How to Become a Massage Therapist in North Dakota

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
• You must complete a massage therapy program with at least 750 hours of instruction, including at least 250 hours of supervised hands-on practice.
• You must hold a valid CPR card when you graduate.
• You must pass the MBLEx or an NCBTMB exam (NCETM or NCETMB).
• You must score at least 80% on the North Dakota jurisprudence exam.
• You must pass a state and national fingerprint-based criminal history check.

Step by step

1. Complete an approved massage therapy program of at least 750 hours.
2. Pass the MBLEx (FSMTB) or an NCBTMB exam and have the passing score sent directly to the board.
3. Apply online (or on paper with a money order or cashier's check) and pay the $150 license fee.
4. Have your school send an official transcript and the board's school affidavit directly to the board. Send a copy of your diploma, the Affidavit of Compliance, proof of identity and a passport-type photo.
5. If you were ever licensed in another state, have that state send the board a license verification.
6. When all documents arrive, the board sends you the jurisprudence exam, a criminal history background check form and two fingerprint cards. Complete and return them.
7. Wait for review and approval. The board says this can take up to 3 months after all paperwork is received.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: North Dakota requires 750 hours of instruction from an approved massage program, including at least 250 hours of practical instruction (giving or receiving massage under the direct supervision of a licensed massage therapist with at least 3 years of experience). Live classroom hours must include 150 hours of anatomy, physiology and kinesiology, 10 hours of first aid and CPR, and 130 hours of introductory massage therapy. Another 50 hours of business, career development and ethics, 120 hours of other massage-related courses and 40 hours of pathology may be taken without face-to-face instruction. The board says you cannot become licensed through online instruction only.

Exam: You need a passing score on the MBLEx (from FSMTB) or the NCBTMB's NCETM or NCETMB, sent directly to the board by the testing organization. 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. You must also pass the North Dakota jurisprudence exam on state massage laws with a score of 80% or higher; the board sends it to you after your documents arrive.

What it costs in North Dakota

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 can take up to 3 months after all paperwork is received.

Keeping your license

Renewal: Licenses renew every two years by February 28 (odd-numbered licenses in odd years, even-numbered licenses in even years); the renewal fee is $200, with a $50 late fee. No CE is required for your first renewal. After that you need 24 hours every two years, at least 12 of them in-person hands-on, and 3 hours of ethics at your second renewal. Therapists practicing 15 to 24 years need 6 hours, and 25 or more years need 3 hours. No more than half of your hours may be remote, and hours do not carry over. An expired license can be renewed within two years.

Good to know in North Dakota

Licensed in another state: If you are licensed in good standing in another U.S. city, county, state or territory and actively practiced at least two of the last three years, you can apply by reciprocity for $150 without retesting. You still need an approved school, an acceptable exam, the criminal history check and the jurisprudence exam. Newer therapists apply for initial licensure instead.

Criminal history: A conviction does not disqualify you unless the board finds it directly bears on your ability to serve the public as a massage therapist or you are not sufficiently rehabilitated.

National certification is not a license: Passing the MBLEx or holding national certification does not let you practice in North Dakota. You must hold a license from the board.

Health assessment: If the board reasonably believes a physical or behavioral health condition could put clients at risk, it can require an assessment at your own cost.

Rejected applications: If you are not licensed within one year of applying, you may reapply within six months of rejection for $50 or less. Two applications use up the privilege under the original application.

Sources

• ND Board of Massage Therapy - Requirements for Licensure
• ND Board of Massage Therapy - CE Requirements for License Renewal
• ND Board of Massage Therapy - FAQ
• N.D.C.C. Chapter 43-25 - Massage Therapists
• N.D.A.C. 49-01-02 - Licensure and Fees
• N.D.A.C. 49-02-01 - General Education Requirements
• N.D.A.C. 49-02-02 - Classroom Instruction
• N.D.A.C. 49-02-03 - Practical Instruction
• FSMTB - MBLEx Candidate Handbook 2026