How to become a massage therapist in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania massage therapists are licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy (Department of State, BPOA). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed massage therapist in Pennsylvania, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a massage therapist in Pennsylvania?
- High school diploma or equivalent
- At least 600 hours of in-class postsecondary massage education
- Pass the MBLEx (or a prior NCETM/NCETMB)
- Current hands-on Basic Adult CPR certification (online not accepted)
- Criminal history record check from each state lived in during the past 5 years
Pennsylvania massage therapist license requirements
| State license | Yes. Pennsylvania requires a state license. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy (Department of State, BPOA) |
| License name | Licensed Massage Therapist |
| Education or training | At least 600 hours of in-class postsecondary instruction, including 175 hours of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and pathology, 250 hours of massage theory and practice, 25 hours of ethics, business and law, and 150 hours of related courses (49 Pa. Code § 20.11). |
| Exam | Pass the FSMTB MBLEx; past NCETM or NCETMB results are also accepted. |
| License term | Every 2 years. |
| Continuing education | 24 hours every two years, including 4 hours of professional ethics and at least 16 contact hours. |
How much does it cost?
| Application for initial licensure | $100 |
|---|---|
| Temporary practice permit | $65 |
| Biennial renewal | $175 |
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 Pennsylvania
- Complete a 600-hour massage program
- Get hands-on adult CPR certification
- Pass the MBLEx
- Get criminal history checks for every state lived in during the last 5 years
- Apply online in PALS and pay the $100 fee
- Renew every two years with 24 CE hours
Apply on the official Pennsylvania site
How do you check a massage therapist's license in Pennsylvania?
- Search the name or license number on the official Pennsylvania 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.