How to become a massage therapist in Arkansas
Arkansas massage therapists are licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health, Massage Therapy Section. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed massage therapist in Arkansas, 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 Arkansas law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a massage therapist in Arkansas?
- At least 18 years old
- Massage therapy learning permit before starting school hours
- At least 500 hours of in-classroom coursework from an approved school
- Pass the MBLEx or an NCBTMB exam before applying
- Pass the Arkansas massage therapy law exam
- State and federal fingerprint background check
Arkansas massage therapist license requirements
| State license | Yes. A state license is required. The Arkansas Department of Health (Massage Therapy Section) licenses massage therapists. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Arkansas Department of Health, Massage Therapy Section |
| License name | Licensed Massage Therapist |
| Education or training | A massage therapy program of at least 500 hours of in-classroom coursework from a Department-approved massage school or state-approved institution, meeting Ark. Code 17-86-306. |
| Exam | Pass the MBLEx or an NCBTMB exam before applying, then the online Arkansas massage therapy law exam. |
| License term | Two years; renews in the month before the licensee's birthday. |
| Continuing education | 18 hours of approved CE per renewal, no more than 6 online or home study; carryover not allowed. |
How much does it cost?
| Application fee for licensure (per FAQ) | $180.00 |
|---|---|
| License fee (Certificate of Training form) | $80.00 |
| Law exam fee (Certificate of Training form) | $25.00 |
| Law exam re-take | $25.00 |
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 Arkansas
- Get a massage therapy learning permit and enroll in an approved school
- Complete at least 500 classroom hours
- Pass the MBLEx
- Submit the Certificate of Training and licensure application with fees
- Complete the fingerprint background check packet
- Pass the online Arkansas law exam
Apply on the official Arkansas site
How do you check a massage therapist's license in Arkansas?
- Search the name or license number on the official Arkansas massage therapist license lookup.
- 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.