Massage therapists practicing in Texas must have a massage license issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Prior to November 1, 2017, licensing and other regulatory oversight of the massage therapy profession was handled by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). TDLR’s mission is to safeguard the public health, safety and welfare, and to provide an efficient licensing and regulatory system for massage therapists.
To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of Texas, applicants must first complete the requirements as described on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website. These requirements including completing an approved massage education program and passing the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) offered by FSMTB. We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference. Industry research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 28,176 massage therapists in Texas.
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 300 or 500
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: 12 CEUs/2yrs
Applicants for a Texas massage license are required to complete a minimum of 300 hours of instruction if first enrolled in massage school before September 1, 2007. Massage therapists who enrolled after September 1, 2007 are required to have completed 500 hours of training. Massage education must be from an approved school.
Massage curriculum for therapists who must meet the 300-hour requirement must contain the following minimum coursework:
The massage curriculum for therapists who must meet the 500-hour requirement must include the following coursework (at a minimum):
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has approved the following exams:
In preparation for the MBLEx, an important step for many applicants is to take several MBLEx practice tests and quizzes. This approach provides a practical assessment of your readiness, familiarizing you with the exam’s format and the type of questions you can expect, thereby enhancing your study experience and confidence.
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in Texas, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation when you pass. Check out our About the MBLEx page to see how to apply and schedule your exam.
Getting a Texas massage therapy license has additional requirements. The applicant must also:
Massage therapists may apply for a Texas massage license online or by printing out the license application on their website.
Below is a summary of the fees charged by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for massage therapy licensing:
Texas massage therapy licenses are valid for 2 years beginning on the date the initial license is issued. The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
