How to Become a Massage Therapist in Nevada

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 years old (NRS 640C.580).
• You must complete a massage therapy program of at least 625 hours recognized by the Board.
• You must pass a national exam approved by the Board: the MBLEx (FSMTB) or the NCBTMB NCETMB, NCETM or NESL.
• You must submit fingerprints for a state and FBI background check, even if you were checked in another state.
• If you hold or held a massage license elsewhere, each licensing agency must certify that you have no disciplinary actions and none pending.

Step by step

1. Complete a massage therapy program of at least 625 hours. Nevada must recognize the program (programs approved by the Commission on Postsecondary Education or offered by a public college are recognized).
2. Pass a national exam (MBLEx or an NCBTMB exam) and have the testing agency send your score report directly to the Board.
3. Apply online through the Board's portal and pay $480 (license $295, application $100, background investigation $85). Paper applications cost $510.
4. Upload or send a government ID, Social Security card, a 2x2 passport-quality photo, your diploma, and any current massage license. Have your school send official transcripts directly.
5. Have each state where you were licensed complete the Certified Statement from State Licensing Authority.
6. After the Board receives your complete application and fees, it sends a live scan voucher or fingerprint cards. Complete your fingerprints.
7. Once all documents and clean background results are in, the Board issues the license within 10-15 business days.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Nevada requires a massage therapy program of at least 625 hours. The Board must recognize programs approved by the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education or offered by a public college in any state, and may recognize other programs.

Exam: You must pass a nationally recognized exam approved by the Board. For massage therapists the Board recognizes the MBLEx from the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards and the NCBTMB's NCETMB, NCETM and NESL exams. The score report must come directly from the testing agency.

What it costs in Nevada

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 says licensing takes 1 to 3 months. Applications are reviewed within 15 business days, fingerprint results can take up to 30 days or longer, and the license is processed within 10-15 business days after all documents and clean results arrive.

Keeping your license

Renewal: A license is valid for 2 years after the first day of the month following issuance (NRS 640C.500). Renewal costs $295 online or $325 on paper and requires a recent photo and continuing education. Under LCB File No. R137-26 (filed September 24, 2026) you need 6 CE hours per two-year period, with no roll-over hours. First-time renewals must include 2 hours on human trafficking; later renewals must include 2 hours on ethics. Expired licenses accrue $25 per month in late fees (up to $500); after 2 years expired you must reapply.

Good to know in Nevada

Transferring from another state: A 2025 law lets the Board license applicants who have legally practiced massage in another state for at least 3 years, have at least 500 hours of training, pass an approved national exam, and submit fingerprints and clean certified statements from each licensing state. Nevada also licenses applicants from states with substantially equivalent requirements; R137-26 raised the minimum out-of-state program hours for that equivalency from 550 to 600.

Interstate Massage Compact: Nevada was the first state to enact the Interstate Massage Compact (SB161, signed June 12, 2023). The Board notes that seven states must adopt the compact before it becomes active.

No practicing under someone else's license: You cannot practice massage under a chiropractor's or another person's license, and you cannot use "LMT" until you hold a Nevada license. Your license number must appear in all advertising.

Temporary license: Nevada temporary licenses expire 90 days after issuance and require supervision by a fully licensed massage therapist, who is responsible for the temporary licensee's acts.

Establishment and local licenses: To operate your own massage, reflexology or structural integration business you need a separate establishment certificate from the Board. Check with your city or county business licensing office for any other local requirements, including before working from home.

Sources

• Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy - How to Apply for a License
• Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy - Applicants FAQs
• Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy - Licensee FAQs
• Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy - Interstate Massage Compact
• NRS Chapter 640C - Massage Therapy, Reflexology and Structural Integration
• LCB File No. R137-26 - Approved Regulation (filed September 24, 2026)