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Massage Therapist
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Licensed
Regulation
500 hrs
Training Hours
Licensed Massage Therapist
License Title
MBLEx
Exam Required
$335 (estimated initial board + exam fees)
Total Fees
24 hrs
CE Required
Get the Virginia Massage Therapist Roadmap — every step, fee, and deadline mapped out. — every step mapped out.
Get the Roadmap — $20Virginia requires state licensing to practice massage therapy. You must complete approved training, pass the required exam, and obtain a license before practicing.
Minimum Age
Education Level
Background Check
Fingerprinting
CPR Certification
Liability Insurance
Not sure if you need a massage therapist license? Check whether your state requires one.
Required Training Hours
500 hours
Clinical / Hands-On Hours
hours
Program Approval
Approved massage therapy program
Curriculum Topics
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Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx)
Administered by FSMTB
Passing Score
Scaled score — pass/fail
Exam Fee
$195
MBLEx fee paid to FSMTB
Didn't pass on the first try? Learn what to do if you fail the MBLEx.
Overall licensing difficulty: 4/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam)
Browse study guides
Massage Therapy Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination)
Questions
100 questions
Time Limit
2 hours
Passing Score
Scaled score — pass/fail
Format
Computer-based, multiple choice
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $195Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination).
Study Materials & Exam Prep — MBLEx
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Study guides and practice tests for the MBLEx licensing exam.
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| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Virginia Board of Nursing application fee per 18VAC90-50-30 (government fee). | $140 |
License Fee Current as of 2026-04-12; verify with Virginia Board of Nursing for the latest fee schedule | Included |
Exam Fee MBLEx exam fee (paid to FSMTB, not VA government). | $195 |
Total Government Fees Split: $140 Virginia Board of Nursing application fee (government fee) + $195 MBLEx exam fee (paid to FSMTB, not VA government). MBLEx is not a government fee. | $335 (estimated initial board + exam fees) |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Can Use Title “LMT”
YesModalities Allowed
Restrictions
Accepts Out-of-State License
MBLEx Score Transfers
Additional Requirements for Reciprocity
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Virginia with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Renewal Period
Renewal Fee
Continuing Education
Regulatory Board
Virginia is notable for regulating massage therapy through the Board of Nursing rather than a dedicated massage therapy board. New licensees are exempt from CE requirements for the first 2 years. The application fee is $140. 24 hours of continuing education are required per renewal cycle. 500 hours of pre-licensing education are required. Neighboring states include District Of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, each with their own massage therapist requirements.
Virginia regulates massage therapy through the Board of Nursing, not a dedicated board.
24 CE hours per 2-year renewal (exempt for first 2 years after initial licensure).
Fingerprinting required for national criminal history check.
Virginia accepts out-of-state massage therapist credentials under certain conditions. Contact Virginia Board of Nursing for reciprocity requirements and documentation.
Massage Therapist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia (you) | $335 | 26–52 wks | |
| District of Columbia | $457 | 26–52 wks | → |
| Kentucky | $395 | 30–58 wks | → |
| Maryland | $495+ | 36–68 wks | → |
| North Carolina | $345+ | 26–52 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Virginia
See how Virginia compares: Massage Therapist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare massage therapist requirements across all states →
Massage Therapist licensing requirements nationwide →
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How does Virginia compare to other states for massage therapist? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your massage therapist license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Virginia.
Massage Therapist Schools in Virginia
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Virginia? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Massage Therapist license to Virginia →
Transfer your Massage Therapist license from Virginia to: Kentucky → | Maryland → | North Carolina → | Tennessee → | West Virginia → | District of Columbia →
Virginia requires 500 hours of training to become a licensed massage therapist. Visit the state board for approved providers and application details.
Contact the state board for a list of approved education providers.