How to Become a Massage Therapist in New Mexico

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 years old on the date you apply.
• You must have finished high school or its equivalent.
• You must complete at least 650 hours of massage therapy training that meets the board's curriculum rules.
• You must hold current CPR/AED and first aid certification from in-person courses (no online courses).
• You must pass a board-approved national exam (MBLEx, NCETM or NCETMB) and the New Mexico jurisprudence exam.

Step by step

1. Complete at least 650 hours of massage therapy training, including 4 hours of CPR/AED and 4 hours of first aid taken in person.
2. Apply for and pass a national exam: the MBLEx from FSMTB, or the NCETM/NCETMB.
3. Create an account and apply online through the RLD NM-PLUS licensing portal; pay the $75 application fee.
4. If needed, have your school send Form A with an official transcript (out-of-state school, more than one school, or graduated more than two years ago).
5. Pass the New Mexico jurisprudence exam, which is launched inside the online application.
6. Have your national exam results sent to the board, or upload your score report to the application.
7. When the board notifies you that you are approved, pay the prorated initial license fee within 30 days.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: New Mexico requires at least 650 hours of massage therapy training. It must include at least 165 hours of anatomy and physiology (with kinesiology and at least 40 hours of pathology), 150 hours of massage therapy (with contraindications), and 75 hours of general instruction (at least 20 hours of business, 8 hours of hydrotherapy, 30 hours of professional ethics, 4 hours of first aid and 4 hours of CPR/AED). At least 100 hands-on hours must come before a clinical practicum. The board may accept up to 150 hours of documented, legally performed professional work experience (Form C). Missing core hours can be made up through a continuing education provider or a qualifying school.

Exam: You need two exams. First, a national exam approved by the board: the MBLEx from the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards, or the NCETM/NCETMB. The MBLEx is a computer-based test of 100 multiple-choice questions in 110 minutes; the FSMTB application fee is $265, and FSMTB does not limit retakes, but you must reapply and pay again. Second, the New Mexico jurisprudence exam, taken online inside the license application. If you do not pass it, you can retake it until you pass.

What it costs in New Mexico

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 approval may take up to 2 weeks once all documents are received and the application is complete.

Keeping your license

Renewal: Licenses expire every two years on October 31; renewal is $125. You need 16 hours of continuing education each renewal period, including at least 4 hours of ethics and at least 8 hours of live training; the board's FAQ says live massage-related webinars or Zoom classes from approved CE providers count toward the live hours. There is a 60-day grace period to December 30 with a $75 late penalty. If you do not renew by then, your license goes inactive; reactivation costs $125 plus the $75 late penalty. After two years inactive the license expires.

Good to know in New Mexico

No background check: The New Mexico Massage Therapy Board says it does not require background checks.

Temporary license: If you meet the education rules and have never sat for a national massage exam, you can get a one-time temporary license for up to three months while you wait to test. If you fail the national exam, the temporary license becomes void and must be returned within 15 days.

Licensed in another state: An out-of-state license does not let you practice in New Mexico. You can apply for expedited licensure with a license in good standing from an eligible jurisdiction. Licenses from California, Kansas, Minnesota, Vermont, Wyoming and some U.S. territories are not eligible. At your first renewal you must pass the New Mexico jurisprudence exam, and a national exam if your original state did not require one.

Military and veterans: Service members, veterans, and qualifying spouses and dependents with a license in another jurisdiction can get an expedited license, usually within 30 days of a complete application. Service members and veterans pay no licensing fee for the first three years.

Application time limit: You must finish all licensing requirements within one year after the board office starts your file, or the application expires and the fees are forfeited.

Sources

• NM RLD Massage Therapy Board - Licensing, Registration, and Renewal
• NM RLD Massage Therapy Board - Fees
• NM RLD Massage Therapy Board - FAQs
• NM RLD Massage Therapy Board - Training Requirements and Continuing Education
• NM RLD Massage Therapy Board - Background Report Instructions
• NM RLD - Massage Therapy Application Manual (2026)
• 16.7.4 NMAC - Licensure Requirements for Massage Therapists
• FSMTB - MBLEx Candidate Handbook 2026