How to become a massage therapist in Maryland
Maryland massage therapists are licensed by the Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed massage therapist in Maryland, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a massage therapist in Maryland?
- Be 18 or older and of good moral character
- Complete a 750-contact-hour program that is Board-approved, COMTA-endorsed (or equivalent) and accredited by a USDE-recognized agency, or qualify under an alternative path
- Pass the MBLEx, NCBTMB or NCCAOM exam before applying
- Pass the Maryland jurisprudence exam with 75% or better
- Criminal background check
- Current CPR certification at BLS level
Maryland massage therapist license requirements
| State license | Yes. Maryland requires a state license (LMT). Registered Massage Practitioners can convert to LMT under rules effective August 18, 2025. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners |
| License name | Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) |
| Education or training | At least 750 contact hours in a Board-approved, COMTA-endorsed (or equivalent), USDE-accredited program; applicants with fewer hours may qualify through 10 years of licensure, 1,000 hours of hands-on experience in the past 2 years, or combined hours totaling 750. |
| Exam | Pass the MBLEx, NCBTMB or NCCAOM exam, then the Maryland jurisprudence exam with a score of 75% or better. |
| License term | Two years; renewals due October 31 of renewal years (2026 deadline was October 31, 2026). |
| Continuing education | 24 hours every two years: 3 ethics or jurisprudence, 3 communicable diseases, 2 diversity/cultural competency/implicit bias, 16 massage-related; current CPR; 1-hour implicit bias course for first renewal. |
How much does it cost?
| Application | $150 |
|---|---|
| State examination | $275 |
| Initial license | $200 |
| Biennial renewal | $250 |
| Late renewal | $200 |
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 Maryland
- Complete a qualifying 750-hour program
- Pass the MBLEx, NCBTMB or NCCAOM exam
- Apply through the Massage Online Portal with transcripts, photo and CPR card
- Complete the criminal background check
- Pass the jurisprudence exam
- Pay the initial license fee when notified
Apply on the official Maryland site
How do you check a massage therapist's license in Maryland?
- Search the name or license number on the official Maryland 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.