OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

North Carolina Massage Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

US-NC · License preparation

454 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Combined practice

Choose an exam or combined practice to begin.

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.

Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist

Individual license to practice massage and bodywork therapy; regular and endorsement pathways lead to this same credential. Specialty practice is subject to training and conduct requirements within this license.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy · Application information

Board reinstatement of revoked license or removal of restrictions
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Determination
The Board must find that the reasons for revocation, censure, judgment or restrictions no longer exist and that the therapist can reasonably be expected to practice safely and properly. Any case-specific Board conditions remain applicable; G.S. 90-633(b) identifies no examination.
Board General Application Statement
The JLE webpage states: "If you are applying for a license, you are required to score a 100% on the JLE." This is general application guidance; the retained reinstatement authority is G.S. 90-633(b), rather than a new initial application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by Endorsement A
North Carolina Jurisprudence Learning Exercise
Age
At least 18 years of age; provide a driver’s license or birth certificate.
Application
Complete the Board application, photograph, disclosures, attestation and fees; the Board may interview the applicant and request supporting documentation.
Citizenship Documents
The endorsement page asks a non-U.S. citizen for a green card or visa showing employment eligibility and certified English translations for non-English documents.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprint cards and consent to a criminal history check; the applicant bears its cost. Convictions are evaluated under G.S. 90-629.1 rather than automatically barring licensure.
Education Documentation
The Board endorsement A page requests an official sealed transcript from a qualifying massage school in addition to verification of the other jurisdiction’s standards.
English Proficiency
Provide satisfactory proof of English proficiency; the Board may assess proficiency in an interview or request TOEFL or an equivalent test under Guideline 1.12. Such language tests are applicant conditions.
Existing Credential
Currently hold a valid massage and bodywork therapy license, certificate or registration from a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent or higher standards; furnish credential and verification.
Lower Rank Score Report
21 NCAC 30 .0201(b)(6) generally asks an applicant for an official passing competency-examination score report. G.S. 90-630.1(a)(1) enumerates G.S. 90-629(1), (2), (3) and (6), omitting (5); the endorsement A statutory route involves JLE, while this general application-rule score-report demand is retained as a condition.
Moral Character
Good moral character as determined by the Board; submit signed statements from four persons and the disclosures required by 21 NCAC 30 .0201.
Secondary Education
High school diploma or equivalent; submit documentary proof.
Standing
Be a current practitioner in good standing with no disciplinary proceeding or unresolved complaint pending in any jurisdiction.
Licensure by Endorsement B
Age
At least 18 years of age; provide a driver’s license or birth certificate.
Application
Complete the Board application, photograph, disclosures, attestation and fees; the Board may interview the applicant and request supporting documentation.
Citizenship Documents
The endorsement page asks a non-U.S. citizen for a green card or visa showing employment eligibility and certified English translations for non-English documents.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprint cards and consent to a criminal history check; the applicant bears its cost. Convictions are evaluated under G.S. 90-629.1 rather than automatically barring licensure.
Education
Graduate from a massage and bodywork school with a substantially equivalent curriculum and proper authorization or legal exemption; submit transcript, school operating license, catalog and curriculum.
English Proficiency
Provide satisfactory proof of English proficiency; the Board may assess proficiency in an interview or request TOEFL or an equivalent test under Guideline 1.12. Such language tests are applicant conditions.
Equivalent Credentials
G.S. 90-630.1(b)(7) permits Board case-by-case acceptance of substantially equivalent credentials instead of the competency examination and school requirements. This discretion is a condition; it does not create a no-exam alternative node.
Moral Character
Good moral character as determined by the Board; submit signed statements from four persons and the disclosures required by 21 NCAC 30 .0201.
Origin
Practitioner from a jurisdiction that does not license, certify or register massage and bodywork therapists.
Prior Discontinued Examination
