Frequently Asked Questions

Applications and License Requirements | Continuing Education | Fees | Massage Training Programs | Renewals

Applications and License Requirements

May I apply for my massage license online?

Yes. Applicants for a massage therapy license may apply online. Learn more on the massage therapist licensing information webpage.

What are the education and training requirements?

A massage program must consist of a minimum of 500 hours, must be completed in no less than six months, and must consist of the subjects listed in WAC 246-830-430.

Effective September 1, 2021, the minimum education and training hours will increase to 625 hours.

If you begin your massage program at a board-approved massage school prior to September 1, 2021, and it is less than 625 hours, you will be eligible for a license without having to complete additional hours.

What needs to be submitted for licensure?

An applicant for a massage therapist license must be 18 years of age or older and must submit the following documentation to the department:

A completed application form, either hard copy or online
Proof of successful completion of the required education and training sent directly from the applicant's massage school
Proof of successful completion of a board-approved examination under WAC 246-830-201
Proof of successful completion of the Washington state massage jurisprudence examination
Proof of certification in American Red Cross first aid and American Heart Association CPR or the equivalent. CPR training must be in person (hybrid CPR courses are accepted)
The required nonrefundable application fee in WAC 246-830-990
If required by the department, fingerprint cards for a national or state fingerprint-based background check pursuant to RCW 18.130.064(2)

Credentialing staff will notify you of any deficiencies.

How long does the application process take?

Processing time varies for each application. It depends on how complete the application is, and how quickly the outstanding requirements are met.

The required documentation may take several weeks to receive. Criminal history checks are conducted for all massage license applicants. Applications requiring additional background information may take longer than routine applications.

While we appreciate your interest in getting your license, in order to allow our office to continue the processing of applications in a timely manner, we request that you not call regarding the status of your application for six weeks from the date it was submitted. You may view the status of your application on the Application Status webpage.

If I'm licensed in another state or did not complete my education in Washington state, am I eligible for a Washington massage license without completing a board-approved program?

If you have an active and unrestricted license in another state, you may be eligible for a Washington state massage license via education endorsement. The requirements are outlined in WAC 246-830-035.

If you attended school out of state but don't hold a license, you may be eligible for a Washington state massage license via transfer of training hours. A list of board-approved transfer programs is available on the massage therapy webpage. The requirements are outlined in WAC 246-830-037.

Is my school board-approved?

The Board of Massage provides a list of approved schools here.

Continuing Education

Where can I find continuing education information?: Visit the massage therapist continuing education webpage to learn more about requirements and regulations.

Fees

What fees are associated with the profession, and how much are they?: All fees are outlined in WAC 246-830-990 and on the massage therapist webpage.
Can my late fee be waived?: The only time a late penalty fee will be waived is if the credential expires on a day the department is closed for business, and the payment is received at the Department of Health's Health Systems Quality Assurance main office on the next business day.

Massage Training Programs

What is the process to get school approval?

A school requesting board approval must submit a board-approved application packet, including all necessary documentation. A checklist of the standards for board approval is in the Massage School Program Approval, Re-approval, or Apprentice application packet. All documentation must be submitted in single three-ring binder.

If the school is requesting approval of multiple programs, each program must be submitted on separate applications and in separate binders.

Board members require no less than five weeks to review each school's documentation. The application and binders will be provided to two Board of Massage members for review. Once the board members have completed their review of the application, they'll present their review for full board consideration at a regularly scheduled board meeting.

Watch the video: How to Submit a Massage School Program Application (YouTube)

Does the program need to go through a re-approval?

Yes. The first re-approval for massage prog90 days schools will be three years after initial approval. This is to ensure the massage school or program remains in compliance with the training and education requirements set by the board. Subsequent program approval occurs every five years thereafter.

The board must be notified of any changes to an approved program including change of address, program hours and instructors.

Renewals

How long does the renewal process take?: Courtesy renewal notices are mailed to the address on file at least six to eight weeks in advance of the expiration date. However, a practitioner can renew their license as early as 90 days before the expiration date, either online, by mail, or by phone. To avoid a late fee and the risk of practicing with an expired license, you must renew on time.
What if I didn't receive my courtesy renewal notice?: The renewal notice is a courtesy reminder. Failure to receive a courtesy renewal notice does not relieve or exempt the credential renewal requirement. You must renew your license on or before the date of expiration with or without a renewal notice. The expiration for all massage therapy credentials is the therapist's birthday. Be sure to contact the Customer Service Center at 360-236-4700 to make an address change or to verify that your correct address is on record.
May I renew my license online?: If you have an active massage license, you may renew online up to 90 days prior to the expiration date. Once a massage therapy license goes into expired status, it cannot be renewed online, and a late fee will be assessed. A credential status will automatically go into an expired status if the practitioner does not renew on or before the expiration date. See Renewals Online for additional information.