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Utah 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.

Restricted or Probationary Massage Therapist License

The Division may impose monitoring, supervision or reasonable restrictions when qualifications otherwise appear met but applicant conduct warrants conditions under 58-1-304.

Licensing authority: Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), with the Board of Massage Therapy and Acupuncture

Restricted or probationary initial licensure
Application
Submit the DOPL application and applicable fee; provide identity and qualifying-questionnaire disclosures.
Background check
Consent to and complete the fingerprint-based criminal background check, satisfy the Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history.
Conditional processing
R156-1-308f allows conditional issuance, renewal or reinstatement during an audit, investigation or inspection; its completion determines the conditional license expiration.
Conduct
Applicant appears to meet initial licensure qualifications but has unlawful, unprofessional or other relevant conduct. The Division determines restrictions necessary to protect the public; the issuance is a reviewable partial denial.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Safety training
Complete the Table 5 education on universal standard precautions (2 hours), history/intake (4 hours), and physical/professional boundaries (4 hours) when 58-47b-302 requires it.
Restricted or probationary renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Qualification
Meet applicable ordinary renewal qualifications and comply with the order or reasonable restrictions imposed by the Division.
Training limit
If a trainee or apprentice, only a statutory hardship extension with supervisor written consent is available.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Massage Therapist License

Discretionary temporary license under 58-1-303; the underlying professional scope and qualifications apply.

Licensing authority: Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), with the Board of Massage Therapy and Acupuncture

Temporary license for emergency
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Division finding
Division and Board determine that the temporary license is necessary or justified by an emergency or government-caused unusual public-health circumstance.
Prior license
License elsewhere obtained under requirements equal to or greater than Utah requirements at that time.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary license for observed practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Division finding
Division and Board determine that the temporary license is necessary or justified by a need to observe monitored or supervised practice before granting or denying the ordinary license.
Prior license
License elsewhere obtained under requirements equal to or greater than Utah requirements at that time.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary licensure pending examination
Application
Submit the DOPL application and applicable fee; provide identity and qualifying-questionnaire disclosures.
Background check
Consent to and complete the fingerprint-based criminal background check, satisfy the Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history.
Conditional processing
R156-1-308f allows conditional issuance, renewal or reinstatement during an audit, investigation or inspection; its completion determines the conditional license expiration.
Expiry
The license expires on release of official results if the applicant fails. No more than three consecutive temporary licenses under this ground within the three years after the first issuance.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Qualification
Meet every license requirement except passing an examination; take the next available required examination.
Safety training
Complete the Table 5 education on universal standard precautions (2 hours), history/intake (4 hours), and physical/professional boundaries (4 hours) when 58-47b-302 requires it.
Temporary license for service shortage
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Division finding
Division and Board determine that the temporary license is necessary or justified by a shortage materially threatening public health, safety or welfare.
Prior license
License elsewhere obtained under requirements equal to or greater than Utah requirements at that time.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary license to teach or assist a Utah licensee
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Prior license
Hold a license elsewhere and be in Utah temporarily to teach or assist a Utah resident licensed in the profession; Division approval is discretionary.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Massage Therapist

Full massage services without supervision under 58-47b-301(5)(a)(iv). R156-1-305(1) is the defining exhaustive list of inactive classifications and does not authorize inactive massage licensure; 58-81-102(2) defines the retired volunteer license professions and does not include massage therapy.

Licensing authority: Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), with the Board of Massage Therapy and Acupuncture · Application information

