How to become a massage therapist in Oregon
Oregon massage therapists are licensed by the Oregon State Board of Massage Therapists. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed massage therapist in Oregon, 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 Oregon law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a massage therapist in Oregon?
- At least 18 years old
- Good moral character and personal references
- At least 625 contact hours of certified classes (or board credentialing review)
- CPR certification
- Pass the board-approved exam(s)
- Fingerprint background check
Oregon massage therapist license requirements
| State license | Yes. Oregon requires a state license. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Oregon State Board of Massage Therapists |
| License name | Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) |
| Education or training | At least 625 contact hours in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, theory and hands-on practice (ORS 687.051). |
| Exam | Pass the exam required by the board; a national standardized exam approved by the board counts toward the written requirement. |
| License term | Every 2 years. |
| Continuing education | 25 CE hours per renewal, with at least 8 supervised hours (4 in ethics, boundaries or communication), plus current BLS. |
How much does it cost?
| Application (includes $47.25 fingerprint processing) | $182.25 |
|---|---|
| Initial license (under 12 months) | $135.00 |
| Initial license (over 12 months) | $270.00 |
| Active license renewal | $270.00 |
| Credentialing review | $250.00 |
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 Oregon
- Complete 625 hours of certified massage classes
- Get CPR certification
- Pass the required exam(s)
- Apply online and pay the application and fingerprint fee
- Complete the fingerprint background check
- Pay the initial license fee once approved
Apply on the official Oregon site
How do you check a massage therapist's license in Oregon?
- Search the name or license number on the official Oregon 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.