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Ohio 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 (MT)

Ohio license to practice the limited branch of medicine of massage therapy; includes traditional and Chapter 4796 initial issuance and lifecycle routes.

Licensing authority: State Medical Board of Ohio · Application information

Reinstatement at conclusion of definite disciplinary suspension of two years or less
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Order
The Board order imposes a definite suspension; OAC 4731-13-36(C)(1) requires reinstatement at the end of the specified term.
Duration
This route is limited to suspensions of two years or less; longer suspensions are subject to the unresolved restoration and fitness-examination provisions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Reinstatement after nonrenewal for two years or less
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Boundary
R.C. 4731.15(E) includes exactly two years. The Board page says "License reinstatement is applicable if the license has lapsed for less than two years." The statute controls the boundary.
License Lapse
Automatic suspension for failure to renew for no more than two years; submit the renewal application and $125 reinstatement fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Military related renewal of expired license without re examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Not otherwise disqualified due to mental or physical disability; meet the license's renewal requirements and pay the renewal fee; no late fee or re-examination under OAC 4731-36-02(A).
Military Absence
The license expired because of the holder's armed forces service, or the spouse's service causing the holder's absence from Ohio.
Return Evidence
Present evidence of honorable discharge or release within six months.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-31.

Discretionary regular licensure in lieu of military temporary license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Election
Under R.C. 4743.041(C), the Board may issue a regular license in lieu of the temporary one if it meets the section's issuance deadline.
Other Conversion Route
OAC 4731-36-04(J) separately allows holders or former holders of a temporary license to seek ordinary licensure by meeting all ordinary requirements; those requirements are represented by the traditional or Chapter 4796 routes.
Qualifying Credential
Meet the military licensure requirements of R.C. 4743.041(B), including a valid credential elsewhere in good standing, Ohio military duty of the applicant or spouse, and required criminal records checks.
Scope
Practice under a regular license issued under this section is confined to Ohio scope and the holder's training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-03-20.

