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Oregon Massage Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licensed Massage Therapist

Ordinary Oregon license to practice massage, with education, credentialing-review, state-indorsement and health-indorsement pathways.

Licensing authority: Oregon State Board of Massage Therapists · Application information

Biennial renewal of active license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
25 hours each renewal period: at least eight supervised hours, including four in ethics/boundaries/communication, and at least one cultural-competency hour. Complete the OPMC pain-management module once by the next required CE reporting; retain CE records for five years.
Cpr
Provide current BLS Healthcare Providers CPR certification or its equivalent.
Documentation
Submit renewal forms, current licensing fee, any late fee, CE declaration/proof, workforce survey information under ORS 676.410, law-compliance acknowledgment and any other Board-requested documents.
Existing License
Hold an active Oregon massage license.
First Renewal Exception
The first subsequent renewal following initial licensure is exempt from CE under OAR 334-010-0050(7).
Renewal Cycle
Biennial expiration on the last day of the birth month in even or odd years matching birth-year parity; submit the application by the first day of the expiration month to avoid delinquency charges.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure through credentialing review

All of the following:

Application
Complete Board-prescribed forms, pay application, fingerprint-processing and initial-licensing fees, and supply required documents within 12 months of the initial application.
Background Check
Submit electronic fingerprints for a criminal background check; disclose arrests, convictions, professional discipline, license surrender, and relevant impairment and furnish the Board-requested explanatory records.
Cpr
Provide current American Heart Association Basic Life Support Healthcare Providers certification or its equivalent, with expiration date.
Discontinued Exam Scores
The Board still names NCBTMB Therapeutic Massage (TM) and Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (TMB) licensing examinations. FSMTB’s official 2014 meeting minutes record NCBTMB’s discontinuation of licensing examinations effective November 1, 2014. Previously earned scores remain applicant evidence, not current-exam leaves.
Education Review
Of the 200 health-science hours, at least 120 certified instruction and up to 80 supervised continuing-education hours; of the 300 massage hours, at least 140 certified instruction, up to 120 supervised CE and up to 40 practical-work hours; of the additional 125 hours, up to 75 supervised CE hours.
Experience
At least the previous three years of legal massage/bodywork practice, with Board credentialing-review approval.
Identity
Provide valid government photo identification and a current passport-style photograph.
Law Acknowledgment
Sign that the applicant has read, understands and will comply with current ORS 687, OAR 334 and Board policy statements.
Licensing Payment Window
Submit application and licensing payment within one year of notification of passage of the qualifying examination under ORS 687.051(1)(f).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age under ORS 687.051(1)(b).
Moral Character
Meet good moral character and safe, competent practice requirements under ORS 687.051(2)-(3).
Other Approved National Examinations
ORS 687.051(1)(e) authorizes acceptance of another Board-approved national standardized examination; a slot with no identified currently offered examination remains an applicant condition.
References
Provide three personal references who do not reside with the applicant, including their contact information.
Review Documentation
Use Board-approved credentialing-review and work-experience forms, official transcripts/certificates, the review fee, and other Board-requested documentation.
Score Delivery
National examination results must be sent directly by the examination provider.
Unregistered National Alternative
The Board accepts the currently offered Certification Examination for Structural Integration (CESI), administered by CBSI, as an alternative national written examination. No CESI version is supplied in sharedExamContext or knownRegistrations; the page must retain this alternative as a condition until nationwide registration.
Licensure by health indorsement

All of the following:

