Massage Licensing and Certification can be confusing to someone interested in becoming a massage therapist. You need to know the difference between massage licensing and national certification so you can practice professionally.
To become a massage therapist in most states you will need to obtain a professional massage license. This is usually through a state board of health, nursing, professions or some related category. Each state has different educational requirements for getting your license as a massage therapist. You will be required to take a specific exam and take a specific number of classes and hours in massage. There are still a few states that do not have any requirements but licensing may be in process so be sure to check thoroughly.
Massage Certification is usually what you get when you go to massage school. You will get a certificate of completion when you graduate from the program.
There is also something knows as National Certification which is very misleading. The National Certification Board for Massage and Bodywork offer an exam that is used in some states as their licensing exam. You will have to pay for the exam and also pay for the certification. Just because you take and pass this exam does not mean you can practice in any state that uses that exam or that requires massage licensing.
In other words you will still have to fulfill the requirements in each state (which may be different than even the requirements for taking the National Certification Exam.) Once you pay for the National Certification you will be required to take specific continuing education classes and pay a renewal fee to maintain the certificate.
So to become a professional licensed massage therapist you will need to check the requirements in your state and complete them. If you would like to move to another state you will have to check the requirements there and complete them.
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