMB passing score is historical evidence; those examinations are no longer offered for licensure.
Expedited licensure for military service members, qualifying family members and veterans
Application
Provide a completed signed application, proof of current licensure, certificate of good standing, applicable fee and recent color headshot as required by the March 10, 2026 amendment. A complete qualified application is processed within 30 days; denial grounds require Board review.
Board application guide
The Board Massage Therapist Application User Guide, pages 9-10, also directs applicants through the jurisprudence exam during the online application: "If you have not passed, you will receive a Warning and not be able to continue the application." The specific rule 16.7.8.12(B) fixes the legal deadline at first renewal; applicants should follow the Board portal instructions.
Current license
Hold a current license or registration in good standing in an eligible licensing jurisdiction, with no disqualifying criminal conviction or pending New Mexico discipline (16.7.8.7 NMAC).
Duration and conversion
The expedited license lasts the same initial term as a regular initial license, up to two years aligned to October 31; first renewal converts it to a regular license.
Eligible jurisdiction
The eligible-jurisdiction restrictions in 16.7.8.8 NMAC apply to ordinary expedited applicants; military service members and veterans have the exception defined in 16.7.8.7(G)(1). No adoption of another jurisdiction examination is asserted.
Examination timing
The provisional license is issued first. Under 16.7.8.12(B), jurisprudence must be passed before first renewal; MBLEx is required at that renewal if the original licensing jurisdiction did not require MBLEx, NCETM or NCETMB. These timing and waiver conditions do not remove the registered examinations from this route.
Fee waiver
Initial and renewal licensing fees are waived for the first three years under Section 61-1-34(C).
Military documents
Provide orders and, as applicable, marriage certificate, dependency documentation or honorable discharge evidence under 16.7.8.11(A)(4).
Military eligibility
Current military member, spouse, surviving spouse or dependent child as defined in Section 61-1-34(E), or honorably discharged veteran; hold a current license in good standing in another jurisdiction, including a branch of the United States armed forces.
Prior discontinued scores
A previously accepted NCETM or NCETMB passing score is historical evidence; those examinations are no longer offered for licensure.

temporary license

One-time temporary authority while a permanent-license application and national examination are pending.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Massage Therapy Board · Application information

Temporary licensure while awaiting the national examination
Age
At least 18 when the application is submitted (16.7.4.10(A) NMAC).
Application
Complete the approved application, pay applicable fees, upload a recent color front-view headshot under the March 10, 2026 amendment, and meet the one-year application-completion deadline.
Basic life support
Provide current in-person first aid and CPR/AED certification, four contact hours each; online courses are not accepted.
Criminal history
Disqualifying convictions and conduct are reviewed under 16.7.4.23 NMAC and Section 61-12C-24.1; other arrests and excluded criminal records cannot be used as specified by the rule.
Curriculum
At least 165 hours anatomy and physiology including kinesiology and 40 pathology hours; 150 massage hours; 75 general instruction hours including 20 business, eight hydrotherapy, 30 ethics, four first aid and four CPR/AED hours; clinical practicum cannot start before 100 hands-on hours and cannot exceed 150 hours as an elective.
Education
High school or equivalent and graduation from an approved massage therapy school; at least 650 hours including the core curriculum in 16.7.4.12 NMAC. Statutory Section 61-12C-9(A)(3) additionally specifies at least 500 hours of massage therapy instruction.
Foreign language documents
Documents must be accompanied by an English translation, certified translator affidavit with contact information, and notary seal and signature; translation is at the applicant expense.
Jurisprudence
Pass the Board open-book jurisprudence examination with at least 70%; retakes are permitted.
National exam timing
A national examination is pending, rather than completed before temporary issuance. Failure makes the temporary license null and void and requires surrender within 15 days.
Other board approved examinations
The rules also allow other Board-approved examining or certification agencies without identifying additional currently offered examinations; this open approval slot is an applicant condition.
Prior discontinued scores
NCETM and NCETMB remain named in the state rules, but NCBTMB discontinued licensure examinations effective February 1, 2015; any accepted passing score from those examinations is prior evidence.
School records
Official transcripts sent directly by schools; Form A and proof of school approval are required for schooling outside New Mexico, multiple schools or graduation more than two years earlier. At least one transcript must document 300 massage class hours if multiple schools were attended; unavailable transcripts are reviewed case by case.
Supplemental training
Missing core curriculum may be completed through a continuing education provider or qualifying school. Up to 150 hours of legally performed professional work may be documented on Form C; other electives require Board review.
Temporary duration
Section 61-12C-14(B) states that the temporary license is valid until results of the next scheduled examination are available and a license is issued or denied. The lower-ranked 16.7.4.16 NMAC states: "A license issued one time only for a maximum period of three months to practice massage therapy while the application for permanent license is in process"; the Board operational three-month limit is disclosed as a condition.
Temporary eligibility
Permanent-license application pending; applicant has never sat for a licensing examination and waits to take the national licensing examination. Only one temporary license may be issued.
Temporary practice
Do not begin work until the license is issued, received and posted; keep Board contact information current, observe advertising restrictions and surrender expired or void licenses.

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

jurisprudence examination

Provider
New Mexico Massage Therapy Board
Format
Open-book jurisprudence examination
Passing score
70%
Examination outline
  • Massage Therapy Practice Act
  • 16.7.1 NMAC — General Provisions
  • 16.7.2 NMAC — Professional Conduct
  • 16.7.4 NMAC — Requirements for Licensure by Examination
  • 16.7.5 NMAC — Requirements for Schools
  • 16.7.7 NMAC — Students
  • 16.7.8 NMAC — Expedited Licensure by Credential
  • 16.7.11 NMAC — Continuing Education
  • 16.7.12 NMAC — License/Registration Renewal
  • 16.7.14 NMAC — Complaints
  • 16.7.16 NMAC — Parental Responsibility Act Compliance
Examination sources