Guideline 1.8 and the endorsement instructions accept prior NCETMB, NCETM and NESL-option scores and ABTE scores. These discontinued examinations are conditions, not current examination leaves. For graduates of in-state schools, Guideline 1.8.1 limits the NCBTMB scores to exams passed on or before December 31, 2010; Guideline 1.8.4 accepts the named NCBTMB scores from out-of-state-school graduates. FSMTB’s 2015 official agreement notice ends NCBTMB licensure examinations effective February 1, 2015; NCCAOM’s 2013 report confirms discontinuation of ABT.
Secondary Education
High school diploma or equivalent; submit documentary proof.
Standing
Current practitioner in good standing; no disciplinary proceeding or unresolved complaint pending.
Therapist license renewal with armed forces extension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Meet the applicable G.S. 90-630.5 continuing education requirement: initial renewal at least 24 approved hours for a licensure period of two years or more, or 12 hours for more than one but less than two years; subsequent renewals at least 24 hours. Under 21 NCAC 30 .0701, include at least three ethics hours, no more than twelve distance-learning hours and no more than eight business-management hours within the 24-hour minimum.
Discretionary CEExtension
Guideline 2.5 permits an extension for documented medical hardship or declared natural disaster; incomplete hours are added to the next licensure period. Rule .0704 permits Board-approved distance learning during a declared emergency.
Military Extension
Armed-forces member with a license in good standing who qualifies for the G.S. 105-249.2 tax-return extension receives the same extension for renewal fee and CE; furnish military orders or IRS extension approval. CE acquired in the extension cannot be reused for future renewals.
Renewal Application
Submit the renewal application and $100 fee by December 31 of the expiration year; online instructions require uploaded CE records, moral-character disclosures and affirmation of compliance with the Act and rules.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement for military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application Fee
Initial application fee is waived under G.S. 93B-15.1(k).
Board General Application Instruction
The JLE page states: "If you are applying for a license, you are required to score a 100% on the JLE." G.S. 93B-15.1(b) mandates this pathway notwithstanding other law on the enumerated conditions; retain the Board’s general JLE guidance as an applicant condition.
Competency
Demonstrate competency by Board-determined methods, such as CE or recent experience for two of the preceding five years. Unidentified competency methods are applicant conditions.
Spouse Status
Applicant is a military spouse holding a current credential from a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent or higher standards under G.S. 93B-15.1(b).
Standing
Good standing, no prior discipline, no pending complaints and no disqualifying acts.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure based on equivalent military training and experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application Fee
No initial application fee under G.S. 93B-15.1(k); actual third-party costs may still apply.
Board Application Instruction
The Board application page requests military orders and identification for the fee waiver. The JLE page states: "If you are applying for a license, you are required to score a 100% on the JLE." G.S. 93B-15.1(a) mandates this pathway notwithstanding other law on its listed conditions; the general JLE instruction is retained here as applicant-facing Board guidance.
Conduct
No disqualifying acts and no pending complaints under G.S. 93B-15.1(a)(3).
Military Training
Document a military occupational specialty with substantially equivalent or higher training, completed testing or equivalent training and experience, and occupational specialty performance under G.S. 93B-15.1(a)(1). The unidentified completed testing is an applicant condition rather than a registered examination.
Recent Practice
Active practice for at least two of the preceding five years; qualifying paid, volunteer, full-time and part-time experience is credited.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure with special educational conditions after case by case school review
Age
At least 18 years of age; provide a driver’s license or birth certificate.
Application
Complete the Board application, photograph, disclosures, attestation and fees; the Board may interview the applicant and request supporting documentation.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprint cards and consent to a criminal history check; the applicant bears its cost. Convictions are evaluated under G.S. 90-629.1 rather than automatically barring licensure.
Deficiency Coursework
Under Guideline 1.7.3, special conditions may require completion of deficient coursework before issuance or by the first renewal.
English Proficiency
Provide satisfactory proof of English proficiency; the Board may assess proficiency in an interview or request TOEFL or an equivalent test under Guideline 1.12. Such language tests are applicant conditions.
Moral Character
Good moral character as determined by the Board; submit signed statements from four persons and the disclosures required by 21 NCAC 30 .0201.
Prior Discontinued Examination
