Licensing Requirements

Applicants for a massage therapist license must meet one of the following options for licensure:

1. Complete a massage program approved by the Washington State Board of Massage, or
2. Hold an active and unrestricted massage license in a state or foreign jurisdiction with substantially equivalent education and training requirements as Washington State (WAC 246-830-035)

Applicants for a massage therapist license must list all states where credentials are or were held, including where applicant has applied but a credential was not granted. A verification form (PDF) must be completed and submitted by the jurisdiction where the applicant is or was credentialed. The jurisdiction must send the completed form directly to the department.

Each applicant must answer the personal data questions. If there is a positive answer to the professional liability claims history question, the applicant must send an explanation of the nature of the case, data and summary of care given, copies of the original complaint, and the settlement or final disposition. If pending, applicant must indicate status.

• If the applicant meets the education requirement for option number one (see above), they must have their school or program complete, sign, and submit the school completion form.
• If the applicant meets the education requirement for option number two (see above), they must have their school or program complete, sign, and submit the education endorsement form.
• Successful completion of an examination administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) or Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). The NCBTMB or the FSMTB must send verification of the exam score report directly to the department.
• First aid and CPR cards. CPR must be in person, but a hybrid course is acceptable as well.

Twenty-four hours of continuing education is due every two years on or before the practitioner's birthday. Requirements are outlined in WAC 246-830-475.