How to Become a Massage Therapist in Virginia

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18.
• You must complete a massage therapy program of at least 500 hours that is certified or approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) or a similar agency in another state, D.C., or a U.S. territory.
• You must pass the MBLEx from FSMTB or another exam the board accepts.
• You must complete a fingerprint-based criminal history background check (Va. Code 54.1-3005.1).
• You must not have committed acts that are grounds for denial or discipline, and you must attest that you will follow Virginia's massage laws, regulations and code of ethics.

Step by step

1. Complete a 500-hour massage program approved by SCHEV or an equivalent out-of-state agency.
2. Pass the MBLEx and ask FSMTB to send your official results directly to the Virginia Board of Nursing.
3. Apply online (the only accepted method for new applicants) and pay the $140 fee by card.
4. Use the Fieldprint code on your application receipt to schedule fingerprinting through Fieldprint.
5. Have your school email or mail an official transcript, showing your completion date, directly to the board.
6. If you have any convictions, send a written explanation and certified court records.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: At least 500 hours of training in a massage therapy program certified or approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, or by an education-approving agency in another state, D.C., or a U.S. territory (18VAC90-50-40). The transcript must come directly from the school. Graduates of foreign programs can apply under separate rules.

Exam: You must pass the MBLEx (Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards) or another exam the board deems acceptable. FSMTB must send official results directly to the board. The MBLEx has 100 questions in 110 minutes. To retake it, you reapply and pay again.

What it costs in Virginia

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

Applications are processed in the order received and may take 30-45 working days to review and complete from the initial application date (Board of Nursing checklist).

Keeping your license

Renewal: Licenses renew every two years by the last day of your birth month (even years if born in an even year, odd years if born in an odd year). The biennial renewal fee is $95 (late fee $30). To renew you need current NCBTMB certification or at least 24 hours of continuing education, including at least 1 hour of professional ethics; at least 12 hours must come from listed providers (such as NCBTMB, FSMTB, AMTA, ABMP, COMTA or approved schools), and up to 12 may be other learning such as reading, research or CPR. You are exempt from CE for your first renewal. Keep records for 4 years for random audits.

Good to know in Virginia

Provisional license: After you file a complete application and finish your education, the board may let you practice provisionally for one 90-day period while you wait to take the exam. You cannot use the title massage therapist during that time, and the authorization ends if you fail the exam.

Lapsed license: A license lapses automatically if not renewed by the end of your birth month, and you cannot practice or use the title. Reinstatement costs $150.

Licensed in another state: If your state's requirements are substantially equivalent to Virginia's, apply by endorsement online. You need a criminal background check, official exam results (MBLEx results from FSMTB, or NCETM/NCETMB results sent by NCBTMB), and license verification from every state where you have been licensed.

Incomplete applications: An incomplete application is kept on file only as required for audit. If it is not completed within one year, you may need to file a new application.

Sources

• Virginia Board of Nursing - Apply for a Massage Therapist License
• Virginia Board of Nursing - Checklist Instructions for Initial Licensure as a Massage Therapist
• 18VAC90-50-30 - Fees
• 18VAC90-50-40 - Initial licensure
• 18VAC90-50-50 - Licensure by endorsement
• 18VAC90-50-60 - Provisional licensure
• 18VAC90-50-70 - Renewal of licensure
• 18VAC90-50-75 - Continuing competency requirements
• FSMTB - MBLEx Candidate Handbook 2026
• Virginia Board of Nursing - Checklist Instructions for Licensure by Endorsement as a Massage Therapist