Relicensure after surrender not in good standing
Application
Submit the DOPL application and applicable fee; provide identity and qualifying-questionnaire disclosures.
Background check
Consent to and complete the fingerprint-based criminal background check, satisfy the Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history.
Case specific assessment
Any additional examination not identified in the disciplinary order is an applicant condition; this route refers only to the currently identified credential examinations.
Conditional processing
R156-1-308f allows conditional issuance, renewal or reinstatement during an audit, investigation or inspection; its completion determines the conditional license expiration.
Education
Meet the currently applicable school, approved supervised training, permit or equivalency qualifications for this credential.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Prior status
Meet current initial licensing qualifications, reinstatement conditions and competence documentation; pay new-license fee and outstanding citations/fines.
Safety training
Complete the Table 5 education on universal standard precautions (2 hours), history/intake (4 hours), and physical/professional boundaries (4 hours) when 58-47b-302 requires it.
Relicensure after revocation
Application
Submit the DOPL application and applicable fee; provide identity and qualifying-questionnaire disclosures.
Background check
Consent to and complete the fingerprint-based criminal background check, satisfy the Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history.
Case specific assessment
Any additional examination not identified in the disciplinary order is an applicant condition; this route refers only to the currently identified credential examinations.
Conditional processing
R156-1-308f allows conditional issuance, renewal or reinstatement during an audit, investigation or inspection; its completion determines the conditional license expiration.
Education
Meet the currently applicable school, approved supervised training, permit or equivalency qualifications for this credential.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Prior status
Meet current initial licensing qualifications, reinstatement conditions and competence documentation; pay new-license fee.
Safety training
Complete the Table 5 education on universal standard precautions (2 hours), history/intake (4 hours), and physical/professional boundaries (4 hours) when 58-47b-302 requires it.
Relicensure after more than two years without active practice
Application
Submit the DOPL application and applicable fee; provide identity and qualifying-questionnaire disclosures.
Background check
Consent to and complete the fingerprint-based criminal background check, satisfy the Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history.
Case specific assessment
Any additional examination not identified in the disciplinary order is an applicant condition; this route refers only to the currently identified credential examinations.
Conditional processing
R156-1-308f allows conditional issuance, renewal or reinstatement during an audit, investigation or inspection; its completion determines the conditional license expiration.
Education
Meet the currently applicable school, approved supervised training, permit or equivalency qualifications for this credential.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Prior status
Meet current initial licensing qualifications and pay new-applicant fee. The active-practice exception is a separate route.
Safety training
Complete the Table 5 education on universal standard precautions (2 hours), history/intake (4 hours), and physical/professional boundaries (4 hours) when 58-47b-302 requires it.
Initial licensure after massage apprenticeship
Application
Submit the DOPL application and applicable fee; provide identity and qualifying-questionnaire disclosures.
Background check
Consent to and complete the fingerprint-based criminal background check, satisfy the Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history.
Conditional processing
R156-1-308f allows conditional issuance, renewal or reinstatement during an audit, investigation or inspection; its completion determines the conditional license expiration.
Education
Complete at least 1,000 supervised training hours under R156-47b-302b, submit approved curriculum and completion verification, and hold a massage apprentice license while accruing hours. School and assistant-in-training hours cannot substitute for the apprenticeship hours.
Exam history
DOPL application requires Utah apprenticeship graduates to pass MBLEx; historical predecessor scores are not an alternative for those applicants.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Retakes
After three MBLEx failures the apprentice must submit a SMART study plan, appear before the Board, complete the approved plan, and obtain approval to retake.
Safety training
Complete the Table 5 education on universal standard precautions (2 hours), history/intake (4 hours), and physical/professional boundaries (4 hours) when 58-47b-302 requires it.
Discretionary endorsement based on licensed experience and competency
Application
Submit the DOPL application and applicable fee; provide identity and qualifying-questionnaire disclosures.
Background check
Consent to and complete the fingerprint-based criminal background check, satisfy the Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history.
Conditional processing
R156-1-308f allows conditional issuance, renewal or reinstatement during an audit, investigation or inspection; its completion determines the conditional license expiration.
Decision
The Division may refuse for inadequate qualifications or previous/pending discipline. Pay the fee and establish identity, qualifications and good standing.
Examination discretion
R156-1-302(4) permits the Division to require one or more of the profession examinations. Both currently identified examinations remain leaves; the Division determines whether this applicant must sit either.
Historical scores
R156-47b-302g(1)(a) accepts a predecessor examination only if passed while the Division accepted it. DOPL Exam Information specifies NCETMB, NCETM and NESL scores taken before February 1, 2015. These historical scores are applicant evidence, not currently offered examination leaves; the current BCETMB is not the predecessor exam named in this provision.
License activity
