How to become a massage therapist in Mississippi
Mississippi massage therapists are licensed by the Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed massage therapist in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a massage therapist in Mississippi?
- Be 18 or older with a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete a 600-hour board-approved program (550 instruction + 50 student clinic)
- Pass a board comprehensive exam and the Mississippi State Law Examination
- Fingerprint-based state and FBI background check
- Current CPR and first aid certification
- Approved communicable disease course
Mississippi massage therapist license requirements
| State license | Yes. Mississippi requires a state massage therapist license. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy |
| License name | Licensed Massage Therapist |
| Education or training | A board-approved program of at least 550 hours of massage instruction plus 50 hours of student clinic, 600 hours total, with a C or better in each course. |
| Exam | Pass a board comprehensive exam (MBLEx, NCETMB or Mississippi MPE) and the Mississippi State Law Examination (MSLE). |
| License term | Two years. |
| Continuing education | At least 12 hours each calendar year; per renewal period this includes 3 hours Mississippi law, 3 ethics, 3 CPR/first aid and 1 human trafficking. |
How much does it cost?
| Application | $50.00 |
|---|---|
| Two-year license or renewal | $200.00 |
| Mississippi State Law Examination | $100.00 |
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 Mississippi
- Complete a 600-hour board-approved program
- Pass the MBLEx or another approved comprehensive exam
- Apply for and pass the Mississippi State Law Examination
- Submit the licensure application with transcripts and fees
- Complete the fingerprint background check
- Board reviews the file at its next meeting
Apply on the official Mississippi site
How do you check a massage therapist's license in Mississippi?
- Search the name or license number on the official Mississippi 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.