How to become a massage therapist in California
California has no statewide massage therapist license. Here is what it takes to work as a massage therapist in California, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a massage therapist in California?
- At least 18 years old
- 500 hours of massage education from a CAMTC Approved School, including 100 hours of core subjects
- Live Scan fingerprints and criminal background check
California massage therapist license requirements
| State license | No statewide license. California has no state massage license. CAMTC, a nonprofit created by statute (Bus. & Prof. Code 4600 et seq.), offers voluntary certification; some cities and counties require CAMTC certification or a local permit. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), voluntary certification |
| License name | CAMTC Certified Massage Therapist (voluntary) |
| Education or training | Voluntary CAMTC certification requires at least 500 hours from a CAMTC Approved School, at least 100 of them in anatomy and physiology, contraindications, health and hygiene, and business and ethics. |
| Exam | CAMTC does not currently require an exam for certification. |
| License term | CAMTC certification lasts two years. |
| Continuing education | CAMTC has no continuing education requirement. |
How much does it cost?
| CAMTC two-year certification | $300 |
|---|---|
| Two-year recertification (expired on or after April 1, 2023) | $300 |
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 California
- Check your city or county massage rules
- Complete 500 hours at a CAMTC Approved School
- Apply to CAMTC and pay the fee
- Complete Live Scan fingerprinting
- Get any local business permits
How do you check a massage therapist's license in California?
- 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.