Guideline 1.8 and the endorsement instructions accept prior NCETMB, NCETM and NESL-option scores and ABTE scores. These discontinued examinations are conditions, not current examination leaves. For graduates of in-state schools, Guideline 1.8.1 limits the NCBTMB scores to exams passed on or before December 31, 2010; Guideline 1.8.4 accepts the named NCBTMB scores from out-of-state-school graduates. FSMTB’s 2015 official agreement notice ends NCBTMB licensure examinations effective February 1, 2015; NCCAOM’s 2013 report confirms discontinuation of ABT.
Professional Education
Successfully complete at least 650 in-class hours of supervised instruction at a Board-approved school, or a statutorily exempt qualifying college program, with an official transcript. G.S. 90-629(4) and 21 NCAC 30 .0201(b)(5) control the current minimum.
Published Lower Minimum
Guideline 1.7.2 states: "If the Board determines that the curriculum which is documented in the applicant’s transcript and course descriptions consists of a minimum of 500 hours of supervised instruction and meets most, but not all of the Core Curriculum Requirements set forth in Rule .0620(2), then the Board may, in its discretion, grant a license with special conditions." The current statute and rule require 650 hours; the lower guideline does not replace that minimum.
School Review
For an applicant whose school was not Board approved, 21 NCAC 30 .0201(b)(5) requires Board case-by-case curriculum review and a legally authorized school. A closed school may be documented by a notarized affidavit under Guideline 1.7.4.
Secondary Education
High school diploma or equivalent; submit documentary proof.
Reapplication for licensure after suspension
Age
At least 18 years of age; provide a driver’s license or birth certificate.
Application
Complete the Board application, photograph, disclosures, attestation and fees; the Board may interview the applicant and request supporting documentation.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprint cards and consent to a criminal history check; the applicant bears its cost. Convictions are evaluated under G.S. 90-629.1 rather than automatically barring licensure.
English Proficiency
Provide satisfactory proof of English proficiency; the Board may assess proficiency in an interview or request TOEFL or an equivalent test under Guideline 1.12. Such language tests are applicant conditions.
Moral Character
Good moral character as determined by the Board; submit signed statements from four persons and the disclosures required by 21 NCAC 30 .0201.
Prior Discontinued Examination
Guideline 1.8 and the endorsement instructions accept prior NCETMB, NCETM and NESL-option scores and ABTE scores. These discontinued examinations are conditions, not current examination leaves. For graduates of in-state schools, Guideline 1.8.1 limits the NCBTMB scores to exams passed on or before December 31, 2010; Guideline 1.8.4 accepts the named NCBTMB scores from out-of-state-school graduates. FSMTB’s 2015 official agreement notice ends NCBTMB licensure examinations effective February 1, 2015; NCCAOM’s 2013 report confirms discontinuation of ABT.
Professional Education
Successfully complete at least 650 in-class hours of supervised instruction at a Board-approved school, or a statutorily exempt qualifying college program, with an official transcript. G.S. 90-629(4) and 21 NCAC 30 .0201(b)(5) control the current minimum.
Secondary Education
High school diploma or equivalent; submit documentary proof.
Suspension
Under 21 NCAC 30 .0905(a)(4), after suspension the therapist must reapply for licensure or remain on probation. This route is the new-application branch; compliance with Board probation conditions or removal of restrictions is covered by disciplinary reinstatement.
New application after therapist license expired more than 24 months
Age
At least 18 years of age; provide a driver’s license or birth certificate.
Application
Complete the Board application, photograph, disclosures, attestation and fees; the Board may interview the applicant and request supporting documentation.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprint cards and consent to a criminal history check; the applicant bears its cost. Convictions are evaluated under G.S. 90-629.1 rather than automatically barring licensure.
English Proficiency
Provide satisfactory proof of English proficiency; the Board may assess proficiency in an interview or request TOEFL or an equivalent test under Guideline 1.12. Such language tests are applicant conditions.
Expiration
The prior license expired more than 24 months ago and cannot be renewed; submit a new application under the requirements in force when applying. An applicant eligible for endorsement may instead use the corresponding endorsement pathway.
Moral Character
Good moral character as determined by the Board; submit signed statements from four persons and the disclosures required by 21 NCAC 30 .0201.
Prior Discontinued Examination
Guideline 1.8 and the endorsement instructions accept prior NCETMB, NCETM and NESL-option scores and ABTE scores. These discontinued examinations are conditions, not current examination leaves. For graduates of in-state schools, Guideline 1.8.1 limits the NCBTMB scores to exams passed on or before December 31, 2010; Guideline 1.8.4 accepts the named NCBTMB scores from out-of-state-school graduates. FSMTB’s 2015 official agreement notice ends NCBTMB licensure examinations effective February 1, 2015; NCCAOM’s 2013 report confirms discontinuation of ABT.
