How to Become a Massage Therapist in Mississippi

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 years old on the date you apply.
• You must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• You must have legal status to work in Mississippi.
• You must complete a board-approved massage program of at least 600 hours with a grade of C or better in every course.
• You must pass a Board Comprehensive Examination (such as the MBLEx) and the Mississippi State Law Examination (MSLE) with at least 70%.
• You must pass a fingerprint-based state and FBI criminal history check. A conviction related to prostitution, public indecency or sexual imposition bars licensure.
• You must hold current CPR and first aid certification (at least 8 hours of training with practical testing) and document familiarity with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Step by step

1. Complete a board-approved massage therapy program of at least 600 hours (550 hours of instruction plus 50 hours of student clinic).
2. Pass a Board Comprehensive Examination: the MBLEx from FSMTB, the Mississippi Professional Examination (MPE-1 and MPE-2), or another Board-approved exam.
3. Apply for the Mississippi State Law Examination with form EX.01 and pass it with at least 70%.
4. Get fingerprinted for the state and FBI criminal history check.
5. Submit the MT.01 Application for Professional Licensure online with fees. Your school must send your official transcript directly to the Board.
6. Include proof of current CPR and first aid certification.
7. The Board reviews complete applications at its next regularly scheduled meeting and must respond within 45 days of receiving a complete application.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Miss. Code Ann. 73-67-35 requires a board-approved program of at least 550 hours of massage therapy instruction plus at least 50 hours of supervised student clinic (600 total): 200 hours of massage theory and practicum (including 10 hours of Mississippi massage law and ethics), 200 hours of science of the human body, 150 hours of allied modalities (including 8 hours of CPR and first aid), and 50 hours of student clinic. A grade of C or better is required in every course. Programs may not exceed 40 in-class hours per week, and massage schools must hold national accreditation such as COMTA.

Exam: You must pass one Board Comprehensive Examination: the MBLEx (FSMTB), the Mississippi Professional Examination I and II (MPE-1 and MPE-2, given by the Board, $125 per exam), the NCETMB (NCBTMB), or another Board-approved exam. Since January 1, 2011 you must also pass the Mississippi State Law Examination (MSLE) on the Massage Therapy Act and Board rules with a score of at least 70%. The MSLE fee is $100. A graduate who will not practice in Mississippi may request a waiver of the MSLE.

What it costs in Mississippi

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

How long it takes

The Board must decide on a complete application within 45 days. Complete applications are placed on the agenda of the next regularly scheduled Board meeting.

Keeping your license

Renewal: Licenses are valid through May 31 of the second year after issuance. The renewal fee is $200 (plus $35 if you renew on paper). You need 12 continuing education hours each calendar year. Each renewal must include 3 hours of Mississippi law and rules, 3 hours of ethics, 3 hours of CPR/first aid and 1 hour on human trafficking, with the remaining 14 hours from Board-approved programs. Online renewal opens 60 days before expiration. Late fees are $100 (1-30 days), $150 (31-60 days) and $200 (61-90 days); after 90 days you must reapply ($250).

Good to know in Mississippi

Transferring from another state: Reciprocity applicants from a regulated state must be licensed in good standing, show at least 3 years of work experience as a massage therapist, show a passing Board Comprehensive Examination score, pass the Mississippi State Law Examination, and submit transcripts showing at least 500 in-class hours from an accredited school. A 90-day provisional permit may be issued after you pass the MSLE.

Law sunset date: The entire Mississippi Professional Massage Therapy Act (Miss. Code 73-67-1 through 73-67-37, including licensing, exams and reciprocity) is listed as repealed effective July 1, 2029 unless the Legislature extends it.

Criminal history: You can ask the Board for a pre-licensure determination of whether your criminal record would disqualify you ($25 fee).

Sources

• MSBMT - Rules and Regulations, Final 02/27/2026
• MSBMT - Proposed Rules filed 05/20/2026
• Mississippi Professional Massage Therapy Act, Miss. Code Ann. 73-67
• MSBMT - Exams
• MSBMT - Continuing Education
• MSBMT - First Time Applicants