How to become a massage therapist in Washington
Washington massage therapists are licensed by the Washington State Department of Health, Board of Massage. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed massage therapist in Washington, 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 Washington law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a massage therapist in Washington?
- At least 18
- Completed a board-approved 625-hour program (or equivalent out-of-state license)
- Passed MBLEx or NCBTMB exam
- Passed the Washington jurisprudence exam
- Current in-person CPR and first aid
- Fingerprint background check if required
Washington massage therapist license requirements
| State license | Yes. Washington licenses massage therapists through the Department of Health and Board of Massage. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Washington State Department of Health, Board of Massage |
| License name | Massage Therapist |
| Education or training | At least 625 hours over at least 24 weeks, including 90 hours anatomy and physiology, 60 kinesiology, 70 pathology, 260 theory and practice, 50 student clinic, 55 clinical/business practices and 40 professional ethics. |
| Exam | FSMTB (MBLEx) or NCBTMB exam, plus the Washington State Jurisprudence Examination. |
| License term | Renews annually on your birthday. |
How much does it cost?
| Application and initial license | $210.00 |
|---|---|
| UW online access fee (HEAL-WA), initial | $16.00 |
| Renewal | $150.00 |
| UW online access fee (HEAL-WA), renewal | $16.00 |
| Late renewal penalty | $75.00 |
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 Washington
- Complete a board-approved 625-hour program
- Pass the MBLEx or NCBTMB exam
- Pass the Washington jurisprudence exam
- Get in-person CPR and first aid certification
- Apply and pay $210 plus the $16 HEAL-WA fee
- Renew every year
Apply on the official Washington site
How do you check a massage therapist's license in Washington?
- Search the name or license number on the official Washington 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.