How to become a massage therapist in District of Columbia
District of Columbia massage therapists are licensed by the DC Board of Massage Therapy (DC Health). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed massage therapist in District of Columbia, 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 District of Columbia law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a massage therapist in District of Columbia?
- 500 hours of in-class training at an approved school, including 3 hours of ethics
- Pass the NCETMB or another NCCA- or FSMTB-certified exam approved by the Board
- Current CPR and first aid certification
- Criminal background check
District of Columbia massage therapist license requirements
| State license | Yes. A license from the DC Board of Massage Therapy is required. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | DC Board of Massage Therapy (DC Health) |
| License name | Massage Therapist |
| Education or training | A minimum of 500 hours of in-class training (at least 100 in anatomy, physiology and kinesiology, and 3 in professional ethics). |
| Exam | Pass the NCETMB or another exam certified by NCCA or FSMTB and approved by the Board, such as the MBLEx. |
| License term | Two years; licenses issued since June 16, 2024 move to a birth-month expiration. |
| Continuing education | 14 hours every two years (3 ethics, 9 massage-related with 6 hands-on, 2 LGBTQ cultural competency), with 10% in public health priorities. |
How much does it cost?
| Criminal background check | $50 |
|---|
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 District of Columbia
- Complete 500 hours at an approved school
- Pass an approved national exam
- Get CPR and first aid certification
- Apply online through the DC Health portal
- Complete the criminal background check
- Have transcripts and exam scores sent to the Board
Apply on the official District of Columbia site
How do you check a massage therapist's license in District of Columbia?
- Search the name or license number on the official District of Columbia 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.