How to become a massage therapist in New York
New York massage therapists are licensed by the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions (State Board for Massage Therapy). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed massage therapist in New York, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a massage therapist in New York?
- At least 18 years old
- Good moral character
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Graduation from a NYSED-registered massage program of at least 1,000 classroom hours
- Pass the New York State Massage Therapy Examination
- CPR course completed within three years before licensure
New York massage therapist license requirements
| State license | Yes. New York requires a state license, and it uses its own state exam instead of the MBLEx. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions (State Board for Massage Therapy) |
| License name | Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) |
| Education or training | A program of at least 1,000 classroom hours in subjects including anatomy, physiology, pathology, infection control, and Western and Oriental massage, with at least 150 hours of practice on a person. |
| Exam | Pass the New York State Massage Therapy Examination, given twice a year through Meazure Learning. |
| License term | Registration is renewed every three years. |
| Continuing education | 36 hours of continuing education every three years for re-registration. |
How much does it cost?
| Licensure and first registration | $108 |
|---|---|
| Limited permit | $35 |
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 New York
- Complete a NYSED-registered 1,000-hour massage program
- Complete a CPR course
- Apply to NYSED for licensure and pay the $108 fee
- Register separately with Meazure Learning for the state exam
- Pass the New York State Massage Therapy Examination
- Re-register every three years with 36 CE hours
Apply on the official New York site
How do you check a massage therapist's license in New York?
- Search the name or license number on the official New York 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.