Are continuing education hours required to renew my massage license or certification?

Unfortunately, although there is a movement toward national standards, each state has different license renewal requirements. You can review a list of state by state license requirements to find your state.

When looking at what is required for your massage license or certification, it is important to understand that there are two different kinds that you can get. You can get a license which is for your state. Not every state requires the license or certification of those who are involved in massage therapy. It is important that you check with your states government in order to find out what their state license requirements are.

Whether you need to get a state license or not, you might want to get a national license through the NCBTM. NCBTM certification will help to prove to employers that you have the skills necessary to be able to do the work of a massage therapist. This requires that you achieve 500 hours of lessons involving massage therapy. The license will last for two years at which time you will need to renew your license. Renewing your license is as easy as contacting the NCBTM and asking for a renewal application.

Once you get your application for your renewal you will need to prove that you have completed 25 hours of continuation education (CEUs). This will get you a new certification which is valid for two years. You will have to pay the fee each time that you get your certification, but it might be worthwhile to prove to possible employers that you have the abilities to be able to work as a massage therapist in your state or local area.

Even in states where a state license is required, nationally licensed therapists have an advantage in the job market, since the national standards are often stricter than the state level. If you have a license for both, you will show that you have a dedication to your field. Once again you will need to check into the requirements for your local area as to what you will need to do in order to get a state license. The requirements for continuing education will be different as well. This is why you will need to be up to date on what the local requirements are so that you will not fall into a dangerous point that can get you fees. Paying attention to the massage therapy CEUs is the best way to know what required continuing education for massage therapy license renewal will allow you to comply with local massage license requirements.