How to become a massage therapist in North Carolina
North Carolina massage therapists are licensed by the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed massage therapist in North Carolina, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a massage therapist in North Carolina?
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Good moral character
- At least 650 in-class hours at a board-approved school
- Pass a board-approved competency exam
- Fingerprints and SBI criminal history check
- English language proficiency
- Complete the board's jurisprudence exam (Jurisprudence Learning Exercise)
North Carolina massage therapist license requirements
| State license | Yes. North Carolina requires a state license. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy |
| License name | Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LMBT) |
| Education or training | A training program of at least 650 in-class hours of supervised instruction at a board-approved school (G.S. 90-629). |
| Exam | Pass a board-approved competency exam and the board's free Jurisprudence Learning Exercise. |
| License term | Licenses expire December 31; a full licensure period is two years. |
| Continuing education | 24 hours per two-year period, including at least 3 hours of ethics; at least 12 hours must be in-classroom. |
How much does it cost?
| Application (online application purchase) | $20.00 |
|---|---|
| Initial license | $150 |
| License renewal | $100 |
| Late renewal penalty | $75.00 |
| Duplicate license | $25.00 |
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 North Carolina
- Complete 650 in-class hours at a board-approved school
- Pass a board-approved competency exam
- Buy the online application for $20 and complete it
- Submit fingerprints and moral character forms
- Complete the Jurisprudence Learning Exercise
- Pay the $150 license fee once approved
Apply on the official North Carolina site
How do you check a massage therapist's license in North Carolina?
- Search the name or license number on the official North Carolina 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.