Professional Education
Successfully complete at least 650 in-class hours of supervised instruction at a Board-approved school, or a statutorily exempt qualifying college program, with an official transcript. G.S. 90-629(4) and 21 NCAC 30 .0201(b)(5) control the current minimum.
Secondary Education
High school diploma or equivalent; submit documentary proof.
Regular licensure
Age
At least 18 years of age; provide a driver’s license or birth certificate.
Application
Complete the Board application, photograph, disclosures, attestation and fees; the Board may interview the applicant and request supporting documentation.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprint cards and consent to a criminal history check; the applicant bears its cost. Convictions are evaluated under G.S. 90-629.1 rather than automatically barring licensure.
English Proficiency
Provide satisfactory proof of English proficiency; the Board may assess proficiency in an interview or request TOEFL or an equivalent test under Guideline 1.12. Such language tests are applicant conditions.
Moral Character
Good moral character as determined by the Board; submit signed statements from four persons and the disclosures required by 21 NCAC 30 .0201.
Prior Discontinued Examination
Guideline 1.8 and the endorsement instructions accept prior NCETMB, NCETM and NESL-option scores and ABTE scores. These discontinued examinations are conditions, not current examination leaves. For graduates of in-state schools, Guideline 1.8.1 limits the NCBTMB scores to exams passed on or before December 31, 2010; Guideline 1.8.4 accepts the named NCBTMB scores from out-of-state-school graduates. FSMTB’s 2015 official agreement notice ends NCBTMB licensure examinations effective February 1, 2015; NCCAOM’s 2013 report confirms discontinuation of ABT.
Professional Education
Successfully complete at least 650 in-class hours of supervised instruction at a Board-approved school, or a statutorily exempt qualifying college program, with an official transcript. G.S. 90-629(4) and 21 NCAC 30 .0201(b)(5) control the current minimum.
School Approval
Board approval must have been maintained throughout enrollment, or the program must qualify for the statutory exemption under G.S. 90-631(b) or (c).
Secondary Education
High school diploma or equivalent; submit documentary proof.
Reinstatement of expired therapist license within 24 months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Meet the applicable G.S. 90-630.5 continuing education requirement: initial renewal at least 24 approved hours for a licensure period of two years or more, or 12 hours for more than one but less than two years; subsequent renewals at least 24 hours. Under 21 NCAC 30 .0701, include at least three ethics hours, no more than twelve distance-learning hours and no more than eight business-management hours within the 24-hour minimum.
Discretionary CEExtension
Guideline 2.5 permits an extension for documented medical hardship or declared natural disaster; incomplete hours are added to the next licensure period. Rule .0704 permits Board-approved distance learning during a declared emergency.
Expiration
License expired no more than 24 months ago; finish all required CE before reinstatement.
Late Renewal
Board online-renewal instructions require mailed renewal forms, $175 including late penalty, CE certificates, and a letter disclosing practice after expiration.
Renewal Application
Submit the renewal application and $100 fee by December 31 of the expiration year; online instructions require uploaded CE records, moral-character disclosures and affirmation of compliance with the Act and rules.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal of therapist license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Meet the applicable G.S. 90-630.5 continuing education requirement: initial renewal at least 24 approved hours for a licensure period of two years or more, or 12 hours for more than one but less than two years; subsequent renewals at least 24 hours. Under 21 NCAC 30 .0701, include at least three ethics hours, no more than twelve distance-learning hours and no more than eight business-management hours within the 24-hour minimum.
Discretionary CEExtension
Guideline 2.5 permits an extension for documented medical hardship or declared natural disaster; incomplete hours are added to the next licensure period. Rule .0704 permits Board-approved distance learning during a declared emergency.
Renewal Application
Submit the renewal application and $100 fee by December 31 of the expiration year; online instructions require uploaded CE records, moral-character disclosures and affirmation of compliance with the Act and rules.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

North Carolina Jurisprudence Learning Exercise

Provider
North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy
Format
Multiple-choice Jurisprudence Learning Exercise accessed using the application number
Exam questions
30 randomly selected multiple-choice questions
Passing score
100%; all questions must be answered correctly
Exam fee
No fee
Examination outline
  • North Carolina Massage and Bodywork Therapy Practice Act
  • 21 NCAC Chapter 30 — Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy
Examination sources

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