New licensure application after nonpermanent denial
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
Application
Submit the Board application, attest that information is accurate and truthful, consent to release of information, provide other requested information, and pay the $150 application fee.
Criminal Records Check
Submit fingerprints, required forms and fees for BCI and FBI criminal records checks; results must be delivered to the Board through BCI.
Education
A diploma or certificate showing at least 600 clock hours of massage therapy instruction at a school in Board-determined good standing or an out-of-state school meeting Board standards under R.C. 4731.19(A)(3).
Inactive Practice
Under R.C. 4731.222, the Board may impose additional training, oral or written fitness examinations, skill or physical assessments, and practice limitations if the applicant has not practiced or pursued qualifying education for more than two years; the statute does not identify another exact current examination.
Military Processing
Qualifying service members, veterans, spouses and surviving spouses receive expedited processing under OAC 4731-36-03; OAC 4731-36-01(B)(2) identifies no military education or service equivalence for massage therapy.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years of age.
Prior Board Action
The earlier application was denied nonpermanently; a new application must satisfy all current licensure requirements, and prior violations may be considered.
Secondary Education
High school graduation or its equivalent.
New licensure application after nonpermanent revocation
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
Application
Submit the Board application, attest that information is accurate and truthful, consent to release of information, provide other requested information, and pay the $150 application fee.
Criminal Records Check
Submit fingerprints, required forms and fees for BCI and FBI criminal records checks; results must be delivered to the Board through BCI.
Education
A diploma or certificate showing at least 600 clock hours of massage therapy instruction at a school in Board-determined good standing or an out-of-state school meeting Board standards under R.C. 4731.19(A)(3).
Inactive Practice
Under R.C. 4731.222, the Board may impose additional training, oral or written fitness examinations, skill or physical assessments, and practice limitations if the applicant has not practiced or pursued qualifying education for more than two years; the statute does not identify another exact current examination.
Military Processing
Qualifying service members, veterans, spouses and surviving spouses receive expedited processing under OAC 4731-36-03; OAC 4731-36-01(B)(2) identifies no military education or service equivalence for massage therapy.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years of age.
Prior Board Action
The earlier certificate was revoked nonpermanently; a new application must satisfy all current licensure requirements. Prior violations and disciplinary history may be considered.
Secondary Education
High school graduation or its equivalent.
Reciprocity based on a government certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Credential Duration
Held for at least one year immediately before application unless waived by the Board.
Criminal Records Check
Submit BCI and FBI criminal records checks; a disqualifying criminal offense may preclude ordinary licensure.
Disciplinary History
No surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct related to the profession; pending complaints or investigations must be resolved to the Board's satisfaction.
Fee
Pay the $150 initial application fee under OAC 4731-38-02(C); R.C. 4796.03(E)-(G) applies.
Inactive Practice
If not engaged in practice for more than two years, the Board may impose additional training or unnamed fitness examinations under R.C. 4796.12 and R.C. 4731.222.
Individual Application
Apply individually for a massage therapy license through the Board reciprocity application.
Lower Ranked Exam Wording
OAC 4731-1-12(C) states: "Any person seeking a license to practice massage therapy shall have passed the MBLEx available through the federation of state massage therapy boards." This is recorded as the lower-ranked rule's statement; R.C. 4731.19(A) expressly excepts division (E), which requires Chapter 4796 issuance, and Chapter 4796 permits an Ohio laws-and-rules examination only if otherwise required. The Board separates Reciprocity from its traditional Apply requirements.
Practice Experience
Active practice for at least one of the preceding five years unless waived by the Board.
Prior Qualification
The originating authority required education, training or experience, or passing an examination under R.C. 4796.03(D); that authority's unnamed assessment is a condition.
Qualifying Credential
Individual government certification in the same profession from a jurisdiction or uniformed service that does not issue the occupational license; good standing in all jurisdictions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Reciprocity based on an out of state occupational license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Credential Duration
Held for at least one year immediately before application unless the Board waives this duration.
Criminal Records Check
Submit BCI and FBI criminal records checks; a disqualifying criminal offense may preclude ordinary licensure.
Disciplinary History
No surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct related to the profession; pending complaints or investigations must be resolved to the Board's satisfaction.
Fee
Pay the $150 initial application fee under OAC 4731-38-02(C); R.C. 4796.03(E)-(G) applies.
Inactive Practice
If not engaged in practice for more than two years, the Board may impose additional training or unnamed fitness examinations under R.C. 4796.12 and R.C. 4731.222.
Individual Application
Apply individually for a massage therapy license through the Board reciprocity application.
Lower Ranked Exam Wording
OAC 4731-1-12(C) states: "Any person seeking a license to practice massage therapy shall have passed the MBLEx available through the federation of state massage therapy boards." This is recorded as the lower-ranked rule's statement; R.C. 4731.19(A) expressly excepts division (E), which requires Chapter 4796 issuance, and Chapter 4796 permits an Ohio laws-and-rules examination only if otherwise required. The Board separates Reciprocity from its traditional Apply requirements.
Practice Experience
Active practice for at least one of the five preceding years unless the Board waives this requirement.
Prior Qualification
The originating jurisdiction required minimum education, training or experience, or passing an examination; its unnamed examination is applicant evidence, not an Ohio exam leaf.
Qualifying Credential
A substantially similar occupational license authorizing the same profession; held individually, in good standing in every jurisdiction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Reciprocity based on private certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Credential Duration
Private certification held for at least two years immediately before application unless waived by the Board.
Criminal Records Check
Submit BCI and FBI criminal records checks; a disqualifying criminal offense may preclude ordinary licensure.
Disciplinary History
No surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct related to the profession; pending complaints or investigations must be resolved to the Board's satisfaction.
Fee
Pay the $150 initial application fee under OAC 4731-38-02(C); R.C. 4796.03(E)-(G) applies.
Inactive Practice
If not engaged in practice for more than two years, the Board may impose additional training or unnamed fitness examinations under R.C. 4796.12 and R.C. 4731.222.
Individual Application
Apply individually for a massage therapy license through the Board reciprocity application.
Lower Ranked Exam Wording
OAC 4731-1-12(C) states: "Any person seeking a license to practice massage therapy shall have passed the MBLEx available through the federation of state massage therapy boards." This is recorded as the lower-ranked rule's statement; R.C. 4731.19(A) expressly excepts division (E), which requires Chapter 4796 issuance, and Chapter 4796 permits an Ohio laws-and-rules examination only if otherwise required. The Board separates Reciprocity from its traditional Apply requirements.
Lower Ranked Private Certification Wording
The Board Reciprocity page says private-certification applicants must "Meet the requirements of ORC 4796.03(D)–(G)." R.C. 4796.04(C) requires only divisions (E) to (G); the statutory requirements control.
Practice Experience
Active practice for at least two of the preceding five years in the qualifying nonlicensing jurisdiction unless waived by the Board.
Qualifying Credential
Individual private certification in good standing with the certifying organization, in a jurisdiction that does not issue an occupational license or government certification.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Reciprocity based on work experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Criminal Records Check
Submit BCI and FBI criminal records checks; a disqualifying criminal offense may preclude ordinary licensure.
Disciplinary History
No surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct related to the profession; pending complaints or investigations must be resolved to the Board's satisfaction.
Fee
Pay the $150 initial application fee under OAC 4731-38-02(C); R.C. 4796.03(E)-(G) applies.
Inactive Practice
If not engaged in practice for more than two years, the Board may impose additional training or unnamed fitness examinations under R.C. 4796.12 and R.C. 4731.222.
Individual Application
Apply individually for a massage therapy license through the Board reciprocity application.
Lower Ranked Exam Wording
OAC 4731-1-12(C) states: "Any person seeking a license to practice massage therapy shall have passed the MBLEx available through the federation of state massage therapy boards." This is recorded as the lower-ranked rule's statement; R.C. 4731.19(A) expressly excepts division (E), which requires Chapter 4796 issuance, and Chapter 4796 permits an Ohio laws-and-rules examination only if otherwise required. The Board separates Reciprocity from its traditional Apply requirements.
Practice Experience
Personally practiced the profession for at least three of the five immediately preceding years in a jurisdiction that does not issue an occupational license or government certification, or in the uniformed services; the Board may waive the experience requirement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Biennial license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
On the evaluation date, the Board states that massage therapists have no continuing education requirement for maintenance of Ohio licensure. R.C. 4731.191 takes effect October 6, 2026 and is outside this evaluation.
Existing License
Hold a license that is due for renewal; submit the renewal application and $100 fee for another two-year period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-12-29.

