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Texas Massage Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

US-TX · License preparation

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Massage Therapist License

Licensing authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation · Application information

Licensure by out of state credentials
Alternative Licensing Exam
The May 2026 application (qualification 1030) accepts MBLEx or another state's licensing examination. Other-state examinations are applicant conditions, not Texas examination leaves. The transfer webpage asks for the other examination's scores and dates for individual evaluation.
Application
Submit the TDLR application, required official transcripts and examination results, and $100 fee unless a statutory military fee waiver applies.
Bcetmb
TDLR expressly states that the current BCETMB is not an acceptable licensing examination.
Criminal And Disciplinary History
Report criminal history and professional disciplinary actions and submit the applicable questionnaires.
Education
Supply official transcripts and school course descriptions demonstrating the 500-hour educational requirements. TDLR evaluates experience and credentials individually.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints for a national criminal history review; statutory ineligibility and criminal-history review apply under §§455.152 and 455.1525.
Jurisprudence
Submit proof of successfully passing Texas massage jurisprudence.
License
Hold a current massage license in good standing from another state, territory or foreign country; supply the license and verification letter with identity, number, original issue date, standing and licensing authority contact details.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under Texas Occupations Code §455.156(b)(3).
Previous Mblex
A previously passed MBLEx remains an examination leaf; send results to TDLR using the result transfer process.
Source Disagreement
The transfer webpage lists MBLEx and jurisprudence, while the same-rank May 2026 application also accepts another state's licensing examination: "I have completed a 500 or 500+ hour course, I am currently licensed in another state in good standing, and I have taken and passed the MBLEx or another state's licensing exam. Attach MBLEx or state examination results. (1030)". MBLEx is retained as a leaf with the alternative stated here.
Initial licensure by examination
Application
Submit the TDLR application, required official transcripts and examination results, and $100 fee unless a statutory military fee waiver applies.
Bcetmb
TDLR expressly states that the current BCETMB is not an acceptable licensing examination.
Criminal And Disciplinary History
Report criminal history and professional disciplinary actions and submit the applicable questionnaires.
Education
Complete at least 500 supervised hours: 200 massage techniques and theory (including 125 Swedish), 50 anatomy, 25 physiology, 50 kinesiology, 40 pathology, 20 hydrotherapy, 45 law/business/ethics, 20 health/hygiene/first aid/universal precautions/CPR, and 50 internship hours (§455.156). Statute allows distance instruction for subjects in §455.156(b)(1)(B)-(H).
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints for a national criminal history review; statutory ineligibility and criminal-history review apply under §§455.152 and 455.1525.
Jurisprudence Exception
Applicants taking the Texas Massage Therapist Examination do not take jurisprudence separately because law and rules are included. Applicants using MBLEx must pass jurisprudence separately.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under Texas Occupations Code §455.156(b)(3).
School Documentation
Supply official certified transcripts. Statute permits qualifying massage instructors, schools and state-approved educational institutions; TDLR initial page says 500 hours at a Texas licensed school, while its examination page also accepts college or out-of-state education.
Score Age
Unlicensed initial applicants must have passed an acceptable licensing examination within the last two years according to the TDLR examination page.
Late renewal after 90 days and before 18 months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete 12 hours of approved or recognized continuing education and HHSC-approved human trafficking prevention training.
Criminal History
Comply with applicable criminal-history and fingerprinting requirements stated on the TDLR renewal page.
Existing License
Hold the corresponding Texas license; do not practice or operate while expired.
Expiration
Expired more than 90 days but less than 18 months.
Late Fee
Pay twice the normal renewal fee.
Renewal Application
Submit the renewal application and the applicable renewal fee.
Renewal Fee
$75.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within 90 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete 12 hours of approved or recognized continuing education and HHSC-approved human trafficking prevention training.
Criminal History
Comply with applicable criminal-history and fingerprinting requirements stated on the TDLR renewal page.
Existing License
Hold the corresponding Texas license; do not practice or operate while expired.
Expiration
Expired for no more than 90 days.
Late Fee
Pay 1.5 times the normal renewal fee.
Renewal Application
Submit the renewal application and the applicable renewal fee.
Renewal Fee
$75.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Executive approved late renewal from 18 months to under three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete 12 hours of approved or recognized continuing education and HHSC-approved human trafficking prevention training.
Criminal History
Comply with applicable criminal-history and fingerprinting requirements stated on the TDLR renewal page.
Executive Approval
Obtain executive-director approval and pay twice the normal renewal fee.
Existing License
Hold the corresponding Texas license; do not practice or operate while expired.
Expiration
Expired at least 18 months but less than three years.
Renewal Application
Submit the renewal application and the applicable renewal fee.
Renewal Fee
$75.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military late renewal after expiration during active duty
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply by mail with renewal requirements, regular renewal fee and military documentation.
Benefits
Two additional years, no late renewal fee, expedited handling and no licensing examination.
Eligibility
