How to become a massage therapist in Arizona
Arizona massage therapists are licensed by the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed massage therapist in Arizona, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Part of the state's website could not be reached when we checked, so some details come from Arizona law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a massage therapist in Arizona?
- At least 18 years old
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
- High school diploma, GED or equivalent
- Valid Arizona DPS fingerprint clearance card
- Fingerprints for state and federal records check
- Required massage education
- Pass an approved exam (for most school routes)
- No disqualifying recent convictions or license actions
Arizona massage therapist license requirements
| State license | Yes. A state license is required. The Board's own website blocked automated access, so details come from state statute. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy |
| License name | Licensed Massage Therapist |
| Education or training | State law sets a minimum of 500 classroom and clinical hours of supervised instruction; the Board may raise the minimum by rule (current rule hours not verified). |
| Exam | Pass a nationally accredited massage exam (such as the MBLEx) or a Board-approved exam, unless graduating from a federally accredited Arizona school. |
| License term | Two years; renews every other year on the licensee's birthday. |
| Continuing education | 24 hours of Board-approved continuing education every two years. |
How much does it cost?
| Original license application (statutory maximum) | not to exceed $250 |
|---|---|
| License renewal (statutory maximum) | not to exceed $250 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a massage therapist in Arizona
- Complete a massage program of at least 500 hours
- Pass an approved national exam such as the MBLEx
- Get an Arizona DPS fingerprint clearance card
- Apply to the Board online and pay fees
- Submit fingerprint cards for the background check
How do you check a massage therapist's license in Arizona?
- Ask for the license number and confirm it with the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.