How to become a massage therapist in Illinois
Illinois massage therapists are licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed massage therapist in Illinois, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a massage therapist in Illinois?
- Complete at least 600 clock hours of supervised massage therapy instruction
- Pass the MBLEx (or NCBTMB exam for endorsement applicants)
- Fingerprint background check through an Illinois State Police approved vendor, taken within 60 days before applying
- New applicants on or after January 1, 2026 must complete a Department-approved abnormal skin growth (melanoma) course
Illinois massage therapist license requirements
| State license | Yes. Illinois requires a state massage therapist license from IDFPR. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation |
| License name | Licensed Massage Therapist |
| Education or training | At least 600 clock hours of supervised classroom and hands-on massage therapy instruction from a program meeting 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1284.20 or a substantially similar program. |
| Exam | Pass the FSMTB Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx); endorsement applicants may use the NCBTMB exam or MBLEx. |
| License term | Licenses expire December 31 of each even-numbered year. |
| Continuing education | 25 hours every 2-year period (not required for the first renewal), including 1 hour of domestic violence and sexual assault training added by the Act. |
How much does it cost?
| Massage therapist application | $175 |
|---|
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 Illinois
- Complete a 600-hour massage therapy program
- Pass the MBLEx and have scores sent to IDFPR
- Get fingerprinted through an Illinois State Police approved vendor
- Complete the approved abnormal skin growth education course
- Apply online through IDFPR's CORE portal and upload transcripts or the ED-MT form
- Pay the $175 application fee
Apply on the official Illinois site
How do you check a massage therapist's license in Illinois?
- Search the name or license number on the official Illinois 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.