License expired while the servicemember was on active duty; renewal within the TDLR five-year window.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military licensure by out of state credentials
Alternative Licensing Exam
The May 2026 application (qualification 1030) accepts MBLEx or another state's licensing examination. Other-state examinations are applicant conditions, not Texas examination leaves. The transfer webpage asks for the other examination's scores and dates for individual evaluation.
Application
Submit the TDLR application, required official transcripts and examination results, and $100 fee unless a statutory military fee waiver applies.
Bcetmb
TDLR expressly states that the current BCETMB is not an acceptable licensing examination.
Criminal And Disciplinary History
Report criminal history and professional disciplinary actions and submit the applicable questionnaires.
Discretion
The executive director may waive any prerequisite after reviewing credentials under §55.004(b). TDLR transfer instructions say: "You may be required to successfully complete any exams that are part of the license requirements."
Education
Supply official transcripts and school course descriptions demonstrating the 500-hour educational requirements. TDLR evaluates experience and credentials individually.
Fee Waiver
State-paid application and examination fees are waived under §55.009.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints for a national criminal history review; statutory ineligibility and criminal-history review apply under §§455.152 and 455.1525.
Jurisprudence
Submit proof of successfully passing Texas massage jurisprudence.
License
Hold a current massage license in good standing from another state, territory or foreign country; supply the license and verification letter with identity, number, original issue date, standing and licensing authority contact details.
Military Status
Military service member, veteran or spouse; document military status, marriage if applicable, and a current similar-scope out-of-state license in good standing.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under Texas Occupations Code §455.156(b)(3).
Previous Mblex
A previously passed MBLEx remains an examination leaf; send results to TDLR using the result transfer process.
Source Disagreement
The transfer webpage lists MBLEx and jurisprudence, while the same-rank May 2026 application also accepts another state's licensing examination: "I have completed a 500 or 500+ hour course, I am currently licensed in another state in good standing, and I have taken and passed the MBLEx or another state's licensing exam. Attach MBLEx or state examination results. (1030)". MBLEx is retained as a leaf with the alternative stated here.
Initial licensure using military training and experience
Application
Submit the TDLR application, required official transcripts and examination results, and $100 fee unless a statutory military fee waiver applies.
Bcetmb
TDLR expressly states that the current BCETMB is not an acceptable licensing examination.
Criminal And Disciplinary History
Report criminal history and professional disciplinary actions and submit the applicable questionnaires.
Education
Complete at least 500 supervised hours: 200 massage techniques and theory (including 125 Swedish), 50 anatomy, 25 physiology, 50 kinesiology, 40 pathology, 20 hydrotherapy, 45 law/business/ethics, 20 health/hygiene/first aid/universal precautions/CPR, and 50 internship hours (§455.156). Statute allows distance instruction for subjects in §455.156(b)(1)(B)-(H).
Fee Waiver
State-paid application and examination fees are waived under §55.009.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints for a national criminal history review; statutory ineligibility and criminal-history review apply under §§455.152 and 455.1525.
Jurisprudence Exception
Applicants taking the Texas Massage Therapist Examination do not take jurisprudence separately because law and rules are included. Applicants using MBLEx must pass jurisprudence separately.
Military Status
Military service member or veteran; verified relevant military service, training or education is credited toward non-examination licensing requirements under §55.007.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under Texas Occupations Code §455.156(b)(3).
School Documentation
Supply official certified transcripts. Statute permits qualifying massage instructors, schools and state-approved educational institutions; TDLR initial page says 500 hours at a Texas licensed school, while its examination page also accepts college or out-of-state education.
Score Age
Unlicensed initial applicants must have passed an acceptable licensing examination within the last two years according to the TDLR examination page.
Military license held within the preceding five years
Application
Submit the TDLR application, required official transcripts and examination results, and $100 fee unless a statutory military fee waiver applies.
Bcetmb
TDLR expressly states that the current BCETMB is not an acceptable licensing examination.
Criminal And Disciplinary History
Report criminal history and professional disciplinary actions and submit the applicable questionnaires.
Education
Complete at least 500 supervised hours: 200 massage techniques and theory (including 125 Swedish), 50 anatomy, 25 physiology, 50 kinesiology, 40 pathology, 20 hydrotherapy, 45 law/business/ethics, 20 health/hygiene/first aid/universal precautions/CPR, and 50 internship hours (§455.156). Statute allows distance instruction for subjects in §455.156(b)(1)(B)-(H).
Eligibility
Military service member or veteran who held the same Texas license within five years; §55.004(a)(2).
Exam Waiver
The TDLR military renewal page states: "You will not be required to take a licensing exam". Its Step 4 states: "If your license did not expire while you were on active duty, and your license is expired more than 3 years, you must meet the initial requirements for a new license, including taking any required examination(s)." Same-rank conflicting instructions retain the currently offered examinations; applicant-specific waiver is a condition.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints for a national criminal history review; statutory ineligibility and criminal-history review apply under §§455.152 and 455.1525.
Jurisprudence Exception
Applicants taking the Texas Massage Therapist Examination do not take jurisprudence separately because law and rules are included. Applicants using MBLEx must pass jurisprudence separately.
Military Documents
