How to become a massage therapist in Georgia
Georgia massage therapists are licensed by the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy (Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed massage therapist in Georgia, 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 Georgia law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a massage therapist in Georgia?
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma, GED or equivalent
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- 500 hours at a Board-recognized program
- Pass the MBLEx, NCETM or NCETMB
- GCIC and FBI fingerprint check
Georgia massage therapist license requirements
| State license | Yes. A state license is required from the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy. The Secretary of State licensing site blocked automated access, so details come from Board rules. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Georgia Board of Massage Therapy (Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards) |
| License name | Licensed Massage Therapist |
| Education or training | Graduation from a Board-recognized program of at least 500 hours of course and clinical work. |
| Exam | Pass the MBLEx, NCETM or NCETMB (or a Board-approved equivalent), verified by FSMTB or NCBTMB. |
| License term | Two years; licenses expire October 31 of even-numbered years. |
| Continuing education | 24 hours every two years, at least 12 of them hands-on supervised instruction. |
Steps to become a massage therapist in Georgia
- Complete a 500-hour Board-recognized program
- Pass the MBLEx
- Get the fingerprint background check
- Submit the application and fee to the Board
- Send a sealed official transcript and exam verification
How do you check a massage therapist's license in Georgia?
- Ask for the license number and confirm it with the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy (Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards).
- 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.