Massage Therapy Career Certification

Since 1981, the World School has provided massage therapy certification to thousands of massage therapy school students. The World School is authorized to grant massage therapy certification by the State of California. Massage therapy certification in California is honored in all of the United States.

Our Massage Therapy Schools offer the following state-authorized massage therapy certifications:

Graduates of our Master Bodyworker Program receive all three of the above certifications.

Distinguishing “Certification” from “Licensing”

Note that there is an important distinction between massage certification and massage licensing. Certification is a title that you receive from a state-approved school after completing a program, or from a certifying agency such as the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Certification shows that you have achieved a certain level of training and proficiency.

After receiving massage therapy certification at the World School, you can then apply to the local governing body (state, county, or city) for a LICENSE or business permit to practice massage in a particular locale.

National Massage Certification

Some students elect to seek additional certification through private organizations that provide massage certification examinations. Two examples include:

National massage certification through these exams means you’ll be licensed in states and localities where they are required.

Before sitting for the NCETMB, students must complete 500 hours of training in specific areas. Students completing our Professional Massage Therapy Program will have satisfied the NCBTMB training requirement.

The Professional Massage Therapy Program is tailored to support students in preparing for the certification examination offered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) and the and MBLEx.

Massage Licensing

U.S. Massage Therapy Licensing Requirements

Requirements to practice as a massage therapist vary widely based on national, state, and local regulations. Most U. S. states have adopted regulations governing massage. The majority of these require 500 to1000 hours of massage education to being practicing, and many also use a certification exam.

If you would like to verify another state’s requirements, visit this link to the Associated Bodyworker’s and Massage Professional’s Web site: State Board Massage Therapy Licensing Requirements.

Be sure to contact your state, county or city business license departments to obtain the most current information.

Certification and Licensing FAQs

How do I get a license to practice massage?

After receiving certification at the World School of Massage, you can apply to the local governing body for a license to practice massage therapy.

Will your Professional Massage Therapy Program prepare me for national certification?

The Professional Massage Therapy Program is tailored to support students in preparing for the certification examination offered by the NCBTMB. Some students elect to seek certification through private boards such as the NCBTMB, which allows for the added flexibility of being licensed in states where it is required.

Can I receive continuing education units at the World School?

Yes, our classes can be taken as individual modules.

Next Steps:

Find out about our School for Health and Life Coaching >>

More questions? Please call us today.

Massage Therapy School, San Francisco: 415-221-2533

Massage Therapy School, Pleasanton, California: 925-461-2533