Initial licensure by examination and qualifying education
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
Application
Submit the Board application, attest that information is accurate and truthful, consent to release of information, provide other requested information, and pay the $150 application fee.
Criminal Records Check
Submit fingerprints, required forms and fees for BCI and FBI criminal records checks; results must be delivered to the Board through BCI.
Education
A diploma or certificate showing at least 600 clock hours of massage therapy instruction at a school in Board-determined good standing or an out-of-state school meeting Board standards under R.C. 4731.19(A)(3).
Inactive Practice
Under R.C. 4731.222, the Board may impose additional training, oral or written fitness examinations, skill or physical assessments, and practice limitations if the applicant has not practiced or pursued qualifying education for more than two years; the statute does not identify another exact current examination.
Military Processing
Qualifying service members, veterans, spouses and surviving spouses receive expedited processing under OAC 4731-36-03; OAC 4731-36-01(B)(2) identifies no military education or service equivalence for massage therapy.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years of age.
Secondary Education
High school graduation or its equivalent.
Traditional licensure with five year credential history
Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination
Application
Submit the Board application, attest that information is accurate and truthful, consent to release of information, provide other requested information, and pay the $150 application fee.
Credential History
For the traditional application, OAC 4731-1-15(B)(4) and the Board eligibility page list a current massage therapy license, registration or certificate in good standing elsewhere for the five years immediately preceding application as an education alternative.
Criminal Records Check
Submit fingerprints, required forms and fees for BCI and FBI criminal records checks; results must be delivered to the Board through BCI.
Education
A diploma or certificate showing at least 600 clock hours of massage therapy instruction at a school in Board-determined good standing or an out-of-state school meeting Board standards under R.C. 4731.19(A)(3).
Inactive Practice
Under R.C. 4731.222, the Board may impose additional training, oral or written fitness examinations, skill or physical assessments, and practice limitations if the applicant has not practiced or pursued qualifying education for more than two years; the statute does not identify another exact current examination.
Military Processing
Qualifying service members, veterans, spouses and surviving spouses receive expedited processing under OAC 4731-36-03; OAC 4731-36-01(B)(2) identifies no military education or service equivalence for massage therapy.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years of age.
Secondary Education
High school graduation or its equivalent.
Statutory Education
R.C. 4731.19(A)(3) still specifies a qualifying diploma or certificate and 600 clock hours for an application under division (A); the lower-ranked rule and Board page list the five-year credential alternative. Chapter 4796 reciprocity is a separate statutory pathway.

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