Application
Complete Board-prescribed forms, pay application, fingerprint-processing and initial-licensing fees, and supply required documents within 12 months of the initial application.
Background Check
Submit electronic fingerprints for a criminal background check; disclose arrests, convictions, professional discipline, license surrender, and relevant impairment and furnish the Board-requested explanatory records.
Cpr
Provide current American Heart Association Basic Life Support Healthcare Providers certification or its equivalent, with expiration date.
Education
Document at least 300 hours in massage theory/practical application, clinical practice, business development, communication, ethics and sanitation; kinesiology and hydrotherapy may be included.
Existing Oregon Health License
Hold an active Oregon license in good standing in a Board-approved health-related field whose scope includes massage.
Identity
Provide valid government photo identification and a current passport-style photograph.
Law Acknowledgment
Sign that the applicant has read, understands and will comply with current ORS 687, OAR 334 and Board policy statements.
License Verification
Supply the current health license and verification from its issuing authority.
Licensing Payment Window
Submit application and licensing payment within one year of notification of passage of the qualifying examination under ORS 687.051(1)(f).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age under ORS 687.051(1)(b).
Moral Character
Meet good moral character and safe, competent practice requirements under ORS 687.051(2)-(3).
Practical Exam Timing
Pass the practical examination within 24 months of initial application; three or more failures may lead to a Board-approved remediation plan.
References
Provide three personal references who do not reside with the applicant, including their contact information.
Written Exam Exception
OAR 334-010-0015(5) expressly substitutes the practical examination for the national written examination for health-indorsement applicants.
Reactivation from inactive status: more than one biennium
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reactivation application, current licensing fee and law-compliance acknowledgment.
Background Check
Complete electronic fingerprints for criminal background check.
Continuing Education
Submit proof of 50 hours including at least 16 supervised hours, eight supervised ethics/boundaries/communication hours, and one cultural-competency hour.
Cpr
Provide current BLS Healthcare Providers certification or equivalent.
Prior Status
Inactive Oregon massage license for more than one biennium.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation from inactive status: no more than one biennium
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reactivation application, current licensing fee and law-compliance acknowledgment.
Background Check
Complete electronic fingerprints for criminal background check.
Continuing Education
Submit proof of 25 hours including at least eight supervised hours, four supervised ethics/boundaries/communication hours, and one cultural-competency hour.
Cpr
Provide current BLS Healthcare Providers certification or equivalent.
Prior Status
Inactive Oregon massage license for no more than one biennium.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by education and examination

All of the following:

Application
Complete Board-prescribed forms, pay application, fingerprint-processing and initial-licensing fees, and supply required documents within 12 months of the initial application.
Background Check
Submit electronic fingerprints for a criminal background check; disclose arrests, convictions, professional discipline, license surrender, and relevant impairment and furnish the Board-requested explanatory records.
Cpr
Provide current American Heart Association Basic Life Support Healthcare Providers certification or its equivalent, with expiration date.
Discontinued Exam Scores
The Board still names NCBTMB Therapeutic Massage (TM) and Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (TMB) licensing examinations. FSMTB’s official 2014 meeting minutes record NCBTMB’s discontinuation of licensing examinations effective November 1, 2014. Previously earned scores remain applicant evidence, not current-exam leaves.
Education
625 certified-class hours: at least 200 in anatomy/physiology, pathology and kinesiology; at least 300 in massage theory and practical application, clinical practice, business development, communication/ethics and sanitation; 125 additional hours in the permitted subjects. Hydrotherapy may count. Transcripts must document the OAR 334-010-0047 competencies.
Identity
Provide valid government photo identification and a current passport-style photograph.
Law Acknowledgment
Sign that the applicant has read, understands and will comply with current ORS 687, OAR 334 and Board policy statements.
Licensing Payment Window
Submit application and licensing payment within one year of notification of passage of the qualifying examination under ORS 687.051(1)(f).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age under ORS 687.051(1)(b).
Moral Character
Meet good moral character and safe, competent practice requirements under ORS 687.051(2)-(3).
Other Approved National Examinations
ORS 687.051(1)(e) authorizes acceptance of another Board-approved national standardized examination; a slot with no identified currently offered examination remains an applicant condition.
References
Provide three personal references who do not reside with the applicant, including their contact information.
Score Delivery
National examination results must be sent directly by the examination provider.
Unregistered National Alternative
The Board accepts the currently offered Certification Examination for Structural Integration (CESI), administered by CBSI, as an alternative national written examination. No CESI version is supplied in sharedExamContext or knownRegistrations; the page must retain this alternative as a condition until nationwide registration.
Reactivation of lapsed license: Less than 24 months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the reactivation application and sign the current-law compliance statement.
Background Check
Complete electronic fingerprint criminal background check.
Continuing Education
Submit proof of 25 hours, including four supervised hours in professional ethics, boundaries or communication; first subsequent renewal after initial licensure is exempt under OAR 334-010-0017(7).
Cpr
Provide current BLS Healthcare Providers CPR certification or equivalent.
Exact24Month Boundary
OAR 334-010-0017(3) says less than 24 months and (4) says more than 24 months; an exact 24-month case must be resolved with the Board. This does not identify an additional examination.
Fees
Pay current activation, late fees and, where specified, licensing fees for prior lapsed periods.
Prior Status
Lapsed Oregon massage license: Less than 24 months.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of lapsed license: More than 24 months and less than 36 months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the reactivation application and sign the current-law compliance statement.
Background Check
Complete electronic fingerprint criminal background check.
Continuing Education
Submit proof of 50 hours, including eight supervised hours in professional ethics, boundaries or communication; first subsequent renewal after initial licensure is exempt under OAR 334-010-0017(7).
Cpr
Provide current BLS Healthcare Providers CPR certification or equivalent.
Exact24Month Boundary
OAR 334-010-0017(3) says less than 24 months and (4) says more than 24 months; an exact 24-month case must be resolved with the Board. This does not identify an additional examination.
Fees
Pay current activation, late fees and, where specified, licensing fees for prior lapsed periods.
Prior Status
Lapsed Oregon massage license: More than 24 months and less than 36 months.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of lapsed license: 36 months or more
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the reactivation application and sign the current-law compliance statement.
Background Check
Complete electronic fingerprint criminal background check.
Continuing Education
Submit proof of 50 hours, including eight supervised hours in professional ethics, boundaries or communication; first subsequent renewal after initial licensure is exempt under OAR 334-010-0017(7).
Cpr
Provide current BLS Healthcare Providers CPR certification or equivalent.
Fees
Pay current activation, late fees and, where specified, licensing fees for prior lapsed periods.
Initial Education
Meet the initial education requirements expressly listed in OAR 334-010-0005(4)(a)-(d). OAR 334-010-0017(5) points to that education subsection; it does not incorporate the separate initial examination provision.
Prior Status
Lapsed Oregon massage license: 36 months or more.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion of military spouse temporary license to permanent licensure