R156-1-302(2) does not require an experienced endorsement applicant to have a currently active license. The older DOPL application v20250612, p. 8 states: "Official verification, showing active licensure in good standing for at least one year, from a jurisdiction designated by the Division as equivalent to Utah." The rule governs; the implementing request is retained for the applicant.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Prior license
Under 58-1-302(3)(a)(i), a United States or foreign license, at least one year practicing under it, and Division determination that education, credentialing examination, experience and skills demonstrate competency.
Safety training
Complete the Table 5 education on universal standard precautions (2 hours), history/intake (4 hours), and physical/professional boundaries (4 hours) when 58-47b-302 requires it.
Discretionary endorsement based on substantially similar licensing requirements
Application
Submit the DOPL application and applicable fee; provide identity and qualifying-questionnaire disclosures.
Background check
Consent to and complete the fingerprint-based criminal background check, satisfy the Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history.
Conditional processing
R156-1-308f allows conditional issuance, renewal or reinstatement during an audit, investigation or inspection; its completion determines the conditional license expiration.
Decision
The Division may refuse for inadequate qualifications or previous/pending discipline. Pay the fee and establish identity, qualifications and good standing.
Examination discretion
R156-1-302(4) permits the Division to require one or more of the profession examinations. Both currently identified examinations remain leaves; the Division determines whether this applicant must sit either.
Historical scores
R156-47b-302g(1)(a) accepts a predecessor examination only if passed while the Division accepted it. DOPL Exam Information specifies NCETMB, NCETM and NESL scores taken before February 1, 2015. These historical scores are applicant evidence, not currently offered examination leaves; the current BCETMB is not the predecessor exam named in this provision.
License activity
R156-1-302(2) does not require an experienced endorsement applicant to have a currently active license. The older DOPL application v20250612, p. 8 states: "Official verification, showing active licensure in good standing for at least one year, from a jurisdiction designated by the Division as equivalent to Utah." The rule governs; the implementing request is retained for the applicant.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Prior license
Under 58-1-302(3)(a)(ii), a United States or foreign license whose requirements when issued the Division determines were substantially similar to current Utah requirements.
Safety training
Complete the Table 5 education on universal standard precautions (2 hours), history/intake (4 hours), and physical/professional boundaries (4 hours) when 58-47b-302 requires it.
Licensure by endorsement with a similar United States license
Application
Submit the DOPL application and applicable fee; provide identity and qualifying-questionnaire disclosures.
Background check
Consent to and complete the fingerprint-based criminal background check, satisfy the Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history.
Conditional processing
R156-1-308f allows conditional issuance, renewal or reinstatement during an audit, investigation or inspection; its completion determines the conditional license expiration.
Decision
The Division may refuse for inadequate qualifications or previous/pending discipline. Pay the fee and establish identity, qualifications and good standing.
Examination discretion
R156-1-302(4) permits the Division to require one or more of the profession examinations. Both currently identified examinations remain leaves; the Division determines whether this applicant must sit either.
Historical scores
R156-47b-302g(1)(a) accepts a predecessor examination only if passed while the Division accepted it. DOPL Exam Information specifies NCETMB, NCETM and NESL scores taken before February 1, 2015. These historical scores are applicant evidence, not currently offered examination leaves; the current BCETMB is not the predecessor exam named in this provision.
License activity
R156-1-302(2) does not require an experienced endorsement applicant to have a currently active license. The older DOPL application v20250612, p. 8 states: "Official verification, showing active licensure in good standing for at least one year, from a jurisdiction designated by the Division as equivalent to Utah." The rule governs; the implementing request is retained for the applicant.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Prior license
A license from another United States jurisdiction encompassing a similar scope, at least one year practicing under it, and good standing are required by 58-1-302(2).
Safety training
Complete the Table 5 education on universal standard precautions (2 hours), history/intake (4 hours), and physical/professional boundaries (4 hours) when 58-47b-302 requires it.
Endorsement based on equivalent education and experience without prior licensure
Application
Submit the DOPL application and applicable fee; provide identity and qualifying-questionnaire disclosures.
Background check
Consent to and complete the fingerprint-based criminal background check, satisfy the Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history.
Conditional processing
R156-1-308f allows conditional issuance, renewal or reinstatement during an audit, investigation or inspection; its completion determines the conditional license expiration.
Decision
The Division may refuse for inadequate qualifications or previous/pending discipline. Pay the fee and establish identity, qualifications and good standing.
Education
Under 58-1-302(3)(b), education or relevant experience obtained elsewhere and Division determination of substantial similarity to current Utah education, credentialing examination and experience. Foreign education requires a satisfactory evaluation by a current NACES member under R156-47b-302a(1)(b).
Examination discretion
R156-1-302(4) permits the Division to require one or more of the profession examinations. Both currently identified examinations remain leaves; the Division determines whether this applicant must sit either.
Historical scores
R156-47b-302g(1)(a) accepts a predecessor examination only if passed while the Division accepted it. DOPL Exam Information specifies NCETMB, NCETM and NESL scores taken before February 1, 2015. These historical scores are applicant evidence, not currently offered examination leaves; the current BCETMB is not the predecessor exam named in this provision.