Apply by mail with proof of military or veteran status and the military supplemental form.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under Texas Occupations Code §455.156(b)(3).
School Documentation
Supply official certified transcripts. Statute permits qualifying massage instructors, schools and state-approved educational institutions; TDLR initial page says 500 hours at a Texas licensed school, while its examination page also accepts college or out-of-state education.
Score Age
Unlicensed initial applicants must have passed an acceptable licensing examination within the last two years according to the TDLR examination page.
Military spouse late renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
The same Texas license was held within five years and expired within five years while the spouse served on active duty.
Exam Waiver
TDLR states no licensing examination is required for this qualifying renewal.
Renewal
Apply by mail; include military orders, proof of marriage, applicable late fee and other renewal requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New original license after expiration
Application
Submit the TDLR application, required official transcripts and examination results, and $100 fee unless a statutory military fee waiver applies.
Bcetmb
TDLR expressly states that the current BCETMB is not an acceptable licensing examination.
Criminal And Disciplinary History
Report criminal history and professional disciplinary actions and submit the applicable questionnaires.
Education
Complete at least 500 supervised hours: 200 massage techniques and theory (including 125 Swedish), 50 anatomy, 25 physiology, 50 kinesiology, 40 pathology, 20 hydrotherapy, 45 law/business/ethics, 20 health/hygiene/first aid/universal precautions/CPR, and 50 internship hours (§455.156). Statute allows distance instruction for subjects in §455.156(b)(1)(B)-(H).
Expiration
License expired for at least 18 months and not approved for extended late renewal, or otherwise outside the renewal window; comply with original-license requirements under §51.401(d).
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints for a national criminal history review; statutory ineligibility and criminal-history review apply under §§455.152 and 455.1525.
Jurisprudence Exception
Applicants taking the Texas Massage Therapist Examination do not take jurisprudence separately because law and rules are included. Applicants using MBLEx must pass jurisprudence separately.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under Texas Occupations Code §455.156(b)(3).
School Documentation
Supply official certified transcripts. Statute permits qualifying massage instructors, schools and state-approved educational institutions; TDLR initial page says 500 hours at a Texas licensed school, while its examination page also accepts college or out-of-state education.
Score Age
Unlicensed initial applicants must have passed an acceptable licensing examination within the last two years according to the TDLR examination page.
New original license after revocation
Application
Submit the TDLR application, required official transcripts and examination results, and $100 fee unless a statutory military fee waiver applies.
Bcetmb
TDLR expressly states that the current BCETMB is not an acceptable licensing examination.
Criminal And Disciplinary History
Report criminal history and professional disciplinary actions and submit the applicable questionnaires.
Education
Complete at least 500 supervised hours: 200 massage techniques and theory (including 125 Swedish), 50 anatomy, 25 physiology, 50 kinesiology, 40 pathology, 20 hydrotherapy, 45 law/business/ethics, 20 health/hygiene/first aid/universal precautions/CPR, and 50 internship hours (§455.156). Statute allows distance instruction for subjects in §455.156(b)(1)(B)-(H).
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints for a national criminal history review; statutory ineligibility and criminal-history review apply under §§455.152 and 455.1525.
Jurisprudence Exception
Applicants taking the Texas Massage Therapist Examination do not take jurisprudence separately because law and rules are included. Applicants using MBLEx must pass jurisprudence separately.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old under Texas Occupations Code §455.156(b)(3).
Revocation Eligibility
Ordinarily wait until one year after revocation; earlier application is permitted when revocation was solely for failure to pay an administrative penalty and the penalty is fully paid or an approved payment plan is in good standing. Statutory permanent ineligibility continues to apply.
School Documentation
Supply official certified transcripts. Statute permits qualifying massage instructors, schools and state-approved educational institutions; TDLR initial page says 500 hours at a Texas licensed school, while its examination page also accepts college or out-of-state education.
Score Age
Unlicensed initial applicants must have passed an acceptable licensing examination within the last two years according to the TDLR examination page.
Biennial renewal of Massage Therapist license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete 12 hours of approved or recognized continuing education and HHSC-approved human trafficking prevention training.
Criminal History
Comply with applicable criminal-history and fingerprinting requirements stated on the TDLR renewal page.
Existing License
Hold the corresponding Texas license; do not practice or operate while expired.
Renewal Application
Submit the renewal application and the applicable renewal fee.
Renewal Fee
$75.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return after licensed practice outside Texas
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete 12 hours of approved or recognized continuing education and HHSC-approved human trafficking prevention training.
Criminal History
Comply with applicable criminal-history and fingerprinting requirements stated on the TDLR renewal page.
Exemption
Section 51.401(e) expressly authorizes a new license without reexamination.
Existing License
Hold the corresponding Texas license; do not practice or operate while expired.
Fee
Pay twice the normal renewal fee.
Prior Texas License
Previously licensed in Texas, moved away, and currently licensed and practicing in another state for the two years immediately before application.
Renewal Application
Submit the renewal application and the applicable renewal fee.
Renewal Fee
$75.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Texas Massage Therapist Jurisprudence Examination