All of the following:

Application
Complete Board-prescribed forms, pay application, fingerprint-processing and initial-licensing fees, and supply required documents within 12 months of the initial application.
Background Check
Submit electronic fingerprints for a criminal background check; disclose arrests, convictions, professional discipline, license surrender, and relevant impairment and furnish the Board-requested explanatory records.
Conversion Qualifications
Submit the application, fees, OAR 334-010-0005(1)-(10) materials, and evidence meeting massage licensure qualifications including examinations; Board acceptance and approval are required.
Cpr
Provide current American Heart Association Basic Life Support Healthcare Providers certification or its equivalent, with expiration date.
Discontinued Exam Scores
The Board still names NCBTMB Therapeutic Massage (TM) and Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (TMB) licensing examinations. FSMTB’s official 2014 meeting minutes record NCBTMB’s discontinuation of licensing examinations effective November 1, 2014. Previously earned scores remain applicant evidence, not current-exam leaves.
Identity
Provide valid government photo identification and a current passport-style photograph.
Law Acknowledgment
Sign that the applicant has read, understands and will comply with current ORS 687, OAR 334 and Board policy statements.
Licensing Payment Window
Submit application and licensing payment within one year of notification of passage of the qualifying examination under ORS 687.051(1)(f).
Military Relationship
Supply a marriage certificate or domestic-partnership registration and official active-duty assignment to an Oregon duty station.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age under ORS 687.051(1)(b).
Moral Character
Meet good moral character and safe, competent practice requirements under ORS 687.051(2)-(3).
Other Approved National Examinations
ORS 687.051(1)(e) authorizes acceptance of another Board-approved national standardized examination; a slot with no identified currently offered examination remains an applicant condition.
Other Authorization
Show current authorization in another state or territory without massage-related disciplinary action.
Recent Practice
Show at least one year of providing massage services or teaching during the three years before application.
References
Provide three personal references who do not reside with the applicant, including their contact information.
Score Delivery
National examination results must be sent directly by the examination provider.
Temporary License
Already hold the military-spouse or domestic-partner temporary massage license and apply before its two-year limit.
Unregistered National Alternative
The Board accepts the currently offered Certification Examination for Structural Integration (CESI), administered by CBSI, as an alternative national written examination. No CESI version is supplied in sharedExamContext or knownRegistrations; the page must retain this alternative as a condition until nationwide registration.
Licensure by state indorsement or reciprocity

All of the following:

Application
Complete Board-prescribed forms, pay application, fingerprint-processing and initial-licensing fees, and supply required documents within 12 months of the initial application.
Background Check
Submit electronic fingerprints for a criminal background check; disclose arrests, convictions, professional discipline, license surrender, and relevant impairment and furnish the Board-requested explanatory records.
Cpr
Provide current American Heart Association Basic Life Support Healthcare Providers certification or its equivalent, with expiration date.
Discontinued Exam Scores
The Board still names NCBTMB Therapeutic Massage (TM) and Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (TMB) licensing examinations. FSMTB’s official 2014 meeting minutes record NCBTMB’s discontinuation of licensing examinations effective November 1, 2014. Previously earned scores remain applicant evidence, not current-exam leaves.
Existing License
Hold a valid massage license or permit from another jurisdiction whose requirements meet or exceed Oregon’s; the Board determines eligibility. Foreign authorization or another jurisdiction’s examination is applicant evidence, never an Oregon exam leaf.
Identity
Provide valid government photo identification and a current passport-style photograph.
Law Acknowledgment
Sign that the applicant has read, understands and will comply with current ORS 687, OAR 334 and Board policy statements.
Licensing Payment Window
Submit application and licensing payment within one year of notification of passage of the qualifying examination under ORS 687.051(1)(f).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age under ORS 687.051(1)(b).
Moral Character
Meet good moral character and safe, competent practice requirements under ORS 687.051(2)-(3).
Other Approved National Examinations
ORS 687.051(1)(e) authorizes acceptance of another Board-approved national standardized examination; a slot with no identified currently offered examination remains an applicant condition.
Reciprocity Agreement
The Board may license under a reciprocal agreement when the other jurisdiction’s qualifications and standards are not less than Oregon’s under ORS 687.054(3).
References
Provide three personal references who do not reside with the applicant, including their contact information.
Score Delivery
National examination results must be sent directly by the examination provider.
Specific Indorsement Rule
OAR 334-010-0008(1) states: (1) State Indorsement: The Board may grant a license by state indorsement, upon successful completion of the jurisprudence exam, without any additional examination to any applicant who holds a valid license or permit to practice massage from another jurisdiction if the requirements of that licensing authority meet or exceed the requirements established in Oregon. OAR 334-010-0015(5) separately requires initial applicants to have passed a Board-approved written examination, except health indorsement. The currently offered named national examination remains a leaf; the applicant may be excused from taking any additional examination under the specific indorsement rule.
Unregistered National Alternative
The Board accepts the currently offered Certification Examination for Structural Integration (CESI), administered by CBSI, as an alternative national written examination. No CESI version is supplied in sharedExamContext or knownRegistrations; the page must retain this alternative as a condition until nationwide registration.

Oregon Massage Therapy Jurisprudence (Law) Examination

Provider
Oregon State Board of Massage Therapists
Format
Online, multiple-choice, open-book
Exam questions
25 questions
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • ORS Chapter 687 — Massage Therapists: ORS 687.011 to 687.250, 687.895 and 687.991
  • OAR Chapter 334, Division 1 — Procedural Rules
  • OAR Chapter 334, Division 10 — Massage Licensing
  • OAR Chapter 334, Division 20 — Sanitation, Facility and Building Requirements
  • OAR Chapter 334, Division 30 — Ethical Standards
  • OAR Chapter 334, Division 40 — Complaints and Discipline
  • ORS Chapter 676 — Health Professions Generally
  • ORS Chapter 419B — Juvenile Code: Dependency
Examination sources

Practical Exam for Indorsement

Examination outline
  • Knowledge
    • Massage and bodywork assessment and application
    • Anatomy
    • Physiology
    • Kinesiology
    • Pathology
    • Legal and business requirements
    • Ethical principles
    • Basic CPR
  • Practical skills application
    • Fundamental techniques of soft tissue manipulation and treatment; thermal modalities; topical preparations; mechanical assistance devices and appliances; other applications available to the public; movements and exercises that lengthen and shorten soft tissues within the normal range of the client
    • Fundamental principles of body mechanics in the application of massage and bodywork
    • Locating muscle attachments and bellies
    • Draping/coverage practices that address both function and safety
  • Demonstrating Treatment and Business skills
    • Developing and utilizing treatment plans addressing client conditions and concerns: indications and contraindications, informed consent regarding risks and benefits, application and modification of the treatment plan
    • Using effective verbal and non-verbal interpersonal communication
    • Tracking the client’s non-verbal communication and adjusting treatment plan as indicated
    • Utilizing an ethical decision making process
    • Establishing and maintaining a practice environment that provides for the client’s safety and comfort
    • Establishing and maintaining professional business records
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