License activity
R156-1-302(2) does not require an experienced endorsement applicant to have a currently active license. The older DOPL application v20250612, p. 8 states: "Official verification, showing active licensure in good standing for at least one year, from a jurisdiction designated by the Division as equivalent to Utah." The rule governs; the implementing request is retained for the applicant.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Safety training
Complete the Table 5 education on universal standard precautions (2 hours), history/intake (4 hours), and physical/professional boundaries (4 hours) when 58-47b-302 requires it.
Military extension and renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Request renewal within 90 days after the termination of orders. Extended validity runs 90 days after discharge or deployment end.
Exclusions
Regular annual training, in-state active orders, and orders not requiring relocation outside Utah are excluded by 71A-8-103(5).
Orders
License expires during qualifying active duty or deployment; provide official activation/deployment and discharge orders.
Qualifications
Meet ordinary renewal requirements except continuing education or training; renewal for the normal license period is without cost.
Special term
Apprentice and assistant-in-training licenses retain their profession-specific statutory hardship limits.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after suspension term or expiration under restriction/probation
Application
Submit the DOPL application and applicable fee; provide identity and qualifying-questionnaire disclosures.
Background check
Consent to and complete the fingerprint-based criminal background check, satisfy the Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history.
Case specific assessment
Any additional examination not identified in the disciplinary order is an applicant condition; this route refers only to the currently identified credential examinations.
Conditional processing
R156-1-308f allows conditional issuance, renewal or reinstatement during an audit, investigation or inspection; its completion determines the conditional license expiration.
Education
Meet the currently applicable school, approved supervised training, permit or equivalency qualifications for this credential.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Prior status
Unless the disciplinary order provides otherwise, meet current initial qualifications, conditions of reinstatement, competence documentation, and pay renewal/reinstatement fees and outstanding fines.
Safety training
Complete the Table 5 education on universal standard precautions (2 hours), history/intake (4 hours), and physical/professional boundaries (4 hours) when 58-47b-302 requires it.
Reinstatement after nonrenewal: 31 days to two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiration
Application filed from 31 days through two years after expiration; submit renewal form, demonstrate renewal qualifications, and pay renewal and reinstatement fees.
Status
License was active and in good standing at expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after active licensed practice or federal service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reinstatement form, documentation of practice and renewal qualifications, renewal and reinstatement fees.
Deadline
Apply within six months after reestablishing Utah domicile or ending full-time federal service.
Practice
Continuously active since expiration while employed full-time by the United States government or licensed to practice the profession elsewhere in the United States.
Special term
Any extension of an apprentice or assistant-in-training license also remains subject to 58-47b-303(3).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after nonrenewal: within 30 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiration
Application filed within 30 days after expiration; submit renewal form, demonstrate renewal qualifications and pay renewal and late fees.
Status
License was active and in good standing at expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Regular renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conditional processing
Renewal may be conditional pending audit, investigation or inspection under R156-1-308f.
Cycle
Two-year renewal cycle, May 31 of odd years under R156-1-308a. Submit complete renewal application, fee and any required qualification/disclosure documentation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by massage school education
Application
Submit the DOPL application and applicable fee; provide identity and qualifying-questionnaire disclosures.
Background check
Consent to and complete the fingerprint-based criminal background check, satisfy the Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history.
Conditional processing
R156-1-308f allows conditional issuance, renewal or reinstatement during an audit, investigation or inspection; its completion determines the conditional license expiration.
Education
Graduate from a massage school with at least 600 curriculum hours meeting R156-47b-302; curriculum registration, recognized school status, or Board approval is required. No more than 80 curriculum hours in two weeks.
Historical scores
R156-47b-302g(1)(a) accepts a predecessor examination only if passed while the Division accepted it. DOPL Exam Information specifies NCETMB, NCETM and NESL scores taken before February 1, 2015. These historical scores are applicant evidence, not currently offered examination leaves; the current BCETMB is not the predecessor exam named in this provision.
Military training credit
58-1-313 permits credit for relevant military skills, experience, credentials, training or education as determined by the Division; it does not establish a different named examination.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Safety training
Complete the Table 5 education on universal standard precautions (2 hours), history/intake (4 hours), and physical/professional boundaries (4 hours) when 58-47b-302 requires it.

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

Utah Massage Therapy Law and Rule Exam

Provider
Prov, Inc., contracted by DOPL
Format
Computer-based written examination
Exam questions
60
Time limit
2 hours
Passing score
75%
Exam fee
$75 per attempt
Examination outline
  • Laws & Rules
Examination sources