Provider
eStrategy Solutions
Format
Online jurisprudence examination
Exam fee
$34.00
Practice scope

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

  • Texas Occupations Code Chapter 455 — Massage Therapy
  • Texas Occupations Code Chapter 51 — Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
  • 16 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 117 — Massage Therapy
  • 16 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 60 — Procedural Rules of the Commission and the Department
  • 16 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 55 — Rules for Administrative Services
Examination sources

Texas Massage Therapist Examination

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
Computer-based, closed book
Exam questions
100 scored items and 10 non-scored items
Time limit
150 minutes for scored items plus 15 minutes for non-scored items
Passing score
70% correct
Exam fee
$60
Examination outline
  • Swedish Massage Therapy Techniques and Theory (38%)
    • Contraindications
    • Practice of Manipulation of Soft Tissue
    • Massage Therapy Techniques
    • Consultation (the Interview)
    • Effects and Benefits
    • Client Preparation and Draping
    • Products
  • Anatomy (12%)
  • Kinesiology (12%)
  • Pathology (11%)
  • Health, Hygiene, and Universal Precautions (4%)
  • Physiology (6%)
  • Hydrotherapy (4%)
  • Laws and Rules (8%)
    • Responsibilities of the Licensee
    • Consultation (the Document)
  • Ethics (5%)
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